I signed up for Magoosh just two weeks before my test. I originally planned on using it just for the extra practice exams, but ended up using it for extra review on a few topics I hadn't worked with since grade school. The videos that they have are awesome - a bit slow and dry, maybe, but they definitely get to the key concepts.

The math tests were much easier than the Manhattan GMAT tests (which were harder than the real test), but it was still good practice for the real thing.

I didn't poke around too much in the verbal stuff, but from what I did see it didn't seem to be at the same level as the math section or the Manhattan GMAT verbal section.

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Started taking this course with no prior prep. David did a great job making sure that everyone in the class (~12-15 people) got the level of attention they deserved. He encouraged students to help each other when going through problems so that he could focus on those who were struggling in order to keep pace. David was always able to answer specific questions via email or before/after class. You could tell that David genuinely cared about how his students were faring.

The course in general is great - there are so many tricks and tips that you learn. It's definitely possible to do this by reading the books, but it helps to have someone there to explain the trickier concepts and make sure your studies are keeping up week-to-week. If I had to do it again, I'd definitely re-take this class with David.

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I signed up for the comprehensive service from SBC and was almost immediately matched with Sherry. We had a great working relationship and she was great about working with me off the bat to identify how we could best work together. I really hadn't done my homework on where I wanted to go and why, but Sherry helped me figure it out.

Her biggest help was with ideating my essay topics and making sure they both answered the questions and were able to convey what I wanted to convey. Between essay help and navigating the whole process (deadlines for finding recommenders, writing essays, etc.), I wouldn't have ended up as successful as I was without Sherry.

The only reason I am giving four stars and not five is that Sherry went on vacation for two weeks at the end of August, right before Round 1 applications were due. Granted, she let me know about the vacation well in advance, but it's still unfortunate timing. She responded to emails occasionally, but it still seemed a little unreasonable. Despite this, I'd still HIGHLY recommend Sherry to anyone considering SBC.

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These are the best practice tests you can take - which should be obvious since they're made by GMAC. They are the best representation of the pacing and progression of the real test and my scores on these tests most consistently matched my actual test performance.

If you do this, I also suggest you purchase the other exam pack. It's equally as good and just helps provide more practice. I always think for these tests the more questions you see, the better. I don't remember how much these cost, but they are definitely the most valuable practice tests and should be the first materials purchased.

I took a couple tests early in my studies as a benchmark, then moved to other sources (Manhattan, Magoosh), then finished up with the two or three I had left the week before my test to solidify timing.

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