"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