Determined to Beat The GMAT; Tutor/Class or Self Program?

[Carmesan]

Hello,

I NEED HELP! (I really screamed at the computer screen)

Long story short, I've attempted the GMAT a total of 4 times over the past two years (1 without IR, the rest with) and as great as it is to keep at it, sometimes you'd just like to get over the hurdle and move onto other challenges. My scores were lackluster (between 500-560) and given my academic background (Summa Cum Laude from my undergraduate institution), clearly have proven to me that this is not a test, but a gigantic test of strategy and endurance. With that being said, I am looking into tutoring/self study options that would be to my advantage.

I have attempted self study with 30-Day GMAT Success by Brandon Wu in congruence with Manhattan GMAT books, OG13, and Verbal and Quantitative Review Books, I have had a MGMAT tutor (which didn't start getting to the crux of my needs until the end of my very expensive 5 hours of tutoring time and the cost was why I only did 5 hours), and done an online course called PrepSuccess (which I despised because it was too easy for me to not pay attention because more time was spent on the fundamentals and I needed pinpointed focus).

I am familiar with all areas of study and as I have taken the test multiple times, my timing isn't the issue, I think it's a combination of excellent practice tests that don't translate into the Big Day.

What I DON'T like in a tutor/self-prep program
-Accountability on progress regularly (BIG THING). Am I enhancing my knowledge as I'm moving along the program or just standing still?
-Flexibility in content covered and/or scheduling (for tutor programs)
-Less on fundamentals more on strategy to overcome questions and not just the hard ones
-More cost than value. GMAT and all things leading to are an investment, I understand that, but I don't want my time or money wasted.
-Buying more books, if I can help it

What I DO like in a tutor/self-prep program
-Focus on areas of concern; more streamlined focus on issues.
-Easy to follow/understand the logic of how prep program is set up. A rhyme and reason for lessons/practices/etc.
-Tutor/class provides a room of others to bounce ideas off of.
-Self allows me to be more mobile and accommodates to my schedule.


I'm not at my wit's end, just dangerously close with all the overwhelming options of programs, tutors, and the like.

Help me jump this hurdle!

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Sorry to hear you're having difficulties achieving your target score. Hang in there.

From your post, it's hard to say what it is, exactly, that you're asking for.
As far as what program works best for you, it really depends on your learning/study style.

That said, no matter what program you choose, you'll need a game plan. One option is to sign up for Beat The GMAT's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you'll receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline

Cheers,
Brent

[[email protected]]

Hi Carmesan,

Since there are so many GMAT resources to choose from, it can sometimes be tough to figure out which ones will best match your needs and personality. While most anyone who would offer advice will carry some type of bias, I suggest that you take a look at all of the free resources that are offered from each of the various Prep Companies. You can use those resources as a gauge for the helpfulness of the material, the ease of use and the "personality match" for your mindset.

If you have any additional questions, then feel free to contact me directly.

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