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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GMAT COURSE OPTION ON GMATCLUB 02 Apr 2015, 13:23
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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST GMAT COURSE OPTION ON GMATCLUB

You are serious about your GMAT prep and want to score as high as possible? However, you are not sure which of the many GMAT prep companies to choose and which option is the best for your needs?

Then this article will help you!

It is an OBJECTIVE thread that lists all the factors you should take into consideration before spending your hard earned Dollars for the obviously most important test in your life! There is a list of pros and cons for each option. Moreover, there is a link to comparison sites after each option. This should help you to find the best fit for your needs and what gives you the most value for your money.

There are three main categories of GMAT prep options:


1) Self-study options (offline material or online material)
2) Private tutoring options (in-person or online)
3) Class course (in-person or online)

It is crucial to understand that each option has pros and cons and that there is no best “best option”. However, it is recommendable to combine two options where applicable.

Which option to choose depends on these major factors that differ from student to student:


    - Your target score vs. your diagnostic or last GMAT score
    - The time and effort you are willing to invest
    - Your budget
    - Where you live
    - Your preference of a private atmosphere vs. group atmosphere

Other factors may apply but these are the most obvious.

Let’s go ahead and list the pros and cons of each option:

1) Self study options (offline), i.e. GMAT books


Pros:

    + Cheap
    + Many questions and explanations
    + Many different products to choose from
    + You can study whenever and wherever you want
    + Study at your own speed level
    + Can be sold after GMAT prep

Cons:

    - You are on your own
    - You can’t ask anyone if you have questions
    - Hard to stay motivated
    - Not adaptive
    - Your personal weaknesses are not approached directly
    - No online GMAT practice tests
    - Avg. score improvement tend to be the lowest of all options
    - No GMAT score improvement guarantee

Here is an overview of the best GMAT books: best-gmat-books-77703.html

2) Self study options (online), i.e. GMAT on demand courses


Pros:

    + The books of today
    + Interactive course with videos
    + Free trials usually possible
    + High avg. GMAT score improvements
    + Most courses have a score improvement guarantee
    + Good courses apply to your personal knowledge level
    + Cheaper than most other options
    + Study from iPad or any other device
    + Gives you recommendations what to study more intensively
    + Analytic features
    + Can be combined with tutoring
    + No schedule
    + Follow your own and unique study path

Cons:

    - No printed material
    - No tutor who can help with questions
    - Limited access period
    - Not all courses are adaptive and include analytic features
    - Hard to stay motivated as you are on your own

Here is a detailed comparison of all GMAT on demand courses: ultimate-gmat-on-compare-take-the-best-195568.html

3) Private Tutoring options (in-person)


Pros:

    + Most effective way to prepare for the GMAT
    + Live face to face lessons with experts
    + You have your own GMAT expert who will help you in all aspects of your prep
    + Individual study plan
    + Your tutor focuses on you and no one else
    + Ask as many questions as you wish
    + Highest avg. GMAT score improvements
    + Can be combined with books or on demand courses for optimal results
    + Trial hours possible

Cons:

    - Most expensive way to prepare for the GMAT
    - Most companies don’t offer score improvement guarantees for private tutoring (exception: Optimus Prep)
    - Not everywhere available, depends on where you live
    - You might not like your tutor, this will destroy the learning atmosphere

Here is a detailed comparison of all in-person GMAT private tutoring providers: ultimate-comparison-compare-select-the-best-195577.html

4) Private Tutoring options (online)


Pros:

    + Most effective way to prepare for the GMAT
    + Worldwide available
    + Great software for e-learning simulates in-person experience
    + Live online lessons with experts
    + No traveling or facility costs
    + You have your own GMAT expert who will help you in all aspects of your prep
    + Individual study plan
    + Your tutor focuses on you and no one else
    + Ask as many questions as you wish
    + Highest avg. GMAT score improvements
    + Can be combined with books or on demand courses for optimal results
    + Free trial hour is possible at some companies

Cons:

    - Relatively expensive way to prepare for the GMAT
    - Most companies charge the same rate as for in-person tutoring (exception: Optimus Prep)
    - Most companies don’t offer score improvement guarantees (exception: Optimus Prep)
    - You might not like your tutor, this will destroy the learning atmosphere
    - Some students simply don’t like online tutoring and prefer in-person tutoring

Here is a detailed comparison of all online GMAT private tutoring providers: ultimate-gmat-online-vompare-select-195569.html


5) GMAT class courses (in-person)


Pros:

    + Very popular GMAT prep option
    + Many class room hours for reasonable rates
    + Live in-person instructors
    + Possible to ask questions
    + Reasonable avg. GMAT score improvements
    + Can be combined with books or on demand courses for optimal results
    + Group atmosphere

Cons:

    - No individual atmosphere or study plan, you are just out of many students
    - Not available at all locations
    - Given schedule, if you miss a lesson no one will care
    - You can’t ask too many questions
    - Pre-given learning path
    - Your weaknesses will not be addresses in detail
    - No trial hour
    - You might not like your tutor and can’t switch

Here is a detailed comparison of all GMAT in-person class courses: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/gmat-course-resources/

6) GMAT class courses (online)


Pros:

    + Popular GMAT prep option
    + Worldwide available
    + No traveling
    + Many class room hours for fair rate
    + Recorded (if you miss a lesson, huge advantage!)
    + Live online instructors
    + Possible to ask questions
    + Reasonable avg. GMAT score improvements
    + Can be combined with books or on demand courses for optimal results
    + Group atmosphere

Cons:

    - No individual atmosphere or study plan, you are just out of many students
    - Given schedule
    - You can’t ask too many questions
    - Pre-given learning path
    - Your weaknesses will not be addresses in detail
    - No trial hour
    - You might not like your tutor and can’t switch
    - Some students simply prefer live in-person tutors

Here is a detailed comparison of all GMAT online class courses: ultimate-gmat-comparison-compare-select-195578.html

SUMMARY:


You should understand the different pros and cons before signing up for one of the offers. Ideally, you can get a free trial account or free trial hour and should definitely make use of this offer where possible.

There are many big and established test prep companies on gmatclub.com and there is so much more to consider than just the price!

Once you know which option is the best for your personal needs you have to check which company offers more service for less money for the respective option.

Some important aspects you need take into consideration are:


    - Class room hours
    - GMAT practice tests
    - How many practice questions are included
    - How good are the tutors
    - How are the reviews
    - Price
    - Score improvement guarantee conditions