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!

If you're studying for the GMAT using a book you bought at MacGrudy's or Books Plus, check out these FREE online adaptive GMAT practice tests to complement your studying. Since the GMAT is a computer adaptive test (CAT), these tests will give you practice to improve two important aspects of your test-taking: taking tests on the computer and working with a test that changes according to you.

* MBA.com GMAT Test Prep Software: 2 full-length CAT tests! Take one in the beginning to determine your baseline score and Take the other just before the GMAT to determine your score improvement.
* The Princeton Review full length practice test: Use this test midway through your study program to see how you are progressing. Be sure to do it in one sitting!
* Veritas Prep online practice test: Great for establishing your baseline score or getting some practice.
* Kaplan online practice test: Online practice test with a few freebies.
* Peterson's online practice test: Create a log-in and work just the verbal or math section as part of your practice.

The Dubai Tutor does not endorse any specific GMAT prep program. Use the tests available to help you increase your score or email the Dubai Tutor if you need guided preparation.

Ever wonder why Americans say something is "the greatest thing since sliced bread?" It's because the invention or discovery they are talking about revolutionized (good SAT word) an industry, just the way sliced bread did when it was introduced in the 1930s.

My latest "sliced bread" discovery is SparkNotes.com, and I guarantee it will revolutionize your test preparation. The SparkNotes test center features free online preparation guides and practice tests the SAT, SAT (II) Subject Tests, ACT, GRE, and LSAT. The best feature is that if you create a free account, you can practice with online tests, print a detailed score report, and save your results.

I have started using SparkNotes in my private tuitions and classes and I can see dramatic differences with students. My students can access their test results at any time and do a detailed review of their answers from practice tests, something we do not usually have time to do in class. The online test prep books are a great supplement to my teaching, their notes, and the books we use in class.

So how should you use SparkNotes in your study? Well, if you're working with the Dubai Tutor, we're already using it. If you're preparing on your own, the online practice tests can help you track your progress and let you know if it's time to email me for some extra support. While SparkNotes is not a replacement for the experienced help the Dubai Tutor can give, it will make you happy you turned your computer on that day.

Need to prepare for the SAT but don't want to spend money at MacGrudy's? Here's a list of websites with FREE SAT practice tests. Download 'em, print 'em, take 'em, ace 'em.

* College Board printable test: The questions are exactly like the ones on the real SAT.
* Peterson's timed practice test: Try to do it in one sitting to get used to taking a 4 hour test.
* 4tests.com timed practice test: Short version good for quick practice.
* The Princeton Review timed practice test: Good practice but you have to register.
* Eduers.com printable tests: Separate verbal and math sections good for practice.
* Education Planner printable tests: TWO free printable full-length SAT practice tests!

You have to do more than just questions to do well on the SAT, though. Need help preparing? I'm in Dubai! Email me at dubaitutor@live.com.