If you want to study for one of the top MBA programs but still want to have a life, then this video is definitely for you.
Executive Assessment vs GMAT
Many top institutions encourage taking Executive Assessment programs simply because it takes less hours — only 20 hours, compared to GMAT which takes around 100 hours. If you are currently working and have been out of school for quite a while, then you may want to consider going for the Executive assessment. However, do note that when you plan and prepare properly, you can pass either of the exams. Learn the differences between each exam here – Executive Assessment vs GMAT.
How to get started?
You should start by having your own GMAT/Executive assessment study plan. Note that there are lots of online MBA tools or GMAT practice tests. You can have all your GMAT preparation online which is actually a very convenient “online MBA experience”.
There are lots of institutions that claim that they offer the best online MBA programs. However, do your research first to make sure that you get the best value for online MBA lessons. Most of these tutorial centers/institutions are paid as well – so you need to make sure that you are getting your money’s worth.
What is an MBA and Is an MBA Worth it?
The MBA is a business management degree obtained at the Master’s level. As far as the MBA meaning, you might see it as M.B.A, MBA or Master of Business Administration. The MBA curriculum is taught at many universities including top schools such as Yale SOM (School of Management), Harvard HBS (Harvard Business School) or Columbia CBS (Columbia Business School) in full time formats (you quit your job to attend full time), an executive MBA program format (school on the weekends) and some schools offer both formats. Learn more about what an MBA is and it the MBA is for you –What is an MBA? (EMBA vs MBA) and Is it For You? .
There are many reasons why a person wants to get an MBA. One of the reasons is when you decide to challenge yourself in order to soar higher and build bigger dreams. Another reason is knowing what getting an MBA teaches you and you can mark this as one of your achievements.
We all will have our reasons on why we would like to get an MBA, and each reason will truly be different per person. This is why before getting an MBA, you need to first know your reasons. If you are not clear on your goals, then you may not have enough will to finish until the end.
But regardless of your reasons, you should know how to study effectively and efficiently in order to pass the GMAT or EA. Studying will always be a challenge, but if you study in the right way, you will have time to actually learn the lessons and still have a life.
Set yourself up for success
First and foremost, you need to set yourself up for success by creating an EA or GMAT study guide which is both practical and realistic. Make sure to use your time more efficiently and eliminate time wastage. Set achievable goals and realistic timetables and as much as possible, stick to it.
There would be times when you might find yourself being overwhelmed with your daily activities like your job and family. But by using your EA or GMAT study plan, you should be able to plan your schedule properly.
Allocate at least two to three hours a day, preferably in the evening, where you can fully concentrate on your studies. Try to always religiously stick to your study plan. During weekends, when you do not have to go to work, you can set aside more time, like four or more hours for your studies.
As time goes by, you will find yourself adhering to this schedule more easily and with less struggle since it has now become your regular routine.
Make it Count
In GMAT you are allowed eight attempts. However, for the Executive Assessment, you can only have two attempts. Therefore, you must be very, very sure that you have thoroughly prepared for the exams and that you feel confident enough that you are going to pass it.
Make sure that you have exerted all efforts to study for the exam. Try practice exams which show tentative GMAT and Executive assessment scores. This way you can measure where you stand and achieve EA/GMAT success.
By taking lots of practice exams, you will get an overall feel of how the actual exams are. You will be more confident and prepared when you do the real thing.
Eliminate Distractions
Another important factor for efficient MBA study is focus. You need to make sure that you give your full attention to studying. Try to have a good study place that is conducive to learning when studying for the GMAT on your own.
Find a quiet place like a library or a secluded room. You may opt to study in a cybercafé and just find yourself a quiet corner if there are lots of distractions in your house.
Take Advantage of Dead Time
One of the things I learned from taking the MBA exams is to take every possible moment to study. When travelling long distances such as when you are on a train or a plane, you can use the time to study or review your materials.
You do not necessarily have to be on a long trip in order to study or review your materials as well. You can be in any other circumstances that you find yourself waiting and doing nothing, such as being in a long queue in a grocery store. Try to use your mobile phone to answer some practice questions.
Build Discipline
Building discipline means that you need to set your priorities right. You must prioritize what you really need over what you want. You should be consistent in your study timetable and be committed to it at all times.
Your friends may be having a party or you might be tempted to go out for a picnic or even watch your favorite movie or TV show. However, you must learn to ignore all these and keep your focus on your goal which is preparing for your GMAT or EA.
You also do not have to completely deprive yourself from having fun. It is more of minimizing such activities rather than avoiding them all.
Write your goals down
You can write down your goals and place it in a place that you can see every day. This will help you study for the MBA/EA efficiently. Writing your goals will remind you at all times of what you really want to achieve.
Having a constant reminder will steer you closer towards the achievement of passing your GMAT or Executive assessment, and still have a life.
