"AI is going to be as profound as fire or electricity. Even if that's one-millionth true, we have to take it seriously."

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with David Marchick, Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University, to explore how business education is being reshaped by AI, career pivots, and the skills that truly matter over a lifetime.

Marchick reflects on his unconventional career path and how those experiences shape his student-first approach to leadership. He explains why "psychic income," not just financial return, drives his work in higher education, and why helping students experiment, fail, and grow outside the classroom is just as important as mastering core business fundamentals.

A major focus of the conversation is Kogod's rapid and award-winning integration of artificial intelligence into every aspect of the business school—from curriculum and faculty research to operations and student learning. Marchick shares how Kogod moved quickly to embed AI literacy across disciplines, partnered with tools like Perplexity, and created a culture where experimentation with emerging technology is encouraged rather than feared.

The discussion also tackles broader questions facing prospective students: how AI is changing leadership, why business degrees still matter in a non-linear career world, and how graduate education can empower creatives, career switchers, and non-traditional students to reinvent themselves. Marchick closes with advice for ambitious young professionals weighing business school, urging them to find the overlap between what they love, what they're good at, and where they're willing to keep learning—and relearning—over time.

About David Marchick:

David Marchick serves as Dean of the Kogod School of Business at American University. In this role, he leads the school's work to support more than 2,000 students and offer more than two dozen undergraduate and graduate degree and certification programs. He previously was an Adjunct Professor at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth University. 

Since Marchick took on the role of Dean in August 2022, the Kogod School of Business has unveiled major initiatives in sustainability, AI and entrepreneurship; raised more than the previous 10 years combined; attracted its largest-ever first-year undergraduate class; and almost doubled the number of endowed chairs for the school. Under Marchick's leadership, Kogod faculty and staff developed and implemented what Poets & Quants called "the most consequential AI transformation in business education."

Helpful links:

The Kogod School of Business: https://kogod.american.edu/

AU's Institute for Applied Artificial Intelligence: https://kogod.american.edu/iaai

Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
02:29 The Evolution of Business Education
05:35 AI's Impact on Business Schools
08:30 The Importance of Communication Skills
11:35 The Changing Landscape of Graduate Education
14:10 Integrating AI into the Curriculum
17:20 Real-World Applications of AI in Education
20:22 Preparing for the Future of Work
23:15 Advice for Aspiring Business Students
26:11 Future Initiatives at Kogod School of Business

"The only person you're really competing with is who you were yesterday."

Preparing for the GMAT isn't supposed to be easy—and that's the point.

In the last episode of 2025, GMAC Zach sits down with Stefan Maisnier, longtime GMAT instructor and parter at MyGuru, to unpack why GMAT prep feels so challenging, what skills the exam is actually measuring, and how the mindset you develop while studying can pay dividends far beyond test day.

Stefan famously describes GMAT prep as "eating your vegetables"—not always enjoyable, but undeniably good for you. Together, Zach and Stefan explore why productive discomfort leads to real growth, how to reframe negative beliefs about math and reading, and why the GMAT remains a powerful tool for self-improvement in an age of shortcuts and AI.

If you're feeling stuck, intimidated, or tempted to avoid the GMAT altogether, this conversation will help you rethink the value of the challenge.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why the GMAT is designed to feel difficult—and why that's intentional
• What the exam actually measures (and why it matters for business school and leadership)
• How GMAT prep builds skills that carry into MBA coursework and professional life
• Why "I'm not a math person" or "I'm not a reader" is usually a learned belief—not a fact
• How adaptive testing changes the test-taking experience
• Why improvement over time can be more compelling than a single high score
• Realistic timelines and expectations for GMAT prep
• How to shift from a "this is painful" mindset to a "this is valuable" mindset

About MyGuru:

For 15 years, MyGuru has provided an unparalleled edge to students worldwide by empowering a team of uniquely qualified subject matter experts to use their individual expertise and experience to provide dynamic real-time instruction rather than boring one-size-fits-all curricula to every client. They have delivered customized in-person and virtual tutoring to individuals at the middle school, high school, college, graduate, and professional levels as well as enterprise tutoring solutions for institutions such as Northwestern Mutual and Northeastern Illinois University.

Helpful links:

MyGuru Website: https://www.myguruedge.com/en-us/

MyGuru on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MyGuruEdge

Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register

Sign up for GMAC Advancery to Find Best-Fit B-Schools Schools: https://advancery.gmac.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to GMAT and Mindset for Success
01:35 Understanding the GMAT's Purpose and Value
04:11 The Importance of Challenging Yourself
06:39 Engaging with the GMAT: Strategies for Success
10:35 Overcoming Misconceptions About Math and Reading
14:15 The Adaptive Nature of the GMAT Exam
18:20 The Role of Improvement Over Perfection
19:54 How to Schedule Your Prep Timeline
23:07 Mindset and Overcoming Obstacles
25:15 The Importance of Self-Improvement
30:11 Navigating Test Preparation
34:12 Embracing the Learning Journey

It's Week 7 of Zach's EA prep, and Stacey from Manhattan Prep helps GMAC Zach review his most recent practice exam, focusing on three specific problems: a Two-Part Analysis question in the Integrated Reasoning section, a Critical Reasoning quesiton in the Verbal section, and a complex Problem Solving question in the Quantitative Reasoning section. They explore strategies for tackling each type of question, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying logic, taking notes, and being aware of traps in answer choices. The discussion highlights the need for effective test preparation and the value of learning from mistakes to improve performance in future exams.

About Stacey:

Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.

Helpful links:

Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare

GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources

Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep

Takeaways:

• Taking notes during the exam can help clarify complex questions.

• Understanding the logic behind questions is crucial for success.

• Each answer choice is designed to test specific reasoning skills.

• It's important to identify key details in the question prompt.

• Practice with various question types can enhance test-taking strategies.

• Avoid rushing to answer choices before analyzing the question.

• Recognizing distractor answers can prevent common mistakes.

• Familiarity with question formats can reduce anxiety during the test.

• Effective time management is essential for completing all questions.

• Learning from incorrect answers is vital for improvement.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
00:46 Integrated Reasoning (IR) Question - Two-Part Analysis
13:08 Verbal Reasoning (VR) Question - Critical Reasoning
27:33 Quantitative Reasoning (QR) Question - Problem Solving
37:53 In Review & Next Steps

Practice Exam #2 results are in...and they are good!

It's Week 6 of GMAC Zach's EA prep and the results are in for his second practice exam. In this week's episode, Stacey dives into Zach's results, focusing on his score improvement and the strategies he employed during his preparation. They also explore the emotional aspects of test-taking, the importance of reviewing results, and the next steps in Zach's study plan. The conversation also touches on how life challenges can impact preparation and the structure of the exam itself, highlighting personal preferences and strategies for success.

About Stacey:

Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.

Helpful links:

Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare

GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources

Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep

Takeaways:

• The importance of reviewing practice exam results to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Life challenges can serve as motivation during test preparation.
• It's common for scores to fluctuate; not every practice test will show improvement.
• Understanding the exam structure can help reduce anxiety.
• Reviewing questions you got wrong is crucial for future success.
• Focus on low-hanging fruit when studying for improvement.
• Practice tests should be taken within a few days of review for better retention.
• The EA exam's panel structure can be psychologically comforting.
• Setting realistic goals for future practice tests is essential.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Practice Exam Results
01:35 Score Analysis and Improvement Strategies
03:58 Life Challenges and Test Performance
05:47 Reviewing Practice Exam Results
08:34 Next Steps and Future Practice Tests
10:28 Exam Structure and Test-Taking Strategies

Register for GMAC Insider Week Free:

https://go.gmac.com/gmac-insider-week-december-2025-virtual-seminar-series

Do you want free, focused guidance to level-up your business school applications and GMAT performance - with exclusive bonuses for attendees!

Join us for our first ever GMAC Insider Week! A series of FREE 30-minute seminars with top test prep and admissions counselors.

For each seminar, live attendees will be entered to win one full GMAT Exam Voucher AND receive an exclusive 10% discount on official GMAT Prep products - up to $330 in value!

Tell 'em GMAC Zach sent you.

Writing the "Why Our School?" essay is one of the toughest—and most overlooked—parts of the MBA application. In this episode, GMAC Zach sits down with Jeremy Shinewald, founder of MBA Mission and one of the most trusted voices in MBA admissions, to break down how to turn this high-stakes prompt into a powerful statement of fit.

Jeremy explains why this essay is far more than a formality, where most applicants go wrong, and the three core components every strong response must include: your context, your goals, and a bridge that connects those goals to the school's specific resources. He also shares insider tips from two decades of advising thousands of candidates, including how to avoid sounding generic, why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how to demonstrate conviction that resonates with admissions committees.

If you want to tell your story with clarity, purpose, and genuine fit, this episode is your roadmap.

Featured Resources:

mbaMission: https://www.mbamission.com

onTrack by mbaMission: https://ontrack.mbamission.com

About Our Guest:

Jeremy Shinewald is the founder of mbaMission (Poets and Quants 4x top-ranked MBA admissions consulting firm) and is an industry founder, innovator and driver. He is the author of the Complete Start to Finish Guide to MBA admissions and "'What Matters?' and 'What More?': 50 Successful Essays for the Stanford GSB and HBS (and Why They Worked)". He is the creator of onTrack by mbaMission, an asynchronous MBA admissions course and platform which Poets and Quants called, "the most comprehensive MBA admissions resource ever created." Jeremy's thought leadership has led to him being quoted in the WSJ, NYT and many other media outlets.

Takeaways:

• The 'Why Our School' essay is crucial for MBA applications.
• Applicants often make the mistake of pandering to schools.
• Authenticity is key; don't try to be someone you're not.
• Understanding your goals before applying is essential.
• Researching schools thoroughly can enhance your application.
• Your personal statement should reflect genuine fit with the school.
• Communication skills are vital in the application process.
• Context in your essay should lead to your goals.
• Don't leave your application to the last minute.

Chapters:

00:00 The Journey of Entrepreneurship
00:35 Understanding the MBA Admissions Process
05:25 The Art of Personal Statements
08:19 Crafting the 'Why Our School' Essay
10:36 Crafting Your MBA Goals
15:07 Understanding the School's Fit
18:19 The Importance of Clarity in Goals
20:20 Valuing the 'Why This School' Essay
22:07 Final Thoughts on the Application Process

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Ashwini Deshpande, a former fashion designer turned MBA candidate whose two-month GMAT sprint transformed her entire career trajectory. Ashwini shares how she went from designing digital fashion at Meta to scoring a 750 on the exam (roughly a 715 on today's scale), earning admission—and a scholarship—to the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

She walks through her unconventional path, why she approached GMAT prep like a creative challenge, how the right prep tools accelerated her progress, and why non-traditional applicants should see their backgrounds as an advantage, not a barrier. Ashwini also explains how her GMAT skills still show up in the classroom and in consulting recruiting—and how confidence, mindset, and self-reflection powered every step of her journey.

You can follow Ashwini's MBA adventures on Instagram, offering a behind-the-scenes look at classes, campus life, and what it's really like to be a business student with a fashion-tech edge.

Explore GMAT Prep: https://www.mba.com/gmat-exam-prep

Register for the GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat-exam/register

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GMATbyGMAC

Takeaways:

• Creativity can lead to a successful MBA journey and prep plan.
• Self-reflection is key in GMAT preparation.
• Non-traditional backgrounds can be advantageous in applications.
• Choosing the right business school is crucial for fit.
• A strong GMAT score can open doors to not just top schools, but scholarship opportunities.
• Start preparing early to avoid last-minute stress.
• Utilize resources that match your learning style.
• Confidence is essential for non-traditional candidates.
• Success is achievable with dedication and the right mindset.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Ashwini's Journey
05:03 The GMAT Experience: Preparation and Strategy
10:23 Choosing the Right Business School
15:32 Leveraging a Unique Background in Applications
21:06 Advice for Non-Traditional MBA Candidates
25:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In the latest installment of GMAC Zach's EA prep journey, Zach is joined by test prep expert Stacey Koprince for another candid conversation about tacking the exam. Fresh off completing the Foundations of Math book, Zach shares what surprised him, what clicked, and what still feels intimidating — from story problems that suddenly felt accessible to "age problems" that he hopes never appear on test day. Stacey breaks down the science of curiosity-driven learning, reveals which math topics appear more or less frequently on the EA, and offers practical strategies for prioritizing prep when time is short.

The episode dives into one of Zach's biggest hurdles: memorizing fraction–decimal–percent conversions. Stacey walks him through how to derive conversions logically rather than rote-memorize long tables, giving Zach (and listeners) a more intuitive path forward. They also discuss leveraging AI carefully, using Foundations of Math as a reference tool, and maximizing the last few days before Zach's section practice exam — especially in Integrated Reasoning.

About Stacey:

Stacey Koprince is one of the most recognized names in test prep, with over 15 years of experience teaching the GMAT, EA, GRE, and LSAT. As Manhattan Prep's Director of Content & Curriculum, she has written countless articles, guides, and video explanations that thousands of students rely on. A former management consultant, Stacey now spends her days helping future business leaders master tricky concepts and find confidence in their prep—something she's passionate about seeing "click" for every student.

Helpful links:

Register for the EA: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/register

Purchase EA Official Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare

GMAC Free EA Prep: https://www.mba.com/exams/executive-assessment/prepare/free-prep-resources

Manhattan Prep EA Resources: https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/courses/executive-assessment-test-prep

Takeaways:

• Curiosity enhances learning and retention.
• Practice tests help identify areas for improvement.
• Memorization of key math concepts is beneficial.
• Organization is crucial for solving complex problems.
• Focus on strengths rather than weaknesses before tests.
• Engaging with material through discussion aids understanding.
• Utilize study materials as references even after completion.
• Seek advice from test prep experts for common topics.
• Don't let external pressures affect test performance.
• Learning is a journey, and progress should be acknowledged.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Study Progress
03:02 Reflections on Learning and Curiosity
05:54 Challenges with Word Problems
08:35 Understanding Common Test Topics
09:52 Memorization Techniques for Math
17:49 Utilizing Study Materials Effectively
24:20 Final Thoughts and Future Plans