Are GMAT prep courses worth it?

<p>Are GMAT prep courses worth your time? If they are, which are the best? Anyone have any experience with this?</p>

<p>I would like to know this, too. A Kaplan rep called me and they charge $1300 or something for the course.</p>

<p>Hello anyone?</p>

<p>I'll second that, LoL! I'm beginning to think that it's probably not worth it. I've been studying for a while on my own, and it doesn't seem to be that hard.</p>

<p>If you are a good test taker, I'd say no. If you are cheap (like me) then I'd say no. If you need personalized attention or tips that a book won't give you then you probably should do it.</p>

<p>I just studied with the books (Kaplan, Princeton Review, Kaplan 800, Official GMAT study guide) and took a couple of online tests. If I had to do it over again I would have started with Princeton Review (and stuck with it's techniques), while also doing questions in the Official GMAT Study Guide. Once done with that, I would do Kaplan 800 while finishing all of the questions in the Official GMAT Study Guide. I would also take periodic tests.</p>

<p>As it was, I scored a 720 but didn't fair too well on the quantative. More practice tests and practice questions (i didn't get close to finishing the official study guide) because I got a little rattled when the same type of question showed up several times and I had hardly prepared for it (I think I had some bad luck there).</p>

<p>The prep course is a good idea if you are not a disciplined student. </p>

<p>The key to do well in GMAT is practice real questions under pressure. I used OG, Manhattan CR and something known as JJs (jungle juice) for a month and scored 700+. Total cost (excluding test fee) is under $100. Google on those terms should lead you to the right places.</p>

<p>If you've been out of college a number of years and have forgotten some math basics, it wouldn't hurt to enroll in a course.</p>