ONLINE GMAT CLASSROOM COACHING?

Is it really necessary to go for coaching classes to crack GMAT?

• Is GMAT enough to apply for MBA in US, Australia or Germany?

• Answer:

  If you believe your math problem solving skills and basic English skills are average or above average, a coaching class isn't really necessary. You could test your skills by solving the first 50 questions from each section of http://www.mba.com/store/store-catalog/gmat-preparation/the-official-guide-for-gmat-review-13th-edition.aspx. In case you find it too difficult and time consuming to solve those questions, it's a good idea to join classes. Look at it this way. Quant section has 37 questions and 75 minutes - that gives you 2 min/question. So when you start your prep, you should expect to take 3 min/question (at most) because eventually you'll hit the target of 2 min or lesser. Verbal section has 41 questions in 75 minutes - means about 1.5 min/question. Initially you might take an average of 2.5 min but you'll get better. This should help you get started. I was working full time during my GMAT prep and managed to score 650 the first time and 700 a month later on the test. It did take some slogging and loss of sleep. What I followed: 2-3 hours/day on weekdays, 5-6 hours/day on weekends for 3 months, using official guides, test company guides like Kaplan, and the 1000 set questions. A full-length test on alternate days for the next 30-45 days -- meaning you take the test on Monday and review the results/mistakes on Tuesday. And a test again on Wednesday. Taking at least 10 tests will help, more wouldn't hurt. My second attempt required just a revision of what I already prepared, and I think I did better only because of less anxiety. For MBA in the US, in addition to GMAT most schools will require a TOEFL/IELTS score. I lack knowledge about Australian/German MBA admissions, sorry. Hope that helps.