Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 03:49 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 03:49
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
avatar
GetSarah
avatar
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Last visit: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 8
Posts: 8
Kudos: 0
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 18 Nov 2008, 10:48
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah and I am trying to get an early start for next year's round of b-school applications. I have been out of school for several years and am currently working as a chemistry teacher. I am interested in beginning my own not-for-profit to promote green energy in rural areas and think the progams at Berkeley and Yale would be an excellent fit.

But first I need to earn a very competitive score on the GMAT. Does anyone have experience with test prep companies? My math is pretty solid, but I could use real help on the verbal, so any companies offering specialize tutoring services would be ideal. I would also be interested in companies with consulting services that people have used.

Be well!
Sarah
User avatar
peaceyall
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 09 Mar 2007
Last visit: 21 Aug 2013
Posts: 186
Own Kudos:
751
Given Kudos: 1
Concentration: sustainability, social enterprise, design
Schools:Erb Institute: Ross | SNRE
GMAT 1: 760 Q49 V48
Posts: 186
Kudos: 751
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 09:46
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
i used manhattan gmat and thought their materials and curriculum were excellent. their instructors must all score in the 99th percentile and they are paid $100/hr. they do have just verbal courses so you can look into that.
User avatar
Leverandon
User avatar
Joined: 24 Aug 2008
Last visit: 12 Dec 2009
Posts: 278
Own Kudos:
6
Location: New York City
Concentration: Non-profit, GM
Schools:Ross, Darden, Yale SOM, Wharton, Kellogg (JD/MBA)
Posts: 278
Kudos: 6
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 09:52
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GetSarah
Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah and I am trying to get an early start for next year's round of b-school applications. I have been out of school for several years and am currently working as a chemistry teacher. I am interested in beginning my own not-for-profit to promote green energy in rural areas and think the progams at Berkeley and Yale would be an excellent fit.

But first I need to earn a very competitive score on the GMAT. Does anyone have experience with test prep companies? My math is pretty solid, but I could use real help on the verbal, so any companies offering specialize tutoring services would be ideal. I would also be interested in companies with consulting services that people have used.

Be well!
Sarah
Show more

Other people will disagree with me on this, but I would highly recommend getting the Official GMAT Prep Guide https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-GM ... 222&sr=8-1 and perhaps the Verbal review: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-GM ... 245&sr=8-3 . Work through those problems and see what you are scoring on the real practice tests off of the GMAC website. In my opinion the verbal material especially is so learnable that its totally doable to self-study and score very highly. If you are still having trouble after completing all the material in those books, then consider professional test prep.

PM me if you are interested in a study plan. The plan that I used I found to be fairly effective. Good luck!
User avatar
ElleBee
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 16 Jul 2008
Last visit: 04 Jan 2012
Posts: 92
Own Kudos:
17
Given Kudos: 2
Schools:Duke
Posts: 92
Kudos: 17
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 12:31
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Leverandon
GetSarah
Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah and I am trying to get an early start for next year's round of b-school applications. I have been out of school for several years and am currently working as a chemistry teacher. I am interested in beginning my own not-for-profit to promote green energy in rural areas and think the progams at Berkeley and Yale would be an excellent fit.

But first I need to earn a very competitive score on the GMAT. Does anyone have experience with test prep companies? My math is pretty solid, but I could use real help on the verbal, so any companies offering specialize tutoring services would be ideal. I would also be interested in companies with consulting services that people have used.

Be well!
Sarah

Other people will disagree with me on this, but I would highly recommend getting the Official GMAT Prep Guide https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-GM ... 222&sr=8-1 and perhaps the Verbal review: https://www.amazon.com/Official-Guide-GM ... 245&sr=8-3 . Work through those problems and see what you are scoring on the real practice tests off of the GMAC website. In my opinion the verbal material especially is so learnable that its totally doable to self-study and score very highly. If you are still having trouble after completing all the material in those books, then consider professional test prep.

PM me if you are interested in a study plan. The plan that I used I found to be fairly effective. Good luck!
Show more

I agree with Leverandon. The Official Guides were the best prep materials for me. That being said though, I did find Manhattan GMAT helpful (I didn't do the professional course, I just got the books and studied on my own with those).
User avatar
rhyme
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
Last visit: 02 Dec 2024
Posts: 5,909
Own Kudos:
3,172
Given Kudos: 7
Affiliations: HHonors Diamond, BGS Honor Society
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
WE:Business Development (Consumer Packaged Goods)
Schools: Chicago (Booth) - Class of 2009
GMAT 1: 730 Q45 V45
Posts: 5,909
Kudos: 3,172
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 13:22
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I also did Manhattan GMAT and thought it was well worth the expense and the professor I had was excellent. Small classrooms, substantial assigned homework and all the right books - including the official guide.
User avatar
isa
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 04 Dec 2007
Last visit: 21 Jan 2010
Posts: 1,687
Own Kudos:
224
Given Kudos: 31
Concentration: Healthcare, Strategy, MC
Schools:Kellogg '11
Posts: 1,687
Kudos: 224
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 13:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I did Veritas online - was okay. The tests were good practice, their material provided a good overview of all the verbal/quant stuff. I then bought the MGMAT practice tests and verbal question bank. Those were definitely the most helpful and really helped me get to my target score.

I'd also suggest looking at the GMAT forum - many folks have posted their prep profiles along with what worked/didn't work.

hope this helps.
User avatar
nomsg7111
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 04 Oct 2008
Last visit: 19 Apr 2009
Posts: 169
Own Kudos:
2
Location: San Francisco, CA
Concentration: Healthcare and Operations
Schools:Michigan
Posts: 169
Kudos: 2
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 14:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
GetSarah
Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah and I am trying to get an early start for next year's round of b-school applications. I have been out of school for several years and am currently working as a chemistry teacher. I am interested in beginning my own not-for-profit to promote green energy in rural areas and think the progams at Berkeley and Yale would be an excellent fit.

But first I need to earn a very competitive score on the GMAT. Does anyone have experience with test prep companies? My math is pretty solid, but I could use real help on the verbal, so any companies offering specialize tutoring services would be ideal. I would also be interested in companies with consulting services that people have used.

Be well!
Sarah
Show more

I used Veritas in-person prep course. They were okay, I'd recommend them because they had lots of homework problems and motivated me to study.

I think the key is to set a test date, and give yourself a solid deadline so you will prep for the test. Save the online tests from GMAT for the last couple of days as a warm-up to the test. The trick is drilling yourself with lots of practice problems.

Regarding math being solid. I have two degrees in engineering and ended up with a 77% quant, and 95% verbal. So I would practice the quant section. Just dont assume you'll do well :) .
User avatar
antapple
User avatar
Joined: 11 Jan 2007
Last visit: 05 Mar 2011
Posts: 201
Own Kudos:
30
Posts: 201
Kudos: 30
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 18:47
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I've heard good things about manhattan also. but I would try and get some discipline and you do it by myself.
User avatar
kwam
User avatar
Joined: 09 Jan 2007
Last visit: 19 Oct 2013
Posts: 1,018
Own Kudos:
167
Given Kudos: 3
Location: New York, NY
Concentration: Analytic Finance, Economics and Strategic Management
Schools:Chicago Booth Class of 2010
Posts: 1,018
Kudos: 167
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 26 Nov 2008, 18:53
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I took the online course of Veritas, but I knew the exam already, it was more to have more stuff to prepare than to understand the test.

Stay way from scoretop :shock: :lol:
User avatar
McDargoiowkel
User avatar
Joined: 14 May 2008
Last visit: 25 Feb 2009
Posts: 79
Own Kudos:
10
Posts: 79
Kudos: 10
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 27 Nov 2008, 09:23
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
OG11 and practice, practice, practice on the real test. Some people will say that taking the GMATPrep tests more than once each has a diminishing rate of return because of repeat questions, but I think the value of getting comfortable with the testing format far outweighs that. The only other thing I used was the GMAT Focus quant prep from GMAC. Short and a little pricey, but it definitely helped me play to my strengths.

Getting your best possible score on the GMAT is all about knowing your own Q/V strengths and weaknesses. When I hit a type of question I was uncomfortable with, I made a quick, educated guess and moved right along to questions where the extra time may actually help. It worked out pretty well. I think for some people, hubris intervenes, hence the 5:00 questions. Just my opinion.

Lastly, I would take a practice test cold just so you know what you're in for. I did well on the SATs, but the GMAT was a huge eye-opener. If you start with a crap score, you can chalk it up to inexperience and you can just focus you're testing efforts on timing. If you study for three months then underperform, it's going to be a little more discouraging, even though it may all have to do with not knowing the testing format.

FYI -- if you go to a Vandy Discover Weekend, they give out the OG11. Great school visit too.
User avatar
rosav
User avatar
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
Last visit: 29 Jan 2010
Posts: 36
Own Kudos:
5
 [1]
Posts: 36
Kudos: 5
 [1]
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 30 Nov 2008, 18:35
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi Sarah,

I took Manhattan GMAT and was pretty pleased with it. However, I actually found that they were most useful on the quantitative part of the GMAT (where I needed the most help.) Their verbal strategy I didn't really get much benefit from--I found I actually did WORSE when I used their verbal strategies, and I abandoned it and did my own thing and got 92% in verbal. So I would recommend it more if you want help in quant versus verbal, but of course everyone has different learning styles so it may be worth checking out. Also, I would echo the other people in that I didnt get too much benefit from the classes--I think I absorbed more just by reading the books and doing the exercises on my own. Good luck!

Rosa
avatar
spideyeclipse27
avatar
Current Student
Joined: 30 Jan 2008
Last visit: 09 Oct 2012
Posts: 156
Own Kudos:
11
Given Kudos: 1
Concentration: General,
Schools:Cornell, Duke, Kellogg, Ross
WE 1: 5
Posts: 156
Kudos: 11
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 30 Nov 2008, 21:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sarah,

I personally derived much benefit from OG11 and Kaplan 800 verbal (the toughest questions) and practice. I do not think you would need personal help.

Good luck,
avatar
GetSarah
avatar
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Last visit: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 8
Posts: 8
Kudos: 0
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 02 Dec 2008, 19:57
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey guys, thanks for all the great advice! I also ran accross Manhattan Review when I was searching around. I've been corresponding with them over email and had a free consultation on the phone with their admissions consultant (very knowledgeable and friendly).

Anyone had any experience with them? (Here's a link to some of their offerings: https://www.manhattanreview.com/events/)

Again, thanks for all the input!

Peace,
Sarah
User avatar
cpgmba
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 19 Apr 2008
Last visit: 07 Apr 2010
Posts: 248
Own Kudos:
37
Concentration: CPG Marketing
Schools:R1: HBS(A), Kellogg(A), Michigan(A), Duke(A), Wharton(D)
Posts: 248
Kudos: 37
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 02 Dec 2008, 19:59
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
rhyme
I also did Manhattan GMAT and thought it was well worth the expense and the professor I had was excellent. Small classrooms, substantial assigned homework and all the right books - including the official guide.
Show more

I also did Manhattan, but the online version. It was outstanding and I would highly recommend it!
User avatar
GoBruin
User avatar
Current Student
Joined: 05 Aug 2008
Last visit: 26 Jan 2017
Posts: 1,262
Own Kudos:
175
Given Kudos: 20
Concentration: Management Consulting
Schools: Ross 2012
WE 1: 5 Years at Fortune 50 Company in Manufacturing
Posts: 1,262
Kudos: 175
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 02 Dec 2008, 20:34
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
you can always study first and see how your test scores are looking before you plunk down that kind of money. If you have time, (and not wanting to spend a lot of money) then that will be a good alternative.
avatar
JoshPatton
avatar
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Last visit: 04 Dec 2008
Posts: 4
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 04 Dec 2008, 20:13
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sarah,

I was shopping around for smaller test prep companies and I also came across Manhattan Review. I spoke to their MBA consultant who was super helpful. Of course you should try to study yourself, but if you want assistance, then my impression is that they're a pretty solid way to go.

Josh
avatar
GetSarah
avatar
Joined: 20 Oct 2008
Last visit: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 8
Posts: 8
Kudos: 0
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 08 Dec 2008, 15:28
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hey Josh,

Did you speak to Tom Kania at Manhattan Review? What a cool guy! I did the free o-t-phone consultation and even that was extremely helpful for orienting my application. I'm definitely going with them. I'll keep you updated.

Peace,
Sarah
User avatar
benpack03
User avatar
Joined: 30 Nov 2008
Last visit: 31 Jan 2015
Posts: 80
Own Kudos:
48
Schools: Owen '16 McDonough '16
Posts: 80
Kudos: 48
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 23 Dec 2008, 19:19
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Sarah,

The GMATClub tests you can buy on this site are very very good......they are kicking my tail...but my Quant has improved a lot.....in a few tests.
avatar
MBAngst
avatar
Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Last visit: 19 May 2009
Posts: 29
Own Kudos:
3
Posts: 29
Kudos: 3
Newbie Looking For Test Prep and Consulting Help 24 Dec 2008, 15:58
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I have to echo the praises for Manhattan GMAT. I took a course there, and found it extremely helpful. Reached my goal (750) the first time I took the test. I really needed a course to brush up on quant, but I also found their prep for verbal helpful, particularly sentence correction. They offer one-on-one tutoring for more money, but the course was really sufficient for me.

I think the thing that distinguishes Manhattan from other prep companies is that they really focus on teaching the concepts as the first priority, while Kaplan and PR (from what I've read) teach only tips and tricks.

I've read good things abut Veritas, but no firthand experience with them.

Good luck!