Summer’s coming, and the sunnier skies spell distraction for your GMAT prep work around Toronto and Chicago. You can save yourself and your GMAT prep from this siren song, however, by strategically planning how and where you study: research shows that changing location frequently helps with memory retention.

Here and There

Luckily, completing a GMAT prep course in either Toronto or Chicago means that you have numerous cafés and parks right at your fingertips. If you review quantitative questions in one café and move to a bookstore to work on word problems, you’ll benefit in more ways than if you sat in a single place. First of all, once you start getting antsy, you’ll end up punctuating your study blocks with a short stroll as you relocate. Fresh air and physical activity are excellent for clearing one’s mind and keeping boredom at bay. Additionally, staying in locations for shorter amounts of time may increase productivity because you end up studying in shorter, more intense spurts.

But Where?

For some, this method won’t stick, as some students may find that doing GMAT prep around Toronto and Chicago distracts rather than refreshes. For those who do see some benefit to rotating study spaces, though, GMAT prep work in Chicago or Toronto, when paired with a good set of headphones or earplugs, can become an adventure as you discover new nooks and crannies perfect for studying. Cafés are the obvious choice, alongside libraries and bookstores, but what about late night diners and restaurants, when tables are vacant and dining rooms quiet? Why not start the day’s (or night’s) study at a friend’s house and connect while completing GMAT prep? Are there beautiful, hidden green spots in your neighborhood where you can settle down with a book? GMAT prep work doesn’t need to keep you from enjoying the beautiful weather in Chicago and Toronto in these coming months.

Want more help staying focused on GMAT prep in Toronto and Chicago during the summer? Plan ahead and register for a free 1-on-1 assessment with one of our instructors, or sign up for one of our GMAT info sessions to keep the test prep ball rolling throughout the season.

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While you’re taking a GMAT prep course, it can be helpful to examine your prospective MBA programs’ average GMAT scores. The exam is only one of many components in what is usually a holistic admissions process, but you want to have the highest score possible in order to strengthen your overall application. Below you will find a comparison of the admissions requirements from seven top Canadian business schools. Whether the program accepts the GMAT or GRE, a GMAT prep course or GRE prep course at our Toronto headquarters can greatly enhance your chances of admission.

For the sake of comparison, facts and figures were primarily drawn from full-time MBA programs’ statistics. Part-time programs and specialty programs were often found to have different requirements.

Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia

Connect to Sauder’s Admissions Portal

GMAT score: at least 550, average 646

• Application requirements: Transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT score, resume with recommended minimum two years of full-time work experience, two reference letters, online application with three essays, fee, TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB/PTE Academic (if necessary)
• Which exam? GMAT

Laurier School of Business & Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

Connect to Laurier’s MBA Admissions Portal

GMAT score: minimum 550

• Grade specifications: at least 73% or a B on your last 10 half credits
• Application requirements: Transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT score, resume with minimum two years of full-time work experience, three reference letters, online application with supplements, fee, TOEFL iBT/IELTS/Michigan Test/CAEL (if necessary)
• Which exam? GMAT

Schulich School of Business, York University

Connect to Schulich’s Admissions Portal and Businessweek Profile

GMAT score: average 664, with an average range of 550-790

• Grade specifications: B average in last two full years of academic work
• Application requirements: Transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT score, resume with recommended minimum two years of full-time work experience, two reference letters, online application with a personal essay, fee, TOEFL/IELT/YELT (if necessary)
• Which exam? GMAT

Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University

Connect to Ted Rogers’ Admissions Portal

GMAT score: minimum 550, average 615

• Grade specifications: minimum B (73% or above) average in last two years of university study, including post-graduate university programs
• Application requirements: Transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT or GRE score, resume with recommended minimum two years of full-time work experience, two reference letters, online application with supporting documents, fee, TOEFL iBT/IELTS/MELAB (if necessary)
• Which exam? GMAT

Desautels Faculty of Management, McGill University

Connect to Desautels’ Admissions Portal and Businessweek Profile

GMAT score: average 670

• Grade specifications: average 3.3 undergraduate GPA
• Application requirements: Two transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT score, resume with recommended minimum two years of full-time work experience (average 4-5), two reference letters, online application with supporting essays and documents, fee, TOEFL/IELTS (if necessary)
• Which exam? GMAT

Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto

Connect to Rotman’s Admissions Portal and Businessweek Profile

GMAT score: no minimum, average 673, with an average range of 600-740

• Grade specifications: typically, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the final year of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university
• Application requirements: Transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT or GRE score, resume with recommended minimum two years of full-time work experience (average of four), two reference letters, online application with two written and one video essay, fee, TOEFL iBT/IELTS (if necessary)
• Which exam? Accepts both GMAT and GRE.

Ivey School of Business, University of Western Ontario

Connect to Ivey’s Admissions Portal and Businessweek Profile

• GMAT score: minimum 600, average 669
• Grade specifications: strong academic history with a B average
• Application requirements: Transcripts from post-secondary institutions, GMAT or GRE score, resume with minimum two years of full-time work experience, two to three reference letters, online application with three essays, fee, TOEFL (if necessary)
• Which exam? Accepts both GMAT and GRE, but those planning to pursue Financial Services or Management Consulting sectors post-MBA should research potential employers who may require GMAT scores.

Is your baseline score beneath your desired program’s average? Don’t worry, we have GMAT prep courses in Toronto lined up for the month of May to help you reach your target score. Additionally, we’re offering an Earlybird Special until Tuesday, May 10 for our 30-hr GMAT prep course at Wilfrid Laurier University. Register before they fill up!

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As summer nears and temperatures rise, don’t forget to keep tabs on admissions information sessions and GMAT course offerings. MBA deadlines are wrapping up, but GMAT prep courses will continue throughout the season. Take note: many sessions, as with GMAT courses, require pre-registration, so click through the links for additional details.

Laurier MBA (Wilfrid Laurier University)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling; submit early to maximize chances for entry. A Wednesday, May 1 priority deadline is coming up for the MBA + Co-op program, intensive year-long MBA, and part-time evening MBA formats in Waterloo.

Upcoming Events:

• Waterloo MBA Information Session, Tuesday, May 7, 5:45 p.m. Meet alumni and discover more about the university’s many MBA formats.
• Waterloo One-on-One Appointments, Thursday, May 9 with openings from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
• Quantum GMAT Prep Course at Laurier, May 10-17, a series including GMAT Math Fundamentals, GMAT Verbal Fundamentals, and GMAT AWA & Integrated Reasoning Fundamentals.
• Toronto One-on-One Appointments, Wednesday, May 15 with openings from 11:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

In the News:

• Dr. Madhu Kalimipalli and Dr. Nayak Subhankar of the Laurier School of Business & Economics were awarded a $7,500 grant from the NSE-NYU Stern Initiative on the Study of Indian Capital Markets. Research will be conducted with Dr. Latha Ramchand from the University of Houston.

Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling; submit early to maximize chances for entry. Round 4 for the Full-Time MBA closes on Monday, April 29, and the final round concludes on Saturday, June 1. The final deadline for the Morning & Evening MBA is Monday, June 3.

Upcoming Events:

• Full-Time MBA Information Session, Tuesday, May 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Hear from current students and the admissions team about how to apply for the Rotman MBA.
• Omnium Global Executive MBA Webinar, Tuesday, May 7, 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tune into an interactive webinar to learn more about Rotman’s specialty MBA modules in North and South America, East and South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Morning & Evening MBA Information Session, Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Get in-person answers to any questions you may have about pursuing this format.
• Quantum GMAT Workshop at Rotman, Monday, May 13, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Learn more from one of our instructors about the structure of the GMAT and types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam.
• Executive MBA Programs May Informational Webinar, Tuesday, May 14, 12:30-1:00 p.m. Learn more about Rotman’s One-Year Executive MBA from the program director and staff.
• Quantum Simulated GMAT Exam at Rotman, Saturday, May 25, 12:30-4:30 p.m. We’re hosting a free mock exam at Rotman that will help you determine your baseline score and how you can optimize your study with a targeted GMAT prep course.

In the News:

• Rotman and the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA) are launching a certification program that will help “in-house counsel who are looking to advance in their careers to a General Counsel position or to the executive level.”

Ted Rogers School of Management (Ryerson University)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling. The 2013-14 application window is now open. Click here to access the application and learn more about Ryerson’s competitive MBA programs.

Upcoming Events:

• Ryerson MBA Information Session, Monday, April 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Learn more about Ryerson’s MBA offerings from alumni, current students, staff, and program director.

In the News:

• Dr. Murtaza Haider, Dean of Research at Ted Rogers School of Management, discusses the expansion of Porter Airlines from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and its importance to the country’s infrastructure.

Schulich School of Business (York University)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling. The final deadline for the September start date MBA is Tuesday, April 30.

Upcoming Events:

• MBA/IMBA Information Session, Wednesday, May 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Learn about the MBA, IMBA, MF, MSc, and joint graduate programs offered at Schulich and meet faculty.
• MBA/IMBA Information Session, Wednesday, May 22, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

In the News:

• Schulich MBA students are currently in competition for the 2013 Hult Prize, a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship. This year’s theme was developed and presented by President Bill Clinton. The competition brings together more than 150 countries and 350 colleges and universities and has a total of over 10,000 individuals vying for the prize.

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We know the perfect ingredients for a successful GRE prep course, but we’re not too shabby on the culinary front, either. It’s well-known that components in certain foods will aid in concentration and brain function— coffee with its caffeine, dark chocolate’s antioxidants, fish for its omega-3 fatty acids, and the dietary fiber in certain whole grains. Because you’re already busy studying for your GRE course, here are some quick, interesting recipes to get your brain going and help you cook up a high score.

Quantum’s GRE Prep Parfait

Recipe for GRE prep course success: layer Greek yogurt, blueberries, strawberries, almonds, and walnuts with shredded coconut in a cup. It’s no mystery why this protein-loaded parfait is perfect for prep during GRE prep. Not only is it delicious and creamy, but is full of berries that boost brain function and nuts that balance serotonin levels and boost your mood. Take your favorite flavor of Greek yogurt (vanilla works well) and toss in chopped berries and nuts for a light, portable treat to tote to your GRE prep course or nibble on when you’re en route to the exam itself.

The Sunrise Smoothie

Smoothie fanatics will appreciate this recipe for GRE prep course success, which requires one banana, one shot of espresso (or a double shot), a cup of ice, one shot of flavored syrup (vanilla or hazelnut taste best), and a spoonful of flax seeds, with half and half or milk to top it off. Why this combination? Bananas release energy slowly, which is perfect for getting you through your GRE course after a long work week. The flax seeds are a source of neuron-building fatty acids. We call it the Sunrise Smoothie because of the requisite espresso: depending on how much caffeine you normally consume, one or two shots will help with focus and alertness. Blend it up and bring it along. Easy on the sugar, however, so that you don’t crash midway through your GRE course.

Bookworm Bentō

Recipe for GRE prep course success: pack two hard boiled eggs (peeled and lightly sprinkled with salt) next to a few thin slices of avocado and cup of edamame. Pair this with a chunk of dark chocolate, or even dark chocolate espresso beans. Drink it with polyphenol-packed green tea to aid with dopamine production, which will keep you in a sunny mood during your GRE prep course. The choline and protein in eggs will boost your memory and energy levels, and the healthy fats in avocado will aid with concentration. Edamame is high in fiber and also in protein. In all, this makes for a nice mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. As the originators of the bentō in Japan might say, oishii desu-ne? Isn’t that tasty?

Scholarly Stir-fry

Recipe for GRE prep course success: fry up diced tomato, kale, spinach, red cabbage, and cooked salmon in olive and sesame oil, stirring in an egg. Use soy sauce to taste, rice optional. Egg reappears on our list of foods for keeping you going throughout your GRE prep course because of its choline, which supports increased memory cell production. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve memory, mood, and concentration, and the lycopene present in tomatoes and folate in spinach increases concentration as well. We recommend stir-fry for dinner when you don’t have the energy to cook something elaborate but need to prepare for your GRE course.

Looking for more tips to help with test prep? Register for one of our free GRE events here or for one of our GRE courses here.

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There’s a fine line between working and being worked to the bone. With your GMAT course in Chicago or Toronto, remember that stress relief begins with stress prevention— don’t expect to feel refreshed and at peak performance after your third near-sleepless night. Of course, that reminder isn’t liable to help much after the fact. To tense Toronto and Chicago GMAT course registrants: read on.

Using the Senses

• The Nose Knows: This tip isn’t always practical while studying for your GMAT course, as you may be holed up in Toronto and Chicago libraries, but lighting a candle, burning incense, or putting out a bowl of potpourri are easy and under-utilized stress management techniques. Other options: try steeping a cup of aromatic tea (jasmine or Earl Grey are among the more fragrant varieties), getting down to business in a coffee shop, or even spritzing on your favorite perfume or cologne before leaving the house.
• Listen Up: Music works wonders on your mood. Whether stress has left you tense and on edge or lethargic and listless, the plucking of cello strings or deep pounding of a bass drum is hard to beat. Find some music to remedy what’s ailing you, and you’ll be ready to power through more GMAT course prep from your corner of Toronto or Chicago. Pair some Brahms with that vanilla candle and you’re on your way to crafting a stress-free study environment.
• Eyes Wide Open: Reassess your workstation and clear off the clutter. File away papers, or keep them stacked neatly. If you’re studying on the go, Toronto and Chicago GMAT course registrants alike have their pick of cafés and beautiful study spaces. Seek one out, and make it your mainstay. Your environment can have a huge impact your mood.

Stepping Away

• Siesta: If you’re able to tear yourself away from work or other obligations for a twenty-minute midday nap, do it. Take care that your noontime nap doesn’t bleed from minutes into hours, however; it’ll leave you sluggish. Sometimes caffeine just doesn’t cut it.
• Get a Move On: There’s a reason why exercise is so often cited as an optimal stress reliever: it works. Unfortunately, when you’re in the midst of completing a project or hitting the books for your Toronto or Chicago GMAT course, slipping on workout gear seems like it might be a waste of time. In reality, even if it’s taking a fifteen minute walk around the corner or stretching at your desk for five minutes, engaging your body will clear your mind and brighten your mood.
• Take One: Multitasking is nice in theory. It’s also incredibly stress-inducing. When you’re at the end of your rope, switching from task to task can mean that you start everything, but nothing gets finished. Cue energy drain and mounting frustrations. Instead, just do one thing before moving onto the next. The same goes for GMAT course prep in Toronto and Chicago: one problem at a time. Extend the same method to your other work and you’ll be golden.

Looking for more tips to help with test prep? Register for a GMAT course in Toronto or Chicago here.

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The real secret to combating your lack of willpower to pick up a GRE course or GMAT course book has very little to do with method. We waste hours making lists and going over in our minds what needs to be done. That anxiety inevitably snowballs the longer the task is put off. Whether it’s something as small as laundering linens or something as open-ended as developing a research topic, it all boils down to one thing: just start.

Ready, Set, Go

The time has arrived where learning another strategy for the math section of your GRE course would be excessive: you need to actually do practice problems. And, all of a sudden, you’re paralyzed. After dinner you’ll tackle it. Tomorrow. (Never.) GMAT course attendees likely see themselves in the same boat. The key? Just start. Don’t negotiate on when you’ll open the book, just open it. You won’t magically become motivated by sipping another cup of tea or putting the task on a calendar. In the words of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Pearl S. Buck, “I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.” It’s good advice for GRE course and GMAT course registrants alike. Solutions to problems and motivation comes once you’re already midway into a task, not before.

Nibble

You can probably identify a moment in the past outside of a GRE course or GMAT course where you loathed a task up until the moment you began. Perhaps in undergrad you realized halfway through an all-nighter, “I actually enjoy this.” To that point, now that you’ve opened the book, strike a deal with yourself. You will work for twenty minutes, no matter how little you accomplish or how much you hate what you’re working on. A mere twenty minutes. Set an alarm, and you can stop once it sounds. What research finds is that our perceptions of tasks change after we’ve begun.

Stop

With tasks that require repeating like studying for a GRE course or GMAT course, the key isn’t doing everything on Monday and then never touching course materials again. Consistency is important. Therefore, don’t try to do everything in one day. An hour or two every day will help with memory retention and is far less intimidating than powering through the entire book in a weekend. Also, your mind needs to rest in between intervals so that it may better consolidate memories.

Now or Later

Ultimately, frame it like this: you can start now or later. Those are your only two options. Which is more painful, sitting down and opening a book, or managing the stress that comes from continually procrastinating? Your GRE course prep shouldn’t be a burden, and neither should GMAT course prep. Understanding the power of simply starting something won’t solve every problem you have, but it goes a long way.

To those still struggling with the initial stages of GRE course or GMAT course prep, we extend the same advice: just start. Take advantage of our early bird specials today.

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Are you keeping tabs on admissions events at top business schools? Pair GMAT course preparation with consistent scans of B-school admissions calendars and you’ll never miss a beat. As with GMAT prep courses, however, many sessions require pre-registration, so click through the links for additional details.

Laurier MBA (Wilfrid Laurier University)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling. There is still time to apply for the Toronto part-time alternate weekend MBA, MBA + CMA, MBA + CFA, and accelerated MBA programs, which all commence on Friday, April 12. A Wednesday, May 1 priority deadline is coming up for the MBA + Co-op program, intensive year-long MBA, and part-time evening MBA formats in Waterloo.

Upcoming Events:

• One year Full-time International MBA Information Session, Wednesday, March 27, 6 p.m. Discover more about gaining international experience with Laurier’s International MBA program in India, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Toronto One-on-One Appointments, Thursday, March 28 with openings from 11:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m.

In the News:

• Procter & Gamble, Inc. donated $250,000 earlier this month to Wilfrid Laurier University’s School of Business & Economics. The donation will fund the recently renamed Procter & Gamble Centre for Business & Sustainability and help reinforce Laurier’s dedication to blending good business practices with social responsibility.

Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling; submit early to maximize chances for entry. Round 4 for the general MBA closes on Monday, April 29. Next application deadline for the part-time MBA is Monday, April 15. Check website for special deadlines.

Upcoming Events:

• Full-Time MBA Career Panel, Tuesday, March 26, 5:30-7:15 p.m. Hear from current students and recent Rotman graduates about how the Rotman MBA has impacted their careers.
• How Will The Rotman MBA Boost My Career? Morning & Evening MBA Info Session, Thursday, March 28 from 6-7 p.m.
• Morning & Evening MBA Application Help Session, Thursday, April 4 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Omnium Global Executive MBA Webinar, Tuesday, April 9 from 10-11 a.m. Tune in for an interactive web session about this special Rotman MBA opportunity.

In the News:

• The Risa Goldberg Memorial Scholarship for Women in Capital Markets was recently introduced at Rotman. A first year full-time MBA student was the first recipient of the scholarship intended to reward second semester full-time MBA female students who “embody Risa’s ‘work-hard, play-hard’ attitude, her ambition to rise to the top, and her confidence in her talents and ability to meet new challenges.”

Ted Rogers School of Management (Ryerson University)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling, with recent March 22 deadline for Canadian applicants who need foundational courses.

Upcoming Events:

• In the PATH with the Ryerson MBA, Wednesday, March 27 day-long informational event

In the News:

• A new Ryerson initiative was recently introduced to provide ethical leadership programming set to start this fall, which will offer educational events open to MBA candidates.
• A Ryerson MBA candidate was recently named one of ten worldwide finalists for the International Volunteer Award.

Schulich School of Business (York University)

Admissions Deadlines: Rolling, with upcoming April 1 fall term deadline for Canadian/US applicants

Upcoming Events:

• MBA/International MBA Info Session, Tuesday, March 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. Learn about the MBA, IMBA, MF, MSc, and joint graduate programs offered at Schulich and meet faculty.

In the News:

• A 2004 Schulich IMBA grad was featured in the YorkU winter magazine discussing his sustainability work and the impact the IMBA had on his career trajectory. In his current position, he advises different private and governmental organizations on sustainable energy solutions.

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If you’re applying to law school, it looks like you’ll have to continue hitting the books. The LSAT, for now, will live on as a requirement for going to law school.

In 2011, some members of the American Bar Association (ABA) were ready to toss the LSAT requirement and dropping the requirement of a “valid and reliable admission test.”  But on March 16, the ABA’s Council of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar gave the initial nod to keeping the LSAT requirement.

The National Law Journal reports that the “council is seeking public comment,” but that the LSAT looks to be a continued requirement. “Advocates for the LSAT cited research indicating the test is the most reliable indicator of who will succeed during the first year of law school, and evidence that most law schools would continue to require the test even if the ABA dropped its mandate.”

So, for now, you can rest assured that your LSAT preparation is worthwhile – the test doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, and will likely be a requirement for top law schools for the long term.

Do you think the LSAT is a good indicator of how students will do in law school? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Source: The National Law Journal

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GMAT course review? Done. Return books to library? Almost done, left one at home. Research more B-school programs? Should start soon. Wait, what kind of tea did your roommate want for you to pick up, again? And aren’t you forgetting something for work? If you keep several to-do lists scribbled on receipts and end up creating the same lists over and over again, perhaps it’s time to reexamine how you manage and execute tasks. A digital application can only do so much, but at the very least it’ll keep you from forgetting things you’d scribbled on your notes during one of your Toronto GMAT prep courses.

To-Do, Doing, Done

There’s a big world of to-do list applications out there to help you. Some things on your list are clear and immediately actionable: attend GMAT course tomorrow. More goal-related items like finding and applying to MBA programs will need to be broken up into smaller tasks and assigned deadlines. Let the following apps manage the minutiae.

1. Remember the Milk

(free; online, iOS, Android, Outlook and Gmail integration, Twitter integration, browser bookmarklet, numerous third-party extensions for desktop and mobile, including Windows Phone 7+)

Remember the Milk is a solid application in this category because of its flexibility and integration with programs that you may already use. RTM suits many different styles, from the highly organized person who might tag tasks and place them into three different priority tiers, to the individual who just wants to have all of her notes synced to the same place. RTM is able to add additional notes within tasks, send reminders via email, SMS, or IM, add tasks with Siri, and set tasks to repeat. You can even share them with others, so when you’re late running off into Toronto for your GMAT prep course, your roommate can pick up his own tea from the store.

2. Google Tasks

(free; online and optimized for iOS, Android, Palm webOS)

Frequent Google users who prefer an in-Google experience as opposed to using external desktop applications such as Mac Mail or Thunderbird will appreciate the simplicity of Google Tasks. There is no learning curve, as there may be for some third-party apps, because this program’s additional features beyond listmaking are limited to adding due dates and notes.

3. Reminders

(free; online, native to iOS and OS X Mountain Lion)

As demonstrated with Google Tasks, sometimes the best to-do list application is one that is integrated into a system or service that you already use. Apple users with more than one device might get the most mileage out of using Reminders, which syncs via iCloud to iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and iCal for desktop. Reminders, like RTM, lets you divide items into multiple lists, so that you can keep GMAT course-related needs separate from school and work assignments. As with the other applications, you can tack notes onto individual items. Reminders also sets priorities and even location-based reminders, so that when you leave or arrive somewhere, your device will remind you of a list item.

4. Wunderlist

(free; online, iOS, Android, Mac, Windows PC, browser extensions)

Wunderlist offers the same features as the other applications— due dates, reminders, notes, and the category-creating function— but is designed so that you can add subtasks. This outline-like tier capability can keep your to-do list from turning into a never-ending scroll of unrelated tasks. Priorities are set by tapping a simple star next to an item. Set reminders for what to bring before setting out for the day to Toronto for your GMAT prep course, or print a list so that you can leave your device at home on exam day. Wunderlist’s interface is also the most customizable of the bunch functionally and aesthetically, with different options for sounds, backgrounds, and list display options.

5. Any.Do

(free; online, iOS, Android, Chrome)

Like Reminders, Any.Do allows for you to shift between viewing items according to due date or category. It stands out among third-party apps for its easy, in-app non-English language support and alternate Any.Do Moment feature tucked away in its settings menu, which allows for you to re-prioritize and change due dates for all of your items in a single list view.

An Application’s Limits

As mentioned earlier, the true benefit of using a digital application for to-do lists is that everything is available in one place. Calendar integration is perfect for helping you manage your personal, academic, and work lives once you add a GMAT course and exam preparation to the mix. The right application is ultimately the one that most suits your work style, so play around with these free apps to see which you like the most.

Looking for a GMAT course that is just as customized to your needs? We offer a number of free GMAT test prep services to help you get started.

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Exam day has finally arrived after your GMAT course in Toronto or Chicago. As the GMAT exam is administered in a standardized fashion, there are some important things to remember for test day.

Bring to the GMAT

• Names of schools to receive score reports
• A valid form of identification as determined by the test center
• Your appointment confirmation letter or email from Pearson VUE

An Overview of Test Day Procedure

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. If you’re often late, budget more time and aim to arrive 40 or more minutes early. This is not the time to arrive late; if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your appointment time, you may lose your test fee and be forced to reschedule your exam.

Prior to entering the exam room, you will sign the testing policy agreement and present a valid form of identification (this varies by testing location; check the GMAT information bulletin for specifics). Ensure that the name and date of birth on your ID matches the one you used to register. Following this, you will receive a palm scan and have your photograph taken for identity verification purposes. You will be directed to place prohibited items such as cell phones, calculators, watches, and other items in a personal locker and receive a noteboard and marker for the exam. Once in the room and at your testing station, you can list up to five schools you want to receive your scores if you haven’t already. Sending scores later will require that you pay an additional fee.

At the end of the exam, you can choose to either keep or cancel your scores. If you choose to cancel them, that decision will be reported and you will not have the opportunity to see how you scored later. You will receive an unofficial score report at the end of your exam from the proctor at the center if you choose to report the scores, and after seeing your results, you no longer have the option of cancelling scores. When you are making this decision, remember that after your Chicago or Toronto GMAT course, there should be no reason to cancel scores from the preparation end. Unless you were very sick or encountered another problem that made you certain that you severely underperformed, it is likely in your best interest to report scores. Remember that the GMAT is a computer-adaptive test and will feel challenging for most people, so don’t cancel scores just because the exam felt difficult.

Just Breathe

Take one or both of the short breaks that they offer. Testing takes approximately four hours, so it can be helpful to rest your brain for a second by stepping away from the computer. Don’t exceed the break limits, however, because it will cut into allotted test time. Dress in layers so that you will be comfortable no matter what the temperature is inside of the testing center. Pace yourself to avoid the penalty of not completing a section.

Last but not least, as you’ve heard time and again, keep calm. How? The exam is a key component to getting into your program of choice, but don’t overinflate its importance. In these situations, worrying does you no favors. Know beforehand what calms you down. Is it an image, a memory? For some, silently repeating a short mantra can help with staying grounded during the exam. If you find your mind wandering, close your eyes, breathe, and refocus. With one of our Toronto or Chicago GMAT courses under your belt, we’re sure you’ll do fine.

Not test day yet and want to learn more tips? Register for a GMAT course in Toronto or Chicago here.

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