When planning your future in higher education, questions often arise around the GMAT, the difference between an MBA and a Master’s degree, how to finance your studies, and whether you’re making the right strategic choices. At 700 Plus Club, we help you navigate all these decisions — with clarity, expert support, and proven results. In this blog, we’ll walk you through key considerations, including why you should take the GMAT, choosing between an MBA or a Master, the power of our Super 50 Programme, and how to finance your international education.
Should You Take the GMAT?
In one word: Yes. You should absolutely take the GMAT — even if a programme says it’s “optional” or “not required”.
We always advise students to take the GMAT if they can. It strengthens your application, enhances your profile, and helps you stand out in a competitive admissions process. Many top schools use the phrase “not required but recommended” — which, in practice, means they’d still prefer to see a strong score.
If you have a low GPA, a career gap, or are switching fields, the GMAT can help compensate and demonstrate your academic readiness. A high GMAT score, especially 700 or above, proves that you’re serious, capable, and ready for the academic rigour of a top-tier business programme.
Master’s vs MBA: Which One Should You Choose?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The truth is, it depends on where you are in your career journey.
If you’re a recent graduate with little to no full-time work experience (typically less than two years), a Master’s degree makes sense. These are often referred to as pre-experience Master’s programmes, and are designed for those at the start of their professional lives.
On the other hand, if you already have at least two to five years of work experience, especially in Europe or the US, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a better fit. MBAs are ideal for professionals looking to change industries, gain leadership roles, or accelerate their career trajectory.
The challenge comes for those with around two years of experience — not enough for a top MBA, but slightly too much for most Master’s programmes. In this case, planning ahead is key. Decide whether you’d prefer to do a Master’s now or wait a year or two to apply for an MBA.
The Importance of Recommendation Letters
Recommendation letters are a crucial part of your application. Our advice is simple: choose recommenders who know you well and can write about you authentically and specifically.
Avoid generic or surface-level references. Ask recommenders to include detailed examples of your skills and strengths, preferably aligned with what the school is looking for. Each school has different values — some might prioritise leadership, others collaboration or analytical ability — so tailor your letters accordingly.
Before requesting your letters, always check each school’s requirements. And yes — never let a dog write your reference!
Introducing the Super 50 Programme
We created the Super 50 Programme to solve a big problem. Many students achieve excellent GMAT scores but struggle with the rest of the application process. As a result, strong candidates are sometimes rejected from their dream schools — not due to academics, but because of weak essays, unpolished CVs, or lacklustre interviews.
Our Super 50 is a selective programme in which we choose 50 driven candidates and guide them through the full admissions journey. This includes:
- Intensive GMAT preparation
- Career and academic goal mapping
- School selection and profile matching
- CV and essay editing
- Recommendation strategy
- Interview preparation
- Personal branding and storytelling
We work individually with each student to make sure their unique strengths shine through, we’re so confident in our process, we even offer a money-back guarantee.
Financing Your Higher Education
There’s no denying it — higher education is expensive. But with proper planning and awareness, there are multiple ways to fund your journey.
Scholarships
Many schools offer scholarships based on merit, diversity, or financial need. Some are tied to high GMAT scores. Others are linked to your nationality, academic background, or leadership potential. Always research scholarships offered by the school, by your home country, and by third-party organisations such as Fulbright or Rhodes.
Loans and Financing Options
If scholarships don’t fully cover your tuition, consider education loans. Local banks and international lenders like Prodigy Finance and Juno offer education loans without the need for collateral, with repayments starting after graduation.
Company Sponsorships
For MBA applicants, company sponsorship is another strong option. Many consulting firms, investment banks, and multinational companies sponsor their employees’ MBAs in exchange for a return commitment. You’ll repay the cost in time, not money — usually by working for the company for a few years post-MBA.
Strategic Planning
Some candidates even use a deferred MBA admission letter to secure top jobs. One student we worked with received a deferred admission from Columbia, used it to land a consulting role, and then had the firm sponsor their MBA — resulting in a nearly free top-tier education.
From GMAT to Global Success
Your journey to a top global Master’s or MBA starts with strategic planning, and the GMAT is a key pillar of that journey. Whether you’re aiming for a business Master’s or a global MBA, taking the GMAT, understanding the right timing, writing powerful applications, and exploring smart financing options all make the difference.
At 700 Plus Club, we’re more than GMAT tutors — we’re admissions partners, mentors, and advocates for your success. Whether you’re aiming to break into a top school, secure funding, or launch a global career, we’re here to help you do it — confidently, successfully, and with clarity.
Take your next step with a team that’s got your back every step of the way.
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