Paying for business school can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to.

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with Allie Danziger, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, to discuss one of the biggest concerns facing prospective students: how to finance graduate management education.

Together, they explore why cost remains a major barrier for candidates, common misconceptions about loans and scholarships, strategies for building a realistic financial plan, and ways students can evaluate the long-term return on investment of their degree.

Whether you're just beginning to research programs or preparing to enroll this fall, this conversation offers practical guidance to help you approach funding decisions with greater confidence, including:

• Why financing feels overwhelming for so many candidates
• The difference between scholarships, federal loans, and private loans
• How to calculate your true cost of attendance
• Common funding mistakes students make
• Ways AI can help students plan financially
• Why starting early matters
• How Ascent Funding supports students beyond financing

About our guest:

Allie Danziger is Chief Marketing Officer at Ascent Funding, where she leads marketing, growth, and customer experience initiatives focused on helping students and families access education financing with confidence.

A serial entrepreneur and business builder, Allie has founded, scaled, and successfully exited two companies. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating innovative solutions that help individuals achieve their educational and professional goals.

In 2020, she founded Ampersand, a workforce development platform designed to help early-career professionals build career-ready skills and connect education to employment outcomes. Ampersand was acquired by Ascent Funding in 2023. Prior to Ampersand, Allie founded and led Integrate Agency, one of Texas's leading marketing and public relations firms, serving more than 600 organizations and growing a team of over 250 professionals.

Today, Allie brings a unique perspective at the intersection of education, career readiness, marketing, and technology, helping organizations create meaningful pathways from education to long-term success.

Helpful Resources:

Check your rates with Ascent: https://partners.ascentfunding.com/gmac

Apply for the GMAC scholarship: https://www.ascentfunding.com/scholarships

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

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Financing Education
01:39 Understanding the Barriers to Financing
06:10 Navigating the Cost of Attendance
11:16 Funding Options Explained
15:32 Common Misconceptions in Student Financing
18:14 Timing Your Financial Decisions
21:40 Ascent Funding's Unique Approach
25:03 Collaboration with GMAC
26:40 Final Thoughts and Action Steps

"Nothing is better than the real thing. Official GMAT questions are the gold standard for getting ready for the test."

The GMAT Official Guide 2026–2027 is here, and that means new official questions, updated online practice tools, and fresh ways to prepare for test day.

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined once again by Stacey Koprince of Manhattan Prep to break down what's new in this year's Official Guide collection and how candidates should actually use it. They discuss why official GMAT questions are so valuable, how to balance official prep with third-party learning resources, and why reviewing your practice questions is just as important as answering them.

Zach and Stacey also cover common prep mistakes, including burning through too many questions too quickly, studying one question type in isolation, and skipping review on questions you got right. Plus, Stacey shares practical advice for using the Official Guide, section-specific review books, online question banks, and official practice exams more strategically throughout your prep.

Whether you're just starting your GMAT journey or looking for more official practice before test day, this episode will help you get more out of every question you study.

Purchase the new GMAT Official Guide: mba.com/prep

Register for the GMAT exam: mba.com/register

Get materials from Manhattan Prep: manhattanprep.com/gmat

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.

Key Takeaways

1. Official questions matter because they are real GMAT questions. Third-party prep can teach concepts and strategies, but official GMAT questions are the best way to practice what the real exam will feel like.
2. The Official Guide works best after foundational learning. Candidates should first learn the underlying content, question types, and strategies, then use the Official Guide to quiz themselves.
3. Review is where score improvement happens. Stacey emphasizes that every question should be reviewed, including questions answered correctly, because correct answers can reveal shortcuts, traps, and repeatable strategies.
4. Mixed practice is more effective than over-drilling one question type. The GMAT requires candidates to shift between skills, formats, and sections. Prep should mimic that experience.
5. The newest Official Guide may be worth it, but not always immediately. If a candidate already owns last year's guide and still has plenty of unused questions, they can continue with it. If they are buying for the first time, the newest edition is the better choice.
6. Practice exams should be used carefully. Candidates should review each practice exam thoroughly and complete targeted study before taking another one.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Official Guide 2026-2027
01:07 The Importance of Official GMAT Tools
03:20 New Features and Questions in the Official Guide
11:38 Exploring the Content of the Big OG
16:02 Strategic Use of the Official Guide
18:15 The Value of Reviewing Correct Answers
22:14 Common Mistakes in GMAT Preparation
27:44 Utilizing the Official Guide Effectively
29:24 Review Books and Their Importance
34:17 Integrating Official Prep Tools with Outside Learning
37:46 Pro Tips for Leveraging the New Official Guide

"Anxiety and excitement are chemically the same reaction — context changes how we interpret it."

What actually separates top GMAT performers from everyone else?

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Hailey Cusimano, Director of Tutoring at Menlo Coaching, to unpack the five traits she's observed that that drive GMAT success.

Through the lens of curiosity, balance, consistency, resilience, and flexibility, Hailey explains why the GMAT is less about memorization and more about critical thinking, self-awareness, and intentional preparation.

Whether you're just starting your prep journey or feeling stuck after months of studying, this episode offers actionable insights to help you study smarter — not just harder.

About Hailey:

Hailey Cusimano is a 99th-percentile performer and a self-proclaimed standardized test nerd. Drawing from her years of experience as an instructor, she knows how to assess students' main obstacles and strategize accordingly, maximizing efficiency in short study windows. Plus, her enthusiasm is infectious, and most students find studying with Hailey actually becomes—dare we say—fun.

Helpful Resources:

Menlo Coaching: https://menlocoaching.com/

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

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

Key Takeaways:

• The GMAT is fundamentally a critical thinking test — not a memorization test.
• Curiosity is one of the strongest predictors of long-term GMAT success.
• Reflective studying is far more valuable than simply completing large volumes of questions.
• Consistency matters more than cramming or weekend-only "study marathons."
• Burnout can quietly undermine progress, even for highly motivated students.
• Flexibility and adaptability are essential because the GMAT intentionally challenges rigid thinking.
• Top scorers are not confident all the time — they are resourceful when facing uncertainty.
• Students improve faster when they analyze why they got stuck, not just what they got wrong.
• Strong GMAT preparation requires balance between studying, work, rest, and personal life.
• Resilience allows students to turn setbacks, bad practice tests, and plateau periods into opportunities for growth.
• The best GMAT students treat mistakes as useful data rather than evidence of failure.
• Small, intentional daily study sessions are often more effective than infrequent marathon sessions.
• "Timeline creep" can happen when students study without structure, benchmarks, or accountability.
• Many students plateau because they over-focus on weaknesses and stop practicing holistically.
• The GMAT rewards thoughtful decision-making, resource management, and strategic thinking under pressure.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro and Meet Hailey Cusimano, Menlo Coaching
08:02 Trait #1: Curiosity
13:50 Trait #2: Consistency
22:39 Trait #3: Balance
32:59 Trait #4: Flexibility
36:48 Trait #5: Resilience
43:11 Integrating Key Traits for Success
49:30 Actionable Steps for GMAT Success

"Candidates aren't chasing career switches—they're investing in long-term skills."

If you're considering business school, you've probably asked yourself some big questions: Is it worth it? What should I prioritize? And how are other candidates making this decision?

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with his colleague Andrew Walker, Director of Industry Communications at GMAC, to unpack insights from the 2026 GMAC Prospective Student Survey—featuring perspectives from over 4,000 candidates worldwide.

Together, they explore how candidate motivations are shifting, what "ROI" really means today, and how global preferences for where to study are evolving.

• Why fewer candidates are pursuing business school for career switching
• How AI is shaping expectations for business school curricula
• What candidates really mean when they talk about ROI
• Key differences between younger and more experienced applicants
• Why interest in studying in the U.S. is shifting globally
• The growing demand for business master's degrees vs. MBAs
• How candidates are thinking about financing and application strategy

Whether you're early in your journey or actively applying, this episode will help you better understand how to approach your decision—and what really matters.

Key Takeaways:

1. ROI is broader than ever: Candidates are thinking beyond salary—factoring in skills, network, personal growth, and long-term career resilience.
2. Career switching is no longer the primary driver: More candidates are pursuing business school to build capabilities, not completely change paths.
3. AI is reshaping expectations—but not replacing fundamentals: Demand for AI in the classroom is rising, but core skills like problem solving and strategic thinking remain central.
4. Global study preferences are shifting: Interest in traditional destinations like the U.S. is softening, while Western Europe and parts of Asia are gaining traction.
5. Rankings matter less—outcomes matter more: Candidates are increasingly prioritizing career outcomes and ROI over prestige alone.
6. Younger vs. older candidates have different motivations: Younger: income, status, global experiences
   Older: targeted skill-building and career advancement
7. Business master's degrees are gaining momentum: Especially among younger candidates—and even mid-career professionals looking for focused upskilling.
8. Financing is central to decision-making: Candidates are applying to multiple programs and increasingly relying on financial aid as part of their strategy.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Business School Insights
01:25 Shifting Motivations for Pursuing an MBA
04:10 Understanding ROI in Business Education
07:08 Generational Differences in Business School Aspirations
09:07 Trends in Global Business School Preferences
11:53 Demand for MBAs vs. Business Masters
14:58 Financing Business Education
17:19 Key Takeaways from the Survey

"Testing isn't just about checking a box—it's about proving you're ready to succeed."

When most people think about business school admissions, they focus on test scores, essays, and interviews. But for many candidates around the world, there's another critical piece of the puzzle: proving you can succeed in an English-speaking academic environment.

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach is joined by Elie Bechara, Head of the Duolingo English Test in Europe, to break down how English proficiency testing fits into the modern MBA application—and why it matters more than ever.

Elie shares his journey from INSEAD to consulting to tech, and how he found his way to Duolingo. Then, the conversation dives into what the Duolingo English Test (DET) actually is, how it compares to other English proficiency exams, and why its fully online, adaptive format is rapidly gaining traction worldwide.

You'll also learn how the DET complements exams like the GMAT, what business schools are really looking for when it comes to communication skills, and how global trends are reshaping where—and how—students pursue business education.

About Elie:

Based in Europe, Elie Bechara is the Senior Strategic Engagement Manager for the Duolingo English Test. He works closely with universities, governments, and higher education stakeholders across the region to develop and support fair, secure, and accessible English proficiency assessment in international admissions. Before joining Duolingo, Elie spent over a decade in client-facing roles, across Europe and MENA, in consulting and tech, at LinkedIn, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and PwC, advising institutions, governments, and organisations on strategy, transformation, and talent mobility.

Helpful links:

Duolingo English Test: englishtest.duolingo.com

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

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

Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach

Key Takeaways:

• Language proficiency is more than a checkbox: It's a signal of your ability to actively participate in a global, collaborative MBA environment.
• The GMAT and English tests are complementary, assessing different but equally critical skills: reasoning vs. real-world communication.
• AI is transforming assessment, enabling faster test development, improved security, and more realistic interaction-based evaluations.
• Global mobility trends are shifting, with more candidates choosing Europe and other regions, increasing the need for strong communication across cultures.
• Business school success depends heavily on communication, not just academic ability—especially in discussion-driven environments.
• Your application doesn't need to be "extraordinary" to be compelling—authenticity and clarity matter more than trying to stand out artificially.
• Preparation builds confidence for day one, ensuring you can fully engage from the start rather than playing catch-up.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
01:27 Elie's Journey to Duolingo
04:20 The Duolingo English Test Explained
07:12 The Structure and Security of the Test
12:02 Innovative Features of the Duolingo English Test
14:19 The Growing Popularity of the Duolingo English Test
17:30 Complementing MBA Applications with Language Proficiency
22:38 Trends in Global Mobility for MBA Candidates
25:05 The Future of Language Testing and AI Innovations
29:22 Advice for MBA Applicants and Test Takers

"It's not about the rules and formulas—it's about the decisions you make in how you approach a question."

Most GMAT candidates start their prep the wrong way: by diving straight into content, formulas, and practice questions. But what if that approach is actually holding you back?

In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Brian Prestia, founder of Reason Test Prep, to break down what the GMAT is really testing—and why success has far more to do with how you think than what you know.

Together, they explore the difference between memorization and reasoning, why "tips and tricks" can be misleading, and how top scorers approach questions with strategy, precision, and creativity. From quant to verbal to data insights, Brian shares how to rethink your prep, avoid common traps, and build the kind of problem-solving skills that drive real score gains.

If you've ever felt stuck despite studying hard, this episode will change how you approach the GMAT—and maybe how you think about problem-solving altogether.

About Brian:

Brian Prestia is the owner of Reason Test Prep and is an elite test-prep veteran with more than 20 years of experience preparing people for the GMAT and other standardized tests. He has scored in the 100th percentile of the GMAT and has tutored nearly 1,000 students from all corners of the globe. Brian has a passion for teaching and especially for getting students to think more critically, problem solve more creatively, and, most importantly, enjoy the lifelong process of learning.

Helpful links:

Reason Test Prep: https://reasontestprep.com

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

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

Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach

Key Takeaways:

1. The GMAT is a reasoning test—not a content test: Most candidates over-focus on formulas and rules, but the exam is designed to assess decision-making, logic, and problem-solving ability.
2. "Tips and tricks" thinking misses the point: Treating the GMAT like a game you can hack leads to shallow understanding. Real improvement comes from developing adaptable thinking skills.
3. Strategy should come before content: Top performers learn how to approach problems first, then layer in content—not the other way around.
4. There is always a definitively correct answer: Even in verbal, answers aren't subjective. If something feels ambiguous, it's a signal to refine your reasoning—not guess.
5. Precision matters more than you think: Success—especially in verbal—comes down to noticing small differences in language and meaning.
6. Data Insights is really a time management test: The challenge isn't just solving problems—it's identifying what matters quickly and ignoring noise.
7. Deliberate practice beats volume: Doing hundreds of questions isn't enough. Improvement comes from deeply analyzing how and why you solved (or missed) each one.
8. You don't always need full math to get the answer: Smart estimation, logic, and elimination can often outperform brute-force calculation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to GMAT Strategies
04:09 Brian Prestia's Journey and Reason Test Prep
07:36 Defining Critical Reasoning and Problem Solving
10:05 Misconceptions About Test Preparation
15:38 The Role of Math in GMAT Success
18:30 Approaching Different Sections of the GMAT
22:48 Understanding Argument Strengthening and Weakening
24:14 Precision in Language and Its Importance
26:03 Time Management in Data Insights
32:01 Strategies for Data Sufficiency
37:54 Reorienting Your GMAT Preparation Mindset

"The score isn't the end. It's just the starting point."

After ten weeks, GMAC Zach has finally taken his EA exam! In this candid debrief episode of Inside the GMAT, Zach sits down with instructor Stacey Koprince from Manhattan Prep to break down his real testing experience—from last-minute rescheduling to test-day distractions and everything in between.

Zach walks through how he handled each section, what threw him off (including a chaotic testing environment and a few "wait, is this a typo?" moments), and where his strategy held up—or didn't. Together, they unpack the psychology of test-day performance, including how stress impacts timing, decision-making, and even basic comprehension.

More importantly, this episode shifts from performance to perspective. Stacey explains how to properly debrief an exam, when to guess and move on, and why most candidates improve on a second attempt. The conversation reinforces a key message: your first test isn't just a score—it's data.

For anyone preparing for the GMAT or EA, this episode is a masterclass in what actually happens on test day—and how to use it to your advantage moving forward.

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

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

GMAC Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit

Manhattan Prep Official Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.kaptest.com/gmat/free/gmat-practice

Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach

• Your first test is data, not a verdict: Whether you're happy with your score or not, the real value is understanding what to improve next.

• Test-day stress changes everything: Timing, focus, and even reading comprehension can break down under pressure—even if practice went smoothly.

• Distractions are part of the test: You can't control your environment, but you can train for it—practice in imperfect settings to build resilience.

• Don't let one question sink your section: If you don't fully understand the question or know where to find the answer, guess and move on.

• Perfectionism is the enemy of performance: Spending too long chasing one answer often costs you more points elsewhere.

• Your brain under stress is not always reliable: "Typos" and confusion are often misinterpretations caused by pressure—not actual errors.

• Second attempts tend to improve: Familiarity with the test environment and format often leads to higher scores.

• Balanced scores matter: Consistency across sections (e.g., 11/11/11) is often stronger than uneven performance.

• Start early to give yourself options: Early prep reduces pressure and gives you flexibility to retake if needed.

Chapters

00:00 Exam Rescheduling and Preparation
02:54 Test Center Experience and Initial Reactions
05:59 Debriefing the Exam Performance
08:44 Challenges During the Integrated Reasoning Section
11:47 Verbal Section Insights and Reflections
15:35 Navigating Difficult Questions
20:46 Quantitative Section Insights
22:25 Setting Score Expectations
24:14 Reflections on Preparation and Future Steps

"Lose the urgency. Accept the learning process."

In a world where AI can generate answers instantly, what actually sets great decision-makers apart? In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with GMAT tutor and founder of GMAT Buddy, Ayham Shakra, to unpack the real skill behind success—not memorization, but reasoning.

Ayham explains why the GMAT isn't a math or English test, but a training ground for structured thinking: the ability to filter noise, identify patterns, and make decisions under pressure. Together, they explore why so many test-takers struggle, how foundational skills shape high-level problem solving, and why progress on the GMAT is anything but linear.

The conversation also tackles a bigger question: in an AI-driven world, are reasoning skills more important than ever? Ayham makes the case that they are—not just for test day, but for business school, your career, and life itself.

About Ayham:

Ayham has spent more than a decade helping aspiring MBA candidates prepare for and excel on the GMAT. He specializes in breaking down the preparation journey into focused, manageable sprints—designing personalized study plans that target weaknesses while amplifying strengths.

Through extensive work with non-native English speakers and candidates from non-math backgrounds, Ayham has developed distinctive teaching methods that go beyond content mastery to strengthen core reasoning skills. His approach empowers students not just to improve their scores, but to think more clearly, efficiently, and confidently under pressure.

Helpful links:

GMAT Buddy: https://gmatbuddy.com/

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

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

Inside the GMAT/GMAC Zach on Substack: https://substack.com/@gmaczach

Key Takeaways

• The GMAT measures how you think—not what you know: It's about processing information, identifying patterns, and making decisions efficiently—not advanced math or perfect English.

• AI makes judgment more valuable, not less: When answers are everywhere, the real skill is knowing which ones are actually correct or useful.

• Foundation before finesse: High-level "aha" problem solving only works if basic skills (math, reading, logic) are automatic and intuitive.

• Progress is non-linear: Improvement comes in waves, not steady gains—patience is part of the process.

• Reasoning is a trainable skill: It's built through repetition, reflection, and learning to ask the right questions—not memorizing shortcuts.

• Timed conditions reveal true skill: Efficiency under pressure—not just correctness—is what separates top performers.

• The "aha moment" is the real learning unit: Each moment of clarity builds a repeatable mental framework for solving future problems.

• Don't compare your journey: Everyone starts from a different baseline—focus on your own growth trajectory.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
06:08 The Impact of AI on Learning and Reasoning
11:09 How to Teach Reasoning Skills
22:40 Building a Strong Foundation for GMAT Success
26:24 The Role of Timed Conditions in Testing
29:31 Real-World Applications of GMAT Skills
33:42 Pursuing Aha Moments in Learning