GMAT: Best preparation tools/company for GMAT?

I want to take the GMAT next year in possible preparation to get a PhD and wanted to know what's the best way to study for the GMAT or what are the best tools to do this?

Has anyone taken GMAT classes? If so, what was your opinion and what was the outcome of your test?

What self-study tools did you use?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Gilbert Labossiere
BBA, Baker College Online 2003
eMIBA, Nova Southeastern University 2005

 

I would suggest getting any of the generic books that cover what you are in store for. Get one with at least 3 sample tests (CD's - these are exactly like you will take). I suggest you take the first test, before you read all about it.

Then read the book, cover to cover, and see where you went wrong on the test. Take it a second time, and see where the problems areas are. I would take the next several weeks looking at those section(s). Then take it one last time. If you are happy with your score from there, I would go in and take it for real - my "pre" score on the CD was within 10 points of my actual score.

If you are not happy with it, go take the class, many will guarantee at least an 100 point improvement, or your money back.

The best of the best is the Princeton review, but most local univerisities offer them too. Not sure, I didn't get that far.

Also - go to up on the website and get the free CD and prep software. It helps.

Good Luck!!

 

Thanks. I was looking at this guy's website http://www.perfectgmat.com an he's offering incredible tutoring for $7k. Too rich for my blood. I'll try it your way.

 

One last thing. Check out the schools and their policy of taking the GMAT more than once. Some schools average all tests, some take the best score.

Depending on what you need, spend the time to get the free software and the $20 book, then spend the $7K, is it is worth it to you, and it is critical for you to get in!

 

What kind of score are you looking for?

700+ ? Plan on a few months of hard studying. I took Powerscore's weekend course in order to refresh the basics. It helped and I scored a 640 on my first attempt. I was like 86th percentile on veral and like 62th on math. Studied only math like crazy and retook it and got a 620 with the same verbal score!! Argh.

Luckily when I retook it I didn't put down any schools to send it to. I figured if I did better I would manually send it, if I did worse no one would know.

Take all of the practice tests you can. Sitting down and answering 10 questions doesn't help much. The GMAT really tests your ability to stay focused for 3 straight hours.

 

$7K for GMAT prep??

My sister bought the following books:
1) Official GMAT guide
2) Kaplan's GMAT (Higher Score)
3) Master the GMAT CAT (Arco)
4) Cracking the GMAT (Princeton Review)
5) Barron's GMAT CAT
6) Kaplan's SAT Math I and II
8) 800score's practice tests

She practiced for 2 and a half months and scored a 620 ... The books cost a total of $300 approx... I suspect if you wanna buy used ones, they'll cost even less. I think it boils down to personal commitment and dedication since there are plenty of resources on the net and in print to get you going!

Besides, isn't 700+ a bit on the excessive side just kidding of course

 

Thanks for all of your help!!! I'm not a great test taker and will need all the time in the world to study. To illustrate, I spent one month studying for the LSAT and received a score of 142 (after doing the weekend PowerScore).

I hope I do better on the GMAT!!!

 

I like this one:

http://www.veritasprep.com/

 

I would highly recommend that you check out the following website: www.gmatclub.com

their discussion Forum is particularly helpful...Good luck!