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trying to decide to purchase entire self study or books

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by robandali » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:53 am
I am trying to take the GMAT in about a month. My question is should I just purchase the Manhattan GMAT 8 study guides or go with the entire self study course (nothing in my area) with the downloadable classes?

Do the classes give more information than the study guides do or are the guides enough? It would be an extra $400-$450 to get the downloadable classes thrown in there.

Thanks,
Rob
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by Stacey Koprince » Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:50 pm
The classes provide a lot more than just the books - if they didn't, nobody would take the classes. They'd just study from the books! My students don't even bring their books to class - all of the bookwork is done as homework.

Whether you need the additional instruction depends upon (a) how much of a score improvement you want, (b) how good you are at standardized tests already, and (c) how motivated and disciplined you are to work on your own rather than following the structured syllabus of the classes.

FYI - our program is a LOT of work. The classes run 9 weeks and most people need 2-3 weeks of review after that before taking the test. It will be challenging to do all of the work in 4 weeks. (Not to say that you can't or shouldn't do it - but be aware what you're getting yourself into! My students do 10-20 hours of homework a week outside of class.)

Also, if your timeframe changes, we do offer live on-line classes - they meet for the same amount of time and use the same curriculum as the live in-person classes, and you are meeting with live instructors at a steady time once a week - you just don't actually meet face to face. All you need is a broadband connection; I have students from all over the world in my classes.

Good luck!
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Re: trying to decide to purchase entire self study or books

by beatthegmat » Wed Oct 10, 2007 6:58 pm
robandali wrote:I am trying to take the GMAT in about a month. My question is should I just purchase the Manhattan GMAT 8 study guides or go with the entire self study course (nothing in my area) with the downloadable classes?

Do the classes give more information than the study guides do or are the guides enough? It would be an extra $400-$450 to get the downloadable classes thrown in there.

Thanks,
Rob
It really depends on your work/study preferences. If you think that you have the discipline to study on your own and stick with your plan, then I think that the study guides should be sufficient. Also note that you have this great community at your disposal to support you along the way. :)

However, some people do learn better in a classroom setting. If you think you are one of those people--and have the resources to spend a little more--then the MGMAT downloadable class or online course option might be for you. Remember, as a Beat The GMAT member you are entitled to a 10% discount on all MGMAT materials: https://www.beatthegmat.com/discounts.html

Best of luck to you!
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by robandali » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:22 pm
Thanks so much for the reply. It may come down to the fact I just need more time to study, in which case I will definitely take the classes.

One more question, if I buy the prep books and then decide to take the self study classes, will I need to buy the package with the books or can I buy the online classes separate?
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by beatthegmat » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:43 pm
Stacey might need to clarify this one--but I believe the online class comes with the books. I don't think you can just purchase the class itself?

I may be wrong...
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by Stacey Koprince » Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:41 pm
The classes include everything @ one price - so the books are already in there.
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