The Best Free GMAT Resources

Free stuff is the best stuff. The GMAT is expensive. Really expensive. The test alone is $250, and GMAT coaching can be more expensive. At Cambridge Coaching, we offer a range of options for our private GMAT tutoring in Boston, NYC, and online, so we can accommodate students on a budget. Our rates are among the lowest in the business, but even so, we try to save our clients money whenever we can. Fortunately, some of the best material out there for studying for the GMAT is free, so I wanted to take this time to share some resources that have helped countless students I have worked with succeed on the exam. Prep material from the makers themselves GMAC knows best, since they write the test. So it’s great that they offer two free online practice tests along with hundreds of practice questions to help you prepare for the exam. http://www.mba.com/us/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/free-gmat-prep-software.aspx GMAT flash cards From a blogging website that connects prospective business school applicants, these flash cards can serve as a quick way to figure out your strengths and weaknesses in order to develop a more effective study plan. http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/free-gmat-prep-flashcards Reviewing the official guide Khan Academy is one of the leaders in online education, and has developed a GMAT curriculum to help supplement your prep. See how they approach some of the questions in the official guide in this free online resource. https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/gmat Diagnostics from business schools Some business schools offer online diagnostic tests that can help get you started on your GMAT prep. One of the better tests I have found is powered by The Economist and is on Babson’s website. http://gmat.babson.edu/ These resources are definitely helpful, and free of course, but it is always important to remember that quality of studying is much more important than quantity of studying. Try to develop a study plan that best meets your needs and extracts the largest benefit from each resource you use. But if you’re still struggling, consider calling Cambridge Coaching—our private GMAT tutors always pay off in the end. We offer tutoring in Boston, New York City, and around the world through our sophisticated online whiteboard. Give us a call today, and see how we can help you get where you need to be! For more relevant reading, check out these other blog posts, written by our privategmat coaches in New York and Boston:The Straight Dope on the GMAT, How to Avoid Errors on the Data Reasoning Section, and Dos and Don’ts for GMAT Test Day. ;

Making the Leap from PSAT/NMSQT to National Merit Scholarship Finalist

What is the PSAT/NMSQT, and How Does a Student Qualify for Preliminary Eligibility? In October 2018, 3.5 million high school students (juniors and sophomores) took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT ®), and 1.6 million will meet eligibility requirements for the National Merit Scholarship. According to the Fall 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program Student Guide, a student must meet the following criteria to qualify for preliminary eligibility: Be enrolled as a high school student progressing normally toward graduation by 2020 Be a citizen of the United States; or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or provide documentation that you have applied for permanent residence or citizenship) Take the PSAT/NMSQT ® no later than the third year in grades 9 through 12 On the day of the PSAT/NMSQT, students are asked whether or not they meet each standard for preliminary eligibility, and more than half of  students meet these standards. However, if a student does not meet the standards, her PSAT/NMSQT score report will include an asterisk next to the Selection Index field. An asterisk means the student is ineligible for the scholarship. How Many Achieve â€Å"Commended† and â€Å"Semifinalist† Status? Of these test takers, 50,000 students will be recognized for their high scores, and in April 2019, the National Merit ® Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will perform an eligibility check with high school principals. In September 2019, 34,000 students of the original 50,000 high scorers will be named Commended Scholars in recognition of their outstanding academic performance, but they will not move to the next round of the scholarship competition. However, 16,000 of those 50,000 will qualify as Semifinalists, the highest-scoring entrants in each state. [Read our post about Class of 2020 National Merit Semifinalist cutoff scores] How Do Semifinalists Qualify for â€Å"Finalist† Status? In February 2020, 15,000 students will advance to Finalist standing. To qualify for potential Finalist status, a Semifinalist must meet the following criteria, according to the Student Guide: continue to meet the three program entry requirements stated earlier in this post be enrolled in the final year of high school and planning to attend college full time the following fall semester complete the National Merit Scholarship Application with all required information and an essay (application materials are provided through by student’s high school) have a record of very high academic performance throughout high school be recommended for National Merit Scholarship by the high school principal take the SAT ® or ACT ® and earn scores that confirm the PSAT/NMSQT performance provide any other requested documentation and information If you’re a high school freshman or sophomore who’s wondering how to prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT ®, visit our PSAT test prep page. For a more comprehensive look at the National Merit funnel, please visit our FAQ page, and for further questions about National Merit Scholarship eligibility, please visit the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Updated December 10, 2018