Study GMAT with a friend?

Question

So my dad's former co-worker has a daughter who plans to take a GMAT around the end of this year/beginning of next year. So when I told her that I am studying for GMAT too she immediately suggested that we should do it together. I agreed because I think she's very serious about it and she is always very nice to me. Now here's the thing: the more I think about it, the more freaked-out I am. Here are just few of my concerns:

- What is her level of English? She never studied abroad, only in Vietnam, where English are limitedly used. I have studied in US for 4 years now. Will we find a way that both of us can progress at the same speed?

- How do I take the best advantage out of studying with a partner? What do we need to do when we study together? And how about after the meeting? Should we do the practice exercises first then meet to discuss our answers?

- How about schedule? She has a very social life and so do I. With at least 1 hour/day to study GMAT, how are we gonna find time to meet up?

So those are just a few. If anyone has any experience/idea about this, could you share it with me? Thanks

(Wow, my English sucks hard today. I don't know why.)

thetiming · Answer

(1) There's the thesis that non-native speakers have less impediments to master the SC, since their ear is not "trained" and used to the mistakes made in daily speech that the GMAT likes to test. I do not necessarily agree with the above, but in your case it may be relevant and prove less disadvantage than you think. Not having studied in an English speaking country could well make her much more motivated to master SC. (2) the obvious things: the strategies that work, shortcuts, tricks that help you streamline the test taking process, things you have learned about the exam / application process etc organizational/soft stuff. Plus you may halve the cost of study materials if you need to (and make a plan) (I personally write on the textbooks themselves and "customize" them beyond recognition :wink:

so this would not work for me). the less obvious stuff: sharing your error logs, explaining things to each other (that would take you much more time to grasp otherwise) and by explaining - learning more efficiently. now, obviously, most of the studying you will be doing on your own, so no reason to freak out. Just make sure the arrangement does not lull you into thinking your study time is only when you are together... this will not work - make sure you follow your own pace, use your own the time windows of opportunity, etc - studying together should be fault-tolerant i.e. if one has fallen behind it should not affect the other - if you figure out how to do this, there would be no reason to freak out . One way to make things interesting and learning effective is to get together, each solve a small batch (7-8) of questions on your own, compare the results before checking whether the answers are right; if you have differences - explain to each other why you think you are right; then check the answers, explain to each other again. (3) "How about schedule?" Well, I cannot be of much help with that. But as I said - most of the learning you will have to do on your own either way. Get together to do the most interesting/ tricky things and questions, explain the really unusual stuff to each other, share strategies, etc. (My English sucks today too - and the coffee machine is broken which compounds the issue =)

jko · Answer

I wouldn't worry about whether she's on the same level as you. Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to secure your understanding of a topic, so you'll be able to get something out of the study-partnership either way.

Plus, maybe she's better at quant than you :D

Plus, maybe she's better at quant than you :D

AmrithS · Answer

I can't agree more with jko. A month back, I started teaching math at a coaching center in my city and I must say I have gained a lot from the experience. I just remembered this quote: "A mentor is just a more seasoned student" In order to teach, you have to learn. For that you have to become a student before becoming a mentor! Thus, you have nothing to lose from this undertaking! Go ahead 8-)

CAUTION: However, the teacher can only be effective if the student is willing to learn. If you feel that your study partner is not as serious as you, then it's better to avoid studying with her. The question is not about what level your partner is at, but how motivated she is

I hope this helps! Good luck!

Pamela · Answer

Hi...

I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am attending GMAT exam in December. I need a study partner to prepare myself.

Pamela

BM · Answer

I don't think having a full-time study partner is the best method to prepare for the GMAT, as such relationships can become one-sided. There's nothing wrong with helping someone, but your time is valuable and you need to worry about your self in this situation. If you have the time, energy, and desire to work with another, then maybe it's okay. But once you start to sacrifice GMAT points for the sake of somebody else's, then there's a problem.

But let's say that you agree to the partnership. Organization and synchronization of time schedules and study plans are crucial. Another important issue is to realize your goals and limits. Don't agree to anything that puts your GMAT score in danger or prevents you from reaching your potential.

I know this sounds a bit cold, but you are the priority here. This is not the time to compromise or sacrifice. I wish both of you the best, but neither of you needs the additional burden of the other. It is certainly possible that a study partner can be beneficial, but your post feels stressed and nervous already. These are not promising signs.

A previous poster mentioned that explaining concepts is a great way to learn the material. I completely agree! And that's why GMATClub is the perfect outlet for that. You can help people when you want and if you want, as well as learn from others with the same amount of freedom. Perhaps you can suggest the website to your friend.

Rocket7 · Answer

Hey there. I dont have exactly the same issue but something similar to ask u all. I have a Phd student who is willing to help me in english and a Engineering student who is willing to help me in math. They both will honestly help me whole heartedly. I just need to know how to use them at full potential. What should be my study plan. I am taking GMAT on Dec 5.2011. Thanks.

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Study GMAT with a friend?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards