Classes are forming now for the February Dubai Tutor GMAT course! Dubai Tutor courses offer:

* Evening classes perfect for working professionals.
* Custom developed materials based on the best GMAT information and techniques available.
* An American instructor with years of experience helping students beat the GMAT.
* Small group classes of fewer than 5 students.
* Affordable private tutoring, if necessary.Here's what previous students have said:

What did you like about the course? "The course had provided a lot of good insights and tips on how to tackle GMAT questions. I liked the summary notes / slides provided that could be used later on for revision and studying." - Ehab F.

Based on your experience, would you recommend the course to a friend? "Already done because I was highly satisfied. Thanks a lot!" - Khalid D.

There are only 5 spots available for the February course! Email the Dubai Tutor to reserve your space.

What's a bigger waste of time than procrastinating? Cramming. It seems counterintuitive: how can studying be a waste of time? It's not THAT you study, it's HOW you study.

Why doesn't cramming work?
Teachers have long hated cramming because students who cram do not retain the material long-term. However, long-term retention is not important for college prep exams. For example, if you get a good score on the SAT, you're only going to take it once and probably won't need the information again.

You should hate cramming for another reason: you can't really apply what you reviewed to the test. Why not? Cramming is essentially memorizing a large amount of information shortly before an exam. That's a good idea if the information is asked exactly as it was presented or in a similar form. On the SAT, GMAT, and the other tests, you won't be asked the same questions, see the same math problems, or read the same passages. These tests rely on your ability to analyze questions and think critically for which, unfortunately, there is no easily memorizable concept.

How you should study

1. Set a manageable study schedule and stick to it. Even one hour a day helps.
2. Focus on understanding HOW to do the problem, not just finishing the problem. Quality rather than quantity is important when sharpening your analytical and critical thinking skills.
3. Correct problems you got wrong by reworking them or going back to reading passages to understand why your answer is wrong and why the correct answer is right.
4. Take a look at one of my previous posts to learn How to Use Practice Tests (the Correct Way).
5. Form a study group with friends. A study group will not only be a good place to exchange ideas, it will help you keep your studying on track.
6. Work with the Dubai Tutor so you will be held accountable. We will set a schedule for our sessions that we will stick to. We'll go over homework and make sure you maximize you're studying.

Don't let this happen to you...say no to Red Bull and No Doze!

With the last SAT before May coming up and GMAT pressure building, it's important that you maximize your time and energy. Do things that will yield big results. To help you focus, the next 5 blog posts will focus on the top 5 time wasters when preparing for the SAT, GMAT, or just about any admissions test.

Top Test Prep Time Waster #5: Procrastination.

Okay this one is obvious but the longer you wait to start studying, the less time you have to adequately prepare. I recommend that students prepare at least 6 weeks for the GMAT and SAT, and as long as 8 weeks for tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.

Symptoms
Procrastination can take many forms, even if it seems like you are working, perhaps you aren't working on the tasks you should be working on. Here are some signs you are procrastinating:

* You check email a lot.
* You buy a lot of test prep books but don't use any of them.
* You're obsessed with surfing the web to find out as much about the test you're taking as possible.
* You're obsessed with surfing the web to find as many "helpful" resources as possible but you don't really use them.
* You schedule your exam for more than 3 months from now (the exception is SAT).
* You suddenly have absolutely no time in your schedule to study even though there are no big deadlines at work or school.
* You contact or visit more than 3 test prep centers around Dubai but still can't make up your mind (the Dubai Tutor is all you need!).
* You decide that it's more important to work on your applications than study for the admissions test (umm...your score is one of the things they ask for on the application!).

Treatment
Fortunately, there are cures for procrastination. Depending on the strength of your procrastination, I recommend using one or all of these ideas to get your test prep moving.
1. Create a study plan. Decide how much time you can commit to studying (even 1 hour a day helps) and stick to it. One hour a day done consistently is much better then an 8 hour binge on Saturday.

2. Start small. Pick one section of the test to begin with, buy a book, and try to cover one or two topics each time. Don't forget to end each study session with drilling (doing a set number of problems in a certain amount of time).

3. Email the Dubai Tutor. Nothing saves time and motivates like signing up for a small group class or getting private instruction with a tutor. Email me and we will work together to create a reasonable study plan to get your preparation going!

Happy studying!

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!

If you're preparing for the GMAT, you probably have an idea of what you should be reading (HINT: pick up a National Geography magazine at Books Plus), studying, and practicing. But what should you be listening to?

I recommend listening to MBA Podcaster. This website offers free insight into the MBA admissions process through interviews with business school staff, admissions counselors, and MBA experts.

All programs are easily downloadable with iTunes or Windows Media. A few of the topics related specifically to the GMAT are:

* Conquering the GMAT
* Dealing with a Low GMAT Score
* GMAT Test Taking Tips from the Test Prep Experts
* The GMAT
* GMAT Not Required

In addition to discussions on the GMAT, there are wide variety of programs about other business school related issues. These programs will keep you informed, boost your spirits, and help you maintain a consistent GMAT prep routine. They are so easy that you can do MBA research while taking the Metro!

What are the SAT (II) Subject Tests?
The SAT Subject Tests are a group of tests designed to test you on your knowledge of different subjects. They used to be called the SAT II Tests because the original SAT was called the SAT I. Now they are referred to as the SAT Subject Tests. Unlike the SAT, they are only 1 hour long (each) and do not have essays.

There are 17 different SAT Subject Tests:

* Literature
* U.S. History
* World History
* Mathematics Level 1 (Math IC)
* Mathematics Level 2 (Math IIC)
* Biology
* Chemistry
* Physics
* 9 Language tests (Chinese, German, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Spanish)

Which SAT Subject Test do I need to take?
The school you are applying to should specify which SAT Subject Test you need to take. Math IIC is a common test requirement for schools in the U.S. and Canada. Several local schools, including the University of Sharjah, give credit or course exemptions for high scores on the Math IIC test. Some schools require you to take the Math I or IIC tests as well as a science subject test of your choosing. So, decide which colleges and universities you want to apply to and then double check their requirements before registering for a test.

Who makes them?
The SAT Subject Tests are made by ETS, the same people that make the SAT (I) and administered by the College Board. The registration process for an SAT Subject Test is just like that of the SAT and the tests run on the same schedule.

What's on the SAT Subject Tests?
Unlike the SAT, which tests critical thinking and analytical abilities, the SAT Subject Tests are supposed to be tests of what you should have actually learned in high school. As knowledge based test, the SAT Subject Tests care more about what you know (content) rather than how good you are at tips and tricks. The content of each test is based on the particular subject. For example, the U.S. History Subject Test will test you on various aspects of U.S. history from the pre-Columbian period (before European settlement of the U.S.) to the present.

The number of questions on the test depends on the test. The Chemistry Subject Test has 85 questions, for example, while the Literature Subject Test only has 60. Check out the College Board's website for more information on your specific test and sample questions.

How are they scored?
All of the subject tests are scored from 200 to 800.

What is a good score?
As with the SAT, a good score depends on the requirements of the college or university you want to attend. In general, though, 600 is a good score.

How do I prepare the SAT Subject Tests?
The best way to prepare for the SAT Subject Tests is to review your lessons in school for that particular subject and do lots of practice tests. Book World by Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall has many SAT Subject Test guides from which you can choose. Since it's a content based test, there is not really a guide that offers a better "technique." You just need a good review and plenty of practice problem. Local education institutes can also help prepare you for the SAT Subject Tests. If you need help with the Literature, Math (IC and IIC), U.S. History, World History, or Chemistry, email the Dubai Tutor.

The January Round 2 deadline is the next opportunity for business school hopefuls to apply. For those of us who have just decided we want to go to business school, Round 3 is a more realistic target.

So what's with the rounds? Rounds are business school application periods. Most schools have 3 rounds, while other schools have 4 or accepted students on a rolling basis (until the class is filled). Round 1, in October, is always the best round to apply. It isn't very competitive since this deadline slips many students minds. Round 2 tends to be competitive because more people apply in this round than any other. While Round 3 is less competitive than Round 2, Round 3 acceptance is still difficult because much of the class has been filled already. So while you have fewer students, you have fewer spots.

If you are applying Round 3, your best weapon and reason you should be accepted is your GMAT score. Don't "enter the ring" not ready to fight. You have to train for the GMAT and business school like any top athlete. Preparing alone is not the best way to go about it: get a trainer, get a training plan, and get a sparring buddy. The Dubai Tutor can help you with all 3 of these.

January GMAT classes are forming now! Email the Dubai Tutor for small group classes, a flexible study schedule, and a program crafted specifically for working professionals.