GMAT
Methodology
The GMAT is a test you can prepare for. It is not an intelligence test. Question types recur frequently and using the correct methodologies dramatically improves scores. There is also a tremendous amount of quality prep material available for the GMAT: official tests and question banks distributed by GMAC, the company that writes the test, and representative secondary material written by boutique and large firms. Your success on the GMAT depends on your ability to master content and question types, strategically leverage the best materials for your specific needs, and adopt a data-driven approach to diagnostic assessment. Our tutors are experts at guiding students through all three of these challenges.
We also understand the make-or-break importance of the GMAT and we're dedicated to helping you beat the exam. Before you even meet with your tutor, we assess your strengths and weaknesses on an official computer adaptive exam. Based on your results, your tutor will construct a customized syllabus in advance of your first session. Please view a sample syllabus that describes our 16 session Comprehensive Package. While your syllabus may be quite a bit different, this document provides a detailed example of what one Cambridge Coaching program entailed.
If you are worried about the new "Next Generation GMAT" scheduled to launch in June 2012, don't be. We've accumulated the best materials available on the new Integrated Reasoning section. All of our tutors are deeply familiar with the changes that will take place and the best strategies for addressing the section.
There are significant advantages to working with Cambridge Coaching on the GMAT:
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1Strategic Teachers
Even though the GMAT is a cornerstone of the business school admissions process, most of our students maintain busy work schedules or course loads while they prepare. Our tutors can help you fit studying into your life. We are strategically minded interpreters of data, as well as efficient and effective teachers. We emphasize a highly structured and systematic study process—not merely doing more problems—as the best path to a higher score.
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2The Highest Compensation
Unlike other companies, we place a heavy emphasis on our tutors' pay and their professional development as teachers. As far as we are aware, our tutors earn the highest compensation—and the greatest share of company revenue—of any tutors in the industry. Although it seems like common sense that tutors are the most important part of a tutoring organization, most companies shortchange their tutors in order to reap greater profits. We consider our tutors to be our most important investment, and we have found that caring about them allows us to hire and retain the very best.
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3Official Practice Material
We rely on the series of 11 previously administered exams distributed by the Graduate Management Admission Council, the Official Guides, and the GMAT Focus Quantitative Diagnostic Tool. We supplement official material with an evolving list of the secondary sources and computer adaptive tools that we view to be the best means of mastering particular methodologies. We supplement official material with the best secondary sources and computer adaptive diagnostic tools available. Your syllabus will include homework, practice exams, and in-session drills derived from all of these resources. Because we are not invested in selling proprietary materials, we prefer to cherry-pick the best materials from as many sources as possible.
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4Customized Curricula
National companies develop general curricula aimed at a broad population, the so called "average students." They do not tailor their curricula based on student needs because customization is expensive and time-consuming. We believe that a tailored program is a basic prerequisite for any effective tutoring relationship, particularly with GMAT students who are often juggling multiple priorities. We build each tutoring relationship around a unique student and we only work with students on a one-on-one basis. We typically meet with students once or twice per week for 90 minutes per session. Between each meeting, we scrutinize student progress section-by-section and problem-by-problem.
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5Data Driven Approach
Every question you see will be categorized and tracked. You will take computer adaptive exams, and all of those questions will be categorized and tracked. Every choice we make about your preparation will flow from an increasingly growing and refined catalogue of historical data. We know where to go because we know every single place you've been. Our approach to data sets our team and our results apart.
Our programs are intensive, but we've found that they actually minimize the stress of taking the GMAT. During the course of a Comprehensive Package, our students see between 2000 and 3000 questions, take no fewer than 10 practice exams, and study between 60 to 80 hours. We make sure that our students have raised their scores and maintained them before taking the official GMAT. It isn't a coincidence that our students consistently achieve outstanding results.
Our GMAT Tutors
Cambridge Coaching GMAT tutors are dynamic teachers who think strategically about raising their students scores. As a prerequisite, we only hire tutors who have scored in the highest percentiles of the test. But, the scores are a minimum requirement. We also ask that our tutors be effective communicators, savvy interpreters of testing data, and structured thinkers. You are busy. Your GMAT tutoring should be as efficient, effective, and enjoyable as possible. With an eye towards this goal, we employ a diverse group of exceptional tutors to meet the needs of every kind of student.
Our GMAT tutors are MBA candidates at Harvard Business School, MIT's Sloan School of Management, and Columbia Business School. Many are doctoral candidates in top graduate programs at Harvard, MIT, Columbia, NYU and Princeton, while others are business professionals. Some tutors guide their students from the GMAT all the way through the business school admissions process.
Our GMAT tutors tutors are grouped into four categories based on their level of teaching experience, qualitative feedback from students, volume of referrals, and historical (quantitative) client score improvement. Only tutors who have success raising scores and receive consistently outstanding feedback are promoted. You can view all our GMAT instructors here.
- Standard Tutors
- Gifted tutors who stand out for their extraordinary GMAT scores, academic accomplishments and interpersonal facility. Of the exceptional population that applies to teach for Cambridge Coaching, these dynamic tutors strike us with their ability to engage students and help them improve their test scores. Many of our Standard tutors move on to the Senior and Guru levels.
- Senior Tutors
- Experienced tutors who have strong track records of score improvement. Senior tutors are experts at identifying weaknesses and raising scores. They are distinguished as interpreters of testing data: MBAs, doctoral candidates, and educators, who are able to read, understand, and improve your performance. Senior tutors receive consistently high praise from students.
- Guru Tutors
- Highly experienced tutors with exceptional track records of score improvement. Guru tutors are a good match for students who are working within compressed time frames, who have found group classes to be ineffective, or who could benefit from the attention of a veteran tutor. Like our Senior tutors, they are distinguished for their superlative skills in interpreting and responding to individual students' testing data, and they receive the highest praise from students.
- Master Tutors
- Seasoned veterans: our most experienced, successful, and sought-after tutors. This small group never ceases to amaze. They have seen everything. They are able to turn around scores, crack a persistent problem and squeeze out those extra points. They can help the reluctant test-taker get to work and the most impressive students go the final mile. The most accomplished GMAT tutors available anywhere.
Pricing and Packages
The packages listed below are based on 90 minute sessions. The frequency and length of sessions are flexible, though most students find one or two 90 minute sessions per week to be ideal. We require a first-time minimum purchase of three 90 minute sessions (the First Time Package) due to the significant amount of preparation that tutors perform in advance of the first few sessions. Although we have found the options listed below to be well aligned with our students' needs, we are happy to develop customized packages.
| Package | Standard Tutor | Senior Tutor | Guru Tutor | Master Tutor |
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| Standard Hourly Rate | $90/hr | $140/hr | $220/hr | $270/hr |
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| First Time
3 sessions, 4.5 hours
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$405 | $630 | $990 | $1215 |
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Most students use the three session package to address finite areas of the exam or specific problem types. Because we believe that tutoring is an iterative process, three sessions is the minimum number that we offer. The three session package is a good way to see if you feel comfortable with a tutor. We are always happy to apply your first payment to one of our longer discounted packages. |
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| Verbal or Quantitative Only
7 sessions, 5% off hourly rate
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$898 | $1397 | $2195 | $2693 |
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This package offers full coverage of the writing section. We dedicate one or two sessions to sentence improvement, paragraph improvement, sentence error identification, and the essay, respectively. Before proceeding to a comprehensive review of the major and minor question types, many students require a refresher on the main grammatical topics that frequently appear on the exam. Because the essay section of the SAT is so unusual (and differs markedly from what most high school students learn with respect to composition), sessions often begin or end with time spent analyzing the structure of successful essays, outlining essays, or writing essays based on prompts that have appeared on recent tests. |
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| Integrated Reasoning
6 sessions, 5% off hourly rate
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$770 | $1197 | $1881 | $2309 |
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This package offers full coverage of the mathematics section. We cover both multiple choice and student-produced response question types and all of the content areas that occur most frequently on the exam: arithmetic word problems (percents, ratios, and proportions), integers (even/odd numbers, primes, and divisibility), rational numbers, sets, counting techniques, sequences and series, and basic number theory. In the final sessions, we emphasize section strategy and timing. |
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| Comprehensive Package
16 sessions, 10% discount off hourly rate
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$1944 | $3024 | $4752 | $5832 |
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Our preferred approach to the GMAT offers a complete coverage of each section of the exam: quantitative, verbal, analytic writing assessment and integrated reasoning. For the quantitative side of the test, we review the relevant math (arithmetic/number properties, elementary algebra, and geometry) and cover both question type modalities (problem solving and data sufficiency), and all major and minor problem types (rate/work problems, overlapping sets, combinations/permutations, and probability). We cover all three verbal question types (reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction) extensively. Beginning with a review of argument structure and logic, we address all major and minor critical reasoning question types (assumption, flaw, main point, method or argument, strengthen, weaken, and paradox). We review reading comprehension passage structure and treat all major and minor reading comprehension question types (main idea, passage structure, tone, and argumentation). For the sentence correction portion of the exam, we review the grammatical and stylistic rules that the GMAT tests, and then survey the range of sentence correction question types (subject-verb agreement, pronoun use, parallelism, and idiom). This package offers full coverage of the integrated reasoning section new to the GMAT as of June 2012. We cover all four major question types: table analysis, graphics interpretation, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis. We pay extensive attention to section strategy and timing. Students typically complete six to eight (untimed and timed) practice exams. |
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| Planning Ahead Package
20 sessions, 15% of hourly rate
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$2295 | $3570 | $5610 | $6885 |
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Because the GMAT heavily rewards repetition and coverage, we offer this package to students who would prefer to space their preparation out over a longer duration and complete additional practice exams. As in the Comprehensive Package <move up to Comprehensive Package description above>, we offer complete coverage of each section on the GMAT: quantitative, verbal, the analytic writing assessment, and integrated reasoning. For the quantitative side of the test, we review relevant math (arithmetic/number properties, elementary algebra, and geometry) and cover both question type modalities (problem solving and data sufficiency), and all major and minor problem types (rate/work problems, overlapping sets, combinations/permutations, and probability). We cover all three verbal question types (reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction) extensively. Beginning with a review of argument structure and logic, we address all major and minor critical reasoning question types (assumption, flaw, main point, method or argument, strengthen, weaken, and paradox). We review reading comprehension passage structure and treat all major and minor reading comprehension question types (main idea, passage structure, tone, and argumentation). For the sentence correction portion of the exam, we review the grammatical and stylistic rules that the GMAT tests, and then survey the range of sentence correction question types (subject-verb agreement, pronoun use, parallelism, and idiom). This package offers full coverage of the integrated reasoning section new to the GMAT as of June 2012. We cover all four major question types: table analysis, graphics interpretation, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis. We review general test strategy and time management are extensively. Students typically complete no fewer than twelve (untimed and timed) practice exams. |
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The Process
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1Determine when you need to take the test and plan your preparation schedule
The GMAT is administered year-round in the computer adaptive format. Most business schools require that applicants report only unofficial results in their application, so in theory you could take the exam on the day your application was due. That said, it's wise to start studying early. Achieving your best score on the GMAT takes time and it's nice to have the test out of the way by the time your business school application process is in full swing. In addition, while the vast majority of our students are satisfied with their scores after taking the test for the first time, it is good to give yourself another opportunity in case you are unhappy with your first score. Because the Graduate Management Admissions Council requires 31 calendar days to pass before you can retake the exam, we advise our students to schedule an exam date at least six weeks in advance of the earliest application submission deadline.
Starting your preparation earlier is obviously better. The GMAT is highly coachable, patterned, and predictable. Familiarity through repetition leads to dramatically superior outcomes. We recommend a minimum of 16 sessions to cover the entirety of the test. Most of our students space these sessions out over the course of two to four months in a Comprehensive Package.
Students who have more time or feel that they would benefit from additional preparation often choose the Planning Ahead Package which includes 20 sessions. Generally, the Planning Ahead Package allows for additional focus on advanced problem types and more extended coaching on full-length exams.
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2Familiarize yourself with the format of the exam
The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) provides this summary of the GMAT format. Additionally, if you plan to take the GMAT after May 2012, please be advised that the format of the exam will change slightly. The revised exam, billed as the Next Generation GMAT, will include one 30 minute essay (rather than two), and test takers will be required to complete a new section covering Integrated Reasoning.
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3Establish a baseline on a previously administered practice test
Establishing a baseline is a critical step in the process of studying for GMAT. We highly recommend taking a real full-length practice exam in the computer adaptive format as your diagnostic. The Graduate Management Admission Council offers test-preparation software called GMATPrep, which includes two practice exams. We recommend completing one in advance of your tutoring, and saving the second to complete just before the actual exam. Although many companies offer free practice exams, these simulated tests are observably different from the actual test.
Take your diagnostic exam under timed conditions and complete it in one sitting. Sustaining focus over a long stretch of time is one of the challenges associated with the GMAT. Give yourself just over three and a half hours to complete the test.
Your score on this diagnostic exam is not particularly important. Your correct and incorrect answers serve as a starting point for your tutor, allowing him or her to build a syllabus customized to your strengths and weaknesses.
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4Contact us at info@cambridgecoaching.com
Once you have a score from your diagnostic exam, we can advise you on what kind of preparation program makes sense. The more information you provide the better. If possible, please summarize your performance on each section of the exam, your goals, your schedule, and any specific concerns you have about your preparation. One of our tutors would be happy to discuss a preparation schedule and budget that suits your needs.
Resources
About the GMAT
- The Official Overview of the Exam
- A summary of the exam's format and timing from the test writers.
- GMAT Wiki
- A more concise overview of the exam's format, scoring, and history.
- GMAT Registration
- Get a sense of where you will take the test and what dates are available. It's good to make a test date far in advance (spots fill up quickly), but beware of exorbitant rescheduling fees.
Free Resources Including Practice Tests
- MBA.com's Preparation Homepage
- This is the primary resource for official materials online. The GMATPrep software is a key tool for you to download, though we recommend saving at least one of those tests for when you are finishing your preparation and want an accurate indicator of how you will score.
- A Very Good Diagnostic Test
- We like some of the Manhattan GMAT materials, particularly their practice exams. We recommend that you take this free test to establish a baseline. Take the test timed and follow the prescribed section timeline.
- A Good Diagnostic Test
- Another good test to try out. Most of the questions are fairly representative of what you'll see on the exam, though the verbal sections are a bit easier than the actual exam.
- A Decent Diagnostic Test
- This exam from the Princeton Review is only a decent representation of an actual test, but it can be helpful as a practice.
- An OK Diagnostic Test
- With respect to the GMAT, Kaplan only does one or two things really well. This exam is passable if you've seen a lot of material and you want more.
Recommended Commercial Books and Materials
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review (12th Ed.)
The primary resource for GMAT review and one of three books written by the test writers. Over 800 questions from previous tests.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review (13th Ed.)
- The latest edition of The Official Guide. This updated edition contains questions on Integrated Reasoning, the section added in June 2012.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review (2nd Ed.)
- The second book put out by the test writers. Similar content to the general Official Guide, but with a verbal focus.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review (2nd Ed.)
- The third book put out by the test writers. Similar content to the general Official Guide, but with a quantitative focus.
- Nine Official Paper Tests
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Before the GMAT was given on a computer, it was given in a paper format. Although these tests overlap a bit with The Official Guide, they're a good investment for students looking for more official questions.
- The Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides
- This collection of 8 strategy guides is among the better secondary material on the market. The quantitative material is significantly more realistic and rigorous than the verbal.
- GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible
- This book provides a good overview of the basic logic required for the critical reasoning section.
GMAT Sentence Correction Bible
This book provides a good overview of the basic logic required for the sentence correction section.
- Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workout
- Kaplan is good with reading comprehension. This book offers more or less the same method that Stanley Kaplan developed in his parents' Brooklyn basement during WWII.
The Test Day Experience
GMAT Blogs and Communities
Beat the GMAT
Applicants and admissions consultants discuss the exam, though not with any particular degree of trenchancy. Largely a forum for applicants to critique resumes and discuss the relevance of the GMAT to their applications. Sometimes an instructive thread pops up, but not often. Best not to get too wrapped up in this forum.
GMAT Club
Applicants and former test takers comprise this "club" organized around the GMAT. Amidst a heap of corporate advertising, some quality blog posts and practice questions emerge. Again, it's out there if you want to get involved, but we don't recommend it.
The "Next Generation GMAT" and the Integrated Reasoning Section
Some Myths about the GMAT
- From the MBA.com Blog
- From The Princeton Review
- From GMAT Club's Blog
Average GMAT Scores for the "Usual Suspect" Programs
The GMAT in the Media
About the GMAT
- The Official Overview of the Exam
- A summary of the exam's format and timing from the test writers.
- GMAT Wiki
- A more concise overview of the exam's format, scoring, and history.
- GMAT Registration
- Get a sense of where you will take the test and what dates are available. It's good to make a test date far in advance (spots fill up quickly), but beware of exorbitant rescheduling fees.
- MBA.com's Preparation Homepage
- This is the primary resource for official materials online. The GMATPrep software is a key tool for you to download, though we recommend saving at least one of those tests for when you are finishing your preparation and want an accurate indicator of how you will score.
- A Very Good Diagnostic Test
- We like some of the Manhattan GMAT materials, particularly their practice exams. We recommend that you take this free test to establish a baseline. Take the test timed and follow the prescribed section timeline.
- A Good Diagnostic Test
- Another good test to try out. Most of the questions are fairly representative of what you'll see on the exam, though the verbal sections are a bit easier than the actual exam.
- A Decent Diagnostic Test
- This exam from the Princeton Review is only a decent representation of an actual test, but it can be helpful as a practice.
- An OK Diagnostic Test
- With respect to the GMAT, Kaplan only does one or two things really well. This exam is passable if you've seen a lot of material and you want more.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review (12th Ed.) The primary resource for GMAT review and one of three books written by the test writers. Over 800 questions from previous tests.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Review (13th Ed.)
- The latest edition of The Official Guide. This updated edition contains questions on Integrated Reasoning, the section added in June 2012.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review (2nd Ed.)
- The second book put out by the test writers. Similar content to the general Official Guide, but with a verbal focus.
- The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review (2nd Ed.)
- The third book put out by the test writers. Similar content to the general Official Guide, but with a quantitative focus.
- Nine Official Paper Tests
- Before the GMAT was given on a computer, it was given in a paper format. Although these tests overlap a bit with The Official Guide, they're a good investment for students looking for more official questions.
- The Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides
- This collection of 8 strategy guides is among the better secondary material on the market. The quantitative material is significantly more realistic and rigorous than the verbal.
- GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible
- This book provides a good overview of the basic logic required for the critical reasoning section. GMAT Sentence Correction Bible This book provides a good overview of the basic logic required for the sentence correction section.
- Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workout
- Kaplan is good with reading comprehension. This book offers more or less the same method that Stanley Kaplan developed in his parents' Brooklyn basement during WWII.
- From the MBA.com Blog
- From The Princeton Review
- From GMAT Club's Blog
Free Resources Including Practice Tests
Recommended Commercial Books and Materials
The Test Day Experience
GMAT Blogs and Communities
Beat the GMAT
Applicants and admissions consultants discuss the exam, though not with any particular degree of trenchancy. Largely a forum for applicants to critique resumes and discuss the relevance of the GMAT to their applications. Sometimes an instructive thread pops up, but not often. Best not to get too wrapped up in this forum.
GMAT Club
Applicants and former test takers comprise this "club" organized around the GMAT. Amidst a heap of corporate advertising, some quality blog posts and practice questions emerge. Again, it's out there if you want to get involved, but we don't recommend it.
