I spent a great deal of time today thinking about and researching whether I should invest $1000+ in a full time GMAT prep course, or to just do the GMAT prep on my own. I know that the GMAT score will be very important for me. I have all of the other essentials of my application covered. Good undergrad GPA, tough classes, good school, leadership activities, Multi-National Corporation experience, good career progression, right age, and people that should give me good recommendations... The one thing I don't have is a 720+ GMAT score.
But the more I think about it, the more I am leaning towards study on my own. The main reason being that with all of the GMAT prep material out there, I should be smart enough to figure out how to study properly and for a top score (720+). I want to take one of the two official GMAT practice tests next week. If I score high enough on that exam then I will be confident not to spend the money for GMAT prep classes. Now if I score lower...I might have to revisit this decision. The GMAT prep class that I thought about taking starts May 5th, so I better make up my mind soon.
Another thing about today kind of bothered me...I shouldn't dwell to much on how to prepare for the GMAT, instead I should be preparing for the GMAT!! A small decision like this should not create so much headache for me. -losing my phone yesterday didn't help things either.
Finally I realized another important point today. Over the past few months, I have been looking at this MBA application process and imagining how much 'work' it will be. Instead of being so negative about the next few months of my life, I should take a step back and see that this could also be a lot of FUN. Let the fun begain.
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Welcome to the GMAT fun cruise :P I didn't take a prep-course because I think if I attend a big class, I won't be able to have it tailored to my needs. Can't afford a private tutor. :P I think self-study is more efficient, because who knows your weakness and strength better than you right? There are so many good study material and tips out there, you'll be fine.
Welcome! Regarding GMAT study - I'm a firm believer in self-study although a Virtual course couldn't hurt. A classroom course is just a waste of time IMO. Your practice test score will give you a good idea of where you stand. If you are targeting 720, anything over 650 in your first "dry" practice test will mean you are well on your way - Good luck!!
There's two ways of looking at GMAT study, depending on you:
1) Disciplined - If you can commit the time EVERY WEEK and focus on studying consistently, then you don't need classes...or
2) Undisciplined (like me) - Classes add the element of organization to your life when it comes to GMAT study. They pretty much force you to study and do work. Especially Manhattan GMAT (where I took the virtual course) where they assign HW every week. You don't want to fall too far back on that.
You can check out my MBA study strategy at my blog. BTW thanks for adding my blog to your list, I'll reciprocate :)
Oops, another thing I forgot to mention is that if you register at BeattheGMAT.com, you get a 10% discount code for Manhattan GMAT. I took online classes at MGMAT and ended up paying a bit less than $900. Hope that helps.
Good blog with useful information. The registration fee for the GMAT is USD 250. If you wish to reschedule the date, time or location of your test, you have to pay a rescheduling fee of USD 50. There is a USD 80 refund if you cancel the test a minimum of seven days before your test date. GMAT Atlanta | USMLE Courses
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