Think Through YOUR Needs

Compared to all other prep programs, Manhattan GMAT by far had the best content for me. It simplified complex problems and made every problem type approachable. That said ... I wasted a lot of money. Now as a grad student, I regret this. I need money!

Before picking what you pay for, I would truly evaluate what your needs are.

First of all, don't go buy all the books first. Paying for the course gets you all the books. So if you end up doing the course, you've wasted money getting the same books twice.

Second, I would look through the books at a bookstore and evaluate: Can I learn this myself, or do I need their full course? I would also look into what online webinars you can get access to by getting the books instead of the full class. You may find there's enough webinar content to ensure you can get all the material you need.

NOTE: If you are not someone who can keep yourself accountable for ensuring you study, the course can help ensure you do.

Third, evaluate if you'll perform well in a classroom or 1:1. Attend a class before you pay to shadow.

I say all this because I paid to take the course. It was good, but I realized later I got MUCH greater benefit from 1:1 tutoring. The tutors could watch me go through problems (online or in-person) and give me personalized recommendations. I wish I did this in conjunction with free webinars and books. That would have been money spent much better for me.