Studying with Kaplan vs OG?

Question

Hi All,

I am a first time GMAT exam taker, and have both the OG 2020 as well as Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2021. I haven't gone too far in depth with Kaplan yet but have completed their Critical Reasoning strategies, along with their sample questions, on which I have started to feel confident.

However, I did a few practice questions on the official GMAT Prep website, and right away, I observed that the official CR questions use a much stronger language in the arguments/passage when compared to Kaplan's book. In Kaplan, the question's argument was fairly short and to the point, whereas most of the questions on GMAT Prep were much longer, strongly worded and hence confusing as it took me more effort to pick out the information that matters more. All of this also led me to take more time per question, roughly.

I am confused whether it is too early to make a judgement, and that I should continue to use Kaplan for CR as well as other areas of the GMAT? Any advise will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
A.

KaramveerBakshi · Answer

Hi  breezeit .

The strategy for a particular section depends on an individual. If you're comfortable with the Kaplan method, keep following that.
Just practice with official questions.

Just my advice!
Cheers!

TheUltimateWinner · Answer

breezeit 
GMATPrep mock test is the actual indicator of real test. That means, if you have 720 in the gmatprep mock test (official one), then you are getting closed to 720 in the actual gmat test, most of the case. So, keep believe in official materials.

Ok, if you still need to study from unofficial materials that should be only for quant part, not verbal part at all.  In short, don't study from 3rd party materials for verbal part.

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  breezeit . Within the tutoring circle, Kaplan materials are generally seen as subpar, not because the strategies are unsound, but because the advice only goes so far. In fact, I jokingly call Kaplan a "breadcrumb" company, since it lays out a breadcrumb of information at a time so that a reader will follow the trail, eventually, to a more expensive product, such as a course. Also, as you noted yourself, the questions and Verbal passages just feel off, different from those you encounter through official materials. In short, it is fine to learn some strategies from Kaplan, but, as has been posted above, you are better off applying those techniques to official questions, since like produces like, and you want to have a realistic indication of how you might perform on test day (as opposed to how you might perform on a Kaplan exam).

If you enjoy learning from books, as I do, you may want to try the following for different areas of Verbal:

1) Sentence Correction—Manhattan Prep

2) Critical Reasoning—Manhattan Prep or PowerScore CR Bible (many non-native English speakers prefer the latter)

3) Reading Comprehension—Manhattan Prep or Veritas Prep

The Manhattan Prep Verbal guides can be purchased separately (from the older edition, with the red covers) or as one in the new edition,  All the Verbal . The Veritas Prep guide on RC is part of a larger set, but if you can find it on its own, I have read positive reviews.

You can also purchase an online course that will guide you, via instructional videos, through various parts of the test. Most of them walk you through the Official Guide. Check the Marketplace if that interests you.

Whatever you decide, you will want to switch to practicing official material as much as possible. It is vital to gain familiarity with the question and passage layout for each section so that you do not feel blindsided at the worst possible time, on the day of the exam.

Good luck.

- Andrew

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi breezeit,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so since you've only recently started your studies, you should not expect to have mastered any of the concepts yet. As an aside, a longer question will almost certainly take longer to solve (since it will take longer to read and there might be a 'denser' argument within it). That does NOT mean that all CRs are long and 'densely written' though, so you have to consider how representative your sample of CR questions really is. All things considered, you would probably be fine continuing to work through that book - but you will almost certainly need some additional study materials over the course of your studies.

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

CAMANISHPARMAR · Answer

Use official material for your preparation as it will help you get the taste of how the actual gmat will be like.

All the best!

Hovkial · Answer

Kaplan's verbal materials are elementary. They may be okayish for someone who is just starting out, but you will quickly find that they are no match for the mighty materials on the official GMAT. There is nothing like solving actual official questions and struggling with them. Practice is the best way to study.

If you have to use other materials, then the Manhattan books are good as are the Powerscore ones. But the main advice is to rely mainly on the official guides. The questions you will see on test day will be very similar to the questions from the guides.

breezeit · Answer

First of all, thank you everyone for your prompt responses - I am very grateful for the advise you all have provided. Collectively, everyone's responses are aligned and I am taking away the below:

1. Use Official Guides as the main resource but study with other material, preferably Manhattan, for strategies if required. 
2. Practice only via the OG to get a flavour of test like questions.

Rich - in response to your reply specifically, I am aiming for a GMAT score of 720+, and wish to give my first test by 10th November this year. I will primarily be applying to BSchools in London (Imperial, LBS, Cass) but due to family circumstances, may consider a couple of BSchools in India as well (IIM, ISB).

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi breezeit,

Since a 720+ Score is above the 90th percentile, you will have to be really efficient with your studies going forward to earn that type of Score by November 10th (since that's only about 2.5 months away). As such, I strongly recommend that you take that initial CAT sometime soon (perhaps this weekend) and report back once you have your Score.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi breezeit,

If it turns out that you end up looking for additional materials, before making a decision on what to use, take a look at the GMAT Club reviews for  the best quant  and  verbal courses , and also read through some  GMAT success stories  to see what materials have worked well for other test-takers.

You also may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

Good luck!

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