Draco wrote:
I’m about a month into my GMAT training with another month to go before I take the test. I took my first diagnostic test yesterday from Kaplan and got an abysmal 340. My study books are; Kaplan 2014 Premier,
MGMAT Verbal and
MGMAT Math Foundations. I’m not finding the Kaplan book very helpful and need to take corrective measures. My goals are pretty simple, I’m trying to get into a Masters of Accounting program at a local state school and I need a score of about 500 to 580. I already have over 5 years of nonprofit business experience and solid recommendations. I come up with a list of options and need help determining the best course of action. Keep in mind that in all options I will have to reschedule my test, due to the low score and time remaining.
Options:Buy the full set of
MGMAT books.
Buy the
MGMAT self-studying subscription (plus).
Buy a subscription to
Magoosh.
Buy a subscription to Knewton.
Attend a GMAT class at a local university those tend to be much cheaper than the major testing companies.
Options not on the table:A full class from one of major he test companies. I don’t have that kind of money to spend right now.
Anything Kaplan, I don’t find their methodologies compatible with me. I really like my
Manhattan books though.
I think if you can put your mind into it, all of the above can offer you a good result.
One issue, however is that you only have a month, so the option of a local university GMAT prep course is not really realistic, unless it is a really intensive class. Also, you won't be able to get as much value from the
MGMAT course as you would need to justify a higher price.
I think the answer to your question is the following. Do you learn best when you:
a) Read a book? (get the
MGMAT Book set)
b) Watch Videos (get Knewton or
Magoosh)
FYI - Both Knewton and
Magoosh offer a money back guarantee or a refund, though the terms are very different. I doubt you will be able to get advantage of either actually since your score is so low and the guarantee won't kick in for a while. So I think it is between
Magoosh and Knewton which allow a fairly intense prep plan.
P.S. If you decide to go with
Magoosh, there is a special deal going on which allows you to get the
Magoosh course + GMAT Cbub tests for $150
https://gmatclub.com/tests/price.htmlGood Luck!