My story...I need advice.

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jjm1181: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 6; Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:50 pm

by jjm1181 » Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:17 am

I took the GMAT last saturday and my score was 540. I studied off and on for 3 months. I bought the OG study materials and the Kaplan study materials. My goal was to atleast get a 600. I'm upset that I spent all that time studying and didn't even get close to my expectations.

I now realize my studying had flaws. I use the prep materials, but never took full advantage of the CAT tests. Also, I don't understand the basic quantitive and verbal principles. I also realize that a structured study regime would work best for me. After reading the posts on this site, a prep course would be best for me since it provides instruction and structure.

I will be applying for distance learning programs that start in the fall. This will give me 3-4 months to study. I have 3 options for prep courses. Princeton Review, Kaplan, or the virtual Manhattan. Manhattan classroom courses are not offered where I live. Here are my questions and concerns...

1) I've heard alot about how good Manhattan is, but I'm concerned about taking a virtual class. I feel like physically being in a classroom with an instructor would be more benificial than sitting in front of my computer.

2) Out of my 3 choices, which would I benifit from more in regards to my situation.

3) I'm leaning towards PR because they have a "math bootcamp". I feel I could really benifit from that since my basic quantitive concepts aren't as sharp. Also, they offer to let me pay them in installments over 4 months rather than $1250 up front.

4) My goal is 650, which of those courses would have the material, instructors and ability to get me to my desired score?

Any advice would be much appreciated. After my 540 score, I'm down and out. Thanks.

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:17 am

bates88: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 101; Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2007 10:50 am; Thanked: 2 times

by bates88 » Sun Jan 13, 2008 7:30 pm

Sorry to hear about it! My first GMAT score was a 570...I was not quite prepared! Was sick as a dog to boot.

I would say that you should do a classroom course since you already know that being in a classroom would suit you better. That takes one stressor right out of it.

I would also say take PR...I did their online course, and everything about it was excellent (I actually prefer a classroom too but couldn't do the classroom course, but the online one had lessons created just for me, so that made up for it). They use OG questions for homework, but Kaplan doesn't even tell students it exists. That is seriously insane. PR also has really good review for the fundamentals. I didn't know they did the math bootcamp, though. That's cool.

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacey Koprince: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 2228; Joined: Wed Dec 27, 2006 3:28 pmFollowed by: 694 members; Location: Montreal, Canada; Thanked: 639 times; GMAT Score:780

by Stacey Koprince » Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:21 pm

If you'd like to check out the virtual classroom setting, we allow a limited number of people to sit in on the first class session for free. Check out our website for schedules (www.manhattangmat.com) - we even have one virtual class starting tonight - in about 5 hours!

This will let you check out the web conferencing platform and see whether you like the teaching styles of the two instructors (our online classes have two instructors present in the classroom at all times).

Just an FYI - at the end of the course, we ask our students to fill out a survey and one of the things we ask is whether they thought the virtual class was less effective than, equally as effective as, or more effective than an in-person class would have been. I usually get 50/50 responses for "equally" and "more" and only occasionally have a student say it was less effective. There are also usually at least two or three written comments along the lines of "I was really skeptical but had to take an online course instead of an in-person course (for some reason), and I was really surprised by how effective the class was - I actually would prefer this now if I had to do it again!"

I agree that it sounds like it wouldn't possibly be as effective - I thought that, too, before I started teaching online classes. After I actually experienced it, though, I was sold. So check out one of the free class sessions and see what you think. (And, really, I encourage you to check out anything free offered by any company in which you're interested - if possible, with the actual teacher(s) you'd have, so you can see whether you like the teaching style, etc.)

Good luck!

Please note: I do not use the Private Messaging system! I will not see any PMs that you send to me!!

Stacey Koprince
GMAT Instructor
Director of Online Community
Manhattan GMAT

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