Are self-study options as comprehensive as prep classes?

Question

I had checked out the interact free trial before and decided to just buy the mgmat strategy guides for self-study. But I didn't find all the tricks/ shortcuts (taught in the interact videos) in the strategy guides. So here's my question.
Do the MGMAT books (most reviewers recommended these as the best self-study books) have all the  tricks/ shortcuts  that are taught in Manhattan Prep's classes/ courses?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi fragrance,

The problem you're describing actually happens to many Test Takers who use a "book heavy" study approach. Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. Depending on your current ability level and your goal score, to make a big improvement you'll probably have to change your study approach. This will likely mean investing in some new Computer-based resources and learning (and practicing) new Tactics.

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

fragrance · Answer

Thanks for the prompt response!

1) How long have you studied?
Just started (1 week)

2) What materials have you used?
MGMAT strategy guide set, OG17

3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
1 practice test - 570

4) What is your goal score?
700+

5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
Sept 2017 (so I have 2 to 2.5 months to prepare)

6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
Planning to attend in Fall 2018.

HiLine · Answer

Courses and classes exist for a reason, after all. :wink:

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi fragrance,

A 570 is a solid initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so with 2 to 2.5 months of potential study time, you might have enough time available, but you might end up needing more than you've planned for.

Since you're early-on in your studies, I suggest that you study as you see fit for the next 1-2 weeks - then take a new FULL-LENGTH CAT (with the Essay and IR sections). That score result will give us a sense of how well you're absorbing the material that you're working on. If you can't make certain improvements working on a small subset of GMAT subjects, then some changes to your overall study plan might be warranted. Once you've taken that CAT, you should post back here and we can talk through the results.

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

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