GMAT Strategy

Hi viola.lee,

From your post, it's not clear whether you're just beginning your studies or you've been studying for some time.

If you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

viola.lee wrote:Based on my research, many gmat test takers have recommended these 2 courses. Since I have limited resources, I wouldn't be able to take both courses. I was wondering if anyone has tried both and recommends one more than the other. Pros and cons for both? Thanks!

You're welcome to sit in on a free trial class with Manhattan Prep (formerly known as Manhattan GMAT)! That way you can decide for yourself whether you like the class structure and the instructors.

We have a variety of online classes starting soon, and depending on where you live, we have in-person classes as well: https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/resources/

If you don't want to commit to a live class, we also have a self-study program with interactive video lessons - students love it! (It's also included as part of the 9-week course). https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/prep/on-demand/

Let our (very wonderful and helpful) Student Services team know if you have any questions: [email protected]

And regardless of what you choose, good luck in your studies!

Visit our blog for more advice about when / whether to sign up for a course (and for tons of other great advice!):
https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... elf-study/
https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... mat-class/
https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... at-course/

And here's a flowchart I made: