Do I need a GMAT tutor while preparing for GMAT exam?

Exam: GMAT Test - Graduate Management Admission Test: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Quantitative section, Verbal section

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a critical component of the admission criteria of many business schools around the world. A good score in the GMAT exam can ensure your admission into many graduate management programs like MBA. GMAT is a computer-based test which has four sections: Quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning and analytical writing. GMAT is offered multiple times a year and it’s score is valid for 5 years.

Many options to choose from.

Preparation for the GMAT exam can be tricky. You can start off on your own by getting preparation materials from websites like mba.com or you can enroll in a general GMAT preparation course designed to help you in all the four areas of reasoning that you are going to be tested on, but these options do not work with everybody. While some would benefit from a general GMAT course or searching online for test materials, others do not have the time or patience for it. They feel they only need to focus on a certain aspect of the GMAT exam like the mathematical problems for them to excel at the exam and do not require training in other areas they are already good at. That’s where the private tutors come in.

Focused study.

A private tutor would specifically focus on what you need. If there is a certain aspect of the GMAT exam you want to focus on and you don’t have time to take a 6-week long course then hiring a tutor is the way to go. The most common reason behind hiring a private tutor for GMAT is usually the one stated above i.e when the individual wants to focus on one particular part of the exam.

Efficient but expensive.

Private tutors can be very expensive, but they save time. So, if time management is really important to you and spending a few hundred dollars isn’t too heavy on your pockets then a tutor can be your life saver. A tutor gives you personalized attention and helps you design the best game plan for GMAT preparation.

Personal needs.

Various other reasons make hiring a tutor necessary. Some people work better when they are being supervised and they need constant motivation, self-study isn’t for such people. A tutor will make sure they stay on track. A number of individuals preparing for GMAT find themselves stuck on a score and can’t seem to find out the reason behind the halting of progress. A tutor will point out exactly what you are doing wrong and what you need to get the desired score.

Do you have the time?

There isn’t a lot a tutor can teach you that isn’t available online for free. Various websites and blogs are filled with tips and suggestions about GMAT preparation. The real question is: do you have the time and the patience to sort through the vast resources to find out exactly what you need?

Do you want the easy way out?

A private tutor would not only save you time but also save you from the headache of endless browsing and searching through tons of information available to figure out what exactly you need. A tutor knows exactly how the GMAT works, what issues to tackle first and how to go about the preparation. It’s much easier to rely on a tutor to be your information source rather than searching for it yourself. If you want an easy way out, a private tutor is what you should be looking for.

Can you afford one?

Private tutoring can be expensive. On average, private tutoring classes cost around 200$/hr and that can be be too much for some people. If you can’t afford to spend that much money you could always look into other options like taking a GMAT course or opt for self-study. There is no best way to study for GMAT, it varies with individual needs.

Can you rely on yourself?

You could be exceptionally talented and not need a tutor at all but do you possess the discipline needed for a good GMAT preparation? Cramming doesn’t work when you ae aiming for a high GMAT score, it requires planning ahead and focused, balanced study. If you can accomplish this on your own then great. Otherwise, you need a tutor.

Private study isn’t for everyone.

Are you one of those people who study better in a classroom environment rather than a one-on-one session with an expert? Or do you prefer self-directed study? If yes then choosing to hire a tutor can actually be a bad decision. Choosing the setup that works best for you will ensure a good result in the long run, tutors can only help when their help is needed.

A good GMAT score is important.

If you want to get admitted to a good business school for your Master’s program you need to get a good score on the GMAT exam. If a tutor is what it takes for you to get that 700 you should go for it. Spending hundreds of dollars for private tutoring sessions might seem excessive to you now but it could be the difference between a 650 or a 700.

Hiring a tutor can be beneficial or a waste of money, depending on what you need. If you have enough time to sort through the information available online or to take a GMAT preparation course and you don’t need a customized study environment then spending 200$/hour on a tutor is not needed at all. On the other hand, if time and efficiency is important to you then hiring a private tutor is your best option.

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