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02 Mar 2020, 03:39
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi,
I am looking into which GMAT prep course books to use for my studies and I have narrowed the list down to either Manhattan GMAT or Veritas Prep. Both seem to have their merits and - because I have plenty of time until I plan to apply - I was thinking about studying through all the books for both of the programs. However, I have read in numerous posts that you should stick to only one source when studying and have a few questions about this:
1.) Why should you only stick to one source when learning how to solve GMAT questions (I understand that for practice, the OG is the most accurate and valued)?
2.) How is the method Manhattan GMAT teaches you to solve GMAT questions different from how Veritas Prep teaches you to solve GMAT questions?
3.) What are the negative effects of attempting to learn from both Manhattan and Veritas?
Thank you.
I am looking into which GMAT prep course books to use for my studies and I have narrowed the list down to either Manhattan GMAT or Veritas Prep. Both seem to have their merits and - because I have plenty of time until I plan to apply - I was thinking about studying through all the books for both of the programs. However, I have read in numerous posts that you should stick to only one source when studying and have a few questions about this:
1.) Why should you only stick to one source when learning how to solve GMAT questions (I understand that for practice, the OG is the most accurate and valued)?
2.) How is the method Manhattan GMAT teaches you to solve GMAT questions different from how Veritas Prep teaches you to solve GMAT questions?
3.) What are the negative effects of attempting to learn from both Manhattan and Veritas?
Thank you.
02 Mar 2020, 04:00
Kudos
Bookmarks
It's an interesting question: why should you only stick to one source when learning how to solve GMAT questions
I suppose the reason lies in the different methodologies or techniques different sources may teach. The danger probably lies in a student approaching a question with two different techniques in mind that may conflict with each other or confuse during the actual exam. That source said to solve it this way! But that other source said to solve it another way! Oh, no the time is running out. Choose. Wait. Am I mixing the two methods now. Ugh, I have to repeat. Oh, no, I've lost thirty seconds.
But I'd suggest taking this kind of advice with a grain of salt. Perhaps there are some people who not only gain an added benefit from two sources, but are able to take the BEST out of each.
Still, it's an interesting question I'd like to see some data about.
I suppose the reason lies in the different methodologies or techniques different sources may teach. The danger probably lies in a student approaching a question with two different techniques in mind that may conflict with each other or confuse during the actual exam. That source said to solve it this way! But that other source said to solve it another way! Oh, no the time is running out. Choose. Wait. Am I mixing the two methods now. Ugh, I have to repeat. Oh, no, I've lost thirty seconds.
But I'd suggest taking this kind of advice with a grain of salt. Perhaps there are some people who not only gain an added benefit from two sources, but are able to take the BEST out of each.
Still, it's an interesting question I'd like to see some data about.
02 Mar 2020, 11:56
Kudos
Bookmarks
Hi 2118kool,
Many GMATers use a variety of different study materials as they prepare for the GMAT, so there's nothing inherently "wrong" with using two separate sets of course books. That having been said, there are some broader issues to consider.
First, the immediate issue would likely involve the different attitude and emphasis of each product. Most GMAT questions can be approached in more than one way - and one book (or set of books) might place a greater emphasis on one type of approach. By extension, you might only practice one method - and potentially end up splitting time between two methods without ever really learning when to use one approach instead of another.
Second, unfortunately, many people who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. 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. This is meant to say that you would likely find it beneficial to invest in some new, non-book study materials at some point in your studies (and the earlier you make that choice, the more time you will have to hone your skills and the greater your chances of scoring at a higher level).
Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:
Studies:
1) How long have you studied so far?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) 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
Many GMATers use a variety of different study materials as they prepare for the GMAT, so there's nothing inherently "wrong" with using two separate sets of course books. That having been said, there are some broader issues to consider.
First, the immediate issue would likely involve the different attitude and emphasis of each product. Most GMAT questions can be approached in more than one way - and one book (or set of books) might place a greater emphasis on one type of approach. By extension, you might only practice one method - and potentially end up splitting time between two methods without ever really learning when to use one approach instead of another.
Second, unfortunately, many people who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. 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. This is meant to say that you would likely find it beneficial to invest in some new, non-book study materials at some point in your studies (and the earlier you make that choice, the more time you will have to hone your skills and the greater your chances of scoring at a higher level).
Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:
Studies:
1) How long have you studied so far?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) 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
