When I was in college and studying hard for a big test, I often had a recurring dream that I woke up late on test day...and missed the test! Studying for a test but forgetting to register by the deadline is a lot like my recurring dream. Before you start preparing, be sure to register for the test!

Here are the upcoming test dates for SAT and GMAT:

SAT and SAT II Subject Tests
December 5, 2009
January 23, 2010*
May 1, 2010
June 5, 2010**

* If you are in your senior year and want to go to college in the U.S., this is the last available SAT before the registration deadlines.
** If you are in your senior year and want to go to college in the UAE, this is the last available SAT before the registration deadlines.

GMAT (based on application rounds)
Round 2 - early January 2010
Round 3 - late March/early April 2010
Round 4 - May 2010*

* As an international student, you should apply before Round 4 so that you can successfully obtain your F-1 Student Visa by the beginning of new student orientation.

Note: If you are taking the TOEFL or IELTS, these tests are administered quite frequently throughout the year so you don't really have to worry about registration deadlines and availability.

Any questions? Email the Dubai Tutor!

From my recent classes I am convinced that most students aren't really using practice tests to their benefit. Yes, it's a 4 hour test and you want to get the beach soon. Yes, you have lots of homework, office work...Yes, insert weak excuse here. You have other things to do, this is exactly why you should be motivated to get the most out of every practice test you take. Here's how:

On a Friday, sit down and take a full-length timed practice test. Refer to my posts for FREE SAT and GMAT resources online. Do the test in one sitting with, at most, two 10 minute breaks. After you finish, put the test aside and do not do any other studying that day.

The next day, correct your test. While correcting your test sounds simple, this should take you about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of questions you get wrong. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Use the short answers to determine which questions you go right and which you got wrong.
2. Analyze the questions for your strengths and weaknesses. You should be able to group the questions by type. Which types are you consistently getting right? Which ones wrong?
3. Rework the questions you got wrong. When you rework, read the question, go back to the book (passage) or your notes, and really spend some time on the question. Think about why the answer is A, for example, if you got E.
4. Think about why the other answers are wrong. Process of elimination is your best friend when it comes to test taking, so it's important that you refine your strategy. Underline specific words in the answer choices that make them wrong, write down the reason it should be eliminated, and look for patterns that can help you get the answer right upfront.
5. Any questions you aren't able to understand, read the solutions from your book or the practice test. After you read the solution, rework the problem using the method specified.
6. If you still don't understand after reworking the problems and reading the solutions, email the Dubai Tutor.

Happy test taking!!

Out of all the tests I prepare students for, the SAT and GMAT tend to give students the most problems. Why you ask? Because these tests are not designed to test what you learned in school or skills you should have if you speak a language. The SAT and GMAT test the more elusive analytical and critical thinking skills.

Basically, the SAT and GMAT mess with your mind in two ways: through the test formats and through the questions they ask. But don't worry, you can "beat" the test and prevent mind-messing using the strategies below. For every problem, there is a solution.

Test Formats

Problem: The tests start with writing, which requires a lot of creativity and makes many students tired before the rest of the test begins. (An extra warning for GMAT: The two essays do not count in your 200-800!)
Soluton: Outlining is the key to writing quality and quantity on the SAT and GMAT. Take 3 to 5 minutes and jot down your opinion and 3 reasons to support your opinion BEFORE you start writing. Making a quick outline is guaranteed to improve the structure, flow, and readability of your essay.

Problem: The tests have experimental sections and questions that are not part of your score.
Solution: Don't worry about which questions are experimental. Do all of them as if they count.

Problem: Math sections come in the middle of reading sections and require you to change your way of thinking.
Solution: Being able to switch between math and reading is a critical skill to develop for the SAT and GMAT. Although you may prepare for the math and reading separately, you should work several practice tests to get used to switching between the two. The key is PRACTICE.

Problem: Sections that require lots of reading often come at the end of the test. You're sleepy and tired by the time you get to them.
Solution: Practice! Practice! Practice! Pretend you are a professional runner. The only way you develop the endurance to run a marathon is by running marathons. During your study for the GMAT or SAT, you should train by doing several full-length practice tests in one sitting. A full 4 hour test. If you need some tests, check out my postings on free SATs and GMATs.

Questions

Problem: The questions on the test include "trick" answers that the average person would pick. Here's an example from the 2009 College Board SAT practice test:

In the xy-coordinate plane, how many points are a distance of 4 units from the origin?
(A)   One
(B)   Two
(C)   Three
(D)   Four
(E)   More than four

The average person would probably select D. Unfortunately, the answer is E (forgot about points that are diagonally 4 units from the origin, didn't you?)

Solution: When you practice, look for "trick" answers and figure out why they are tricks. Is there something that if forgotten applied incorrectly would have given a trick answer? What if you didn't work the problem all the way to the end? Think about these tricks and you won't fall for them on test day.

Taking the SAT and GMAT is not just about reviewing content. It's also about learning strategies and practicing so that when it's time for your "marathon," you don't have to think about it. Need more help "training?" Email the Dubai Tutor.

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.

What is the TOEFL?
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It an American based test of English language proficiency and is the most widely used language test. If you want to go to university in the U.S., any "Western" country, or even in Dubai, you will probably have to take the TOEFL.

Who makes the TOEFL?
The TOEFL was developed by the same company that created the SAT, the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

What's on the TOEFL?
There are two commonly accepted versions of the TOEFL, the paper based test (PBT) and internet based test (iBT). The version you have to take depends on the requirements of the university you want to attend.

The TOEFL iBT is the latest version of the test and is taken on the computer. The test is designed to measure integrated skills that you will need in a university environment. It includes four sections: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. For the reading, you will have to read several passages and answer questions. For listening, you listen to campus conversations and academic lectures and answer questions. The speaking section requires you to talk into a microphone and respond to questions asked about yourself or about a listening assignment. There are two parts to the writing: one essay about a listening assignment and one essay about your opinion on a topic.

The TOEFL PBT is an older version of the test and is taken with pencil and paper. It includes three sections: reading, listening, and structure/written expression (grammar). An essay is not part of the TOEFL PBT but you may also be required to take the Test of Written English (TWE), which requires you to write you opinion about a topic.

How is it scored?
The TOEFL iBT is scored from 0 to 30 in each of the four sections for a maximum total score of 120. The TOEFL PBT is scored from 310 to 677. Don't worry if you have taken one test and your school requires the other; there is a conversion that compares the two tests. For example, if you earned a 500 on the PBT, that score converts to a 61 on the iBT.

What is a good score?
There is not really a pass or fail on the TOEFL. A good score is the score that gets you into the university you want to attend. While many universities in the U.S. require an 85 or 90 on the iBT, schools in Dubai usually ask for a 61 to 80.

If you are going to university in Dubai, be sure to check your college's admissions requirements. If classes are taught in the English language, you must score at least a 500 on the TOEFL or you will have to enroll in the universities' Intensive English Programs. Many universities will not let you take classes within your major (for example, science) until you have scored at least a 500.

What else do I need to know?
For more information about the TOEFL, go to www.ets.org/toefl. You can also register for the test at the ETS website.

How do I prepare for the TOEFL?
The TOEFL is designed for people that already have a strong English ability. If you can read and understand this blog, you probably speak English well enough to begin your TOEFL preparation. If your English ability is not as high, consider enrolling in English courses, reading books, and listening to English language programs until you are ready to take the TOEFL. If you email the Dubai Tutor, I can design a study program to help you improve your English or prepare for the TOEFL.

Want to take the SAT, TOEFL, or IELTS but afraid your English isn't good enough? Don't be sad...

Email the Dubai Tutor for help! I now offer foundational tuitions to help students build their English language abilities in:
* Reading
* Writing
* Listening
* Speaking
* Grammar
* Vocabulary

I can design a personalized study program for you at reasonable rates. Get a discount if you sign up with your husband/wife or school mates.

Email me and I will give you a FREE assessment to see what you would score on the actual test!

This is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.

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.

BusinessWeek recently reported, quite plainly in fact, that business school is getting crowded. Enrollment at top business schools, including Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD--three schools topping the MBA wish list for a lot of Dubai b-school hopefuls--is at record highs. Many schools have confirmed that the entering 2009 students are part of their largest classes ever.

For more details, read the entire BusinessWeek article.

So what does that mean for you? In a word, competition. The financial crisis has convinced many wannabe MBAs that business school is a good place to wait until the storm is over. More top business school applicants now have higher GMAT scores, higher grade point averages, and more interesting work experiences than ever before, increasing the competition to get into business school. With more students in business programs, there may be greater competition for resources and faculty attention.

If you want to stay competitive for business school application, you will need to do two things:

1. Step up your GMAT preparation to increase your score. If you are preparing alone, consider forming a study group with likeminded friends or seeking the services of the Dubai Tutor to complement your preparation.

2. Look beyond the Financial Times and US News top 10 business schools. Schools that are not in the top 10 have actually lost students to other programs, leaving them very interested in new applicants. Programs in the middle of rankings lists also have lost students to regional programs (state schools), which means they are worth considering.

In the future, it is likely that competition for top business schools will also increase, regardless of whether student enrollment numbers do. It's not Harvard if everyone can get in, right?

Eid Mubarak everyone! In the coming months, I will be posting regularly to this blog to keep you on track towards your higher education goals. In the meantime, if you need tutoring help in Dubai or the UAE, email me at dubaitutor@live.com.

The Dubai Tutor

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.