GMAT Strategy

London's a very small market for GMAT prep, at least relative to the large American cities, and there are only a few test prep courses to choose from. With the exception of Kaplan, each company here employs a very small number of teachers. These small companies can be very good if the teachers are good, and can be a waste of money if the teachers are not. Because a test prep course is expensive, I'd always recommend verifying the quality of what you're getting before you commit to anything. If you can get reviews from other students as you've requested here, that's a great place to start, but I'd also suggest asking whether you can meet your teacher in advance, or if you can sit in on a class or part of a class. I personally wouldn't much trust a company that wasn't willing to let you do at least one of those two things.

I teach prep courses in London, and feel free to send me a PM if you'd like to know more about what's available here. I'd add that the 'Manhattan' company in London is not Manhattan GMAT, the company for which a few beatthegmat experts work, but is instead Manhattan Review, a different company altogether.

I agree with Ian. You always need to be sure of the quality of teachers, what their background is and what their specialties are. The experience, training and education will set the tone the entire class. You might know your teacher can ace the GMAT - - but can they teach? While I'm a natural educator, when I worked at a big company, I was thrown into a grad-level test prep course with only SAT training. I also had yet not earned my MA in education. So, I was preparing before each class and learning right in front of my students. Because I learned material for the GRE, it wasn't a huge problem, but now, 16 years later, as a test prep expert and director of a small company, I would never throw someone in the lions den like that - - there is simply no comparison with what my students get now - - so find out who is teaching the class, and ask if any of the master teachers teach the courses at the bigger companies. Sometimes everyone is a master tutor, which is also a great thing.

Keep in mind, also, that the larger companies have a more one-size-fits-all method, whereas smaller, more intimate companies are more likely to be 'boutiques' and will customize their programs to the individual, small group or class. On the other hand, a smaller company that offers a course, might need to lump high and low scorers together. This is important to find out and if they do this, you'll need to judge for yourself if this would work for you.

I think another important aspect to think about, is to address how you best learn and study. Would you prefer a larger course to get down the basics then a few private lessons to fine tune your knowledge base? Do you do best studying on your own with some guidance? Are you a visual, kinesthetic, aural, read/write, multi modal learner? Will the course address this?

Verifying the quality of tutors, program and company is important and speaking to friends, colleagues and prior clients are the way to go. Also, you might find that you speak with people who have tried many programs. We often get clients who have gone through 2 or 3 companies. And we're still able to 'fill in the pot holes.'

Since there are reps from some best companies here, it is a great opportunity for you to speak to people who are actively at the frontline.

Best,

One way to determine the philosophies of the companies is to look at their comercially available books. PR tends to go for tricks and Kaplan/Veritas/MGMAT less so. That said, you'll benefit most if you know who your teacher is - - because at a larger company, the best teachers yield the best results.

You will want to figure out what your needs are and if the company/teacher can meet them.

TPNY, for example, does not adhere to a one-size-fits all approach, we emphasize mastery, time savers and strategy. The 'tricks' that were taught for the SATs really don't bode well on this test, however, there are ways to move through most question types (V and M) with greater stealth and accuracy. You'll want an instructor who can look at your strengths and weaknesses and help you respond with a fortified approach.

Another thing to ask yourself is if you're in the best mindset - - are you confident you can take this test and be done with it?...not feeling that gusto or passion may result in lower scores, merely by not holding on to the belief in your self (think: sports psychology.)

Good Luck!