Learn what the key component to his test-taking strategy was and how he made his GMAT preparation less stressful. Read the following interview of GMAT Tutor:

Today we speak with Sean Walsh, the winner of The Economist’s second Brightest Minds MBA Scholarship Contest. Sean received the highest score on the Economist GMAT Tutor’s simulation test, beating more than 6,000 other contest entrants. He then participated in a tie-breaker essay writing task, which he won.

As winner of the $25,000 MBA scholarship to a partnering school, Sean provides advice to future contestants and shares how Economist GMAT Tutor helped him prepare for the exam.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in Calgary. I graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from the University of Victoria. After college I returned to Calgary to work as an engineer in the oil and gas industry. The projects that I enjoy most work to decrease the environmental impact of the industry, such as reducing freshwater usage and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to my engineering work, I co-founded an investment partnership that actively trades equities and derivatives.

What made you decide to apply to business school?

After having spent five years in the energy industry, I realized that I need to build a stronger financial acumen and a better understanding of how financial markets work. An MBA will help me with that and provide the foundation for moving into the financial side of the oil and gas industry.

Tell us more about how you studied for the GMAT. What was the most stressful part about the process?

After finishing a day’s work, it was a challenge to reset and begin studying. Economist GMAT Tutor provided the structure I needed to make this transition.

As a winner of the Brightest Minds MBA Scholarship Contest, is there a key component to your test-taking strategy that future contestants can learn from?

Be strategic about your studying for the GMAT. Use helpful tools such as Economist GMAT Tutor to help you focus on your weaknesses, and build a study plan that suits your learning style. I also approached studying with the view that what I learned preparing for the GMAT would provide a foundation for my MBA studies.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to thank the Economist GMAT Tutor team. They made preparing for the GMAT less stressful!

Read the original article on the blog of The Economist’s GMAT Tutor.

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