Manhattan Review Blog - Test Prep, Admissions Consulting and Career Training

Manhattan Review GMAT Prep is into its eleventh year of helping students achieve high GMAT scores and get into top MBA programs. Now, more than ever, GMAT score is essential to the strength of a business school application. With an MBA degree from top schools becoming ever more in demand, and thus the MBA application processes becoming ever more competitive, students are always looking for a way to make their application stand out. A high GMAT score is instrumental for any student who wishes to be accepted to a top MBA program. With a decade of experience, more than any other comparable GMAT prep company, Manhattan Review is continuing to educate students on how to get the top scores necessary to get into the top schools.

The story of Manhattan Review began in an Ivy-League MBA classroom in summer 1999. Dr. Joern Meissner, while teaching at Columbia Business School, heard from his students that they and their friends were frustrated with conventional GMAT preparation options. In response, he started to create original lectures that focused on presenting the GMAT content in a coherent and concise manner. Dr. Meissner then shared his new approach with students preparing for the GMAT, and it proved immediately popular. Based on these methods, the company Manhattan Review was created with the purpose of providing higher quality GMAT preparation.

Throughout Manhattan Review’s history, the GMAT has changed in many ways. Since the development of those original lectures, the team at Manhattan Review has expanded and adapted its teaching methods to reflect the changes in the test. Students who are retaking the GMAT after a few years need to be aware of the ways in which the test differs from when they originally took it. And any student preparing to take the GMAT needs up-to-date information on the test and the ways it has been modified.

“Over the last ten years,” said Manhattan Review’s founder, Dr. Joern Meissner, “we’ve seen the GMAT becomes more important to the MBA admissions process. We’re proud of the work we’ve done, and we look forward to providing help to students in need of GMAT preparation for many years to come.” She added, “This milestone of being a premier GMAT provider for a decade gives us a chance to reflect on the current landscape of highly selective programs.”

Meantime, students are increasingly seeking the knowledge and support offered by Manhattan Review MBA admissions consultants to gain acceptance into the top business schools around the world. A combination of former admissions committee member experience, insightful advice and customized service distinguishes Manhattan Review’s admissions consulting services. Manhattan Review’s various MBA admissions consulting services are designed to cater to the needs of GMAT students seeking an additional edge in the MBA application and admissions process.

Related posts:

• Special GMAT Course Discounts: Live Online & New York
• Unlimited GMAT Class Access At No Additional Cost
• Student Reports – Manhattan Review UK
• Student Reports – Manhattan Review Germany
• New GMAT Section Due June 2012: Integrated Reasoning

Ever wonder the difference between the these prominent English tests for university admittance?  The TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC & the new PTE are the most common English tests administered at this time and prospective test-takers might wonder the differences between them.  Here’s a quick 101 on the differences between each.

• TOEFL: Otherwise known as the Test of English as a Foreign Language, this exam is currently the most common for non-native English speakers.  The TOEFL is often a requirement at most colleges and universities in the U.S., Canada and other English-speaking countries.  In addition, government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses or scholarship programs might also require the TOEFL.  At this present time, an individual’s TOEFL score is valid for two years and then subject for re-evaluation after the two-year period.

The TOEFL itself was first administered in 1964 and has been taken by more than 23 million students since then.  There are two most common forms of the test, the Internet-based Test (iBT) and paper-based (PBT).  The iBT test is comprised of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking & Writing.  The PBT is made up of four sections, as well: Listening, Structure & Written Expression, Reading Comprehension & Writing.  The iBT has a total of 120 points, whereas the PBT ranges between 310-667 points.

• IELTS: Otherwise known as the International English Language Testing System, the IELTS is administered by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council & IDP Education.  There are two primary versions of the IELTS: the academic version & the general training version.  Basically, the academic version is meant for students who want to enroll in universities and other higher education institutions, as well as for medical professions, such as doctors or nurses who need to work or study in an English-speaking country.  The general training version is meant for those looking to gain work experience or for purely immigration purposes.

Similar to the TOEFL, an IELTS score is valid for two years.  While both the academic version and the general version differ in terms of content, their structure is the same, dividing the test into three parts: Listening (40 minutes), Reading (60 minutes) and Writing (60 minutes).  A brand is given along with a score, ranging form the high score of an “Expert User” to the lowest score of the “Non User.”  The top three countries the test is administered in are China, India and Pakistan.

• The New Pearson Test of English (PTE) was launched in October 2009. Its main differences from the TOEFL include:

1. automated speech and writing scoring providing consistent and accurate grading
2. score reports offering recorded speech samples to admissions offices at universities worldwide
3. challenging question types including filling blanks, matching items, selecting multiple answer choices in the same question
4. results will be available online in just five days
5. the fee will range from $150-$220, depending on each country

Similar to the TOEFL test, the Pearson Test of English (PTE) will test in all four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

• TOEIC: The TOEIC is an acronym for the Test of English for International Communication.  As quoted from the TOEIC website: “The TOEIC is an English language test designed specifically to measure the everyday English skills of people working in an international environment.”  The point system ranges from 10 to 990 points and the test itself is two hours in length, multiple choice, testing listening comprehension and reading comprehension.

The TOEIC gives certificates to those who take the test, with different colors differentiating the range of advanced skills.  In 2006 a new TOEIC was released with longer reading passages and also British, Australian and New Zealand English-speakers, whereas the previous test only featured American speakers.

Related posts:

• Pearson Test of English (PTE) vs. TOEFL
• Why Me? Coping with the Waitlist
• TOEFL Writing Section: Outlining Your Independent Essay
• TOEFL Tips From ETS: Writing Advice
• TOEFL Tips From ETS: Reading Advice

Many people might feel apprehensive about the TOEFL speaking section because they simply don’t know what is expected of them for each question type.  While the speaking section on the TOEFL requires you to speak, there are slight variations between each question.  Below is a breakdown of all six TOEFL speaking questions in an attempt to ease apprehension for test day!

• QUESTIONS 1 & 2: Both the first and second questions on the TOEFL speaking section are independent topics; meaning, you are required to speak on a topic that is familiar to you, as it’s purely opinion-based.  Some independent questions will ask you your preference on a topic, such as:

-       Do you think it’s better to study alone or in groups when preparing for an exam?  Use reasons and details in your explanation.

While some are more open-ended, such as:

-       What is your idea of the perfect house?  Use reasons and details in your explanation.

For independent questions on the TOEFL, you will have 15 seconds to prepare and 45 seconds to give your response.

• QUESTION 3: Question #3 on the TOEFL speaking section begins the integrated speaking portion of the exam and involves reading a short passage (45 seconds) and then listening to a conversation on the same topic.  The conversation will always be between a man and a woman and usually university-related.  The reading portion on this question will usually have to do with a university-related topic that is the basis for the conversation between the man and the woman.

Typically in Question #3, one speaker will have a strong opinion about the given topic and you are expected to give the reasons the main speaker has and any supporting details that go along with it.  For Question #3, you have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to respond.

Remember – your personal opinion is not needed or wanted for this type of question.

• QUESTION 4: Question #4 on the TOEFL speaking section is very similar to Question #3; however, this question type, in particular, will give you a short reading passage (45 seconds) on an academic topic and then play a lecture on the same topic, as well.

This question always seems a bit more difficult than Question #3, because the material is much more dense, particular if the topic is science-related, and often times it’s difficult to give a full response with all relevant information under 60 seconds.  (The prep time and speaking time for Question #4 is the same as Question #3.)  Basically, you are required to give a summary of the lecture, with a focus on a particular process or emphasis given to you in the question.

• QUESTION 5: Question #5 takes you back to conversations, as you hear a lengthier conversation than in Question #3, and are required to give a short summary of all the important information.  This question type gives you 20 seconds (not 30 seconds in Question #3) to prepare your response and 60 to speak.  Ultimately, it will be a bit more difficult in terms of content and vocabulary than Question #3, but it also requires you to give your opinion at the end of your response.  Question #5 has no reading portion, only listening and speaking.

• QUESTION 6: Question #6 is often the most difficult question on the TOEFL speaking section, as it’s typically a rather dense lecture you are expected to listen to and give a summary of.  With 20 seconds to prepare and 60 to respond, many students have trouble with the complex academic vocabulary in the lecture, as well as sorting through so many facts to get to the main idea.  The key to an effective response for Question #6 is not to get boggled down with the intimidating vocabulary and focusing on just the main ideas.

All in all, a key to a great score on the speaking section of the TOEFL exam is to familiarize yourself with each question type and practice, practice, practice!

Related posts:

• TOEFL Writing Section: Outlining Your Independent Essay
• TOEFL Listening Section Breakdown – Question Types
• TOEFL Integrated Essay Writing: Useful Words
• TOEFL Independent Speaking Score Levels
• Tips on TOEFL Minimum Score Requirements

Dr. Joern Meissner, founder and chairman of Manhattan Review, has written an article discussing the rising importance of the GMAT in the recruiting process of MBA graduates.

Dr. Meissner teaching at Columbia Business School

He draws on his years of experience as a tenured professor teaching in the MBA Program at Lancaster University Management School in the UK .

In particular, he recommends students to retake the test if a substantial score increase can be achieved and if they are looking to apply for competitive positions including those in investment banking or management consulting while their GMAT score is below 700 points.

You can find the full article titled “Why the GMAT still matters when you already are at B-School” on his academic website.

Related posts:

• It’s in the Mix: The Career Success Factors of MBA Graduates – FAZ Article by Joern Meissner
• Younger MBA Applicants (II)
• Younger MBA Applicants (I)
• Yale B-School – Latest Changes
• Wait Listed?!

Manhattan Review has responded to the ongoing recession by lowering the price of its Multi-Week Long GMAT Courses held in New York and Live Online.  For a limited time in 2010 starting from January 16th, a discount is being extended to students who join the Manhattan Review New York GMAT Long Courses and Online Live GMAT Courses. Normally priced at $1399, the New York GMAT Long Courses are now available for $1099. Normally priced at $1025, the Live Online GMAT Courses are now available for $899.

“We understand that current economic conditions have put a strain on the budget of many students,” said Dr. Joern Meissner, the founder and academic director. “But Manhattan Review is committed to preparing students for the GMAT and helping them reach their target score.”

If students pay two weeks in advance for the New York GMAT Long Courses, they are also eligible for an early-bird discount of $999 for a full 28-hour in-person course. The students will also have the option to reinforce their learning with a different instructor in a live online course, bringing the total hours of instruction to 56 hours or more.

Students not located in the New York City area should also check out Manhattan Review’s new discounted price for its Interactive Online GMAT Courses. Normally priced at $1025, the Live Online GMAT Long Courses are now available for $899. If students pay two weeks in advance for Online GMAT courses, they are also eligible for an early-bird promotional discount of $845. It also comes with unlimited access to Manhattan Review’s popular online live recording library of over 100 hours, bringing the total hours of instruction to 128 hours.

Though the price of the course has been lowered by as much as 30%, the Manhattan Review GMAT course content remains unchanged. Students will still receive four Manhattan Review Turbocharge Your GMAT study Guides, as well as the three GMAT Official Guides. Purchase of the course also includes five online full-length Computer Adaptive Tests that simulate the GMAT on a home computer and help students gauge how their score is coming along as they progress through the course.

All Manhattan Review GMAT courses include the following services:

	*Better Score Guarantee: Unlimited class hours and advice*
	*Double Class for 56+ hours; US$200 Student Referral*
	1-2 dedicated GMAT Math and GMAT Verbal instructors for the entire course
	Full set proprietary GMAT course materials (Turbocharge Your GMAT)
	Real Official Guide GMAT questions (3 books included)
	Five on-line challenging GMAT practice tests (CATs)
	After-class GMAT Home Study Guideline, Email Support, Blog & Forum
	8-Hour MBA Admissions Online Boot Camp
	Student Discount for GMAT Tutoring & MBA Admissions Help

Find out more – Syllabi, Schedule, Venues, Teaching Video!

Related posts:

• Manhattan Review Charges Forward after Tenth Years in GMAT Preparation
• Unlimited GMAT Class Access At No Additional Cost
• Student Reports – Manhattan Review UK
• Student Reports – Manhattan Review Germany
• New GMAT Section Due June 2012: Integrated Reasoning