Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions

How to address significant health issues?

Launched September 22, 2008
Expert replies
by jturritt » Thu Feb 09, 2012 12:29 pm
Hello Clear admit!


Had a unique question that I am hoping for some clarity. My details: I am a 640 Gmat, 3.45 GPA, enrolled in an evening MBA program right now for an accounting class, series 7 licensed, passed first exam of CAIA, from MN, had a mix of good, but economically ravaged capital markets positions. (equity trading support, mortgage back securities trading)

I have two questions...

I am looking at a few tier 2ish schools on the coasts. Does being from MN have any sliver of "diversity" benefit? Say the Boston schools or USC/Ucal Irvine, the Arizonas?

My other question is I have had some unique health challenges. Had open skull (craniotomy) surgery and open heart surgery to replace my aorta and heart valve, both in my twenties. I was told I had weeks to months to live with the brain problem, but turned out ok. I have much to reflect on. There have been lasting life effects, but nothing too harmful. How careful should I be about discussing these health stories? Should I highlight them as long as its part of a narrative or play them down? The brain issue was in undergrad and it did affect my schooling. Just curious how to bring these up, and what level of uniqueness does this add to my resume? I want to highlight it, stick out, but not play the "poor me" fiddle.



Thanks so much for your time and thoughts,
JT
Join the discussion
Source: — Ask Clear Admit |

by Stacey Oyler » Mon Feb 13, 2012 2:52 pm
Hi JT,

Thanks for your post. It sounds like you did quite well in undergrad especially given your health issues.

In response to your question about "diversity," it is fair to say that the schools on the coast tend to get the majority of applicants from nearby geographical areas. So, yes, it could indeed be possible that all other things being equal a school might select a candidate from an underrepresented area over one from a well represented location. So while it might be a tie breaker, it won't be a game changer if all other application components aren't equal.

In regard to how to address your health. There are a couple of places this could come up. If your grades suffered due to your health or if it took you longer to graduate, you should write an optional essay for each school explaining the circumstances. If this isn't the case, your situation could very well work for another essay topic depending on the prompt. I wouldn't shy away from it since it was such a life altering experience.

Best,

Stacey
Sign up for my MBA admissions course, featuring me and other Clear Admit experts, by visiting: https://www.udemy.com/business-school

Stacey Oyler
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215.568.2590

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
Read our Blog for daily MBA admissions tips and updates.
Follow us on Twitter for breaking b-school news.
Download our Publications on MBA programs and admissions strategy.
Visit our MBA Admissions Wiki to read and share application insights.
Join the discussion