Forum: GMAT, TOEFL, and other tests (2 Comments)

GMAT Prep. classes?

  • Posted by - lamborg - on 5 July 2013 - 11:14pm

    Can you help me with this thing?

    I don't know if I should take the prep. courses/classes for GMAT or not? My quant. seems fine which I think I can improve with practice.
    I had a look at the MGMAT strategy books that are 8 in number and the content looked like I can handle on my own.
    I am looking forward to get around 720. Do you think is it achievable by self study?

    Any suggestions?

    • Posted by - Thomas Graf - on 8 July 2013 - 6:35pm

      Hi there,

      thank you for your question. The primary tool for preparing for the GMAT is the self-study through GNAT books. In other words: A GMAT preparation course will never replace this self-study - it can only be an add-on.

      Whether you need this add-on or whether it helps you depends on two things: First, some people need a more social learning environment and getting taught for a few days or exchanging with other people who have the same problems may help them to achieve better results.

      A second reason to add such a GMAT prep course may be if the teacher knows more and delivers more than only repeating what is already in the GMAT books. In other words: If the teacher has some additional knowledge or tips how to beat some difficult questions in different ways than those published, you may receive an advantage. I find it pretty unlikely that you find such a teacher, however, because most of the methods are actually published.

      Here is an example: One of the best providers of GMAT preparatory material is Manhattan Review. They offer books and they offer preparatory courses. I found the books excellent and clearly all their experience is included in here. But there was a time when they only offered workshops and workshops were the only way to get their material. Today it may still make sense to attend their classes - for instance, for the first reason I mentioned above - but if you work through their written material you should be perfectly fine.

      Best wishes
      Thomas

      By Thomas Graf