Private Tutoring in the Last Month of Studying?

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I have a few questions regarding tutors and how they might benefit someone in their last month of GMAT preparation.

I have been studying independently and rigorously for the past several months using:
-Kaplan online
-OG 11, OG Quant and Verbal review
-Various MGMAT books including SC

I feel that I have a pretty good handle on content and understanding of the test but my approach sucks. Bottom line, I have an ADD personality and although I have noticed improvement in my scores (650s), I am still making many careless mistakes that I attribute to disorganization and a lack of consistent process.

My scoring has been erratic. For example, on several of my MGMAT CATs my hit rate for harder Verbal problems is much HIGHER than my hit rate % for EASIER problems. The same does not seem to hold true for the Quant section, although I am scoring much lower in Quant than in Verbal and I am much more of a quant person. Very confusing.

I really feel that my performance is sub my potential and could be improved upon with a consistency of process and strategic tricks (both of which I have not really retained due to the independence of my studying) that I could fall back on when stuck in the trenches. Any opinions?

I had a tutoring session with Chris Berman from MGMAT yesterday and thought the session was beneficial but very expensive given I had to drive from Orange County to LA for the session. Is Manhattan GMAT the best way to go, does anyone have any recommendations for tutors in the Orange County region? I would really like to find a drill sergeant like tutor to beat my head in with structure if my tutoring strategy makes sense.

Thanks in advance
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by beatthegmat » Tue Nov 06, 2007 9:36 pm
Usually I recommend that if you opt for a private tutor, it's better to start with a private tutor rather than end with one because it really sets the tone for your studies.

Given your unique situation (ADD), I can see how having some assistance in your prep could help you. MGMAT is great, but I would look into finding other tutors in your area just to save on cost.

It's still possible to study on your own and do well in your final month though! Take some time to examine the resources available on the Beat The GMAT Resource Wiki and see some of the tips for how to end your prep.

Also--you might have mentioned this in previous posts, but I wanted to confirm that you are getting extra time for your actual GMAT because of your ADD?
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by beatthegmat » Wed Nov 07, 2007 5:03 pm
Actually, I don't think that there is a star next to your score to indicate disability (not 100% certain). I'd do some searching on some old threads about this, I think there was a conversation about what b-schools see when you take extra time.

That said, you do have a legitimate reason for having extra time on the GMAT. You can ask Amy or Stacy Blackman for their opinion about this, but business schools should not discriminate you because of your ADD.

I'm glad that you think of this community as your tutor. :) Can't beat the price, eh?
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