GMAT advice from the EMPOWERgmat team
222 articles on GMAT strategy, study plans, pacing and the MBA application.
11 - 760+: Explanations to the Prior 3 Problem Solving Questions
1) A motorist averaged 40 miles per hour on his way to work. He averaged 70 miles per hour on his way home along the same route. Which of the following is the…
10 - 760+: Use the Answers to Your Advantage on These 3 Questions….
Each of the three questions listed here can be solved algebraically. However, if you pay attention to the five answer choices in each question, then you can…
9 - 760+: Using the Answers in a PS Question to Your Advantage
In a couple of prior posts in this thread, we’ve discussed how to taking advantage of the answer choices (by TESTing THE ANSWERS or by thinking about what the…
8 - 760+: Answer to the Prior Question - Long Math Approaches vs. Faster Tactical Approaches
In the prior post, I listed the following Quant PS question: Andrew has a certain number of coins in his pocket. He has three times as many dimes as quarters…
7 - 760+: Acknowledge That “Your Way” is NOT Necessarily the Fastest Way (and Then CHANGE Your Approach)
The GMAT is a remarkably consistent and predictable Exam, so improving your performance isn’t just about ‘fixing’ the things that you are doing ‘wrong’ – it’s…
6 - 760+: Solutions - The Patterns Behind those Prior 3 PS Questions
While each of these three prompts might look complex, you CAN get to the correct answer by defining the patterns involved. 1) How many positive integers, from…
5 - 760+: Test Your Pattern-Finding Skills on These 3 PS Questions
For each of these three prompts, you should attempt to ‘play around’ with the question to define the pattern(s) involved – using the same approach showcased in…
4 - 760+: Finding Patterns in PS Questions When You Don’t Immediately See Them
Since the GMAT is a standardized Test, all of the questions that you’ll face are designed around one or more patterns. Sometimes the patterns are obvious…
3 - 760+: Learning to Solve Quant Questions in More than Just One Way (3 approaches)
In the prior blog post, I hinted that there were (at least) 3 different approaches to solving the included OG Diagnostic question. Here they are: 1st Approach…
2 - 760+: Learning to Solve Quant Questions in More than Just One Way (part 1)
The Quant section of the GMAT is NOT a ‘math test’ – it’s a ‘critical thinking test’ that uses math as the subject through which you can prove your critical…
1 - 760+: What GMAT Assassins Do to Score at the Highest Levels
Whether you’re just beginning your studies or have been training for the GMAT for some time now, you likely have some idea of what your ‘goal score’ is. For…
Inequalities: Flip the Sign or LOSE the Point
You know the inequality rule and still lose the point. Here's why one tiny sign flip burns smart GMAT Test Takers, and the paper habit that stops it.
Your First CAT Score Is a STARTING LINE, Not a Verdict
A low first GMAT practice score feels like a verdict on your brain. It isn't. Here's what that number really measures and how to start training from it today.
3 Ways to Reach the 700 GMAT Percentile
Here are 3 Ways to Reach the 700 GMAT Percentile. We understand that your GMAT score is one of the most important things in your life right now. If you are…
Do Well On The GMAT Even If You’re Not A Great Test Taker
GMAT prep can help you even if you aren't a great test-taker. When you want to get into a good MBA program, your GMAT score is essential for success. With the…
How to Crush the Verbal Section of the GMAT
The verbal GMAT section may get less attention, but it is still important. If you study hard for the verbal section, you can greatly improve your overall GMAT…
Odds, Evens and Signs: The Rules That Do the Math FOR You
Odds, evens and signs follow a handful of rules that never change. Learn them cold and some GMAT Quant questions take 40 seconds instead of three minutes.
Avoiding Stress During GMAT Prep
When you're prepping to take the GMAT, it can be a stressful time. However, with the right GMAT advice, you can avoid stress and still succeed on the test.…
Test Center or Home? Pick the One You Can CONTROL
Home or test center? The 'easier' GMAT setting is the one YOU can control. Here's how to pick yours and rehearse in it before Test Day.
Strengthen and Weaken: The Right Answer Doesn't Have to PROVE Anything
You keep crossing off the right Strengthen and Weaken answer because it doesn't prove anything. It was never supposed to. Here's how to stop.
Your Score Is 'Good Enough'? Then STOP Taking the GMAT
Your GMAT score already fits your target schools, but your essays are blank? Learn how to tell when you're done testing and what to work on next.
Percentages: Pick 100 and Watch the Problem Fall Apart
Percent questions with no real numbers lure you into messy algebra. Start at 100 and most of them turn into arithmetic you can do in seconds.
Why Go To A School That Requires GMAT Scores?
When you're applying to graduate school, you may be required to provide a GMAT score. But why is this important? We'll look at the reasons why colleges want to…
Taking the GMAT at Home? Your Kitchen Table Is Now a Test Center
Testing the GMAT at home? Your house is full of distractions. Here's how to train for three focused hours in the exact spot you'll test.