Thinking about taking the GMAT...

This week we attended the Business School Insider in Chicago and a GMAT Strategy Session by in Champaign, both by Kaplan Test Prep. Here's a little about the GMAT. Most applicants begin studying for the GMAT 2-3 months before they take the exam. Preparation is key, so do not let the GMAT be the hurdle that stops you from applying to b-school. The scores range from 200-800 and the analytical writing is a separate score. The GMAT is given on the computer, so no two tests are alike. It's also important to remember that the test is adaptive, so it's important to get the question right, which may give you a tougher question, which will make your score higher. It's also important not to skip any questions because it may hurt your overall score. You can't go back and answer a question so take time to get it right.

Take time to familiarize yourself with the test and to speak with people who have already taken the GMAT. I’m sure they’ll be more than willing to share their insight. After you have familiarized yourself, it’s best to stick to a study schedule that fits your schedule. Both Kaplan and Princeton Review offer review courses, which many students find helpful. Whether you should enroll in a GMAT prep course depends on what type of learner you are. If you benefit from the classroom environment, this is a great option. GMAT preparatory books and online resources are a great way to prepare for the exam. There are also practice exams available at http://www.mba.com/, and it’s a good idea to practice the exams online before going into the test. This will give you a more realistic feel for the test as compared with the paper-based practice exams. The GMAT does not allow a calculator so you may need to brush up on some of that high school math. While you are practicing, really dive into why the answer is correct. If you take time studying the theory behind the answers it will pay off when you take the exam.

Most importantly, remember to go into your GMAT preparation with a positive attitude. Make studying fun. Good luck!

First year in the Business Instructional Facility

In the fall of 2008 we moved into the Business Instructional Facility from David Kinley Hall. The Illinois MBA turned 50 years old last year so it was the perfect time for a new building. The Business Instructional Facility is the first "green" educational building in the state of Illinois. The 160,000-square-foot building saves approximately $300,000 a year in energy costs because it has solar panels, a green roof, natural ventilation, and other features. Here are some photos we took of the building!

The building was designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, an Illinois alum.

The atrium provides a great study space for students.

The MBA classrooms feature the lastest in classroom technology.

MBA students enjoy hanging out in their own lounge.

Students are able to work on group projects in break-out or study rooms.

MBA student lockers provide a place for students to store their suit if they are interviewing or their gym clothes while they are on campus.

The Market Information Laboratory features a Wall Street stock ticker and touch screens give students up-to-date information about what is going on in the College of Business.

This building is so "green" there is even a changing room for those who ride bikes.

We hope you are able to make to Urbana-Champaign to visit us in our new building soon!