When disaster strikes, the fallout is as extensive as it is pervasive. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is most often depicted as a pyramid, and the theory posits that we must work our way from bottom to top. For example, if we cannot secure basic resources like food, clothing, water, and shelter, then any need housed within the top tier entitled ‘Self-actualization’ is irrelevant. In other words, breathing trumps creative expression.
After devastating storms like Hurricane Sandy, which battered the northeastern coast of the United States in late October 2012, people are forced to focus on the most basic needs of survival above all else. The needs comprising the two base tiers, ‘Physiological’ and ‘Safety’, are all that matter and take significant time and effort to meet and secure. In such nothing-else-matters situations, the very last thing on anyone’s mind is a standardized test. The GMAT is one such test and its reason for being is to test problem solving, which, interestingly, is a need notably listed within the aforementioned ‘Self-actualization’ tier.
The Graduate Management Admission Council, or GMAC, has responded to the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort by waiving the standard GMAT test date rescheduling fee of $50. This fee can be waived for both those within the impacted zone as well as those whose work is to aid in the recovery effort such as first responders. For these individuals, such a gesture is certain to mean a great deal. Not only will the economic fallout of this disaster be lessened, but also it sends a message that the outside world cares for and supports those affected.
Please let your advisees know of this offer of assistance from GMAC and encourage everyone to assess their circumstances in light of it.
