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GMAT Book vs. GMAT Prep Course - Which is Better?

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GMAT Book vs. GMAT Prep Course - Which is Better?

by mike_gm » Mon Jul 18, 2011 6:22 am
I'm considering doing a GMAT prep course but don't want to shell out $500+ when I can just study hard with the GMAT Review Book (12th ed.):

https://www.amazon.ca/Official-Guide-GMA ... pd_sim_b_4

What has been your experience with GMAT Prep Courses? Are they that much better than studying alone using the book? What can they teach you that you can't learn in the book?

Thanks
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by jk2010 » Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:27 pm
Mike_gm,

I think you should approach your decision in sequence. First, decide what score you want. Will 550 work for you or do you need a 750? Then take a practice exam from MBA.com and see how you do. The practice exam should be the metric for how much prep time you need. I think if you do very well on the practice CAT and have plenty of time to prep you might save some cash and go with the OG. Note, however, I am not using the word "study." The GMAT requires true "preparation." It is neither a Math nor English exam; it is a problem solving exam. That said, the prep courses are really there to help you do well on the GMAT and not to teach you how to DO the Quant or Verbal exercises. The vendor courses will provide strategy, tips, and help you get to know the test.

I did both - self prep and Veritas. If you choose to pay for a a course, I strongly encourage you to build your foundation of both Quant and Verbal fundamentals before you go. I went to my prep course without a firm grip on the basics and did not get as much out of it as I should have, because I was trying to keep up with the fundamentals. Fortunately, Veritas let me go back for free!

Good luck.
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by marcosan » Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:33 pm
hey Mike,

I'm wondering the same thing! I just don't even know where to begin....have you looked into any online alternatives as well? I'm wondering if there are any companies that provide test prep online and on mobile apps??

Does anyone know?!
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by jk2010 » Mon Jul 18, 2011 1:53 pm
Most of the big ones (Veritas, MGMAT, Kaplan, etc) have online features and mobile apps. There are a lot of tools and services out there. Heck, this web forum has an awesome resource in the practice questions (with complete video answers) and a 60-day self prep program. Again, however, I go back to the root questions:

1) How did you do on the practice exam?
2) What score do you need?
3) How much time do you have to prepare?

Of course, cost is a real factor. Some of the courses can run upward of $1500. Some have guarantees. In my case, Veritas allowed me to take the course again and use all of the tools on-line, regardless of my score. I got a LOT out of Veritas, because my instructor showed me how to react to the data presented. You have to "KTT" as my instructor called it...Know The Test. You can't get that (in my opinion) from a book. Each person is different in skills and needs.
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by katie33 » Tue Jul 19, 2011 8:47 am
I used Watermelon Express to prep for the GMAT.

It's a great alternative bc it works on your mobile device and is very inexpensive (comparably).

I think they may have changed their name recently though??
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by Avinash_Tyagi » Tue Jul 19, 2011 5:54 pm
Depends on the type of student you are, how can you study, some people are self motivated, they don't really need a class.

Others like me need to have a class to help stay focused and give them a framework to drive their review
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