I need help choosing a GMAT class!!!

Question

I want to take a GMAT class this summer, but I'm not quite sure which one to take. In your experience, which one do you think has the best reputation?

Praetorian · Answer

I can recommend the online class offered by gmax online. Its sells for $299. https://www.gmaxonline.com thanks Praetorian

capstone · Answer

You might want to tell us what choices there are you in your area. From my personal research I am very fond of Manhattan GMAT. Having reviewed their teaching resources and its competitors (veritas, Kaplan, and TPR), I think Manhattan GMAT stands out by far.

mohitguptask · Answer

I STRONGLY RECOMMEND GMAX ONLINE AS I HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO COMPARE GMAX AND MANHATTAN GMAT. NEEDLESS TO SAY, GMAX IS MUCH BETTER, CHEAPER & INDEPTH.

nickiestardust · Answer

thanks for all of your advice. i live in new york city, so i think i can take any of the aforementioned courses. i'm pursuing my masters part-time and working full-time, so i should probably be realistic about my schedule and take an online class.....

i'll check out the ones you guys mentioned. thanks!

ywilfred · Answer

Just like to add one thing. You'll need broadband internet connection for GMAXOnline if you want the video stream to be seamless. The review recommends 500kbps.

MGMAT on the other hand uses the elluminate platform and from what I know, the video feed and audio is very smooth even with a crappy connection. There's a very personal touch as well since you'll get to converse and ask questions during class. 

It's up to you which one goes for you.

vibha · Answer

I have noticed many suggestions for online courses. My main problem is one of discipline. Do you still think it would be as beneficial to take an online course vs. in class course if I really something to force me to set aside the time?

leanna · Answer

Dear Vibha,
You say that there is not enough contact with with a teacher in an online class, but with GMAX Online there is plenty of contact. Students contact us every day - by phone and by email - and we help them design their study programs and figure out where to concentrate their studies. 
Also, the difference in price makes it possible for a student to have private lessons using our video conferencing portal. The teachers are truly excellent. Ask any of our students.
Good luck with your studying. Don't take the test before you're ready.
Regards,
Leanna

GMATT73 · Answer

Whichever you choose, just don`t waste your money on Kaplan. They are obsolete and don`t specialize in teaching only the GMAT, like MGMAT, Veritas, or GMAX does.

banerjeea_98 · Answer

Just keep in mind that based on lot of ppl's exp, it ssems that almost all prep companies cater to ppl shooting for 600-650 scores. If u want 700+ than u wud have to work on ur own too. I think these prep companies can give u good basics but after that they mite not be effective to raise the bar higher, not to mention how expensive they are.

Hjort · Answer

To be fair to Kaplan, I do not feel that the lack of specialization is the main problem with that company. The materials of the specialists often suffer from the same problems as the Kaplan materials.

GMATT73 · Answer

My Kaplan teacher was also a GRE and LSAT teacher, so he frequently confused the subject matter that he was teaching. To make matters worse, it was very frustrating getting responses like "let me get back to you on that", which by the way he never did. 

I am not totally dissing Kaplan, but frankly they charge way too much for both a lack of specialization and limited services (no advanced PS or DS). $1400 for eight classes (the first class is a diagnostic) boils down to about $180 per three hour session. One would expect to receive keen insight which can not be read in the answer explanations, but instead the insructor did just that- READ THE ANSWER EXPLANATIONS. I have paid a fraction of the price at a community college and received far better value for money.

Essentially, IMHO Kaplan is milking off it`s research from a decade or so ago, not keeping pace with recent additions and changes to the test. This prepares students for the 550-650 range, obviously subpar for the course of the big leagues. 

The problems in this forum are of much better quality and appropriateness, not to mention sourced from a variety of test prep materials (including Kaplan) for FREE!!

rianah100 · Answer

I took Princeton Review just recently. Their materials were good but instructor was working FT as a financa manager - he would always come late and had no idea how the online stuff worked. It just seemed to me that he didn't have time for this second job. But we had a sub on the last day, and she was great. Just wish we had her all along! Bottom line is - try to meet the instructor if at all possible if you are taking PR (in class).

HIMALAYA · Answer

I also believe that the test prep courses donot help boost your score. they are good at the begaining. when you start learn things in depth, they donot help much. the test prep course, worthless. 

to get score as high as 700, you should depend on yourself, collect wide but not too much so that you loose your focus, collection of materials and understand the concept and some tricks and traps..........

the best sources of materials for verbal:

1. OG, the best amongest all, all editions.
2. Grammer smart/Kaplan/TPR Verbal
3. SC-100 for practice
4. LSAT RC and CR
5. Manhattan GMAT, i have not seen the book but most of the high scorors recommended.
6. get some notes compiled and posted by high achiever gmat students
7. most importantly online discussion forums such as GMAT CLub.

the best sources of materials for math:

1. undoubtly OG, the best
2. math smart
3. most importantly online discussion forums such as GMAT CLub.

aroman21 · Answer

I'm taking Manhattan Gmat and like it, I've also heard good things about Veritas and GMAX. I would exercise caution regarding Kaplan and Princeton Review.

Antmavel · Answer

I agree with Gmatt73, I took it in Hong Kong and the price was a little lower ($1000) -> waste of money :evil:

just the basics, not so deep, too general. At the begining they give you some books, actually you don't need to go to the class because the teacher will only exactly repeat the book's content. Terribly experience.

ywilfred · Answer

Ultimately, a prep course would serve to give you a more systematic introduction to GMAT. If you're the sort that doesn't know where to start, how to start, what to start with, then a GMAT prep course would be ideal. Do not expect your score to shoot up to 700+ simply because you took the best GMAT course in the world. A lot depends on yourself. If you do not follow class material, fall behind during the review classes, yet not motivated enough to kick yourself in the butt to play catch up, then you'll be just throwing money away. The main ingredients for a good prep would be: deligence, discipline, focus, and attention to details.

There's a forum for prep course, which you can read to get furhter information. And there're plenty of threads here if you're still clueless how to organise your prep :wink:

vibha · Answer

Has anyone taken Veritas? If so, what are your likes and dislikes?

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I need help choosing a GMAT class!!!

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