December and January are key months for MBA hopefuls taking the GMAT. Round 2 for most business schools ends at the beginning of January and Round 3 is the last chance to wow the admissions committee. So how can you improve your chances of getting into a top business school with less than a 700 on the GMAT? Here are my recommendations:

Option 1: Retake the GMAT.
You can retake the GMAT once every 31 calendar days. If you took the GMAT on December 15th and weren't satisfied with your score, you can retake it on January 16th. That's just enough time to submit it to a few schools in Round 2 or start preparing Round 3 applications.

According to the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC), you are statistically unlikely to increase your GMAT score simply by retaking the test. The secret to increasing your score? You must study differently. Refer to my postings for Free GMAT Practice Tests! and How to Use Practice Tests (the Correct Way) for more help. If you didn't work with a tutor before you took the GMAT, email the Dubai Tutor to discuss how we can improve your preparation and increase your score.

Option 2: Strengthen the other parts of your application.
Admissions committees evaluate business school candidates based on a number of factors, only one of which is the GMAT. "Telling your story" well in your application essays and making sure you are a good "fit" for the school (your goals are compatible with the school's offerings) are just as important as scoring over a 700 on the GMAT. This recent discussion on BusinessWeek says it better than I ever could.

Option 3: Take the GRE.
This is the first year that many business schools are accepting GRE scores instead of GMAT scores.

Pros: Since this is the first year, no historical data from business schools is available. So, business schools have not really decided how GRE scores match or should be considered in relation to GMAT scores. In addition, the GRE CBT is often a shorter test with math and verbal questions that are not as complicated as GMAT questions. For example, rather than using the really confusing GMAT data sufficiency questions, the GRE uses data analysis questions that require you to decide which of the two quantities is greater or if they are equal.

Cons: GRE verbal is heavily vocabulary based. The analogy, antonym, and sentence completion questions all test vocabulary, which is difficult to build quickly. Moreover, after weeks preparing for the GMAT, you will have to switch modes and prepare for the GRE. Fortunately, the Dubai Tutor has a program designed specifically to build on GMAT skills and apply them to the GRE, rather than starting your study over. Several students have taken the GRE route and found it to be less frustrating that GMAT preparation.

No matter what option you choose, the Dubai Tutor can help you prepare for business school and achieve your educational goals!

Do you want to take the GMAT but don't want to study on your own? The Dubai Tutor is now enrolling students for the January GMAT class. Here are the benefits:

* Learn exactly what you need to know from a knowledgeable instructor (ME!).
* An organized course will help stay on track with your studying.
* Small group lessons provide the personal attention of a private course but the opportunity to meet a "study buddy."
* More affordable than individual tutoring.
* A flexible, condensed schedule ideal for working professionals.

Our class will begin shortly after New Years. If you wait until February, you'll miss an extra opportunity to take the GMAT before the Round 3 deadlines. Email the Dubai Tutor today!

If you're knee deep in applying for business school, take the time to read one of the latest articles from BusinessWeek that discusses some of the latest tactics and offerings business schools are using to entice international students:

In Hunt for Students, Business Schools Go Global

Key points for students in Dubai:

* Full-time MBA programs are focusing more on recruitng students from the Middle East.
* Employment recruiters want to hire more students from the Middle East.
* Duke University's Fuqua School of Business has (or will have) a new campus in Dubai as part of its global campuses network.
* New scholarship programs are being implemented to encourage application and enrollment from students from "developing countries" including Jordan.

These exciting developments should motivate you to study even harder for the GMAT!

The December SAT is coming up and many students, mine included, are anxious about their "performance." Obviously, being prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety. Here are some last minute tips that also may help you perform your best on test day.

1. Go to bed early the night before, eat breakfast if you normally do, and arrive at the testing center early. Waking up late or arriving late will significantly increase your stress levels before the test. You want go to the test center as calmly as possible.

2. Be confident in your skills. If you have worked with the Dubai Tutor or prepared appropriately, be confident in that preparation. You know how to get the answer, it's just about putting the pieces of the puzzle together correctly.

3. Visualize a successful test day the night before. Take 5 to 10 minutes and simply imagine the next day. Think about everything you will do and see yourself doing well on the test before you take it. Great athletes visualize big games and so should you.

4. Practice deep breathing. Breath in deeply for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds at least 3 times. Deep breathing has been shown in medical studies to increase blood flow to the brain and lower your blood pressure. Basically, deep breathing can help make you smarter and calmer.

5. Take a timeout during the test if you need one. Put your pencil down and completely relax for a few short minutes if you get stuck or frustrated on the test. "Reboot" yourself and then attack the test.

6. Use the long breaks and short stretch breaks wisely. Leave the room and walk for a few minutes during the long breaks. Actually stretch during the stretch break (you may look like a nerd stretching but this can really help).

7. Always remember that you can take the SAT again. Taking the SAT up to 3 times is okay to many schools and don't forget that they take the BEST scores from all your attempts.

8. Forget about the SAT. Despite the importance we place on the SAT, other parts of your application also matter. Your overall grade point average, grades during your last two years of school, and extracurricular activities weigh heavily. Don't worry about whether you think the SAT is important; remember that you can to university despite a low SAT score.

If you don't do as well as you would like on the SAT, email the Dubai Tutor and let's talk about how you can prepare for the next test!