GMAT Malaysia

ESMT goes Mobile

2012-02-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

ESMT website on MacBook Pro and HTC Desire HD Android smartphone

ESMT launched its mobile version of ESMT website for those on the go. You will find all the essential information about ESMT and its programs by entering www.esmt.org/en/mobile on your mobile browser.

Main page and full-time MBA page as viewed from my HTC Desire HD Android smartphone

Jimmy Low

Nanyang's MSc Technopreneurship & Innovation Program

2012-02-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

Nanyang Technopreneurship Center offers its Master of Science in Technopreneurship and Innovation Program (MSc TIP) as a global entrepreneurship and innovation program based in Asia.

Offered by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) since 2002, this revolutionary curriculum equips candidates with the skills and experiences to take full advantage of advanced technology and global business practices.

The NTU MSc TIP is a one-year, full-time program based in Singapore. The program focuses on experiential hands-on learning and includes immersion trips to US and China. A class is typically made up of participants from about 10 countries and from various educational and industry backgrounds.

For more information, visit NTU's TIP website.

Jimmy Low

Digital GMAT Books on Amazon Kindle

2012-02-02T11:25:00.000-08:00

The proliferation of smart devices such as smartphones, tablets and e-readers, offers a new avenue to read books and acquire knowledge. Amazon Kindle offers more than 1 million digital books, among them books on GMAT.

For those looking for GMAT materials and are always on the move (or trying to squeeze some time for GMAT while commuting), consider GMAT books in digital format. All the popular books by Kaplan, Princeton Review, Veritas and Manhattan GMAT are available in this digital format from Amazon Kindle.

Amazon Kindle app (left) and GMAT digital books search results (right) on my HTC Desire HD Android smartphone

The only catch is you can't sell your digital books (or could you?)

Jimmy Low

GMAT Books for Sale

2012-02-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

Seller bought these books early January this year and would like to sell them.

1) The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 12th Edition (RM110)
2) Kaplan GMAT Premier 2012, CD-ROM UNUSED (RM110)
3) Kaplan GMAT 800, Advanced Prep for Advanced Students, 8th Edition (RM70)

They are in excellent condition, no pencil/ highlighter marks.

Please email me if you are interested.

Jimmy Low

GMAT Letdown DOES NOT end your MBA Dream

2012-01-31T12:27:00.000-08:00

Recently, I received an email from a reader, asking me what is a satisfactory GMAT score. QS Top MBA published a timely article entitled "The GMAT Letdown" and answered along that same line as I did to my reader. I am sure you too have these question in mind. Read them and perhaps it will give you some comfort in your GMAT preparation.

Look at any business school admission requirements and you will find these components as part of your application package: (1) reasonable or satisfactory GMAT score, (2) undergraduate degree, (3) English language proficiency TOEFL or IELTS, (4) minimum 2 or 3 years working experience and curiculum vitae, (5) admission essays and (6) letters of reference or recommendation. I examine each of them.

Reasonable or satisfactory GMAT score
You will notice that most business schools will start there is no minimum score and yet will not state what is the score they want you to have. While GMAT score is a standardised measure of your quantitative and reasoning abilities (and yes, GMAT can be tough for some of us), many have been able to beat the GMAT. It takes a lot of practices and some right guidance to ace GMAT. While some score above 700 but that does not mean a business school will admit them. This shows that GMAT is one but not the only selection criteria. So then, what GMAT score could be reasonable? The hint is in the current class profile. Take a look at the class profile. It will tell you the average score of the class, and perhaps a range too. You will notice that the business school admits some with lower GMAT score and some with high GMAT score but most of them would fall within the average. This will be a good guide on what GMAT score to aim for. Of course, always safer to aim higher.

Undergraduate degree
The undergraduate degree is usually of little weightage other than to say that you have graduated. Some matured students without undergraduate degree do get admitted. Watch out for this requirement though. Some business schools insist you to have a 3- or 4-year degree depending which country you are from.

English proficiency
Most of not all MBAs are in English. Assignments and discussions are in English. The English proficiency requirement ensures that you are able to articulate your views, both orally and in writing. Those who did their degree in English or from countries where English is the native or first language could be exempted from this requirement. I did my degree in Australia; thus, did not require an English proficiency test.

Working experience
Here, most business schools state 2 or 3 years working experience but again the class profile will tell you the average and range of working experience of their candidates. Some business schools prefer to have students with more working experience especially managerial experience. There is no hard and fast rule. You need to research more about the school and their program. Talk to the admissions officers.

Your CV should cover 3 areas: Education, Experience and Extra-curricular. While the first 2 Es are clear, applicants often undercapitalise the Extra-curricular part. Your activities outside work demonstrate your involvement in other voluntary work as well as leadership and team-work.

Admission essays
Often, applicants do not pay much attention to this area especially when they have scored high on GMAT. I have spoken to some of the admissions officers during the MBA fairs in Kuala Lumpur and all of them told me to focus on admission essays. So, I share with you this advice from them.

Take a look at the admission essay questions. The admission essays is one of the ways the admissions committee get to know you without you being present. How? From your answers and how you answer. The questions focus on YOU, YOU and YOU. It is about you and all about you from different angles. They ask you to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, your leadership in dealing with a problem or stressful situation, your leadership outside work, etc. All these questions are meant to weed out different aspects of yourself and for you to reflect on them. In fact, this part is the toughest of all. I have advised many people to really take a good look at the questions and do some soul-searching. You can't run away. If you succeed in this part, you have projected yourself and ready to embark on the MBA journey. Oh, one more this. If you are selected for a face-to-face interview either with 1 or 2 alumni or the admission committee, the same questions will be asked.

Letters of reference or recommendation
Generally, 2 referees are required - usually from your supervisor or peer. The referees will be sent a list of questions about you - mainly aiming at gettting a third party perspective about yourself. So, do not choose just anyone. Choose someone whom can talk about your, some schools required that one referee should be your immediate supervisor. Do not choose relatives or someone who could not vouch your work or curricular activities.

Bear in mind, referees also carry weight. If you referee is an alumni of the school you want to attend, then you could stand a good chance of admission as business schools like recommendations from one of their own.

So, you can now see that GMAT is only one part of the admission requirements. The lack of GMAT can be compensated by other areas. Nonetheless, I do wish you to do your very best in GMAT. It takes a lot of effort. We in GMAT Malaysia has for the last 4 years shared various tips and guidance to make your GMAT a less painful one. I hope we have succeeded to some extent. The rest is up to you.

Good luck in your GMAT and MBA dream!

Jimmy Low

Choosing MBA Concentration

2012-01-31T11:25:00.000-08:00

Sometime last year, I wrote about whether To Specialise or Not to Specialise. My advice, then and still is, is look for an MBA that will bring you to where you want. If there is a concentration that you want, then go for the best school in that area. Of course it would be nice to have the top 10 schools as your choice but if it does not give you what you want or can afford, then using concentration is a good selection criteria.

Kelsey Sheehy of US News shared 5 tips on choosing MBA concentration. Read further here how you can narrow your choices. Kelsey echoed some of what I have shared earlier.

MBA is an investment - both in terms of foregone income during your study period (12 to 18 month, plus up to 6 months after graduation if you have not landed a job offer by then), MBA tuition and living expenses during that period. Like any investment, you want to make sure the next career will give you a lasting return, not just the fastest. It is possible as some of my classmates have found theirs. I am sure many other MBA graduates have found their pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The search process takes time and talk to those who have gone through the process will give you some heads up as well as comfort what works and what does not. They are the living examples of what decisions that made that led them to where they are today. So, network and seek help.

Jimmy Low

Financial Times 2012 MBA Ranking

2012-01-30T20:56:00.000-08:00

The 2012 ranking has been released. This year, the only Asian business school HKUST Business School occupied the Top 10 position. The other Asian business schools within Top 100 were: India Institute of Management Ahmedabad IIMA (11), Indian School of Business (20), Singapore's NUS School 0f Business (23), CEIBS (24), Chinese University of Hong Kong (28), Singapore's Nanyang Business School (34), University of Hong Kong (37), Peking University: Guanghua (54) and South Korea's Sungkyunkwan University: SKK GSB (66). South Korea's Kaist College of Business, positioned 99th in 2011 ranking, was out of this year's list.

Here are the top 10: (2011 ranking in parentheses)
1. Stanford University GSB (5)
2. Harvard Business School (3)
3. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (1)
4. London School of Business (1)
5. Columbia Business School (7)
6. Insead (4)
7. MIT: Sloan (9)
8. IE Business School (8)
9. IESE Business School (9)
10. Hong Kong UST Business School (10)

The full list of top 100 MBA programs is available here.

Jimmy Low

GMATPrep Software for Download

2012-01-30T11:45:00.000-08:00

Would you like to know how ready you are for the real GMAT test? MBA.com offers a trial software for you to download and test your GMAT. This software is available only for Windows-based PC, simulates the actual test environment. Thus, treat this test as a real test.

Instructions:
1. Allocate 3 hours for this test
2. Sit in a quiet room (no handphone or disturbances)
3. Only 5 sheets of overhead transparencies and one non-permanent black felt pen (Fine) (Faber-Castell or Stabilo)
4. No handphone, watch or calculator!

Best Time to Take GMAT is .....

2012-01-27T04:54:00.000-08:00

ESMT MBA director Nick Barniville believed that the best time to take GMAT is when you are still in the undergraduate. The GMAC statistics showed that Candidates (Men and Women) under 20 represented on average, 0.34% of total candidates of all ages. Of those 0.34%, 66% are Women, thus, Women under 20 effectively represented only 0.22% of all candidates. The largest GMAT candidates in any given year comes from age group 22-25 (38.3%), followed by age group 26-30 (30.3%) and age group above 30 (16.3%). Those who were in their final year of undergraduate studies, typically around age 20-21 represented only 14.5% (Source: GMAC Profile of GMAT Candidates 2006-2011). So is there a right age to take GMAT? Should you start as early as possible, bearing in mind minimum age for candidacy is 18?

I have received many questions in the last 4 years, seeking advice on GMAT. One of the questions I pose back is how many years of work experience does the person have. In this post, I share my view when you should start.

If you research the class profiles of various MBA programs, you will find that on average the candidates are around 29-33 for the European MBAs and 24-25 for the American MBAs. On paper, a general requirement is at least 2-3 years working experience, although some would have at least 4 years experience before doing MBA. In Asia, undergraduates complete their study around age 22-23. Most, if not all, would be eager to earn their first income and own their first car, house, etc. Building work experience, in my opinion, would be the first step. After all, you want to put into practice what you learned in undergraduate. MBAs are typically for those who have years of technical experience and would like to get into management or those with business background, would like to enhance their management knowledge and skills. So, doing MBA too soon defeats the purpose of leveraging on your MBA; it ends up a paper-chase, if that is the intention.

GMAT score is valid for 5 years from date of examination. While this is the case, typical GMAT candidates will apply within 12-24 months from their test and be admitted within 24 months. As the taking of GMAT is usually closely timed with their intention to do MBA, this gap between GMAT test and MBA admission could be close (perhaps GMAC or MBA admissions committees could validate this hypothesis). However, I do not discount the fact that there are "early birds" and have planned long-term what they want in life.

So, when is THE best time to take GMAT? My answer would be ... WHEN YOU ARE READY FOR MBA!

Jimmy Low

Gong Xi Fa Cai in this Year of Dragon 2012!

2012-01-16T12:32:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our GMAT followers a
Prosperous Year of Dragon in 2012!

Jimmy, Cimdaa, JK

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012

2011-12-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our GMAT Malaysia readers and followers Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2012! All the best in your post-graduate dream!

Jimmy Low in Germany

QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2012

2011-12-15T14:09:00.001-08:00

This year, the QS Global 200 Business Schools Report consists of 82 schools in North America, 67 schools in Europe, 36 schools in Asia-Pacific, 10 schools in Latin America and 5 schools in Africa and the Middle East.
Compiled using the opinions of MBA employers, no other piece of MBA research covers such a geographically diverse set of schools. In 1999, only 15 schools outside of North America and Europe featured in the research, compared to 51 schools this year.

This represents the widening international view that MBA employers are developing, as the globalization of business presents a need for international managers with local talents.

Read more here.

Top Consultancy Firm MBA Door Opener

2011-12-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

It is not a surprised that the expected top business schools are also the top choice for major consultancy firms such as BCG, Bain and McKinsey.

But how does the others fare if your choice of business schools are not in the top 10? Read more here.

Jimmy

GMAT Malaysia Turns 4! Thank you for your support

2011-12-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

Wow, we are already 4 years old! Thank you so much for your support. We hope you find this blog useful even though we have not been posting much lately. Many of us raised the same questions, so we suggest that you search for the topics on the right sidebar.

Jimmy, Cimdaa and JK

GMAT Books for Sale

2011-11-30T06:36:00.001-08:00

Finally, all sold!

~~5 GMAT Manhattan books (all fourth ed):~~

~~1) Reading Comprehension (RM 70)~~

~~2) Word Translations (RM 70)~~

~~3) Fractions, Decimals & Percentage (RM 70)~~

~~4) Geometry (RM 70)~~

~~5) Equations, Inequalities & VICs (RM 70)~~

(All new condition, no pencil markings except a few highlights in word translations). I will sell the whole set of Manhattan books at RM 300 if there are buyers for all.

~~6) GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible by Powerscore (RM 100)~~

~~7) KAPLAN GMAT Strategies, Practice and Review 2011 (RM50) - good condition except for a few highlights~~

~~8) Princeton Review - Cracking the GMAT 2011 Edition (RM 50) - good condition except for a few highlights~~

~~9) The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 12th Edition (RM 70) - no pencil/ pen markings on the answer.~~

~~10) The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review 2nd Ed (50) - completely untouched.~~

Email me for seller's contact if you are interested.

Jimmy Low

GMAT Club: Everything about GMAT and Beyond

2011-08-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

GMAT Malaysia was created to share our GMAT, MBA applications and later MBA program experiences. While we did our best to share what we know, there are more out there whom can assist you too. I have given you www.topmba.com and www.businessbecause.com in my earlier posting. If you are seeking help how to prepare for GMAT or answer some of the tough Quant and Verbal questions, look no further than GMAT Club (www.gmatclub.com). Again, lots of questions and resources in their forum for you to tap on.

GMAT Club has also created iPhone/iPad/iPod mobile app "GMAT Toolkit" that you can download and use while on the go.

You need all the help you can get. I wish you good luck in your GMAT!

Jimmy Low

BusinessBecause: Because They Know their Business (Programs)

2011-08-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

As they say, "birds of a feather flock together." Okay, I don't want to sound cliché-ish. What would be a better place to meet someone in the same boat as you (sorry again ;-)). Just like how GMAT Malaysia started in 2008. A few of us who wanted to do GMAT started meeting regularly and helped each other. Then, we "graduated" from GMAT and helped the next batch. We are almost 4 years old this December and in spite of the founders no longer living in Malaysia, we still continue to help via this blog and replying emails.

Then again, do not limit yourself to us. Get to know others around the world especially if you have decided which school you want to join. Talk to current student body or alumni. They can tell you from their personal experience about studying in the school, living in the city and the fun they had and now missed. London-based BusinessBecause is one of such places where you can meet these alumni and know more about the schools and activities. Do sign up for its free membership and tap into the wealth of resources it has to offer. I have recently been made an ESMT Ambassador, my MBA school based in Berlin, Germany. If you want to know more about the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT), feel free to write to me.

Jimmy Low

QS TopMBA: First Stop in Your MBA Journey

2011-08-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

Many have written to me about MBA programs, asking about which MBA program should they do. Honestly, my focus had been on US MBAs before I landed in Germany in 2010. My co-founders may have looked at more schools. However, one of the websites that I recommend you to look at is www.topmba.com.

London-based QS runs one of the largest, if not the largest, tertiary educational fairs in the world. Their popular QS World MBA Tours attract some of the top schools around the world and together with these schools, QS brings the admissions officers and alumni closer to your city. I have associated myself with QS since 2008 through GMAT Malaysia promoting their events in Kuala Lumpur (see label). I highly recommend you to check out their website for more information about the schools that you like to join. Perhaps we can talk more about your selections. Don't forget to register for their 2011 World MBA Tour, http://gmatmalaysia.blogspot.com/2011/08/qs-world-mba-2011-tour-coming-to-your.html.

Jimmy Low

ESMT MBA Student Dimitry Krasnozhon Shares his Silicon Valley Field Trip Experience

2011-08-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Starting from this year, European School of Management of Technology (ESMT) in Berlin offers two elective tracks: Management of Innovation and Technology (MIT) and Global Sustainable Business (GSB). As part of their all-expenses paid international field trip, Russian student Dimitry Krasnozhon shares with GMAT Malaysia his impression of the Silicon Valley. For more information on ESMT full-time MBA program, visit http://www.esmt.org/eng/mba-emba/full-time-mba/.

By Dimitry Krasnozhon, ESMT MBA 2011 candidate

Whenever coming across the term Silicon Valley, I was struck by the question of its origin. What stands behind this name is unfamiliar to vast majority of people, although it is impossible to imagine modern civilization without inventions ranging from HP pocket calculator to lasers that came from this area. The ten-day field trip to Silicon Valley was a strong nudge to learn about the history of the place before meeting its business and academic luminaries in person.

The name Silicon Valley was first mentioned in 1971 by Don Huefler, Microelectronics News editor, as a title of article about semiconductor industry developed next door to Stanford University. The reason is surprisingly simple: silicon is the material for producing semiconductor chips, a product which gave the Valley its current technological edge. Silicon Valley is an evident example of what bright individuals with scientific background and business mindset can achieve if given proper financing, creative freedom, all of that backed up by wise state economic policy. As Thomas Mahon, author of “Charged bodies: People, Power and Paradox of Silicon Valley” put it: “the Valley is an economic and cultural frontier where successful entrepreneurship and venture capitalism, innovative work rules and open management styles provide the background for most profound inquiry ever into the nature of intelligence”.

Dimitry and his ESMT MBA classmates in San Francisco

Over the past 60 years Silicon Valley has become a global technology powerhouse giving home to more than 10 thousand companies and employing more than one million people. Which factors led the valley to success? Are they exportable? Can these conditions be recreated in Russia, my homecountry, which once stood at the forefront of innovations in microelectronics, aerospace, and nuclear physics? These questions were of my major concern throughout the trip.

I was particularly impressed by the executive summary that Lisa Sweeney, Director of Stanford GSB Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, gave us. She sees the “Secret Sauce” of Silicon Valley prosperity as a blend of four ingredients: Unique Culture, Free Markets, Stable Legal System, and Reliable Infrastructure. Indeed, the culture is one-of-a-kind in terms of risk and failure tolerance. Venture capitalists invest where others fear, whereas on average only one in 20 companies succeed. The good thing is that if you fail, you can try again. In other cultures usually you do not get the second chance. “Proper” failure is acknowledged in the same fashion as success because it gives valuable lessons. The common philosophy is that a start-up is not a tech company, but rather a learning tool. In this respect, both venture capitalists (Khosla Ventures) and serial entrepreneurs (Krish Ramakrishnan of Blue Jeans Network) echo each other’s words: failure is tolerated if it results from from unsecured financing, product ahead of the market or lack of commercialization skills. However, poor execution and lack of commitment will most likely leave a black mark on the entrepreneur similarly to other more conservative environments. Another striking cultural aspect is the readiness of Valley’s residents to share ideas and collaborate, thus creating an uncommon mix of partnership and competition, which at the end of the day determines the success of the whole valley.

However, this culture would not have formed without Stanford University, the nucleus of high-tech industry in Silicon Valley. Founded by railroad tycoon Leland Stanford in 1887, the university became the main source of engineering specialists for local businesses. In mid twenty century Stanford Research Institute was formed. This research park leased land in Stanford vicinity to high-tech companies on favourable terms, and this is when the real binding between the university and the companies took place. Many high-tech pioneers including HP moved their R&D centers to the park making it a worldwide model for a handful of other high-tech clusters.

During the field trip meetings, none of the speakers explicitly mentioned the role of the US Government in supporting the Valley, leaving us under the assumption that the main benefit currently given by the state is its non-interference. However, state support played a vital role in the early days: military spending represented about 70% of integrated circuits in sixties. Pentagon still remains an important purchaser of latest technologies. In addition, the area has secured a modern legal framework that accounts for favourable tax regime for start-ups, intellectual property protection, and hiring the best talent including foreign specialists. For instance, more that half of Silicon Valley companies were initiated by people born outside of the US.

Finally, the Valley’s infrastructure – utilities, transportation, high technology penetration, backed by mild Mediterranean-like climate create an environment highly appealing for work and life. Throughout the trip I have been reflecting on how this innovation cycle can be replicated in other geographical areas. Which elements are “exportable” and which are not? History knows a few successful examples like Silicon Wadi in Tel-Aviv and Central Taiwan Science Park, but also a multitude of less prosperous examples, such as Sophia Antipolis which has been micromanaged by French government for years and Shenzhen Technology Park. The latter research center attracts brightest local students but according to Margaret O’Mara, Professor of History at University of Washington, they do not intend to build companies in the area upon graduation. The most recent ongoing attempt is Russian President Medvedev’s Skolkovo Science Park on the outskirts of Moscow. There are certainly many legal, cultural, and infrastructure issues that will prevent this project from becoming a success story overnight. The good news is that Russian leadersWhenever coming across the term Silicon Valley, I was struck by the question of its origin. What stands behind this name is unfamiliar to vast majority of people, although it is impossible to imagine modern civilization without inventions ranging from HP pocket calculator to lasers that came from this area. The ten-day field trip to Silicon Valley was a strong nudge to learn about the history of the place before meeting its business and academic luminaries in person.

---

And, I leave you with this song "Going to San Francisco" by 92.7 edit

Jimmy Low

Duke MBA: Asian Recruiting Event

2011-08-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Considering an American MBA? Duke will be on its Asia tour this coming August. Don't miss the chance to speak to the admission officers and alumni in each of these cities:

Bangkok - 18 August
Singapore - 20 August
Taipei - 22 August
Seoul - 24 August
Tokyo - 25 August

For more information, click here.

Jimmy Low

MBA Applicant Drinks Club: Your Avenue to Know Others

2011-08-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

If your idea of MBA is all about partying and drinking sessions, well, let me tell you. You are RIGHT! What a good way to stay in a semi-sober position. But it is also a good avenue for you to pour out your thoughts and share your concerns. BusinessBecause's MBA Applicant Drinks Club sessions are held regularly around the world. Perhaps this is your opportunity to meet future students and alumni and learn more MBA programs.

Check out http://www.businessbecause.com/mba-applicant-drinks-club.htm for regular updates.

Jimmy Low

International Grad Mag and BusinessBecause

2011-08-12T13:55:00.000-07:00

As you research more about post graduate programs, let me help you with some useful resources. The International Grad Mag has a good coverage of various programs around the world, and addresses many areas that you should be aware of. Do check out their website at www.internationalgraduatemag.com

London-based BusinessBecause is another useful website to network and learn about MBA and other post graduate programs. Besides career posting and interesting articles by students and faculty members, check out their regular MBA Applicant Drinks club. Check out www.businessbecause.com

You will also find other useful resources on the right side of GMAT Malaysia website.

Jimmy Low

MBA & Co.: Your Door to Post-MBA International Consultancy Experience

2011-08-10T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ask any MBA aspirants or those who are currently doing their MBA or just finished; at some point or another, I am sure most of them wanted to join the big name consultancy firms. After all, the high-flying job commands high pay and high profile; a good add-on to your resume. But, we all know how competitive it is to get into these big boys. Just the assessment phase would have eliminate 95-98%. Only the cream of the crop would get in. With the present uncertain economy, hiring could be frozen.

So, for the newly minted MBAs, it is still an option for you. MBA & Co. started by an MBA from IESE, started a freelance consultancy firm. You can bid for the project that you are interested and if you matches their project profile criteria, you can join other MBAs on the project. Sound interesting? You bet. You are a freelance and get referenced. A good opportunity to network and who knows, it could open the door to the company that you wanted so badly to join.

Give this a thought. Check out www.mbaandco.com

Jimmy Low

To Specialise or Not to Specialise?

2011-08-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

I was often asked whether one should specialise in MBA. I had a thought about it; in fact, when I research for my MBA program I want a focus on technology management. I guess for most of us since young, we have been compartmentalise or stream. In high schools, we were either in science or arts stream. Then came university, the major or concentration to go for. As a result, we became specialist or functionlist.

Is that bad? I don't think so. Since the Industrial Revolution and the foundation of management theory by Fredrick Taylor, labour force has been classified into functions with the aim of "the more you do the same thing, the better or efficient you become". That's all right for a start but as you move up the career leader, you become more of a generalist. You manage people, and though them results. You may not know a lot about a particular subject but at least a good understanding. But what you learn is more about inquisitive skills. Asking the right questions and hopefully, these will help you make informed decisions. That's what MBA is about.

Having say that, I see no wrong in specialization for a couple of reasons. Firstly, many of us want to switch from one industry to another. Very often from one technical field e.g. engineering to another e.g. finance or from one for-profit to non-profit, and vice versa. Whatever our choice is we want to have a stronger focus on a specific concentration to give us a more indepth understanding and yet retaining the general management perspective. Thus, you see many business schools are focusing on some concentrations. In fact the other alternative is to masters program (MSc), which has strong, academic focus in a particular field.

Secondly, certain business schools have strong association with certain industries. As a result of the close collaboration and cooperation between the academic and the industry, it formed a natural channel for admission in the industry. For example, if you want to go into finance sector, London School of Business and Wharton should be on top of your list. Naturally, this also means that the faculty members and their research have a high focus in that area which will attract more brains to the schools. Thus, the schools themselves by their own design, are already industry or subject concentrated.

Lastly, specialisation at MBA level is like giving you a higher degree in a different concentration or major from your first. By arming yourself with both a technical degree and work experience, and now with a master degree with a business focus, you could, hopefully, learn new things and apply to your managerial role. After all, if you look at class profiles of any business school, a good 30-40 percent of students from engineering background and wish to pursue a management career.

So, my usual advice is look for an MBA that will bring you to where you want. If there is a concentration that you want, then go for the best school in that area. Of course it would be nice to have the top 10 schools as your choice but if it does not give you what you want or can afford, then using concentration is a good selection criteria. Think about it.

Jimmy Low

GMAT Malaysia Goes Mobile

2011-08-07T03:03:00.000-07:00

Google has updated the features and setting functions of the Blogger.com. In addition to the statistics function, which I found extremely helpful, I could now turn on the mobile function for our GMAT Malaysia. With the proliferation of smartphones and tablets/pads, I am sure this function will come in handy while you're on the go. I occasionally follow the comments from my Android. I hope you will find this mobile function useful too.

Happy reading on the go!

Jimmy Low

Doing MBAs in Malaysia - Spoilt with Choices: Part 2

2011-08-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this French consulting and rating agency in higher education, EDUNIVERSAL. Annually, it ranks over 1000 business schools around the world and categorised them according to number of PALMS; between 1 and 5 PALMS. You can read more in its Wikipedia.

6 Malaysian universities were grouped into 3 PALM categories. There are as below:

I also suggest that you visit the respective universities' MBA website and talk to the alumni, students or admissions officers for more information.

Jimmy Low

Doing MBAs in Malaysia - Spoilt with Choices: Part 1

2011-08-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

I was monitoring this blog's statistics and found that one of the common search words was "MBA in Malaysia". Then I realised that over the last 3 years, I have been talking about GMAT and MBA but can't recall blogging about MBAs in Malaysia. Either I was not asked or I wasn't looking at MBAs in Malaysia. I wanted to do my MBA overseas and I am sure there were many who set their eyes to overseas MBA too. But this does not mean that no one is looking for MBAs domestically.

I am sure some of you did yours or planning to do yours in US, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, France, Hong Kong, India or Australia. These are the few typical countries that many want to get their MBA from. MBAs from these countries are in the annual Financial Times Top 100. In fact, you see these countries in top 20 or top 50.

Hence, one of the criteria in choosing an MBA program is the brand name of the school. You want to be an alumni of Harvard, LBS, Insead, Manchester, etc. That brand name says who you are and being a part of the school's network open doors to career or business opportunities. Of course, this means paying the entry price and being competitive with everyone around the world. Ask any applicants and you will find the big names in MBA as their choice of schools; getting in is another matter. Already some of these schools won the brand mind share, as they say in marketing or brand management.

If you have plans to work overseas or migrate, often it is also a good choice to do an MBA or masters program from that country. One, the school is known among the big corporation in the country or region. Two, you add diversity to the class and probably the employment pool. Very often certain regions are less represented in an typical class. South East Asian, Latin American and African countries were somewhat the underrepresented countries. So, if you are from these countries, you should stand a good chance for admission and perhaps a scholarship. This adds to a good chance Malaysians look outside for MBA which opens the door to the country or region. Malaysians are now a discerning group of people and do want an overseas MBA if they could afford. Financing is an issue and looking for an affordable MBA makes them think between doing locally or overseas.

Often you will hear this term in Malaysia - doing MBA locally. What does this mean? It could mean - either offered by a local university (public or private) or studying foreign programs locally through educational institutions e.g. colleges, education centers or perhaps local branches of foreign universities.

Over the last 15-20 years, private colleges have proliferated. Starting with undergraduate twinning programs with foreign universities from US, UK and Australia/New Zealand, colleges also offer MBA or post graduate programs for working adults on the same basis. Courses are done locally and with perhaps a semester or two overseas. In fact, with the Malaysian government giving private colleges university or university-college status, many of these "office" universities offer their own MBA program, with or without accreditation from a foreign partner university. In fact, one college in Malaysia offers its own MBA program but confers two degree - its own and those of its foreign partner. Some foreign universities set up a Malaysian campus to offer MBA program. In all cases, these institutions claimed that their programs are moderated by partner universities in spite having majority taught and examined by local lecturers. In the end, the degrees are conferred by the foreign universities and are said to have equal status as those conferred in their country. Most of these MBAs done in Malaysia do not require GMAT score.

The other truly local MBA or post-graduate programs are those offered by local public or private universities. These universities do not partner with any foreign universities and conferred their own degree. As far as I know, these MBAs also do not require GMAT score for admission.

Of these two groups of MBA programs, majority of Malaysian professionals opt for foreign MBAs conducted locally; many of which are Australia and UK-accredited MBAs. In fact, UK and Australia are the biggest exports of secondary (IGCSE) and tertiary educations (bachelors and post-graduates) in the world. For reason of cost and continued income and employment in Malaysia, these programs made it affordable to Malaysians to pursue tertiary education. For post-graduate programs, these could be done part-time without sacrificing career, income and at own pace.

I don't have any statistics on the size of the MBA market in Malaysia but it would interesting topic for me to cover in my next article. In the meantime, I leave you to think about doing MBA in Malaysia. Perhaps you can agree or disagree with my writing above. I would love to hear from you why you choose to do MBA in Malaysia.

I also leave you with this article published by the Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM) in December 2007 - Do Malaysian MBAs Want International Careers? by David M Hunt, Md. Zabid Abdul Rashid, Osman M Zain and June ML Poon.

Jimmy Low

QS World MBA 2011 Tour Coming to Your City

2011-08-01T18:14:00.000-07:00

Although this blog is called GMAT Malaysia, many of our readers actually came from around the world. So, I will make this blog more "global" but still retaining our identity as Malaysians initiated blog.
Anyway, QS World MBA is starting its 2011 World Tour this August. This is your chance to meet some of the top global and regional business schools in one location. Please sign-up for this event and share this link with your friends.

GMAT Malaysia has been a keen supporter of QS World MBA Tours since our formation in 2008.

Jimmy Low

Improved Topic Labels for Easier Search

2011-08-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have gone through all 130 postings since the beginning of this blog and re-tagged all the labels. I hope this effort will make it easier for you to search the relevant materials. This re-labelling effort is also a result of the keyword searches feedback that our 12,000 visitors made over the past 3 years. Thanks to Google Blogger stats, I can now improve this blog for you.

Jimmy Low

Share your GMAT preparation tips or test experience

2011-07-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have blogged about GMAT and MBA over the past three year and still counting. I will continue to do so but most of the questions I have received I have written about. So as not to sound like an old gramophone, please search for the topics on the right side bar and see if I have answered your questions. Thanks to Google Blogger stats, I can now see what were the frequently visited pages and keyword searches. I will continue to monitor and hope to address new areas.

One of the reasons I still blogged about GMAT is that I still believe that many GMAT takers and MBA aspirants want to overcome the fear of this test. I have done all I can to cover them. As our reader, I welcome you to share your GMAT preparation tips, how you did well and what insights you have for our readers about the GMAT test. Send me an email and I will be happy to post it. Let me know if you want to stay anonymous.

In fact, for those who have completed GMAT, you can do us a great service if you can lead a study group. I am now in Germany, and other core members are now overseas. We cannot guide you face-to-face; hence, whatever we can do via this blog or emails, we do our best. I hope to sustain this blog by having new people spending some of their time helping others. If you are like one of us, email me and let's help others.

Jimmy Low

More about AWA and Integrated Reasoning

2011-07-28T11:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, I received a couple of emails about Analytical Writing Assessment aka AWA. So, I thought it would be a good time to blog about this "mysterious" test. Firstly, let's go to the fine print, which like any other fine prints, no one cares to read or notice.

"Writing scores are computed separately from the multiple-choice scores and have no effect on the Verbal, Quantitative, or Total scores." - MBA.com

To do or not to do?
So, what does this mean? Either you can skip it entirely or do your best and be done. I won't recommend the first option, at least not if you're a first time GMAT taker. I don't know how much time the Admissions Officers or their part-time assistants have to read your AWA essays but given a typical top 100 business school with more than 1000 applications in any other year, I don't think they even care. However, does this mean that you should score 0 out of 6 points? Nope. Do at least a 5.5 out of 6. It's doable and I will explain how, next. For retakers, you can skip the AWA if you already hit a good 5.5 or above.

So, how do you do AWA?
As mentioned in the MBA.com website, AWA is designed to measure your ability to think critically and communicate your ideas. All the things you learn in high school and in the Sentence Correction and/or Critical Reasoning books will be used now.

There are 2 questions, each for 30 minutes including reading, thinking, planning, writing and rereading.

For Analysis of Issue, it tests your ability to explore the complexities of an issue or opinion and, if appropriate, to take a position that is informed by your understanding. So the operative word here is "take a position". So think about it - either agree or disagree. Don't be a fence-sitter. If you agree, why; if you don't, why.

For Analysis of Argument, it tests your ability to formulate an appropriate and constructive critique of a specific conclusion based on a specific line of thinking. In this case, you start with the "conclusion". Be careful now. Look for the main conclusion - weak or strong, not the subsidiary conclusion. In Critical Reasoning, you learn about different types of conclusions and must be able to differentiate which is the main one.

You can find a list of AWA questions here and sample answers. The GMAT Official Guide has examples of sample answer for a 2/6 scorer, 4/6 and 6/6 scorer. Check the Guide and learn the techniques.

How did I do it?
I spent 5 minutes reading and planning the structure, 2o minutes writing and 5 minutes proof-reading per question. Some time back, I shared my analysis of GMAT. Here it is again if you missed it. Have a structure:
1. Opening paragraph
For Issue analysis, what is your understanding of the issues? Do you agree or not?

For Argument analysis, what was the main conclusion? Do you think it was a weak or strong conclusion?

2. Body Paragraphs
Have 3 paragraphs, max. 1 point per paragraph and quote examples from real-life events or from your country. Each point and examples must support your position of the issue.

For Argument analysis, look for the assumptions. Remember, Premises (P) + (hidden) Assumptions (A) = Conclusion (C). Because assumptions are hidden premises, you need to analyse what were the assumptions that led to the conclusion and whether the assumptions were valid. Again, 3 paragraphs, max. 1 point per paragraph and examples.

3. Closing Paragraph
Sum up with your stated position (Issue analysis) or what would make make a weak conclusion stronger (Argument analysis).

I always find that using real-life examples would boost your arguments in the body paragraphs. The examples also something you can relate and tie to your arguments. Don't worry about quoting numbers. You can make it up. The examiners are not going to check anyway, except for some obvious facts or numbers. If you make up on these, God bless you.

After May 2012
Starting from 1 June 2012, there will only be 1 AWA essay for 3o minutes. It could be either Analysis of Issue or Argument. Whatever it will be, the above technique applies.

In place of the other 30 minutes is the Integrated Reasoning. Now I can't tell you how tough it is or how to prepare. I did not take it and do not plan to take it. You could be the first to do it. Again, GMAC has said that you will get a separate score for Integrated Reasoning. Read this press release.

Since GMAC has consulted business schools on Integrated Reasoning and the schools welcomed this change, it means that how well you do in it matters a lot. You can expect at least for the next 2-5 years, Admissions Officers will look closely at how well you do in Integrated Reasoning AND the usual Verbal/Quant score than AWA. GMAC already announced that takers can try out between now and May 2012, inclusive without affecting your score. How true this is I can't tell. But if you choose to try the Integrated Reasoning during this trial period and is reported in your GMAT Score report, then be prepared to explain during admission interviews.

Overall, these changes are said to be in line with the reality of next-generation business managers which business schools will churn out. Just be prepared to take that next step.

Jimmy Low

Forming Study Group in KL/PJ

2011-07-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have received many emails regarding study groups in KL/PJ. Some have found the GMAT classes too expensive for them. Forming study groups is one way to help each other with GMAT. I am sure you have experienced this in college or uni days. As the core members of GMAT Malaysia is no longer in Malaysia, we are not able to help you in person.

As I received a few emails about study group, and if you're interested to form one, please send me an email and I will coordinate to get all of you together. In the meantime, read this blog for more information on GMAT.

Jimmy Low

Selling Your GMAT Books? Contact me

2011-07-18T11:51:00.001-07:00

Happy with your GMAT and never, ever want to touch it again? Here's your chance to dispose off your GMAT books and materials. GMAT aspirants are looking for second-, third-hand GMAT materials that they are more than happy to take them off your hands. Please contact me at this email jimmy [dot] gmlow [at] gmail [dot] com, specifying what you want to sell and how much. I will send your details to interested buyers.

Alternatively, post as a comment, what you want to sell and how much. Don't forget your contact details.

Buyer and seller should arrange for delivery and collection of the materials. GMAT Malaysia will not be involved or responsible.

Jimmy Low

ESMT in Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

2011-05-31T02:54:00.000-07:00

When you think about MBA, the few typical countries that come to mind are USA, UK, France and perhaps Australia. What about Germany? In fact, MBA is gaining a foothold in Germany. The ESMT European School of Management and Technology in Berlin was founded by 25 German corporations in 2002. The ESMT MBA is a one-year, international MBA taught in English, offers a good balance between theories and practice on topics of technology management and sustainable business.

As an ESMT alumnus from Malaysia, I am pleased to share with you why I chose ESMT. Firstly, I wanted a unique MBA, not from your typical countries. In fact, when I told people that I did my MBA in Germany, I got lots of questions about why Germany, what was it like there, etc. The MBA itself becomes an interesting conversation topic. Secondly, I was interested in technology management and there were not many schools that focused on this area. Plus, Germany is known for its high-tech, engineering. Thirdly, 25 German corporations backed the school. And with this, at least 25 post-MBA career opportunities. I got mine from Deutsche Bahn.

Overall, I had no regards coming to ESMT and spending a good year with 39 other classmates from all over the world and with the faculty members. If you like to know more about ESMT, the ESMT marketing director Mr. Rick Doyle will be in South East Asia. Sign up to meet him for a 1-2-1 session at these locations:

Bangkok, 2nd June: http://connect.topmba.com/candidates/application/application-page/?eventID=64

Manila, 4th June: http://connect.topmba.com/candidates/application/application-page/?eventID=63

Kuala Lumpur, 7th June: http://connect.topmba.com/candidates/application/application-page/?eventID=65

Singapore, 9th June: http://connect.topmba.com/candidates/application/application-page/?eventID=66

I will be happy to share more about ESMT MBA. Please email me your questions. Here are some photos of the school and our activities: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.230316737956.136080.750812956&l=dd31a65205

Jimmy Low

Postgrad Asia Fair 21-21 May: KL Convention Center

2011-05-19T03:01:00.000-07:00

postgradasialive!2011 is the largest education fair focusing solely on postgraduate studies. Whether you are a working adult looking to enhance your skills, or a fresh graduate aiming to gain postgraduate qualifications, the answers you need are all here.

Admission is free by registration. Register online now at fair.postgradasia.com

Jimmy Low

GMAT Malaysia Poll

2011-05-09T20:48:00.001-07:00

We have been around for 3 years plus. Over the years, we received many queries regarding GMAT and blogged about them - our experience as GMAT takers, MBA applicants and now that some of us have completed our MBA, the whole MBA experience. As we continue to share more about GMAT and MBA, we want to hear from you about us. Take this poll (see right side bar, below visitor counter). Better still, give us suggestions or topics you want us to talk more about.

Thanking you in advance.

Jimmy Low

Study GMAT on the go? Here's additional help

2011-05-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

Looking for GMAT flashcards? Manhattan GMAT has free GMAT flashcards for iPhone, iPod and iPad. You can now study wherever you are. Check here to download.

Jimmy Low

Next Generation GMAT: Coming to you in June 2012

2011-05-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Starting from June 2012, GMAT takers will have to sit for a new section called "Integrated Reasoning". The Integrated Reasoning section is a 30-minute test which covers a combination of quantitative (interpreting graphs, spreadsheets, data) and verbal (critical reasoning, analyze information, draw conclusions and discern relationships between data points, etc.). The Integrated Reasoning questions may include multiple parts but they are non-adaptive, according to GMAC, the official GMAT provider.

Source: mba.com

Format of Integrated Reasoning section
This section takes 30 minutes and will have 12 to 15 questions covering:

Multi-Source Reasoning. The questions are accompanied by two to three sources of information presented on tabbed pages. Test takers click on the tabs and examine all the relevant information─which may be a combination of text, charts, and tables─to answer questions.
Table Analysis. Test takers will be presented with a sortable table of information, similar to a spreadsheet, which has to be analyzed to find whether answer statements are accurate.
Graphics Interpretation. Test takers will be asked to interpret a graph or graphical image, and select the option from a drop-down list to make response statements accurate.
Two-Part Analysis. A question will involve two components for a solution. Possible answers will be given in a table format with a column for each component and rows with possible options; test takers will be asked to consider the options provided.

As you might get between 12 and 15 questions and finish within 30 minutes, you can only afford between 2 and 2.5 minutes per question (including reading, understanding and perform whatever calculations). I hope GMAT prep providers (those listed on the right sidebar) have developed Integrated Reasoning questions for practice.

Sample question
Manhattan Review posted a sample table/graph and a set of questions. See for yourself how the questions will be structured and tested. In this case, the questions were TRUE/FALSE. Try answering these 5 questions in 10 minutes.

Between now and May 2012, inclusive
The current GMAT structure - 60-min essays (2 essays), 75-min Quant (37 Qs) and 75-min Verbal (41 Qs) remains until May 2012, inclusive. Takers can opt-in to try the Integrated Reasoning section and will not be counted towards your GMAT score. GMAC is offering a monetary incentive for those who opt-in to take this Integrated Reasoning section.

From June 2012 onwards
The Integrated Reasoning section will be part of your new GMAT score. The total test time will remained unchanged at 3 hours 30 minutes, excluding break time. Instead of 2 AWA essays, you will do 1 essay for 30 minutes and Integrated Reasoning for 30 minutes. The Quant and Verbal sections remained unchanged.

For more information:
Next Gen GMAT press release, here.
Next Gen GMAT more information, here.
Integrated Reasoning format, here.
Integrated Reasoning test, here.

Commentary:
I do not know how the actual Integrated Reasoning section is tested but judging for the above video clip, my take is it will be a good addition for future GMAT takers and potential MBA students. I don't see having 2 AWA essays actually beneficial since you are tested on your ability to write and analyze. You could easily score a 4/5 on the AWA if you know the trick. Furthermore, AWA score does not form part of your GMAT score. If you can't write well, you are unlikely to get pass the admissions committee anyway (the admissions essays are even tougher)

Based on what was shown in the video clip, I understand the benefits of having Integrated Reasoning. The charts, graphs and spreadsheets are common in case studies, the basis of many MBA learning and teaching. To be actually tested in GMAT for something that you will do in MBA raises a host of questions. Rightly or wrongly, I believe it is a refreshing move by GMAC and hope that future MBA students will benefit from the Integrated Reasoning section.

Don't delay your GMAT (after all the your score is valid for 5 years from date of test) or be ready for the next generation GMAT.

Jimmy Low

No Calculator Please, We Are GMATers!

2011-05-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

That's right. NO CALCULATOR on exam day. In fact, you can't bring anything into the exam room. All pens and plastic transparent sheets will be provided to you by the center.

So, it is time to crack some brain cells when you prepare for Quantitative section. The tricks in solving Quant(itative) questions are (1) to rephrase the question into an mathematical equation, (2) ask yourself what is the "x" they want you to solve, and (3) play the elimination game. Of the 5 answers, eliminate those that you know are wrong. This increases your chances of getting the right one especially when you run out of time.

Remember, you must answer all questions. Leaving any unanswered means heavy (and I do mean heavy) penalty on your final GMAT score!

Jimmy Low

Are You Prepared for GMAT?

2011-05-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Do you think you are ready for GMAT? One way to find out is to take the GMAT simulation test. Just like the real test you are going to sit, this computer-adaptive test will help you gauge your preparedness. If you do not "like" the score you got in this simulation test, then it is time to head back to your books and revise, or seek additional help.

Try the test now (test sets from GMAC, the official GMAT provider)
Or, Manhattan GMAT Prep's test.

Jimmy Low

Financial Times 2011 MBA Ranking

2011-05-04T01:27:00.000-07:00

The 2011 ranking has been released. This year, the only Asian business school HKUST Business School occupied the Top 10 position. The other Asian business schools within Top 100 were: India Institute of Management Ahmedabad IIMA (11), Indian School of Business (13), CEIBS (17), Singapore's NUS School 0f Business (23), Singapore's Nanyang Business School (33) and South Korea's Kaist College of Business (99).

Here are the top 10: (2010 ranking in parentheses)
1. London Business School (1)
1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (2)
3. Harvard Business School (3)
4. Insead (5)
5. Stanford University GSB (4)
6. HK UST Business School (9)
7. Columbia Business School (6)
8. IE Business School (6)
9. MIT Sloan School of Management (9)
9. Iese Business School (11)

Click here for the full top 100 2011 ranking.

Jimmy Low

8 FAQs on GMAT

2011-05-03T23:49:00.000-07:00

Over the years, I have received questions on GMAT and have blogged about them. Here are some of the frequently asked questions that worth revisiting:

1. Where to take the test in Malaysia?
a. Central Region
Word Ware Distributors SDN BHD (next to Eastin Hotel)
Level 3, Unit 10, Block F Phileo Damansara
1Jalan 16/11, Off Jalan Damansara
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 46350 Malaysia
Tel: 603-76652911 (speak to Willy)
GPS: 3 12 67 N, 101 64 34 E

b. Northern Region
Alpine Reliance (M) Sdn Bhd
1-3-16 Krystal Point Corporate Park,
Jln Tun Dr Awang
Bayan Lepas, 11900 Malaysia
Tel: 604-6422333

Register for the test here.

2. GMAT courses in Malaysia?
As far as I know, there are two - Princeton Preview in Wisma MPL (opposite the Weld Jalan Raja Chulan) and GMAT Zone in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (58B, 2nd Floor Jalan Burhanuddin Helmi)

You can contact them at: GMAT Zone KL or Princeton Review KL.

3. What about study group?
Occasionally, GMAT Malaysia might conduct study groups. Please write to me to enquire.

4. What books do you recommend?
Most of us used these books: Manhattan GMAT Prep books (8 books in total), GMAT Official Guide, Kaplan GMAT 800 and PowerScore Logical Reasoning Bible. There could be others but we found these books helpful, so far.

You can google and download verbal and quantitative questions. There are lots of them around to sharpen your skills.

5. Where to buy these books?
Go to Kinokuniya bookstore at KLCC. They have the best selection of GMAT books. The other bookstores barely stock the above books.

Alternatively, buy online from Amazon.com.

6. Can I do GMAT in 2 months?
In general, usually takes 6 months to 1 year depending on how discipline and committed you are. Don't be too ambitious. I rather you be realistic than to be disappointed, both with the whole process as well as the GMAT score that you want.

7. Any other advice?
Look for others who are planning to do GMAT. Study or discuss together helps. Since we receive lots of questions, we know who are those planning to take. We can pair you with them, subject to their consent.

Alternatively, join GMAT Club. You meet people from all over the world.

8. Any GMAT mobile apps?
Yes, we found two for iPhone and iPad. Check here (GMAT Club) and here (Manhattan GMAT). So far, none for Android or BlackBerry yet.

I wish you all the best. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

Jimmy Low

The inside tips on top university admissions

2011-04-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

Always wonder what it takes to get into the top universities? This article from TopMBA would be helpful. Read on.

Jimmy Low

Post Graduate Education Fair 2011 @ Mid Valley Exhibition Centre

2011-03-25T02:16:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for more information on a post graduate program or interested to do one? The 14th Post Graduate Education Fair (PGEF) is now back at the Mid-Valley Exhibition Centre on 15-17 April. Please pre-register here for this event.

For more information about the fair, check out the site.

Jimmy Low

NUS MBA Information Session 5 March 2011

2011-03-03T02:22:00.001-08:00

GONG XI FA CAI!

2011-01-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

Wishing all our GMAT readers

a Prosperous Year of Rabbit!

May you hop to your dream MBA
or career in this new year.

Jimmy Low

Insead MBA 2011 Events in Singapore and Hong Kong

2011-01-18T04:03:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a top MBA program and will be in Singapore or Hong Kong in February? Take this opportunity to meet the Insead admission officers or alumni at these Asia Pacific locations.

Click here for more information.

Jimmy

GMAT Toolkit for iPhone, iPod and iPad

2011-01-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

Having idle time while at work, commuting, at home or in a queue? Here's a real time saver. Practise your GMAT in that few minutes (or hours). GMAT Club introduced GMAT Toolkit app for iPhone, iPod and iPad (HD version)

Summary of app: (extracted from iTune website)
The most powerful preparation tools from GMAT Club:
✓ the high quality questions with explanations from top tier testprep companies: Knewton, Manhattan GMAT, Princeton Review and Manhattan Review.
✓ Build your own 2500+ questions set
✓ Keep grader/error/time log for Official GMAC books
✓ Always study in timed mode with the GMAT timer
✓ Learn idioms on the go
✓ Stay motivated with inspiring quotes from GMAT Club members

The latest version (updated 2 Aug 2011) is priced at US$24.99 and available here.

Jimmy

Bristol MBA at Taylor's University Lakeside Campus

2011-01-13T05:26:00.000-08:00

Taylor's University Lakeside Campus is launching the Bristol UK MBA in February. Taylor's U is offering RM7,000 inaugural discount for applicants who joined their February 12 intake.

For more information, click Taylor's U Bristol MBA website and University of the West of England Bristol MBA website. You may also contact Mr. Quah Soo Beng at the details provided below.

PDF file: Bristol MBA at Taylor's University

Jimmy Low

GMAT remains dominant over GRE for MBA applications

2011-01-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

A survey of 288 admissions officers has found that more MBA programs are giving applicants the choice to submit either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Read more about it here.

Jimmy Low

China

2011-01-12T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hi hi! It's been a while since I posted on this blog - mainly because I've been busy at school and I'm running my own personal blog about the experience in China. You can click on it on the side.

In a nutshell, what is China like? Or most specifically, what is Tsinghua like?

Tsinghua is fairly interesting. The workload isn't as intense as it could be - just passing is the main concern, not passing with flying colors. It's hard to get a summer internship/work without being able to speak Chinese fluently. It's cheap to be in China if you want to live with the basics, but the moment you start to party, you run a very good chance of blowing your budget.

Do I regret coming here? A bit, I think other schools like LBS would have given me a better opportunity to break into consulting or a branded name. However, having said that, I really do enjoy China a lot - learning Chinese is probably the main thing you should do here, and while it's hard, it's been a fun experience. Possibly because I have a very good Chinese tutor, and my classmates are pretty fun.

What's the student quality like? Well, the internationals are so-so, the locals seem to be very well connected and experienced and intelligent. Yes, we have our fair share of douche bags, but then again, which school doesn't have any?

So, if you want a good excuse to spend 2 years learning Chinese and getting to know people who are interested and/or have a business in China, Tsinghua is a pretty good place to come to.

P/s. Since I'm accepted, I'm probably reposting all the posts that I took off for censorship.

QS Top MBA Jobs & Salary Trends 2010-11

2011-01-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

Click here

The ultimate question any MBA graduate will ask - how much can I get in my next job? I graduated from Germany recently and was in the job hunting mode. I found this report by QS Top MBA and helped to get a clearer picture on what the MBA hiring trends are in different industries and countries as well as the expected average pay package. As we all learn from MBA classes, this is just an average. Ultimately, you need to network, ask around and feel for yourself what your "new" worth is. Good luck!

Jimmy

Happy Belated Birthday, GMAT Malaysia!

2011-01-10T02:00:00.000-08:00

GMAT Malaysia turned 3 last November and we (almost) forgotten about our own birthday.

We have passed 10,000 viewership. Thank you so much for your support to keep us going. Three of us have graduated, two more in progress (but none of us are in Malaysia anymore). Feel free to send us your queries and we will be more than happy to share our GMAT and MBA experiences with you.

Good luck in year 2011!

Jimmy Low

NUS MBA Programme Briefing on 04 Dec (Sat), Kuala Lumpur Mandarin Oriental

2010-12-02T02:06:00.001-08:00

GMAT Study Group - Bangsar Charter

2010-11-19T00:43:00.000-08:00

Dear GMAT takers,

Our member, Julie Lee is forming a GMAT study group in Bangsar. If you are interested to study together with her, please contact Julie at jhl719 (at) gmail (dot) com

Details of study group:
Date: Saturdays
Time: starts 10.30AM
Location: Starbucks Jalan Telawi, Bangsar

Good luck!

Jimmy Low

QS World MBA Tour 2010 in Kuala Lumpur - 19 November, KL Convention Center

2010-10-28T03:09:00.000-07:00

Once again QS World MBA is in town. GMAT Malaysia has been supporting and promoting this annual event through our blog. We invite you to attend this event and meet the admission officers, alumni and other MBA aspirants.

Date: 19 November 2010
Time: 5:00PM - 10:00PM
Location: KL Convention Centre (next to Petronas Twin Towers)

Register here.

Jimmy Low

INSEAD MBA Coffee Chat in Kuala Lumpur, 20 Nov 2010

2010-10-26T03:15:00.000-07:00

Those interested in INSEAD MBA, come and meet INSEAD alumni on 20 November for coffee chat at the Starbucks Pavillion. Please register here.

Jimmy Low

Eid Mubarak / Selamat Hari Raya to all our Muslim Readers

2010-09-10T05:58:00.003-07:00

Wishing all our GMAT Malaysia followers Eid Mubarak/Selamat Hari Raya. All the best in your
GMAT and MBA dream.

Knewton Back to School Giveaway Sweeptakes - Free GMAT Course

2010-09-02T08:08:00.000-07:00

Prize Details

It’s back to school season! To celebrate, Knewton is giving out 3 FREE prep courses—your choice of GMAT, LSAT, or SAT!

This sweepstakes is open to all our fans, no strings attached. Just click the button on the left to enroll.

Enter for your chance to win full access to the prep course of your choice, featuring:

Live and interactive web-based classes
Individual attention from world-class instructors
Personalized learning plan that addresses your unique needs
Online practice tests with instant scoring
Thousands of practice problems with full explanations
Hundreds of concept videos
Flexible 1-year membership

Enter today for your chance to win!

For a sneak peek into Knewton.com, you can also enroll in our free trial of GMAT Prep, LSAT Prep and SAT Prep

Knewton.
We know the score.

Sweepstakes Starts

August 05, 2010 @ 02:14 pm (EDT)

Sweepstakes Ends

September 10, 2010 @ 02:14 pm (EDT)

For more details, visit http://www.facebook.com/Knewton?v=app_28134323652

Jimmy Low

We Are Out of Town

2010-08-24T17:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks for writing to us. We won't be conducting any study group or open-day this year as the 4 of us (SC, JK, Guannie, myself) are currently pursuing our MBA overseas.

You can still write to us and we will reply as soon as possible. Good luck with your GMAT and MBA dream. We are now living ours :D

Jimmy Low

Meet other MBA Candidates

2010-08-15T03:42:00.000-07:00

Interested to meet out MBA candidates around the world? TopMBA has started a forum for you to meet and discuss about your MBA plan. Visit TopMBA Forum: http://www.topmba.com/board/forum.php

And, if you're preparing for or thinking about GMAT, we recommend this website - GMAT Club http://www.gmatclub.com/. They are one of the best GMAT forums. Bookmark these two websites.

As always, even though we are doing our MBA now, we are still open. Just ask us any questions that come to your mind.

Jimmy Low

ESMT Scholarships for Academic Excellence and More

2010-04-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

In the past open day sessions and emails from our readers, we are often asked about MBA financing options. One of the common ways to finance your MBA study is to get a scholarship from the schools. Business schools want to attract the right candidates from various regions and those with unique experiences and qualities. As you research about the school, do look into their scholarships and apply from one of them.

I am currently doing my 1-year MBA at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) in Berlin, Germany. The school was founded in 2002 by 25 corporations with the purpose of offering the distinct European business experience in a classroom environment. I am in the fifth intake with 38 other students from 21 countries. Most, if not all, of us including myself, were offered a scholarship to finance our MBA.

A total of 11 scholarships are available for the full-time MBA program. In particular, I would like to share two relevant ones; mainly because they relate to GMAT score and Asian focus where majority of our readers are from. For others, please visit ESMT scholarships website.

ESMT Asia Scholarship

ESMT awards one prestigious scholarship to an outstanding male or female candidate applying to either program from an Asian country.

Program: Full-time MBA

Number of scholarships available: two

Value: € 25,000

Eligibility: Candidates with permanent residence in a South or East Asian / Australasian country

Requirements:
Candidates are required to submit a scholarship essay along with their complete application to the ESMT Full-time MBA program. Candidates will be expected to actively promote the school in the respective regions throughout and after their studies, e.g. by participating in the ESMT mentoring program.

ESMT Academic Excellence Scholarship

ESMT offers special-tuition scholarship to male and female candidates applying to the ESMT Full-time MBA program with an exceptionally strong GMAT score and a record of academic excellence at undergraduate level.

Program: Full-time MBA

Number of scholarships available: two

Value: € 25,000

Eligibility: All candidates with a GMAT score of 700+ are eligible to apply

Criteria: Candidates are to provide proof of a valid GMAT score (not older than five years) and a short essay (max. 300 words) stating why they qualify for this scholarship.

For more information on the scholarships, please contact the ESMT Head of Admissions, Ms. Stephanie Kluth at mba@esmt.org.

If you want to learn more about the full-time MBA program and my experience studying and living in Berlin so far, you're free to contact me at my Gmail address.

Jimmy Low

What does an MBA mean?

2010-04-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

By now, most applicants would know which schools have accepted or dinged them. For those who have been accepted, congratulations - for those that were dinged all round, don't give up hope, there's always this year's applications coming about.

By and large, most people would do an MBA to further their career. Some have aspirations to become a manager, some want to get into management consulting, and others dream of being a baller in Private Equity/Venture Capital or a Hedge Fund. There are a select few who believe that doing an MBA will transform them into entrepreneurs.

Well, that's not what an MBA is about. It's not about turning you into a PE/VC/HF/Investment Banking baller making the benjamins. Nor is it about turning you into a jet setting high flying management consultant. It however, is about teaching you the basics of management, but it's not going to magically make you into Manager of the Year...

An MBA is about wealth creation, and there's no better wealth creation than entrepreneurship. Many people say, "Hell yeah, I'm a risk taker, I'm cutting edge, that's why I'm going into finance/etc." Well, I'm sorry, you're not. You're just another wage earner, though a high wage earner, who doesn't have the guts to go out there and start something on your own. You're somebody who's doing the MBA to get a more "secure" future, hedging your risks.

To me, an MBA isn't about going into finance, or management consulting (you've missed the real money making PE/VC/HF/MC/IB boat, it's gone, gone without you). It's not about becoming another mid-level manager lost in a billion dollar company. What's the point? You can probably do that without an MBA. For me, an MBA is about learning management, not to manage somebody else's company, but to start and manage my own company...

GMAT Scholarships from QS World MBA / Beat the GMAT

2010-04-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

Dear GMAT Malaysia Followers,

This is a repost from QS Top MBA email.

The QS World MBA Tour is excited to share a special GMAT scholarship opportunity from one of our partners, Beat The GMAT.

Beat The GMAT recently launched its fifth annual GMAT Scholarship Competition. The website will be distributing six GMAT prep packages worth over $8500. Each package includes a $250 voucher for GMAT registration fees, as well as a full GMAT test prep course—courtesy of donations from: Grockit, Kaplan, Knewton, Manhattan GMAT, The Princeton Review, and Veritas Prep.

For those of you not familiar with Beat The GMAT, it is one of the world’s most popular business school prep communities, serving 1 million+ applicants each year. It is also one of the largest distributors of GMAT scholarships, having awarded $60,000 in prizes to 28 people since 2006.

To learn more and to apply for this scholarship, please visit: http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/scholarship

Jimmy

Adding Vitality to Your Resume

2010-03-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

I thought this will be an interesting article for potential MBA students as well as job seekers. Here is the article by Debra Wheatman on "Elegant Variation" to your resume.

Excerpt: Your resumé is a marketing document. The product being marketed is you. The death knell of any marketing campaign is boredom. Boring products don’t sell. If your resumé comes across as uninteresting, so do you: you probably won’t get put in the short pile; you probably won’t get interviews, and someone with a more exciting resumé will get the job.

For more, check out dailywritingtips.com .

Jimmy Low

Because We Mean Business

2010-03-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

The networking site for business students and business schools is growing by the day. Are you with a growing community? Don't forget to register (www.businessbecause.com) and network with current, past and potential post-graduate students. Use this website to research your next business schools or even your next employer.

Btw, the above snapshot is my business school, the European School of Management and Technology in Berlin, Germany. Visit us at www.esmt.org.

Jimmy Low

MBA Podcaster - Your Verbal Guide to Business Schools

2010-02-21T05:35:00.000-08:00

I received an email from TopMBA.com introducing the MBA Podcaster. I thought this is a refreshing perspective to business schools research and admission application process. For those of us who are better listeners than readers of small fonts, check out the link. The website covers all aspects of business school applications including GMAT, interviews with deans and admissions committees.

Good luck from GMAT Malaysia

Jimmy Low

Gong Xi Fa Cai - 2010 Year of Tiger

2010-02-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

Wishing all GMAT Malaysia followers a
Happy and Prosperous Year of Tiger 2010

Business School Essays and the Avocado!

2010-02-11T04:02:00.001-08:00

In my book MBA Admissions Strategy I offer the following advice: “Proofread to show your hunger for admission, your real desire to be selected.” Typographic or other careless errors in your text immediately clues admissions officers in as to how (un)careful you were with your text, and this tells them not only how organized and detail-oriented you are — whether you are a ‘finisher’ — but also how much you actually really care about your application to their particular school. (More)

Source: TopMBA.com

Jimmy Low

Fast Company 30-Second MBA

2010-01-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite websites - Fast Company.com offers you a quick 30-second learning on various topics such as leadership, stress, enterpreneurship, etc. Click here to learn more from 30-Second MBA.

Jimmy

Normal or Extra? Which MBA to Go For?

2010-01-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

High-flying executives, budding young managers, successful entrepreneurs and full-time mums are all studying for an MBA – but what is it? TopMBA.com gives you a simple explanation of the different types of MBA programs.

Jimmy Low

Financial Times 2010 MBA Ranking

2010-01-25T12:01:00.001-08:00

The 2010 ranking has been released. This year, CEIBS, ranked 8th last year, dropped to 22 while Chicago Booth and HKUST Business School moved to 9th position respectively.

Here are the top 10:
1. London Business School (1)
2. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (1)
3. Harvard Business School (3)
4. Stanford University GSB (6)
5. Insead (5)
6. Columbia Business School (4)
6. IE Business School (6)
8. MIT Sloan School of Management (9)
9. University of Chicago: Booth (11)
9. Hong Kong UST Business School (16)

More here.

Jimmy Low

Magoosh GMAT Prep

2009-12-31T23:43:00.000-08:00

Magoosh, a play on the old Persian word "magush" which means "one who is highly learned, wise and generous", is founded by four current Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley MBA students. I had a chance to review their portal and materials.

I like the way Magoosh presents their GMAT practice questions. Once you signed in, you can go to the Dashboard which then takes you to Practice or Results section. In the Practice section, you can customise your "practice" session.

There are over 500 questions for you to attempt; and more are added each day.

The best thing is you can start and stop anytime, unlike some practices which require you to complete the whole set. Once you completed, you can review your questions. The Results dashboard presents a summary of the questions attempted and how you fare vis-a-viz with an "average taker". I am waiting for a reply from Magoosh on the "average user" profile/definition. Nonetheless, this "average user" benchmark allows me to determine how well I do in terms of pacing (speed), accuracy (correct) and the difficult of the question (score).

In my review, I tried one question to get a feel how the dashboard works.

The question was on a Venn diagram, solving the no. of students who took both Spanish and French. It took me 45sec. In the Results dashboard (above), 86% of the takers (who are these takers?) got the correct answer and "they" took an average of 63sec. Great, I could get it right in less than the time taken by an "average taker". As you attempt more questions, each question (with an ID) will display your results and that of an average user. Use this to gauge your performance. I use "Avg Correct" to gauge the difficulty of the question.

Now, comes the best part of Magoosh. The video and/text explanation is found for each question. Just click on the question ID.

Magoosh offers basic 6 months access for free with 80 questions and for US$79, you get all the questions (and they add from time to time)

Overall, I think the Magoosh team came up with an excellent service for a reasonable price. If you are looking for GMAT practices, give Magoosh a try.

Jimmy Low

Business Magazine for Business Students

2009-12-26T00:19:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest business magazine for business students.

Web: here

Facebook: here

Jimmy Low

Malaysian Corporate Postgraduate Studies Scholarships

2009-12-14T00:19:00.000-08:00

At present, I am aware of only three Malaysian corporations offering scholarships to those pursuing postgraduate studies. They are Maxis Berhad, Sime Darby Berhad and Khazanah Nasional Berhad. These three corporations also offer undergraduate studies scholarships. However, these undergraduate scholarships are not within my scope of writing.

Many of these corporations do so as part of their corporate social responsibility programs but more so as to play a part in developing and retaining Malaysia's human capital. Some of these scholarships are bonded i.e. successful applicants would have to return to Malaysia to serve the corporations for a few years. Think of it as a guaranteed post-MBA employment; this is crucial especially in the current economic uncertainties.

Postgraduate studies do not come cheap especially if you plan to do them overseas. Our present exchange rates with the typical countries of postgraduate studies - the USA, UK and Australia do not favour Malaysian candidates. Furthermore, we do not have educational loans from local banks. Many would have to refinance their houses in order to pay for their studies. Any form of financial assistance is welcomed.

Here are the summary of the 3 corporations' scholarship programs. For more information, visit their respective website.

Maxis Scholarship for Excellence
Allowing the best and brightest graduate students to pursue courses in a selection of programmes at the world’s top universities, Maxis Scholarship For Excellence promises academic excellence and broader personal horizons.

Five successful applicants will be awarded a postgraduate scholarship at the world's most prestigious universities to pursue a course in:

Life Sciences and Engineering
Medicine
Business and Management Studies
Law and Government Studies
The Performing Arts

deal applicants for Maxis’ Scholarship For Excellence must have already gained admittance to a top US or UK university and meet the following stringent criteria:-

Aged 30 years or below
Achieved a minimum of a 2nd Class Upper Honours (or equivalent) degree from a good university.
Have a minimum of three years working experience
Have a strong appreciation and appetite for current affairs (for example, a general knowledge of Malaysia’s constitutional and legal framework, economic levers, government initiatives and nation building philosophies).
Demonstrate a continuing involvement in extra-curricular activities (team or individual sports; voluntary service; affiliation with a recognized association or society) as well as special achievements in academics, social work or similar contributions.
Possess the traits of an ambassador for Malaysia, with a sense of loyalty and identification for the country. There should also be evidence of a clear sense of purpose and goals in life, as well as a display of visionary capabilities.

In short, an individual who is not only high-achieving, but boasts a well-rounded, potent blend of academic, personal, social, extra-curricular and experiential abilities and skills. (more)

Yayasan Sime Darby Scholarship Programme
This annual scholarship programme applies to high flying, well-rounded candidates who wish to pursue full-time studies locally and overseas. (more)

Yayasan Khazanah Scholarship Programme
Yayasan Khazanah is a foundation established by Khazanah Nasional Berhad – the investment holding arm of the Government of Malaysia.

We are entrusted to select, support, groom and nurture exceptional individuals who will eventually take on high-level positions in the best organisations including the Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) in Malaysia.

This mission is in line with Khazanah Nasional’s commitment to the active development of human capital to ensure that Malaysia continues to improve its competitiveness on the global stage.

As a start, we groom talents and help them build their capabilities by offering scholarships to pursue studies at Malaysia’s premier universities or at the world’s renowned institutions of higher learning.

Malaysian citizens may choose to apply from one of the three scholarship programmes below: -

Khazanah Global Scholarship Programme
Khazanah-Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) Merdeka Scholarship Programme
Khazanah Watan Scholarship Programme (more)

I hope more Malaysian corporations will step forward and offer bright and talented Malaysians an opportunity to pursue their postgraduate studies and serve the country.

Jimmy Low

Thank You for Coming

2009-12-13T01:56:00.001-08:00

Thank you for coming to our Open Day. Although we had a smaller group this year, nonetheless, we shared our experiences in taking GMAT and applying for MBA.

Thank you Lim Yeong Chuan, INSEAD Malaysia Chapter Hon. Secretary for sharing his study experience and enlightening the aspirants on admission process.

For me, I will start my MBA in Berlin in January. Although I will not be as active as before in GMAT Malaysia, I still welcome emails from you. See you all in 2011.

Jimmy Low

Scholarships Everywhere

2009-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

QS, the organizer of the World MBA Tour and World Grad School Tour, understands the importance of financial support during hard economic times. As a candidate registered for one of our fairs, you're eligible to take advantage of the QS Scholarship Fund. The total amount of QS Scholarships for Master and PhD programs is $386,000; for MBA programs - $1,600,000.

Visit topmba.com to apply now

The applications steps are quite simple:
Complete the survey at http://www.topmba.com/finance/apply-mba-scholarships by the 10th April 2010. If interested in Ashridge Business School, apply by 18th December 2009. If interested in Duke, Fuqua School of Business, apply by 7th January 2010.

After completing the survey in detail, you’ll be taken to a page from which you can apply for any of the scholarships on offer. You can save your data and come back to submit the essays later.

The winners will be announced online, pending admittance to the programs included.

Scholarships on offer include:

QS Community Scholarships for MBA and Postgraduate Studies
Five scholarships, US$2,000 each, to the candidates who demonstrate an exceptional level of socially responsible leadership and an ability to motivate others.

QS Leadership Scholarships for MBA and Postgraduate Studies:
Two scholarships, US$10,000 each, to the Fair visitors who demonstrate exceptionally strong leadership potential and innovative thinking.

QS Scholarships for Academic Excellence
One US$10,000 scholarship to the QS World Grad School Tour visitor with a perfect grade record.

QS Scholarships for Central and Eastern European Women
One €2,000 scholarship for a female candidate from one of the Central or Eastern European countries, joining an international MS program outside of her home country.

EMLYON European Master in Management Scholarship
One €15,000 scholarship for a young professional, accepted to EMLYON.

NYU Tisch School of Arts Asia Scholarship
One US$20,000 scholarship for an international candidate, going to study in the Asia campus of the NYU Tisch School of Arts.

Ashridge Business School Scholarships
Three scholarships, £6,000 each, will be offered to three categories of candidates: women, emerging markets and the non-profit sector. Deadline: 18 Dec 2009.

Cass Business School Scholarships
Four scholarships, £72,000 in total, for full-time and Modular Executive MBA candidates.

Chicago Booth School of Business Scholarship
One US$40,000 merit-based scholarship, renewable annually, for a student who has demonstrated the ability to succeed through academic and extracurricular endeavours.

Duke University – the Fuqua School of Business Scholarship
One US$23,000 scholarship for an international candidate who will bring diversity to the Duke community. Deadline: 7 January 2010.

EMLYON Business School Entrepreneurial Scholarship
One €15,000 scholarship for a successful candidate with an entrepreneurial spirit, admitted to the International MBA program.

IE Business School Scholarships for Women
Two scholarships, €22,500 each, will be granted to female candidates, accepted to the IE International MBA Program.

Melbourne Business School International Scholarship
Two scholarships: US$20,000 each, to the international candidates who will become great MBS ambassadors.

Sydney Business School International Scholarship
Two scholarships, US$12,000 each, for future business leaders.

USC Marshall School of Business Scholarship
One US$24,500 scholarship to a candidate accepted to the USC Marshall MBA program.

Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School Scholarships
Twenty scholarships, €425,000 in total, are granted by Vlerick and some of the world’s leading MBA recruiters, including ING, KPMG, Deloitte and E&Y.

“QS Scholarship winners are united by their demonstration of responsible leadership and community commitment, in very varied circumstances,” says Nunzio Quacquarelli, the Managing Director of careers and education group QS. “All of these young people have done something remarkable in their lives. Take, for example, Eduardo Olivares who worked as a counsellor in Chile helping people to escape severe poverty by setting up their own small businesses, or Yue Tu who cycled more than 2,500 miles across China to raise money for charity.”

To complete the survey and apply for all of these scholarships, go to http://www.topmba.com/finance/apply-mba-scholarships. To maximize your chances of being awarded a scholarship please complete the survey and application survey in as much detail as possible.

QS Scholarships application deadline is 10 April 2010.

Good Luck!

The QS World MBA Tour & QS World Grad School Tour Selection Panel
http://www.topmba.com/finance/apply-mba-scholarships

GMAT Malaysia 2009 Open Day

2009-12-09T01:49:00.000-08:00

GMAT Malaysia, founded in 2007 as a support group for MBA aspirants, will host a GMAT Malaysia Open Day on December 13, 2009. The purpose of this Open Day, which is held annually, is to share our experiences in taking GMAT and to answer any questions or clear doubts or worries about this "major" test before entering any business school.

Details of Event
Date: December 13, 2009 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00AM to 12:00NN
Venue: Starbucks next to HSBC Damansara Utama, Jalan SS 21/37
GPS Coord: 3.0 0 3N, 101. 37 25 10E
Google Map: Click here

This Year's Specials
This year, we have invited the INSEAD Malaysia Chapter Hon. Secretary to share his experience in studying in INSEAD Fountainebleau and Singapore, and his career switch from research engineering to business development.

In addition, speak to some of the GMATters on their MBA application experiences to some of the top universities.

For more information or to sign-up for the Open Day, kindly email Jimmy Low at jimmy.gmlow@gmail.com or call 012-2000 916. You may also visit our GMAT Malaysia blog at gmatmalaysia.blogspot.com.

Thank you and see you on Sunday!

Jimmy Low

Maxis Scholarship for Excellence

2009-12-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

Maxis Berhad is one of a few Malaysian corporations that offer scholarships for postgraduate studies.

Annually, 5 successful candidates are offered postgraduate scholarships to top universities around the world. For more information, click here.

I have added two other websites on Malaysian scholarships - www.malaysia-scholarship.com and www.malaysia-scholarship.net - on GMAT and MBA Resources.

Jimmy Low

Interview Season

2009-11-30T23:39:00.000-08:00

By now, you should receive an email or call for Admission interview, if you have submitted your MBA application. What should you do next?

Review. Reread your application forms (I hope you have printed or PDFed a copy before you click the "Submit" button, application essays and resume(s). It is important you know what you have written to each school. Typically, each candidate would submit 2-3 applications to his/her "favorite" business schools and receive calls/emails for personal interview around the same time. When that happens, you don't want to be caught off guard saying things that were meant for School A to School B.

Rehearse. Now, talk to your mentor or recommender and ask him/her to do a mock interview with you. It is good that you have someone experienced in conducting interviews or have attended business school to ask you some of the typical questions. Each school has their unique set of questions but most of them should cover the followings:

a. Tell me/us about yourself.
b. Tell me/us about your career progression.
c. What did you choose our school and/or our MBA instead of doing in your own country?
d. Why Country X?
e. Why do you need an International MBA?
f. Share with me/us your international working experiences.
g. Why did you choose to do your undergraduate in this school and/or country?
h. If you are not admitted, what would you do?

The above list is not exhaustive. I am sure my fellow GMATers and readers can share more. For some schools, you are thrown more challenging questions or even do a 5- or 10-minute presentation.

Receptive. As a potential business graduate, you must be aware of the events around you - in your country and more so, around the world. Thus, you must read well and able to articulate your opinions/ideas. What are the common themes these days? Global warming, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, financial crisis, corporate ethics, etc. Some schools are strong in a particular area; so, expect some questions that are aligned with the school's current focus.

Now, the final question in most applicants' mind is: Should I do a telephone/video conferencing interview or visit the school? Depends on your budget and your confidence. If you really want to get into that school and have confidence of getting in (after all, you have been called for interview; those not necessary the interview means a likely acceptance), please make that small "investment". Show your sincerity and eagerness. Demonstrate to the Admissions Committee that you have what it takes and a worthy candidate. It is hard to sell yourself to the Admissions Committee over the phone. Body language and your voice play a part in projecting your enthusiasm. It's easier to convince the other party when you meet face-to-face. The same goes for interview with a local alumni.

I wish you all the best in your MBA admission.

Jimmy Low

Creating A Resume That Sells

2009-11-30T22:58:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting article I would like to share with you.
WSJ: How to Fix Your Resume

For my MBA application resume, I narrowed to one-page and covered 3 broad areas in the following manner:

Education. List your undergraduate university, city and country, and the graduation year. Put down the degree conferred and your major. If you received honours or distinction, highlight them. Do include any academic awards or scholarship you received.

How far back do you want to list? Well, it depends on your working experience. If you just graduated, you may want to show your A-levels or its equivalent and your undergraduate degree.

Employment. This part should be your main focus. Spend most of your time here in perfecting it. List down, in reverse chronological order, your working experiences - company name, industry, location (especially important if you work in multi-national companies and work outside your home country) and the period of each employment.

List, in bullet points, your quantifiable achievements. DO NOT list your job descriptions or responsibilities. It is your professional achievements that the AdComm/headhunter/HR is looking for.

Extra-curricular. You should be an all-rounder person. Thus, demonstrate your involvements in out-of-work activities such as in non-governmental organisations, clubs or societies, projects, etc. Don't underestimate the power of volunteerism. This shows your involvement in the larger community besides work. Also, your involvements in clubs and/or NGOs tell your reader more about yourself - leadership qualities, entrepreneurial skills, teamwork, working with people from different countries and cultures, etc.

There is so much to write about yourself. Turn your resume into a marketing and advertising tool for yourself. Get yourself noticed.

Happy Reading! Please share your thoughts on this topic.

Jimmy Low

Essays

2009-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

I've spent the past several months helping others edit their essays for several schools. It's a fairly tedious process that involves you writing some stuff and sending it to me, me reading it and leaving red marks all over before sending it back to you - repeated maybe 15 - 20 times.

To make it easier for you to write an essays, let's go through the basic requirements of a good essay.

1. You need, inspiration - lots and lots of it. There are several ways you can get it, but the best way is to get some whiskey and start drinking. Actually, drink on the night that you're planning to write your essay. While you're sober, start jotting down little stories that would look like the following the next morning

Rescued a village - dug waterholes - ate Mcdonald's
Top of class - biggest geek in class - had no friends

and so on... actually, when you feel guilty the next day, you'll probably rewrite everything. But yes, write down little anecdotes of your life. Compile maybe 20 - 30 stories for various situations, this is your story bank.

2. Look at the essay questions and look at your story bank, mix and match till you feel it's pretty good. Then start to write the story with sufficient detail, the trick is too much detail and it's boring and long, too little details and it'll be boring and superficial - you need just enough detail to get the reader's attention while enough to explain what happened. It's not easy, so you'll probably have to do it for quite a while.

At this point, you can start to stretch your stories a little bit. You work in credit sales? Rewrite it to say that you were the top sales person in personal loans. You get the idea, a little bit of exaggaration is ok.

3. Decide on whether your essay answers the question. Write it to answer the question. If it doesn't answer the question, then it's a lousy essay with an interesting story.

It'll probably take you a while to get used to this, do it a few times for your application. At some point you'll hit the zone and just be able to write flawlessly on why you need an MBA while talking about how you saved your company from going bankrupt...

Do you really need an MBA?

2009-11-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

Usually around this time of the year, individuals around the world sit down and ponder, "What am I going to do next? What career do I want?" and to many, the MBA lightbulb goes off above their head.

So you there, that's reading this blog because you decided to google "MBA Malaysia" or "GMAT Malaysia", do you really need an MBA?

I used to think that getting an MBA would be great. As I've mentioned before, a top MBA gets you a fantastic job and the women just throw themselves at you at the mentioned of "Harvard MBA" (top ten MBAs only, if you're outside the top ten, you've got to work harder - a BMW is another 3-letter acronym that gets the ladies). But that aside, there's as clear distinct line between "want" and "need".

1. You need an MBA when your boss says "no way are you getting promoted unless you've got an MBA". Apparently in certain circles - investment banking, consulting, etc. this happens on a regular basis (I wouldn't know, I'm from manufacturing), however.... you want an MBA when you read about that Goldman Sachs associate earning more in 3 months then you (at CIMB) would earn in 2 years. But that's not because of an MBA, that's because he's at Goldman and you're only at CIMB, or worse yet, the self proclaimed Goldman of South East Asia - OSK Investment Bank. But chances are, you will need an MBA to get into Goldman.

2. You want an MBA because you think you'll be able to make that career change from non-descript typical IT geek consultant into super baller big swinging dick at hedge fund where your first year bonus wouldk be enough to pay for a Ferrari AND a penthouse. However, that's not really true, that's not going to happen either. Career change happens everyday, every where, without having an MBA. The MBA gives you the fundamental knowledge but it doesn't give you the transition - the transition is dependent on YOU. You need the MBA because of the knowledge that it'll give.... but the problem with that is that you can easily go out and buy all the books that are used for the MBA course and learn it on your own..

So in reality, you need the MBA for the brand name...

So that's about it.. you only need an MBA for the brand name and career opportunity, aside from that, you're lying to yourself if you said you needed it for anything else... and even then, for the career opportunity, it's dependent on you to make the opportunity. A loser with a Harvard MBA is still a loser, but a superstar without an MBA will still be a superstar one way or another. Which one are you?

Greater Benefits of GMAT

2009-11-26T00:48:00.001-08:00

By now you would have heard a lot about GMAT. So, what's so great about GMAT besides it being the dreaded graduate test that everyone who wants to do MBA (or some MSc, MA even PhD. requires)?

Looking at the bigger picture of GMAT, it has taught me a few things:
a. From Verbal (Sentence Correction), I learnt about the 3Cs - Correct Grammar, Clarity and Conciseness. My business writing has definitely improved tremendously after learning the 3Cs. Subject-verb agreement, parallelism, idioms, modifiers, etc. are emphasized in Sentence Correction; things we take for granted when we write but how power when you apply them correctly.

b. In Quant (Problem Solving), I learn to be quick in deriving answers. Those days in school, we take many steps to arrive at an answer. In GMAT, you use approximation/estimates, 2- or 4-steps to solve a problem and analyse the question from the right angle.

c. In Quant (Data Sufficiency), your mathematics/algebra principles and foundations are strengthened through how you tackle a question. Besides rephrasing the question, you look for variables that are important to answer the question and throw out red-herrings.

I must say I am pleased with what I have achieved through GMAT. I hope you too, will benefit greatly from GMAT than it just being a preparatory test for your MBA/Masters.

Jimmy Low

Aunty Agony Is Back ....

2009-11-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

My, my .... it's questions season again. I know you all are excited to do your MBA and want to get in and out as soon as possible. But, my child, there's no easy way to success.

I got a couple of questions for you lots. Here are some of them:

Q: Can I take GMAT in 2 months? I want to apply for next intake.
A: Yes, you can if YOU have an excellent study strategy AND study everyday. And, I mean FULL-TIME study. No work, no play, no disturbances.

Realistically, 2 months will be a stretch for many of you. Mind you, this period is Round 2 for many business schools. The closing date is typically around end Dec/early Jan (check with the school(s) you're planning to apply to). You will miss this submission round if you have not started GMAT or ready to take GMAT anytime soon. And, to score well above 650 requires at least 6 months of hardcore, dedicated preparation, I kid you not. So, give yourself ample time to prepare for GMAT as well as good well-rounded essays.

You can't learn to fly a plane in two months, can you?

Q: I like to apply to the top schools, AND only the top schools. What are my chances?
A: Good chance if you have an excellent GMAT score, great story about yourself - both personal as well as professional achievements and leadership qualities that will make the Admissions Committee says, I WANT YOU.

I am not putting you down. You may have a chance but remember, you are competing with the world's bests. So, who are the world's bests? Take a look at the top schools' class profiles. Read some of the current students' and alumnis' achievements and background. Benchmark yourself against them. If you're within an arms length, you could stand a chance.

But, for many of you, always be realistic. I would like to get into top schools but I only got as far as the kitchen top.

If you aim to apply to top schools, go ahead and do your best. But, do try the second tier schools that you feel you will also qualify to enter. These second tier schools should be those that you feel you can learn and contribute to; schools that you will always do well and gain significantly.

Always have options. Not every day is rosy and when this does not meet your expectations, do not be despaired.

Q: How many applications should I send?
A: I never believe in quantity except money (and British Sterling Pound, please). Submit one application to the school that you truly want to get into and you have 80% confidence of getting in. Else, pick max 3. Why 3? Well, 3 represents manageable number. Here are the reasons:

1. 3 applications for different tiers of school - top 10 and next 10. You can have all 3 applications for top 10, 1 for top 10 and 2 for next 10, etc. You decide on the combinations.

2. Each application requires you to submit online application form, 4-6 essays and an interview. Multiply this by 3, you have a lot to do and each process can really drain your energy.

3. Nothing is free. Some schools charges US$200-250 per application before they even consider you; others free application. Then, there is time factor in preparing your applications, resume, essays, and other documentations such as undergraduate transcripts, mock interviews, etc. coupled with GMAT preparation and actual tests. Unless you're cash rich (which I recommend you to buy some of my cookies), manage your resources and energy well.

Okay, that's all for now. Time for baking ......

Revised GMAT Optional Breaks Interval

2009-11-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

I have been informed and confirmed by Word Ware Distributors, the local GMAT test centre, that the GMAT optional break interval has been revised from 10 minutes to 8 minutes. The two optional breaks are between AWA and Quant, and between Quant and Verbal.

The test centre has also implemented palm vein verification.

Jimmy Low

QS Top Universities Guide for Sale

2009-11-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

Annually, QS produces the World University Rankings in collaboration with THE. This year, QS has produced the Top Universities Guide. This Guide provides useful information on the top 100 universities around the world, a profile of each university and its offering, how to select the best program and other information on fees, financing and scholarships. The Guide also gives a review on studying and living in some of the popular countries such as USA, UK, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Germany, France, etc. This is a must-have book as you plan your post-graduate program.

QS, through GMAT Malaysia, is selling the Top Universities Guide at RM70 per book. If you are interested in a copy, please contact me at jimmy.gmlow@gmail.com. I only have 20 copies (you can't get this elsewhere). I will also sell them at the soon-to-be-announced GMAT Malaysia Open Day.

Jimmy Low

QS World MBA Tour - 24 November 2009

2009-11-25T21:10:00.001-08:00

This is my third year at the QS World MBA Tour in Kuala Lumpur. This year's response is more encouraging than those in my previous two visits, probably due to the location. In the past, the fair was held at Westin Hotel. This is the first time QS holds the fair at KL Convention Centre. Good location choice since KLCC is closer to the Twin Towers where a lot of MNCs are located. A ready pool of potential candidates who are looking to upgrade their career. Furthermore, KLCC is more accessible than Westin.

Even though I have been admitted to do my MBA next year, I still attend the fair mainly to get the latest updates from some of the schools to be shared at the next GMAT Malaysia Open Day and also to meet up with some "old" friends whom I only meet during the fair.

The crowd during the first hour of the Fair

No wonder JK choose Cheung Kong GSB *wink*

INSEAD Booth, always the popular booth

University of Michigan Ross Business School,
Global MBA Program Director

For the first time, GMAT Zone conducted a 30-minute workshop on the GMAT. This gives an opportunity for those planning to do MBA to get a glimpse of this "feared" test (GMAT Malaysia is here to support you if you have any queries on GMAT or MBA in general).

A couple of new schools appeared this year - Vlerick Leuven Gent (Belgium), The Open University (UK), Hong Kong University (Hong Kong), ESADE (Spain), Duke University Fuqua (USA). This is a good opportunity for prospective MBA students to learn more about the other schools and enlarge the students' options.

Well, I won't be in Malaysia in 2010. Hopefully, a representative from GMAT Malaysia will be there to give you a coverage.

Good luck in your GMAT and MBA applications!

Jimmy Low

Packaging Yourself for B-School: Resume Writing Tips

2009-11-13T00:24:00.000-08:00

How do you sell yourself to someone or a group of people who is thousands of miles away to shortlist you for interview? It's in the resume (and application essays). Now, your professional resume should clearly say three things about you: Education, Employment and Extra-curriculum. Most business schools will ask for a one-page resume; others at max two. So how do you condense your five, ten, fifteen or twenty years of your adult life into one or two pages?

Here are some resume writing tips for your MBA application or even your next job. Click here.

Jimmy Low

Improve Your Writing Skill

2009-11-12T20:35:00.000-08:00

I found this great website and thought you would benefit from it too, especially for your AWA and Verbal. But, looking at a bigger picture, no harm fine-tuning your business writing skill too.

Click here.

Jimmy Low

Reminder: World MBA Tour on 24th November 2009 - Register now!

2009-11-09T18:07:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Low

Financial Times 2009 MBA Ranking

2009-10-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

The jury has decided. 2009 Global MBA Ranking according to Financial Times as follow:

1. University of Pennsylvania: Wharton (1)
2. London Business School (2)
3. Harvard Business School (5)
4. Columbia Business School (3)
5. INSEAD (6)
6. Stanford Graduate School of Business (4)
7. IE Business School (8)
8. CEIBS (11)
9. MIT: Sloan (7)
10. New York University: Stern (13)

more ....

2008 Global MBA ranking in parentheses.

Rgds
Jimmy Low

Welcoming Guanie

2009-09-06T20:15:00.000-07:00

We have a new 'graduate' from GMAT Malaysia. Guanie, who was with SC's study group has aced his GMAT and has now graciously volunteered to lead one of the study groups. Guanie will be taking over the Bangsar study group as I will be leaving for my Chinese MBA adventure in October.

R1 deadlines for some American schools are nearing so keep focusing on your goal!

p/s GMAT Malaysia will organize a GMAT/MBA open day in Q4 of 2009. We will update this blog with details once we nail down a date.

The Dali Speaketh

2009-07-28T04:59:00.000-07:00

This is a plug for my favourite finance/economics (and eye candy) blog.

Malaysia Finance's blogger, Dali, will be holding a talk on careers in finance next month. Dali's writings are featured in The Star and is also a featured blog on BFM89.9.

Approximately a third of MBA graduates head for investment banking, finance and/or private equity. If you are one of those who dream of having a slice of the average Goldman Sach's USD600k employee salary, or your goal is to be a CFO, why not listen to the experiences of an insider?

If you are interested and will like to go as a group (4 tickets in a single transaction gets a discounted rate), please contact us.

Work Backwards or Forward - Determine Your Realistic MBA Intake

2009-07-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

This is a common question the team leaders and I are always asked around this time of the year - can I complete my GMAT if I want to take my MBA next year?

MBA is an investment unlike your undergraduate study. For those of us who are working and/or with family to support, we have to think both financial as well as time sacrifices being away from our income earning period. While your earning potential should be higher post-MBA, in the interim, you are basically funding your own study; unless you are one of the lucky few to get full or partial scholarship.

Now, back to that common question. It usually takes 6 to 12 months to complete your GMAT. Some could take as little as 2 to 3 months but majority requires more help and time. Furthermore, some of us take 2 or 3 sittings to get the score we want. It takes a lot of discipline and sacrifices during this period. So, be prepared when you want to do GMAT or any graduate tests.

Most US and UK MBA programs start in August/September (Fall intake). Some programs have 2 intakes a year such as INSEAD. Please check the program admission calendar. For the Fall intake, admission application rounds are, usually, September/October (known as Round 1 or Early Round), December/January (Round 2), March/April (Round 3) and for some programs, May (Round 4). Most, if not all, admission offices will advise prospective students to apply as early as possible especially for international students. This means Round 1 and 2.

If you are submitting your application in September or December round, take away 2 months as the last month you must complete your GMAT. This means GMAT must be completed by July or October respectively. If you are just starting GMAT revision, please revise your MBA plan. 2010 intake is NOT for you. Now is the time for you to start your GMAT, think about your MBA and essays and prepare for 2011 intake.

Besides GMAT, you need to consider the essays and other documentations. These take time to prepare especially your essays.

I hope this advice is useful. I wish you all the best in your GMAT and MBA quest.

Jimmy Low

MBA or Masters - QS Tour is Here to Help You

2009-07-16T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have just received an email from QS, the organiser of QS World MBA tour, that they are coming to Kuala Lumpur this 24th November. And, they are bringing their sister event, QS World Grad School for the first time to Malaysia. The World Grad School - Masters & PhD tour will be held on 25th November.

I have attended the Kuala Lumpur tour for 2 years and I must say the responses are encouraging every year. For those who can't decide whether to do MBA or Masters, this is your opportunity to meet the admission directors/officers/faculty members and alumni from some of the top schools around the world before you decide.

Every year, the event also host a "Getting into Business Schools" session. This is your opportunity to learn more about the criteria for getting into some of the schools as well as insights of what these schools look for in their candidates. This session is a must-attend session for prospective applicants.

I was also told that at this Kuala Lumpur event, the organiser will conduct a GMAT Strategy workshop.

Please register to get your FREE admission pass or you will have to pay RM20 on that day:

World MBA Tour - 24th November 2009, 6pm - 9pm, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center

World Grad School - Masters & PhD Tour - 25th November 2009, 4pm - 8pm, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center

For more information, visit:

QS Top MBA - http://www.topmba.com/
QS Top Grad School - http://www.topuniversities.com/gradschool

Jimmy Low

ManhattanGMAT Strategy Guides on 4th Edition

2009-07-08T00:55:00.000-07:00

GMAT Malaysia is pleased to introduce the 4th Edition of ManhattanGMAT GMAT Prep strategy guides. The 4th edition comes in 8 individual books - Number Properties, Fractions, Decimals, & Percents, Word Translations, Equations, Inequalities, & VIC’s, and Geometry (Quantitative Series) and Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension (Verbal Series).

The 4th Edition has in-depth coverage on Verbal topics (Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension); which many of us struggle with.

For those with the 3rd Edition and thinking whether to buy the 4th, here is a review of the Guides to assist you.

GMAT Malaysia uses ManhattanGMAT guides for our study groups.

Good luck!

Jimmy Low

ManhanttanGMAT GMAT Flash Cards

2009-07-08T00:45:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for GMAT materials to study while "on the go"? The instructors at ManhattanGMAT have come out with GMAT Flash Cards.

Download complete set here (202 flash cards).

Jimmy Low

Official GMAT Review Goes 12th Edition

2009-07-08T00:34:00.000-07:00

For those who are preparing for GMAT for the first time, the Official GMAT Review is now on its 12th Edition (we now called it Maroon Guide (MG); previously, we called it OG, Orange Guide for the cover color). According to ManhattanGMAT, about 1/3 of its contents are updated.

Read this link for ManhattanGMAT's review on the 12th Edition and what have changed from the 11th Edition. By the way, the Verbal and Quantitative Reviews remained unchanged; they are purple and green respectively.

For those who are currently using the 11th Edition, you do not need to throw it away. There isn't significant changes that warrant a new book; unless, you want to.

You can buy the 12th Edition at Kinokuniya KLCC.

Jimmy Low

PostGradAsia 2009 Fair - 27 & 28 June 2009

2009-06-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

For those who are exploring postgraduate studies in the near future, there is a PostGradAsia 2009 Fair at Hall 5, KL Convention Center on 27th and 28th June 2009. The event starts at 12pm until 6pm on both days.

Register online at http://www.postgradasia.com/index.asp?p=pglive

Rgds
Jimmy Low