Welcome to GeeMATTERS! For the last year or so, I've replied to student's e-mailed queries with answers broadcast to all the questioner's classmates. My objective was to extend the teaching moment beyond class. In this blog I'd like to take the next step and open up the process to all my current and former students.
"Open up" - Why did this author use this phrase? Well, because I also want to invite you to pass on your insights and experience. Kaplan has created a powerful set of tools to help you max out your Test Day performance - but many of you have developed your own nuanced insights into how best to use those tools. I hope you'll share them here.
Sitting in class for 2 1/2 hours after a full day of work, sometimes twice a week, often with a family waiting at home, can be exhausting - even with a scintillating instructor pumping out gigawatts of enthusiasm. Notwithstanding, some of you have found the time and energy to develop relationships that continue beyond the course. One class even published a list of its e-mail addresses. In a world where everyone seems to have an MBA, soft skills are increasingly the key discriminators of success (check out Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman). Over the last 2 1/2 years our classes included pharmacists and investment bankers, architects and fighter pilots; people from Philly to Saudi, California to Korea. If you're looking for a network of bright, ambitious achievers, look right here among your fellow Kaplan students and alums.
I hope to post at least one problem and response each week. As in the past, I will "sanitize" your e-mailed questions before posting them, unless you instruct otherwise. If you post directly to the blog, I'll assume you don't mind being identified. Publishing frequency and, for that matter, content will be up to you as well. Share not only your questions but also your insights from the GMAT, suggestions on study methods, and favorite sites covering test prep, applications, and business schools. Remember the essence of networking is first to give, then to get.
Watch for the QUESTION OF THE WEEK. Let each question be a grain of sand in the oyster of your GMAT/B-School consciousness. Then post your pearls!
Each week for the next couple of months you'll also find one of the 10 Pretty Good Rules set up by the Strategic Studies Group at the Naval War College. Collect 'em all and keep them close - they're amusing and on point.
Finally, in the Net Work panel, you'll find a list of useful GMAT and business school related links.
Right now I'm thinking about posting once a week, but more frequently is possible if you get stoked and demand more. Posts will be moderated.
So now for the...
QUESTION OF THE WEEK:
What would you like to see in future GeeMATTERS ?
Thanks for stopping by,
Doug
2 comments:
Hi Doug,
Good work. I'm getting ready to spend 120+ hrs into study and cracking my GMAT with a hope of 650+ score. I have 9 years experience and I'm very well focussed on what I want out of my MBA. I'm just waiting for my GMAT score. I have been doing some research and here are my Options. Can you throw some light on which stands out if you can. I know the answer lot of time is 'It Depends'. Please, I need your expert opinion.
MLIC(this website is very busy and lot of testimonials and they say they would guranteee 620+)
VERITAS
KAPLAN
MANHATTAN
Or do you have any other thoughts?
I scored 460+ in my first attempt with out any huge prep.
Srini,
You've asked me to comment on the competition. Frankly, my only first hand experience is with Kaplan, so I'll share with you what I can.
I'm a process oriented guy (I got that way teaching Kepner-Tregoe Rational Management). Consequently, I'm really hooked on the highly evolved set of tools Kaplan offers. One after another, my students have shown me the power of the Kaplan multi-dimensional approach - focusing simultaneously on content, process and mindset. Indeed, I just (20 minutes ago!) got a thank you note from a student who nailed a 700 on the test - - up from a 550. Two weeks ago, another student reported a 680 - starting from 440 on her initial diagnostic test.
So bottom line, I'm a passionate believer in Kaplan - I get too many chances to smile along with my students.
But I wanted to get you some comparatives so I contacted one of my colleagues in New York. Her comments follow...
In general—we are the experts i.e. most experienced, which means our methods, strategies, and resources are proven based on years of R&D and development, whereas many other companies have brand new materials and methods—not nearly as proven. Only Kaplan has the UPT (NB - the Ultimate Practice Test - a Kaplan test you take at your Pearson Vue test center before the real thing) as you mentioned, and Smart Reports which really tailors the program to each student now. Our online resources are more comprehensive (i.e. we have MORE material), more realistic, and more challenging than any other competitor. We also have the strongest guarantee, and more convenience and flexibility.
Quick thoughts on those companies—MLIC is strange and less reputable; their website is chaotic which reflects a lack of professionalism. Veritas does not offer courses very frequently, their tests are generally not considered as realistic, their course is almost TOO long (42 hours). Manhattan GMAT has only about a third as many practice questions as we have and fewer tests, their materials are not as strong and less realistic, and they don’t have a personalized approach via Smart Reports. All are newer and less proven!
Hope that helps,
J.
And Srini, I hope this helps you. Best of luck with you test prep and MBA studies!
Doug
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