General Success Tips

  1. Stick to the Rubric Religiously:

    • Use the rubric as your template. Address every element in the "Competent" column to avoid revisions. Many successful students draft their papers using the rubric headings directly.

    • Utilize tools like Grammarly (free for WGU students) or Quillbot for proofreading and enhancing writing clarity.

  2. Take Pre-Assessments Immediately:

    • The pre-assessment (PA) identifies weak areas. Study these areas with Quizlets, cohort videos, and textbooks.

    • Schedule the Objective Assessment (OA) shortly after taking the PA to commit to a timeline and maintain study momentum.

  3. Leverage Test-Taking Strategies:

    • For OAs (multiple-choice exams), eliminate obvious wrong answers to improve odds.

    • Study Quizlets and flashcards focused on the most common exam topics. Repeat them until answers feel automatic.

  4. Maximize Study Efficiency:

    • Schedule daily or weekly sessions. Even 1–2 hours per day adds up.

    • Use the Jerry Seinfeld “Chain Method”: work on the program daily, even if it’s minimal.

  5. Plan for One Term Completion (If Possible):

    • Finishing within one term saves costs. Work at a consistent pace and communicate progress with your mentor.

    • Aim to complete foundational courses early, leaving complex or writing-heavy ones for when you’ve gained momentum.

Mastering Written Assignments

  1. Use Templates:

    • WGU provides a business paper template. Save and use this for every writing assignment. It's designed to meet all rubric requirements.

  2. Keep it Concise:

    • Address rubric criteria clearly and efficiently. Skip unnecessary fluff; evaluators focus only on competency.

  3. Draft Strategically:

    • Write section by section. For example:

      • Day 1: Draft the introduction and first section.

      • Day 2: Complete the second section.

      • Day 3: Proofread and polish.

  4. Tools:

    • Use Grammarly for grammar checks.

    • For citations, learn Word’s “Manage Sources” tool.

Tricks for Staying Motivated

  1. Join Communities:

    • Participate in WGU Discord groups, Reddit threads, and Facebook pages. Having peers working alongside you fosters accountability.

  2. Visualize Progress:

    • Keep a tracker of courses completed versus remaining.

    • Celebrate small wins, like passing a PA or submitting an assignment.

  3. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize:

    • Reflect on how completing the MBA will help your career goals and personal growth.

FAQs and Time-Savers

  1. Can I Retake Pre-Assessments?

    • Yes, as many times as you like. Use it to master areas of weakness but avoid rote memorization.

  2. How Long Do Proctored Exams Take?

    • Most exams allow 2–3 hours. Many students complete them in under an hour.

  3. How Quickly Can I Finish?

    • With disciplined effort, 4–6 months is achievable. Work full-time? 6–8 months is realistic.

Tips for Accelerating

  1. Order of Courses:

    • Start with C200, C202, and C204, as they are the easiest.

    • Tackle C213 and C214 back-to-back due to overlap.

    • Save C207 and Capstone for last as they require synthesis of earlier material.

  2. Pre-Game Before Classes Open:

    • Watch cohort recordings available in the student portal.

    • Look for study sets or tips on Reddit and in Facebook groups.

  3. Course Bundling:

    • If permitted by your mentor, bundle OAs together for momentum. For example, schedule C213 and C214 exams in the same week.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Test Anxiety:

  • Practice with PAs multiple times.

  • Simulate the testing environment to reduce nerves. Keep a quiet, distraction-free room ready.

Proctoring Issues:

  • Use a reliable external webcam and clear the test space of prohibited items.

  • Troubleshoot the Guardian Browser beforehand or use live tech support during setup.

Balancing Life and Studies:

  • Prioritize high-impact study sessions: focus on weaknesses revealed by PAs.

  • Use weekends or evenings for longer, focused study sessions.

Recommended Resources

Study Platforms:

YouTube Channels:

  • Amy-Michelle Roberts: Simplifies complex concepts for courses like economics and finance.

  • CPAStrength: Perfect for beginners in accounting.

Web Tools:

  • Grammarly: Free for students.

  • Khan Academy: Free lessons on business concepts.

  • Quillbot: Ideal for rewriting and summarizing text.

Final Words

Your MBA is a journey. Tailor your approach to fit your strengths, time, and learning style. Whether you aim for acceleration or a steady pace, focus on consistent progress. You’ve got this—your capstone confetti moment is within reach! 🎉