1 - My preferred GMAT Prep material
Manhattan Prep's GMAT course was the better GMAT prep course and materials, in my humble opinion. I took the GMAT three times - the first two times using Kaplan prep materials and techniques, and the third time with Manhattan Prep's materials, tips, and techniques. It was a world different in caliber and rigor. Do an online Manhattan Prep course if you have the cash.
I recommend taking an online instructor-led course. For almost everyone, it results in a more effective learning experience. However, the books are great as stand-alone tools. Not shooting for a 700+ score? Just wanting an exam result to have in your back pocket? All you need is just the books.
These books are not easy to find used (on Craigslist, etc) in many areas, and it's nice to be able to write/highlight without writing over someone else's notes. You can re-sell these books easily when done.
Take the GMAT seriously - your score is a potential ticket for financial aid. You could be leaving money on the table by just doing "good enough" (getting a score near or below the average of your target school) rather than getting your best score (a score you're capable of that is above-average for your target school). Don't pass up quarter, half, or full-tuition scholarships. TCU offered me a half-tuition scholarship with just a 640 GMAT score, which is right at their average GMAT level. The University of Wisconsin's GMAT average is around 670 - they initially waitlisted me, but later offered me a small financial aid package as well.
2 - The best book before starting a new program, internship, or full-time job
The book, "The First 90 Days" by Michael Watkins, has been my favorite book on how thrive rather than screw up being the "new guy". I listened to this on Audible, but the book frequently refers to charts and graphs that are only in the actual hard copy book. It's also fast-paced and packed with information, so a hard copy would have been better for highlighting, writing notes, and easily referring back to later. I plan on buying a hard copy to reference.
In my post-MBA job, I've personally seen interns not get job offers because they violated the principles in this book. I stepped on landmines at work before learning the book's principles. It's a great read.
Don't mess up your internship or job because you don't know how to properly transition into an organization as a new leader. "Pride comes before the fall."
3 - The easiest-to-use Financial Calculator (I know, I know... just bear with me)
I'm so sorry we have to have this conversation. Let's get through this quick.
You will be required to buy a financial calculator. Just get the TI BA II plus. Why? sigh... all right...
- It's faster and simpler to use than your alternative choice.
- It's cheaper.
- The buttons don't press down weird or use weird color coding.
- It can be used in both the CFA and CPA exams.
- It has a normal case instead of a lame black bag to slide in.
- It doesn't look like something used in the 80's.
Both kinds have an error when calculating IRR (a financial metric) if the cash flows (inputs needed to calculate the metric) change between negative to positive more than once. The TI BA II - my preferred calculator - will display a number, but it will be just one of multiple possible answers. The HP 12c (the clunky, ugly, overpriced one) will give you a error message that prevents you from writing an incorrect answer on an exam.
If your professor gives you grief for having a TI, just say "I know the TI gives me the first IRR when there's multiple IRR's," then enjoy the other 99.99% of your calculator experience while your classmates have a less enjoyable experience 100% of the time.
I'll stop. Just get the TI.
4 - When in Rome, dress as the Romans do
North Face Venture jacket - I love this super thin yet warm rain jacket with hood, zipper pockets, and zipper vents under the arms.
New to the Pacific Northwest and constant rain? New to Texas's humidity with ferocious downpours? Yes and Yes. Covered and Covered. Umbrella free!
Plus you have to see the hilarious Photoshop job of the woman's head - when zipped up, the jacket should cover up to the person's nose, not just the neck.
5 - You need this in your life
By the beard of Zeus! Brownie Brittle!
A brilliant person introduced this to me during my MBA. What a great day... and now my trips to Costco have never been the same.
