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Test Prep

Who are the instructors?

We only hire graduates of the best European and North American universities to teach test preparation courses at the MBA Center London. Most test prep instructors are Americans and all have significant experience working with British students.

How different is your approach from other test prep centers?

We are different in a number of ways. But primarily, by employing our unique MBA Center test prep method. Rather than trying to find a correct answer, we teach our students to eliminate the wrong ones. Second, we offer highly personalized services and individual follow-up to each student. Third, we take into account many cultural and linguistic matters as important factors influencing test preparation. In other words, our study program has been specifically adapted to help British students succeed on the tests.

How many students are in a group?

The number of places in semi-intensive groups is limited to 10. Intensive courses count up to 12 students per group.

What is the duration of the course?

Formally, each course has a certain number of hours. It is assumed that students make significant progress and achieve their goals during this period. However, if you find you need extra preparation, the number of hours can be extended at no extra charge. See more information on this benefit in the Procedures section.

What books do you use?

We use the MBA Center Study Books as a basic classroom tool. For test practice, we employ materials from a range of educational publishers (including official tests distributed by the Educational Testing Service).

What are your results? Success rate?

We cannot oblige our students to inform us about their official test scores, because this is personal information. However, we can tell you that 95 percent of our students gain admission to at least one of the three schools of their choice.

I do not live in London. Do you offer any intensive training?

Frequently, we have students who live outside of London. Some of them prefer to commute to London to attend weekend or intensive classes; others study at home with our guidance and study materials.

Do you register students for official tests?

We do not register students for actual tests. However, we provide official documents containing information on test registration and related matters at the MBA Center London.

What’s the difference between TOEFL and TOEIC?

Both tests are designed to precisely measure non-native speakers’ skills in understanding spoken and written English.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) evaluates one’s ability to communicate in an American academic environment, whereas the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) evaluates one’s chances to interact effectively in a business setting. The TOEFL is required of all non-native English speakers applying to undergraduate and graduate programs primarily in North America; the TOEIC is used by companies in the recruitment process.
Although similar in many ways, the two tests differ in several important respects. A TOEFL score is only valid for two years while TOEIC test results can be used for an indefinite period of time, but are generally considered accurate for about five years because language skills can change greatly with time and usage. The formats of the tests vary, too. The TOEFL is administered both on the computer and on paper, while the TOEIC is offered only as a paper-based exam.
If you are not required to take the TOEFL or TOEIC and would like to evaluate your level of English, we recommend taking the TOEIC. It will enhance your CV by demonstrating serious study and proven English language skills. The TOEIC also may be taken repeatedly, with your score always updated showing the latest and best result.

I have taken the TOEIC (IELTS, Cambridge CPE) already and have a very good score. Do I still need to take TOEFL to prove my proficiency in English?

You should address this question to the schools you are applying to.

When is the start date for the semi-intensive TOEFL course?

We have a rolling admissions rule for our semi-intensive courses. That means you can start whenever you like. The courses progress in a cycle, so any given 40 hours of preparation provides you with the entirety of the material covered.

I have only one week left until the GMAT. Can you help me prepare?

Tough question… We do not promise miracles. What we can recommend, if your schedule does not allow you to take an intensive course (full day Saturday and Sunday), is private tutoring. Private courses are scheduled on an individual basis and can directly target your weakest points.

I have a score of X on the GMAT already. Can you help me reach X+100?

It depends. Obviously, it is relatively easy to move from 400 up to 500, but it is extremely hard to progress from 700 to 750. In the second case, we offer the Destination 800 course. It is designed especially for students who already have a good level on the GMAT and who are applying to top schools.

How much does it cost to take a diagnostic test to determine my initial level?

Diagnostic testing is free of charge and offered at your convenience at the MBA Center London or online.

Coaching and Editing

What is included in MBA Coaching package?

MBA coaching is a special service available to applicants who want to work with an MBA coach on an individual basis. Typically, coaching includes evaluation of the student’s profile, selection of schools and programs, development of an application strategy, design of a winning application essay, interview preparation and others. This program is highly personalized and involves close interaction between the applicant and his or her coach.

How does the coaching take place?

In most cases, coaching consists of individual meetings with your coach where you will discuss various aspects of your application in order to identify ways to improve it. Normally, students are invited to meet their coaches at the MBA Center London, but, if the need arises, our coaches may meet you at another location at your convenience. For essay editing (part of the coaching package) students give their essays to the coach, who will work closely with one of our editors on refining the final version.

Who are the coaches?

Our coaches are qualified and experienced MBA preparation professionals and admissions experts. It is our policy to recruit only graduates of best North American and European universities (INSEAD, Harvard, Columbia, Northwestern) for coaching positions at MBA Center London.

What is the minimum number of coaching hours required to produce an outstanding application package?

The number of hours that one needs in order to prepare sufficiently for an MBA admission varies greatly from one applicant to another. Many factors must be taken into account: the program to which you are applying, GMAT scores, academic record, work experience, and English language proficiency, among others. Nevertheless, we believe that 10 hours of coaching is an absolute minimum for producing an adequate MBA application.

Can you give me contact information for your students who took coaching classes and were accepted to top schools?

With pleasure. We have many satisfied students who are now pursuing their MBAs in business schools throughout the world.

Can you write the essays for me?

We will not write an essay or any other application document on your behalf. Your essay must reveal your personality (this is what admissions officers are looking for in the essays, after all!). The best way to achieve this is by letting you write your own essay. However, our coaches work with you very closely and suggest ways to make your essay original and compelling. Our editors will polish up the language and make your voice strong and convincing.

Everybody says I speak very good English. Do I really need essay editing?

Your essay is not about showing how you can write in English. Rather, it is your opportunity to express yourself and convey a powerful personal message to the admissions committees. A good essay also has to be logical, well structured and balanced, yet original and non-standard. That is why we strongly recommend essay editing even to native English speakers.

Why do you charge for editing by the hour?

This is because we believe that editing is valuable only if it comes in combination with coaching. Editing without coaching is a technical task that may produce nothing but a very modest result. That is why we offer editing as part of our coaching services (rated on a “by the hour” basis.)

Seminars

How much do they cost?

Admission to all seminars is free. However, we request that students reserve a place by calling +44 (0)7875 232 756 or sending an e-mail to us well in advance of the event.

What are the topics?

You may review the current schedule and list of topics online. Normally, seminars cover a wide range of subjects, from current trends in MBA admissions, to test preparation, to specific MBA program presentations.

Do I need to register in advance to participate in the seminars?

Yes, we require that you inform us of your intention to take part in a seminar several days in advance calling +44 (0)7875 232 756 or sending us an e-mail. Please note that the number of participants in a seminar is limited and any request may be declined if submitted too late.

Procedures

Can my company pay for me?

Of course. About 20 percent of our students are sponsored by their employers. Please note that the same payment requirements apply.

When do I have to pay for my classes?

The entire amount must be paid prior to the starting date of the course.

Do I have to buy special textbooks or software for my classes?

No. We provide an MBA Center Study Book and CD-ROM for your course when you register, and it is all included in the package. In addition, we provide practice tests during your course, so that you benefit from lots of extra practice. You also may take additional tests at home or at the MBA Center London.

FAQ

Test Prep

Coaching and Editing

Seminars

Procedures

Calendar of Classes
and Events

Contact Us

FAQ

Test Prep

Coaching and Editing

Seminars

Procedures

Calendar of Classes and Events

Contact Us

Calendar of Classes
and Events