As mentioned in a previous article, most business schools require either a GMAT or GRE score for their MBA programs. These test scores typically account for about 20% of the overall application.
Many students have shared stories of peers who studied for just two weeks and achieved high scores. However, based on my own experience with the GMAT, achieving a competitive score requires a significant investment of both time and money. For me, enrolling in a GMAT prep course was instrumental in boosting my score and building my confidence.
In this article, I will outline the major challenges I faced with the GMAT and how a prep course helped me drastically improve my performance.
Original strategy
Many people around me initially told me that the GMAT would be easy and that it reflected a lot of content learned in high school (if you studied in North America).
Since I planned to take the GMAT right after graduating from undergrad and had just finished my final exams, I thought I could apply the same discipline to reading textbooks and completing practice problems.
I borrowed several books from the library and studied for a few weeks, only to be very disappointed by my score on the official exam.
Updated strategy
I realized I needed to change my approach.
I decided to enroll in a GMAT preparation course that provided video lessons on the theory and logic behind commonly tested topics, along with practice timed questions in an online interface.
By studying diligently for a few months—2 hours each weekday and 5 hours per day on weekends—while balancing a consulting job, I was able to break the 700+ threshold.
Types of GMAT preparation courses
GMAT preparation courses can be categorized into several types based on format, delivery method, and level of customization:
- Self-Study Courses: These provide comprehensive coverage of GMAT topics and practice questions. Popular options include the Official Guide for GMAT Review, and Manhattan Prep. Websites like Khan Academy offer free tutorials on quantitative and verbal sections.
- Online Prep Courses: These include live online classes, which include courses that feature live instruction, typically via video conferencing, allowing for real-time interaction with instructors and peers. Examples include Princeton Review and Kaplan. On-demand courses are also popular and the option that I decided to take. These courses include pre-recorded video lessons that students can access at their own pace. Examples include Magoosh, The Economist GMAT Tutor, and e-GMAT.
- In-Person Prep Courses: This includes traditional in-person classes held at specific locations. Providers like Manhattan Prep and Veritas Prep offer such options in various cities. Private tutoring involves one-on-one instruction tailored to the student’s specific needs and pace. This can be done in person or online but involves significant time investment to keep pace with a pre-determined class schedule.
- Specialized Courses: Specialized courses target specific sections of the GMAT, such as quantitative reasoning or verbal reasoning, for students who need extra help in particular areas. Examples include Target Test Prep (focused on quant) and PowerScore (focused on verbal).
Why are GMAT preparation courses a good strategy?
A GMAT preparation course gave me the content, strategy, and structure I needed, especially when I only had limited time to dedicate to GMAT studying.
More specifically, the preparation course helped me in five areas:
1. Develop structure and a comprehensive study plan
GMAT preparation courses offer well-organized curriculums that systematically cover all aspects of the exam. This structure helped me manage my study time more effectively and avoid the pitfalls of self-directed learning. Additionally, there are different courses available based on various timelines, such as comprehensive six-month courses or one-month intensive programs that focus on key topics and question types. These plans have been used and tested by thousands of students, giving them solid credibility.
2. Gain access to quality practice materials
Courses often provide exclusive access to high-quality practice questions, full-length practice tests, and other resources that closely mimic the actual GMAT. These materials were crucial for familiarizing myself with the test format and timing. This was particularly important to me, given that many questions available online are not always well-written or aligned with GMAT logic.
3. Gain access to expert guidance
If you are enrolled in a course, professional instructors are available to offer insights, tips, and proven strategies specifically tailored to the GMAT. Their guidance helped me approach questions more effectively and efficiently, demystifying challenging topics and providing clarity on the test format.
4. Seek personalized feedback and progress tracking
My courses included diagnostic tests and regular assessments that helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses over several weeks of studying. Personalized feedback from these assessments allowed me to focus on areas needing improvement, optimizing my study efforts.
5. Increase confidence and reduce testing anxiety
All of these benefits helped me build confidence and reduce anxiety over time. Familiarity with the test format and question types, along with effective time management and stress reduction strategies, significantly improved my performance on test day.
In conclusion
Regardless of your approach to the GMAT, it’s a challenging and demanding milestone.
If you’re going to invest so much of your free time preparing for this exam, why not consider a GMAT preparation course?
It can provide the extra guidance you need to maximize your chances of achieving a top score.
Jeff Zhang currently serves as a Consultant at McKinsey, specializing in private equity, transportation, technology, and sustainability sectors. Before this role, he spearheaded the creation of an innovative final-mile logistics product at a startup, later acquired by Shopify. His background includes significant experience in consulting, logistics and successful applications to global MBA programs.
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