Skills-Based Approach to GMAT Prep

"Knowledge used to be power, but it no longer is power. What you do with that knowledge—that's the skill." In this must-watch episode for test takers, GMAC Zach speaks at length with Sergey Kouk from Admit Master about a skills-based approach to GMAT preparation. They discuss the common misconceptions surrounding the GMAT, the importance of reasoning skills over mere knowledge, and how to effectively prepare for the test using strategies akin to learning to drive a car. Sergey shares insights on building confidence, the significance of practice, and section-by-section analysis. The conversation emphasizes that the GMAT is not just about memorizing formulas but about developing critical thinking and reasoning skills necessary for success in business school and beyond. About Our Guest: Sergey Kouk is a rocket scientist turned GMAT instructor, who achieved a score of 750 on the GMAT after just 2 weeks of studying. He credits his success to the amazing teachers and mentors, who taught him advanced reasoning skills early in his career. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of Admit Master, a test preparation and admissions consulting company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Sergey holds 3 university degrees, including an MBA. When he is not teaching prep classes, he spends time snowboarding or sailing a boat with his family. Sergey brings to this podcast over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT to thousands of business school candidates, as well as insights from other experienced GMAT instructors and MBA Admissions Consultants at Admit Master, to help you get a great GMAT score and gain admission to your dream business school. Contact Admit Master: https://admitmaster.com/ Register for the GMAT: mba.com/register Chapters: 01:17 Sergey's Journey into Test Prep 03:13 Misconceptions About the GMAT 04:57 Knowledge vs. Reasoning Skills 12:06 The Importance of Practice and Feedback 18:35 The Role of an Instructor 22:30 Breaking Down Higher Order Thinking Skills 26:43 Applying Reasoning Skills to the GMAT 29:32 Questions to Ask in the Quant Section 32:05 Understanding Problem-Solving Strategies 33:27 The Power of Elimination in Reasoning 34:55 Effective Questioning Techniques 37:05 The Importance of Strategy Over Formulas 38:11 Comparing Quantitative and Verbal Skills 42:39 Preparing for Verbal Section 47:53 Integrating Data Insights with Reasoning 50:00 Building Confidence for Test Success 52:40 Starting Your GMAT Journey 54:38 Achieving High Percentiles on the GMAT 56:00 The Student Journey with Admit Master