GMAT Prep I

The GMAT is  basically the “SAT” for applying to b-schools. The format and components of the test are very similar. In both tests, understanding the structure of the test and how the scores are computed can help increase your score without having to devote many hours to practice.

A quick note on GMAT prep services: Many of these services guarantee a 90+ point increase in test score performance that score is inflated. What many of these services do is to give you their diagnostic test, which is usually noticeably more difficult than the real test. On average, a test taker will score 90+ points lower on that diagnostic test than the real test. So what does that mean? Even if you don’t actually improve your test taking abilities, they’re almost guaranteed that you’ll score 90+ points better on the real test than their diagnostic test. If your still in school (and test taking is still fresh for you) and you can stay discipline with your prep (I assume that’s the case or you wouldn’t even be thinking about applying to bschools!), then I don’t think you need the help of a tutoring service. It’s 1500-$3000 versus about $50 in prep materials you can get over the internet. They teach you the same things. If you have time, see what you can do on your own first. You just might save a buck or thousands.

Next post: A prep schedule and prep materials that I found useful.