Inside the GMAT header

🎙️Insights straight from the source

Whether you're exploring an MBA, deep in the application process, or getting prepared to ace your GMAT exam, Inside the GMAT is your go-to podcast for smarter decisions, expert tips, and the inside scope on every related to your successful business career.

🔔Listen & subscribe

Never miss an episode - new podcasts drop every week. Listen and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

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🔎Get the inside scoop:

  • GMAT tips & advice: Get insider strategies from prep experts, top scorers, tutors, and the makers of the exam — so you can reach your highest possible score.
  • Admissions strategy: Learn what truly makes an application stand out from consultants, admissions officers, and business school insiders.
  • Career growth: Explore how a graduate business degree can elevate your career — with insights from recruiters, coaches, and industry professionals.
  • Personal stories: You’re not in this alone. Hear authentic stories from fellow applicants who’ve faced the same challenges and found their way forward.

Latest episodes:

 

👋Meet your host:

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Zachary Fernebok or "GMAC Zach" is the Senior Product Marketing Manager for the GMAT and EA exams and the producer of Inside the GMAT. Prior to joining GMAC, Zach worked at SHRM, International Baccalaureate, and Girl Scouts. He is also a professional actor and produced playwright.holds an MS in Marketing.

On Inside the GMAT, Zach brings curiosity, clarity, and just the right dose of humor to every episode. He’s passionate about helping future business leaders navigate their business school journey — and driven to share the kind of insider insights he wishes he had during his own application process!

Interested in being on the show? Contact Zach at insidethegmat@mba.com.

Season 4 episodes:

EP1 - Petia Whitmore - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 1:

Telling Your MBA Story

In this episode, Petia Whitmore from My MBA Path delves into the intricacies of the MBA application process, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, clarity of purpose, and the evaluation criteria used by admissions committees.
Petia outlines the two phases of the application and highlights the significance of crafting a unique narrative that showcases a candidate's impact and authenticity, while also addressing common misconceptions about test scores and work experience.
Published April 2, 2025
Featuring: 

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EP2 - Travis Morgan - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 2:

MBA Myth Busters

In this episode, Travis Morgan from MBA Whisperer discusses the intricacies of applying to business schools, debunking common myths and providing valuable insights into the application process.
He emphasize the importance of resumes, essays, and understanding school fit over rankings. The discussion also covers the significance of test scores, the role of waitlists, and alternative testing options like the Executive Assessment.


Published April 9, 2025
Featuring: 

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EP3 - Stacey Koprince - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 3:

Exam Prep 101

In this episode, Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep discusses the essential considerations when preparing to take a business school entrance exam. Stacey breaks down her top prep strategies and emphasizes the importance of understanding your study timeline, effective study techniques, recognizing when to take breaks, and the value of collaborative study.

Additionally, she highlights the significance of practice tests in gauging progress and structuring a personalized study plan to ensure GMAT success. 
Published April 16, 2025
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EP4 - Melody Jones - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 4:

The "Dead Zone"

In this episode, Zach is joined by Melody Jones from Vantage Point MBA to discuss the often-overlooked period between MBA acceptance and the start of classes, sometimes referred to as the 'Dead Zone.'
They explore various strategies for academic readiness, networking, and personal development, as well as the logistical considerations for incoming students. The discussion highlights the significance of using this time wisely to set the stage for a successful MBA experience. 



Published April 23, 2025
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EP5 - Shaifali Aggarwal - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 5:

Essays, Interviews, & Stress

In this episode, Shaifali Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Ivy Group MBA Admissions Consulting, dives deep into MBA application essays and school interviews. She discusses the importance of each, practical tips for writing compelling essays, and common mistakes applicants make.
The second half of the conversation covers the role of interviews, the types of interviews, the most common questions asked, and strategies for effective preparation.

Published April 30, 2025
Featuring: 

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EP7 - Prospective Students Survey - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 6:

What Business School Candidates are Thinking

In this episode, Zach and Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, unpack the latest insights from the 2025 Prospective Students Survey.
They dive into what 5,000 prospective business school candidates around the world are thinking about today — from the growing demand for hands-on AI experiences to the rising importance of human skills, like grit and adaptability. You’ll also hear why more candidates are prioritizing ROI over program rankings, how financial planning is evolving, and why in-person programs are making a surprising comeback.
Published May 7, 2025 
 
 
 
 
 

EP7 - GMAC Tours - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 7:

What to Expect at an MBA Tour

In this episode, we’re hitting the road as we explore GMAC Tours, the global events that bring top business schools and aspiring students together under one roof. Host Zach is joined by Maggie Cooley, Director of Events and Marketing for GMAC Tours, to unpack why these MBA & Masters Tour events are more than just information sessions. They’re networking goldmines, resume-boosting bootcamps, and overall application game-changers.
You’ll hear what really happens at a Tour event, how to make a lasting impression, and why attending one could help you discover your best-fit program (especially one you’ve never considered before).
Published May 14, 2025 



 


 
 
 
EP8 - Using AI - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 8:

Using AI in Your Application

This week, we sit down with Loubna Bouamane, founder of Admission Concierge and former Director of MBA Admissions, to explore the nuanced role AI now plays in business school applications. From brainstorming essays to managing deadlines, AI tools like ChatGPT can support candidates, but there's a fine line between using AI and outsourcing your voice.

Loubna shares the real risks of overrelying on AI, explains how admissions teams are adapting to this new landscape, and offers actionable advice on preserving authenticity in an increasingly automated world. If you're considering using AI in your MBA journey (or already are) this episode is your guide to staying smart, ethical, and unforgettable.
Published April 23, 2025
Featuring: 

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Inside the GMAT - HubSpot
Season 4, Episode 9:

The GMAT Explained

Watch on Spotify or YouTube for accompanying visuals!
In this solo episode, host Zach breaks down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the GMAT exam. Whether you’re just starting to explore business school or already deep in prep mode, this is your all-in-one explainer for what’s on the exam, how it’s scored, how to prepare, and how to use your score to stand out.
Zach walks through each section of the exam, plus testing options, prep resources, accommodations, and what your score report actually tells you. You’ll also get the facts on percentile rankings, test day logistics, and why a GMAT score is more than just a number.












 

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