The Princeton Review Reviews
September 22, 2021
Veritas Prep Reviews
September 25, 2021
Manhattan Prep GMAT Reviews
Manhattan Prep
About Manhattan Prep GMAT
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Offering an approach that touts critical thinking, rather than using tricks and gimmicks, Zeke and his team of accomplished instructors believe that learning should be fun and not just something the student should suffer through as a means to the end.
Basics
Manhattan Prep GMAT offers services for self-starters, giving them readily available options offered at their own pace, up to and including last-minute crunch courses. More structured online courses are available for those who need tutoring options and more advanced, comprehensive direction and assistance.
Manhattan Prep Cost and Contact Info
Course option pricing is as follows:
GMAT
Their basic “Interact” course starts at $549 and includes over 35 hours of interactive, on demand video lessons, access to all of their online books and other internet resources.
The Manhattan Prep live GMAT course begins at $1,599 and offers 27 hours of live instruction, online or personalized classes.
A 15 hour package of live tutoring (GMAT Advanced Course) will start at $1,399 with 15 hours of live instruction over 5 weeks. Their $2,599 “Boot Camp” class includes 35 hours of instruction over a two-week period also available either in person or online.
Manhattan Prep also offers private tutoring in-person and online at $255/hr (2 hour minimum)
GRE
The guided self-study program beginning at $249, features include over 22 hours of video instruction, access to all online books and resources.
The GRE for MBA Course starts at $1,399 and includes 9 live sessions with a focus on advanced math.
The live GRE course study includes 24 hours of live instruction and online or in-person classes starting at $1,199. A ten hour tutoring package begins as $2,450 and presents one-on-one personalized instruction, custom-tailored to meet each student’s individual needs, available either in-person or online.
Reach out to Manhattan Prep via email at gmat@manhattanprep.com or gre@manhattanprep.com, toll-free to (800) 576-4628.
Manhattan Prep Promo Code
If you’re interested in buying one of the courses from Manhattan Prep but need a discount code before buying, check out our promo code to save money.
Cimone Williams –
Great tool for in-depth and breaking down material. I enjoyed the complimentary resources a lot!
Autumn Smith –
I received great assistance from Manhattan prep.
Maeve Griffin –
I did an instructor led course as well as private tutoring with Manhattan Prep and it exceeded my expectations. I had pretty bad testing anxiety and Manhattan Prep helped me to build confidence through test taking strategies so that I could stop getting in my own way. The classes take you out of your comfort zone by making you engage with the material and mimic testing conditions so that by test day, you already have a lot of familiarity with the test and, arguably more importantly, with your personal strengths and weaknesses. Can’t recommend this enough, especially for people who do not come from a quant background or have a strong aversion to test taking.
Cheurombo Pswarayi –
I got a lot of assistance just from the complimentary resources
Yuting Wu –
I chose Manhattan Prep because I wanted a GMAT prep that focused on real understanding, not gimmicks — and it delivered. The instructors are all top scorers who genuinely enjoy teaching, and it shows. I especially appreciated the “Interact” on-demand course: the videos are engaging, funny at times, and surprisingly motivating. Their approach to critical thinking helped me reframe tough quant problems, not just memorize shortcuts. Also, the strategy guides are gold — clear, structured, and full of practical exercises. I’d recommend Manhattan Prep to anyone who learns best through depth and logic, not tricks.
Drake Cantu –
I give Manhattan Prep 4 out of 5 stars for its strong structure, quality materials, and excellent instructors. As someone coming from a non-traditional business background, I found the program especially helpful for building confidence on the quantitative side of the GMAT. The live classes were engaging, and the instructors made even the most complex topics feel manageable by focusing on strategy and logic, not just memorization.
The flexibility of the Interact platform was a big plus for me, especially while balancing my military responsibilities. I could go back and rewatch lessons, focus on specific weak areas, and stay on track with the study plan.
That said, I did end up supplementing with other resources—particularly for verbal and reading comprehension. Manhattan Prep gave me a solid foundation, but I needed additional tools to fully round out my prep. Overall, I’d definitely recommend Manhattan Prep to anyone looking for a structured, high-quality GMAT course. It’s a great starting point and helped me approach the exam with more confidence and strategy.
Ana Paula Llano –
I took the Exclusive Forté GMAT class with Manhattan Prep and honestly, it was a great experience. I did all the homework, showed up for every session, and it really helped me stay on track and accountable. The instructor was amazing — super clear, patient, and genuinely cared about helping us improve.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning the strategies to move faster on quant problems. I didn’t have a strong math foundation coming in — I grew up in a small town in Mexico where we didn’t have access to the same resources — so this course helped me build that base from the ground up. It made things click in a way they hadn’t before.
In the end, I decided to apply with the GRE instead, but the prep I did here made a big difference in my confidence and approach. Highly recommend if you’re looking for structure, strong teaching, and real growth.
An P –
As someone from Vietnam with a strong background in Quant but always feeling less confident in Verbal, I found Manhattan Prep to be a game changer in my GMAT prep journey. What I appreciated most was how structured and methodical their program is. It didn’t just throw a bunch of practice questions at me—instead, it provided a clear roadmap to follow, which helped me study more effectively and stay motivated.
For Quant, even though I already felt strong, Manhattan still helped me reinforce my foundation and sharpen my accuracy under time pressure. It went beyond just solving questions—it made me think about the why behind each problem.
But what surprised me most was how much it helped with Verbal. Manhattan’s approach broke things down step-by-step, especially in Critical Reasoning. I started to understand patterns and logic in a way I hadn’t before, and gradually felt more in control of the section.
Overall, if you’re looking for a comprehensive and well-organized prep tool, especially if you’re strong in Quant but need that extra boost in Verbal like I did, I’d recommend Manhattan Prep. It requires commitment, but it’s worth it.
Michelle Kim –
This program was great for learning concepts in detail. I really felt like I understood the “why” of the quant section. I would say the verbal section lacked because it wasn’t similar to the real questions.
Morgan –
Great prep service
Duyen Pham –
I find the tests harder than actual tests, probably designed by purpose. I’d say if you’re well-prepared and composed you’ll score 10-20 scores higher on actual ones. The website is well-designed and easy to use. The planning and tracking tool is super helpful. Expensive though.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2026
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start application early, even when you don’t have GMAT score or school list ready yet. Essays need to be revised tons of times - you need time to reflect, get feedback and start over. You’d be amazed by how different your essays turned out after time. For reference, my first batch’s acceptance rate was 25%; the last batch’s was 75% (all schools are T-15).
School alumni are great source of insights, but take their advice with a pinch of salt. Do your research, join the (virtour) tours, attend office hours.
Adriana Peinado –
The GMAT prep platform was comprehensive and accessible, but the practice tests were slightly more complex than the actual exam. The study materials covered necessary topics but lacked detailed strategies for high scores. The guide provided a good foundation but lacked medium-level practice questions. I am considering live courses for further prep.
Lauren –
Great way to study for the GRE! I highly recommend it. It’s a great course to take advantage of, and it will open many doors in the long run.
Lucinda Kearney –
I used the recorded GMAT course and it was fantastic. Easy to follow and gave me the flexibility of studying early in the morning and weekends.
Jeannie –
Great course to take advantage of & opens you many door on the long run.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2024 & 2026
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
University of Houston Downtown
Master in business administration in project management
Joshua Mayer –
The content was well-structured and easy to understand and digest. The prep work definitely gave me a leg up compared to if I didn’t participate.
Alex –
Easy to use platform, accessible, slightly harder than the actual tests.
Anmol –
Had a great experience with their GMAT classic version tests. Their tests stimulate your brains as per the GMAT classic exam.
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Ensure to put across in your application what you are and knowing how to sell it nicely as a package really helps.
Alleyah Ainsworth –
Amazing organization, their tutors are incredibly knowledgeable on techniques to master the GMAT (Whitney Garner is the GOAT), they provided me with many resources to become abreast on GMAT topics free of cost! After attending many free trial courses and workshops I decided to pay for the course and I couldn’t have made a better decision. I would definetly say this is the best GMAT test prep agency that’s out there!
Sara Giche –
Had a great experience with them. I believe their materials are well-prepared and cover all topics. However, I felt that the materials missed the extra details/tricks for achieving 700+ scores.
Joshua J Mason –
I used the math prep books to prepare for the GMAT. The books were a great refresher, and the practice questions helped a lot in preparation for the test.
Amanda Smith –
I was worried because the school I was applying to had a higher GMAT requirement than I earned on my practice test. Taking the 9 week GMAT prep course helped me better understand how take the GMAT and gave me a plan for test day. Having a strategy and structured study time helped me to get the score I needed and get into the school I wanted. I had a great experience at Manhattan Prep.
Kyung Hyun Hong –
The program is not cheap, but you will definitely get a quality education for the amount you will be paying. The interactive platform is designed to help you be engaged with the GMAT process for many hours and if you choose to go with the private tutor option, this will definitely help you understand where you weaknesses are and help tackle that together to achieve 700+ score
GABRIEL WONG –
I recently used Manhattan Prep for my GMAT preparation, and I am extremely satisfied with the results. The company offers a comprehensive range of study materials and courses that are specifically designed to help students succeed in the GMAT.
One of the standout features of Manhattan Prep is their diverse range of options for test preparation. Whether you prefer in-person classes, online courses, or self-study guides, they have you covered. I opted for their online course, and I found it to be highly engaging and well-structured. The instructors were knowledgeable and delivered the content in an engaging manner, making the learning experience enjoyable.
The study materials provided by Manhattan Prep are top-notch. Their self-study guides are thorough and cover all the necessary topics tested on the GMAT. I appreciated the clear explanations and strategies provided, which helped me develop a solid foundation of knowledge and improve my test-taking skills. The practice questions and exams were challenging and reflective of the actual GMAT, allowing me to gauge my progress and identify areas for improvement.
What sets Manhattan Prep apart from other test prep companies is their attention to detail and commitment to student success. The company provides ample resources beyond the core curriculum, including supplementary materials, online forums for discussion and support, and personalized study plans. These additional resources were instrumental in my preparation and helped me stay motivated throughout the process.
Furthermore, Manhattan Prep’s customer service is exceptional. They were prompt in responding to my inquiries and provided helpful guidance whenever I needed assistance. Their dedication to ensuring a positive customer experience is truly commendable.
Thanks to Manhattan Prep, I was able to achieve a significantly higher score on the GMAT than I had initially anticipated. Their comprehensive approach, high-quality study materials, and supportive learning environment are undoubtedly factors that contributed to my success.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Manhattan Prep for anyone looking to excel in the GMAT. Their expertise, extensive resources, and commitment to student success make them a top choice for test preparation. With Manhattan Prep, you’ll have the necessary tools and guidance to achieve your desired GMAT score.
Var –
Very thorough guide for the basics and challenging questions for the advanced prep, however I wish there were a more medium level of questioning.
Stephanie –
The GMAT review book was very helpful. I was able to review problem sets needed in particular categories and it was helpful. I got a decent score. The next level would probably doing live courses.
Stephanie L. –
Manhattan Prep offers instrumental resources that set me up for success. The Complete Start-To-Finish MBA Admissions Guide provides a comprehensive overview, tips and tricks to navigating the MBA admissions process. From detailing each component of the application, it even provides a planning timeline to ensure thorough preparation for the exam, application, and interview. I found the interview portion to be tremendously helpful as there are not as many resources available on this aspect of the admissions decision.
Frank K. –
They offer a variety of test prep courses and materials, including different online courses. They have a lot of experience helping students prepare for GMAT and graduate schools. Overall, Manhattan Prep is a grat choice for anyone looking to improve their test scores.
Jen S –
I used this to prepare for the GMAT and it was really helpful. I was able to build my confidence and learn key tricks to manage my time during the test.
Priyanka Balaji –
The Manhattan Test Prep was very helpful for my GMAT Preparations. I pursued the prep course after my first GMAT attempt and it made a very big difference to my score. The difficulty levels of Verbal and Quants sections enabled me to perform well in the actual GMAT test.
Jinqiang Ning –
Great book for preparing gmat exam. The book was written in an very organized way so that students can get compressive understanding of the material.
Shivam Gupta –
Very knowledgable instructors that can teach you helpful tricks during the test. If your score is in the 700s, this team will help push it up 20 – 30 more points!
Sara Gichevska –
Manhattan Prep has really well-thought self-study courses. Additionally, their tests are harder (especially quant parts) than the official mba.com tests; therefore, Manhattan Prep test really prepare you for the real deal!
Alisha Jyoti –
I really liked the structure of topics provided by Manhattan Prep as well as the clarity with which concepts have been explained. I primarily relied on Manhattan Prep for fundamentals.
Melissa Maza –
Manhattan Prep was great! Really great speed and my instructor was patient.
Billy Barrantes –
Great program if you can afford it. Would highly recommend!
Anna Jiwu –
Manhattan Prep was somewhat helpful for the GMAT in the sense that I got a good sense of the structure and scoring system of the exam. It was also nice that the courses are very flexible. However, the mock exams were needlessly more difficult than the actual exams, and they caused unnecessary anxiety and messed up my gauge on my GMAT studying process.
I did end up getting my dream GMAT score, but I wouldn’t say that it was thanks to Manhattan Prep. Would honestly say that strict, self-paced studying of the Official Guides was much more efficient and helpful, not to mention cheaper, than Manhattan Prep.
Agustina Soriano –
Covers everything needed for the GMAT, witch quick tips on how to resolve Quant questions and also tricks to understand Verbal questions that come in really handy. Test questions are great to understand where you are starting from, then I would recommend using the GMAT Official Practice Tests.
Sharjeel Zahid –
Manhattan prep is one of the best out there. Highly recommend their work, high-yield stuff.
Shashank Ghiria –
The questions are strong and comprehensive along with detailed answers. Doing well on Manhattan prep material boosts confidence significantly.
Conor Eckert –
I found Manahattan Prep very helpful for both the GRE and the GMAT. The practice tests in particular simulated the real test better than most other sources I tried.
Cecelia Hutnick –
Intense but extremely helpful! The instructor was knowledgable about the GMAT and did a good job of explaining the different sections and strategies for organization & timing. This course is very targeted at preparing students for taking the GMAT and therefore focuses on the different types of questions and the best methods for solving seemingly complex problems efficiently. If it has been a while since you studied Math or need a refresher in the basic tenants of Grammar, I’d recommend studying those things before signing up for a Manhattan Prep course!
Denisse Marin Monge –
I believe they have some of the greatest -and easiest to interact- teachers specially for quant, it was mind-blowing how well they explained everything in the classes. Is expensive, but is worth it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Simon SoB 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure you choose the right school for your personality, it can change your whole student experience.
Troy Lindstrom –
Great questions, simple formatting, and easy to create a study plan around. Would recommend to a friend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
JHU Carey Flex 2022-2025
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, seek advice from mentors, and strive for your goals!
Suhita Goswami –
The Manhattan Prep books were a great source to assess my painpoints across different concepts. The Verbal prep material is particularly excellent in setence correction concepts and critical reasoning. Practicing the mock exams on Manhattan prep was a great way to prepare for Test day.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern Langone Part-time 2021-2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Stern offers courses and specializations in product management and strategy, which were areas I was keen to pursue. Lean into your current work experience for examples of handling stressful situations and turning them around for the team/customer/organization. Research on the courses that interest you and faculty in those departments.
Enxhi Popa –
Good program if you don’t have a lot of time and want to get the information structured for you.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
GSB '24
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't self-select out - apply to reach schools!!
Andrew Dengler –
Very helpful and concise about what to expect on the GMAT but at times unclear. Used it to study for the executive assessment
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Part-Time MBA 2025
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Check out the executive assessment as it has the same questions as you would have on the GMAT (except for geometry) and is 1/3 the time. The downsides are that not every school accepts it, especially for full-time programs and you need a set number of years in order for schools that do accept it to consider it (5 years usually)
Julia –
The Manhattan Prep materials helped me prepare the most for the GMAT. The materials tended to be a bit more difficult than the test itself, so I was more than ready for game day. Highly recommend – especially the online practice exams.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern, 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Reflect early and reflect often! The more you can think about your motivations/aspirations, the easier it will be to put those ideas into words.
Carina –
I did the self-paced “Interact” course from Manhattan Prep. It was extremely helpful for setting up a study schedule and practice problem sets. The ability to track your practice problems and then gain insights from your results was really useful as well – I could easily find out where my strengths and weaknesses were. If you have trouble studying on your own, I definitely recommend using this course/software from Manhattan Prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
- Get one friend who can help brainstorm for your story/outlines for the essays, and get another friend who is a good writer and can help edit your essays. - Start early because writing the essays took me a lot longer than I expected. - Some schools ask which events you attended so make sure you go to some admissions events. Often times, I also used what I learned during these events in my essays.
Darrell Hanks –
Manhattan Prep was the core resource I used to prepare for the GMAT. The layout of the content was easy to digest, and the practice problems were helpful and realistic. I recommend Manhattan Prep to all my friends preparing to apply to business school. There’s nothing I would change!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and give yourself plenty of time to study for the GMAT and potentially retake it if you're not satisfied with your score. Get to know exactly what makes each business school that you apply to different from all the others, and articulate how that fits into your life mission and story that you craft through the application.
Michael Opstelten –
The flexible GMAT study program allowed me to balance work while keeping me on track to practice as much as possible before my exam.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure to start your application and ensure you have your recommenders briefed on your MBA goals significantly before any deadline.
Marc Armbruster –
I used Manhattan review for GMAT prep a few year back. I was focused on improving on the quant side. I thought the classes and materials are well structured and the instructors were excellent. Ultimately I ended switching over to the GRE but I think that Manhattan Review would be valuable for many people.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Haas EWMBA - 2025
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early and choose your school based on the exit opportunities that you're seeking.
Alina Vrsaljko –
Liked the material a lot!!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tech MBA NYU Stern Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Think early ahead on which school you want to apply in time for scholarship consideration!
Chidiadi Onyeukwu –
Manhattan Prep was a wonderful program. When I took the GMAT by myself I got a 530 and 550 respectively. After Manhattan Prep my scores jumped up to 650 and 680. The teachers and program showed me how to effectively study for each part of the test. They showed me how to adjust my thinking and not rely on the arithmetic that I have been learning all throughout school. I recommend it to anyone, especially engineers, that are having trouble with the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Grad Year 2024, Applying for Class of 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The MBA application is very daunting at first. My advice is to start early. Get started on the GMAT or the GRE as soon as possible; take a preliminary test to see where you are at then sign up for a prep course like Manhattan Prep to get better. While you are doing that, look at the schools you would like to apply to and sign up for their info sessions so you can meet with their admission officers and current students. Start working on your essays and get as many connects on LinkedIn that are alumni of these schools as possible. You can ask people to help with your application review and essay review. The sooner you can start the better. Good luck.
Meng Liu –
I found the forum very helpful in terms of studying for SC section on the GMAT exam.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Know the school and think thoroughly why you are a good fit for that school
Adriana Sarmiento De Abreu –
Extremely comprehensive material covering all aspects and sections of the GMAT: Includes app access for daily practice with digital flashcards and prep tests.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself enough time and room to practice for the test. It allows you to have less stress and focus on the material vs focusing on the deadline.
Cat Dinh –
The Manhattan Prep was great.. It really helped me find a good test taking strategy. The practice questions put me more at ease with the format of the test and great content refresher!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
EMBA 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Pick the school that best suits you. Go into school with an open mind and you'll get so much out of it
Margie Guan –
Like any other GMAT prep courses, it really is up to the student herself to dedicate enough time to see a big change in the score. My favorite thing about Manhattan GMAT course is the design of the site. It was very easy to follow and use as a study tracker what chapters need to be read and what problems need to be completed each week. The test exams are in a different tab on the site and are also very easy to follow for both the exam info and breaking down of scores after completion. If you are interested in enrolling in the virtual course, it was extremely helpful to keep cameras on and participate. Staying engaged will really make the big difference!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern Part Time 2025
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take a lot of time with the application essays as rushing will cause the content to be low in originality and quality!
Andrew Minicucci –
Both the Manhattan Prep course materials as well as in person classes were great. My GMAT scores increased materially after completing the course and reading through the content. The practice exams were also very helpful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
When running through the practice GMAT exams make sure to replicate the actual test experience as closely as possible. It's not easy to do but the closer it is to the real thing the better!
Daniel Quintana –
Great course particularly to get down the basics of the exam!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Mendoza 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be authentic and remember to be persistent!
Madeline –
LOVED the full Manhattan prep GMAT book series. Super comprehensive and exactly what I needed to get the score I wanted.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be authentic!
Cecilia Pham –
The Manhattan GMAT Prep materials were extremely beneficial to measure your progress with the GMAT. The CAT practice exams are very close to the actual GMAT and incorporating these into the study plan proves success. The guides were all very easy to follow especially for refreshing simple concepts. Take advantage of all the videos and lectures posted on Youtube from Manhattan GMAT!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern Class of 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
It is really important to research extensively before choosing a technique or test prep company for the exam. Try your best for each application and don't settle until you get the program that you want!
Christopher Millisits –
Most important test prep for my successful GMAT score. Books explain to you the “how” of GMAT questions – what exactly you’re being tested on.
Plenty of practice tests as well, though a little on the hard side!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern Full-Time MBA - 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
It’s going to take a lot of work to get your GMAT score up, and get your essays in working shape. Make sure to have friends and family review your essays!
Brendan Cohen –
Very thorough, great materials, online test prep and most importantly great instructors and tutoring. Definitely worth the $1,400. I achieved the score that I needed.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern Executive MBA 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Connect with currently enrolled students to gain their insights on study habits and techniques for applying. If you have a good academic background you may not need to prioritized the test scores as much.
Zack Buckon –
Software is affordable and easy to use. Examples problems are challenging and realistic
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2025
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
It does not hurt to ask for waivers and scholarships from the university. The worst they can say is "no".
Bailee Morgan –
The materials are very helpful, and made studying much easier. Once I found Manhattan Prep I felt like I had a real plan rather than haphazardly going through a practice book on my own. Moreover, the practice exams really helped me know what I would need to get through the real test. I would highly recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Utah, Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
For the application process - Take each piece of the application one step at a time, giving yourself plenty of time to review each multiple times. Be clear about your goals and how the program would help you accomplish those goals. Additionally, make sure to prepare well for the interview by looking at potential questions and reviewing your essay and resume before speaking with the admissions interviewers.
Linh Ha –
I went from a ~ 500 to 700+ GMAT score in 6 months using just the Manhattan Prep online Quant program. Their exams are more difficult in my opinion than the actual GMAT, but this gives you a lot of cushion when you take the actual exam. The self-study course was super easy to understand, and I loved the flexibility of the online format. There were also some excellent articles that gave great tips from Manhattan prep. I also received a nice discount since I was a community college student at the time as well. Would highly recommend! My score helped me get into all the schools I applied to + earned me some scholarships, too.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
USC FT MBA 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't sell yourself short! I got into schools I never dreamed I could. Take the GMAT seriously but also know that it is only one component of your grad school application. Ask for advice from everyone you know to help with your resume, essays, and interviews. You will do great!
Colin Welch –
Manhattan Prep’s materials were more rigorous than many competitors and I found that my practice tests were easier than what I was used to studying in the Manhattan Prep books. Especially for the quantitative sections, their books has thousands of questions of varying difficulties, but the I thought the range of difficulty was overall harder than what was on the test. I would definitely recommend using the 5LB Book of Problems for either the GMAT or the GRE because it offered tons of questions that prepared me for test day. Enough practice makes perfect.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tepper School of Business, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, plan out your essays in accordance with your goals, and continue to refine them as you go. The better handle you have on your goals, the better your message will be. I would also be vigilant when it comes to time management because deadlines sneak up on applicants and recommenders, so making sure everything in on track is a must. Good luck!
Bryan Marple –
I took an in-class Manhattan prep course. The instructor spent about 20% of the time off topic, and any additional outside help other than classroom instruction as an additional cost. Three stars for the course material which was helpful. If I were doing it again, I would do a cheaper online option.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Loyola University Chicago 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Really focus on finding an institution that reflects WHY you want to further your education in business. Not all MBA programs are built the same. Focus on the essays and be honest. Do not embellish anything.
Alyssa –
Amazing review course. Ask for Mark Sullivan’s class!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Global Executive MBA @ Fuqua School of Business, Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do an executive program so you can still work while getting your degree!
Jenny L –
I did in-person classes (pre-COVID), however wasn’t able to keep up with the course work due to work obligations at the time. Afterwards, I was able to extend my access to the online resources and study on my own. After having done practice tests from almost every provider, I found that the answer explanations for Manhattan Prep were by far the best and easiest to understand. I also thought many of their problem solving strategies really helped me save time on Quant!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take time and reflect on your story - past, present, future. Make sure it's cohesive and persuasive. You don't have to change the world, just stay authentic!
Ayush Jain –
I improved my GMAT score from 710 to 750 by using the Manhattan Prep books and test series. This was critical in making the cut to my dream school- HBS, that I will be joining this Fall.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS Full-time MBA 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Each section- essays, recommendations, resume- need to tell a cohesive story- story of leadership. Therefore, a serious applicant must start preparing months in advance to ensure that they can iterate through the material several times before the final submission.
Anh Cao –
I was able to raise my total score by 100 points and there were good tips both during my in-person class and online setting. The books were sometimes a little dense but I feel like the content was still helpful. I still needed extra practice after the core class though and had to find resources elsewhere.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't be so hard on yourself! Make friends along the way and stay in touch because you can end up at the same programs.
Callie Estreicher –
Great books, however the practice tests are a bit easier than the ones from GMAC.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself and show them you really want to go here.
KR –
The GMAT books and resources across all sections were comprehensive with a great set of tips and tricks to tackle the exam efficiently.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Duke 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't underestimate the power of grit and perseverance! Invest the time to figure out what you want out of an MBA, and what you can contribute to each program.
AF –
Some of the online content looks a little dated, but in general their methods/approach to various GMAT questions are very strong and helped me reach my target score. The books are written in a really straight-forward, conversational manner so easy to read/pay attention… and they try to make the math as simple as possible. If you really practice the strategies that they provide, you can achieve your target score
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself enough time to take the GMAT, research programs, reflect on your "why" for business school, and to prepare applications/essays (it will take longer than you expect)!
Mei Fang –
First, trust yourself!
Second, Don’t give up!
English is my second language and it is definitely not easy for me, practice and learn from your mistakes would help you get a good score!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Find the right program and right test for you whether it is GMAT, GRE or EA. Be persistent and contact as many alumni and faculty as possible.
Cody Stewart –
Great Course! Helped me improve my score by over 100 points since the beginning.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Southern Methodist University
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Just be yourself! Schools want to know who you are as a person and why that particular school is a good fit. Always put your best foot forward and really think about your responses/answers to essays and application questions. Take time to understand what you have done, and what you would like to do/accomplish. Then think of how will an MNA take you to where you want to go.
Sunny Kuo –
The entire set of GMAT preparation books by Manhattan is one of the best sources of comprehensive preparation guide for GMAT test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I advise to spend time understanding your personal story and your "Why MBA", such as future career goal and industry focus. Getting a specific research on schools and MBA programs will help you decide which MBA to apply.
Danielle DeMarco –
Super comprehensive quant review with a focus on tips and tricks.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Spend time understanding your story, and your "why" for an MBA program. The more specific you can get, the easier it will be to decide what program is right for you. Get specific before you start research/applications. Don't let that noise bias you.
Kristy Scheurer –
I highly recommend Manhattan Prep. I enrolled in a 2+ month class that met once a week. The instructor was knowledgeable and helpful. The structure of the class was great and the homework outline was very helpful. The online prerecorded classes were also very valuable in the process. I raised my score significantly after the class.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Fuqua School of Business 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be genuine and know your intentions for getting your MBA. Reach out to current students and you will be able to immediately tell if you want to be part of the community or not. Consider rankings but don't make decisions just on perceptions.
Rishav Raj Purbey –
The entire set of GMAT preparation books by Manhattan is one of the best sources of comprehensive preparation guide for GMAT. If one’s looking for a one-stop-shop, I guess this is it. Good luck with your GMAT, may the force be with you !
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Full-time MBA at Tepper entering Fall 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Just be open to possibilities and think where you want to be in the next two years- this will serve as a good starting point and from there on let your mind dream.
Ariel Greenhouse –
Completed the Interact program. Felt that it did a great job preparing me for the basics of the test, but wish there were more timed practice tests.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do your research and have a good answer for "Why Business School"
Dorothy Chen –
The manhattan advanced GMAT quant was by far the most helpful resource for my prep!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Protect time to study earlier on, relax before the test
Catherine –
Manhattan Prep was great to jumpstart my study habits. Took a 3-4 month course in the fall one year prior to applying and two years prior to the fall I wanted to matriculate to MBA programs. While I did study heavily on my own after completing the course, it was helpful to learn skills for testing taking and basics of the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Admitted to Darden and Tuck Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early with studying and be genuine in your search for the best program where you'll benefit the most and where you'll contribute the most.
Shaylyn Stanley –
I used Manhattan prep to self study for the GMAT. I used their 3-book set, which also came with online tools and practice tests. I found the material to be incredibly straightforward and easy to follow, and the schedule they provided kept me on track. This was all I needed to be successful on the GMAT and would highly recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan Ross, Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, and keep track of everything from interactions with students to answers given throughout your application. When researching schools, engage with the community as much as possible to get a sense of the community.
Eden –
This GMAT course was very rigorous and I learned an INCREDIBLE amount. My teacher, Jamie Nelson, was so supportive and encouraging, and I highly recommend folks to take one of her classes. However, the MP Verbal content and coursework is very weak. I was not at all prepared to master the Verbal section after my MP class and had to do (and pay for) a lot more prep after. If you are looking to improve on Quant, however, I highly recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
It will take you longer than you think. Start early and get the GMAT over with ASAP. If GMAT isn't for you, switch to GRE as soon as you can.
America Perez Guillen –
I took a Manhattan Prep course in May 2019. It was a very helpful way to understand the test and get introduced to the course. Instructor was fantastic. I wish I had mastered my foundations before taking the class as I think I would have gotten more out of it. My GMAT journey was a long one so after taking the class I would go on to take a break and not begin studying again until January 2020. Self study was tough and found a tutor that charged a very cheap rate ($70). I went with her because of her rate and regretted it $1,000 later. She did not help improve my score nor techniques at all. I mustered up the courage to give the GMAT one last shot and sought a tutor from Manhattan Prep. All it took was 5 hours worth of time with a Manhattan Prep tutor for my practice tests to go from 640s to 740s. I appreciated the homework she assigned and her review of my test prep. I highly recommend Manhattan Prep, they know what they’re doing and will help you get there. Only things to caution are the steep cost and that I think people would benefit more from Manhattan Prep services after they’ve mastered the foundations.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Trust the process. Get GMAT out of the way early (will save you a lot of headaches). Brand is important but so is fit. Making connections with Admission Officers is also key - you want someone to be able to pound the table for you.
Travis –
I used this product to prepare for the GMAT. I did feel like I was gaining confidence in my ability to excel in the gmat as I worked through the materials. I ended up getting a gmat waiver to all the schools I was interested in so I didn’t ever end up taking the gmat.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Penn State 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure to identify your best quality, weather it’s Academic history or work experience and stress how that will help you not only be successful in the program but how it provides you with a unique ability to add value to the program.
Spencer Borison –
I took the in person classes from Manhattan Prep just before the pandemic in anticipation of a March, 2020 test date. Things were upended, including my test date but I found Manhattan Prep to be both useful during the sessions and in helping me with how to navigate the difficulty of adapting to the COVID-adjusted test centers and online test format, of which I took each. I also took a few individual courses one-on-one and found them incredibly useful too. I would strongly recommend this to anyone needing a bit of structure and push to get their studying done and done right.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do you homework, know things about the school that are unique and show genuine effort, talk to current and past students as much as possible for some of this too. Begin your applications, especially the letters of rec and the essays, as soon as possible, give yourself time to shape your story and shape your application, don't leave it too late.
Yoola A. –
The Manhattan Prep (MPrep) books were integral to my preparation for the GMAT. I did attend one (free) session of the MPrep GMAT Complete Course. It was a great introduction to the exam format and I used the strategies and techniques mentioned to supplement my independent studies. I would recommend the MPrep books, along with the online simulated computerized adaptive tests.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM '23
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
There are so many components to the application and it is likely that one area of your application will be weaker than others. Whether it's your GPA, GMAT score, years of experience, undergraduate major-you may feel that one of these areas is lacking as compared to the others. Whether this weakness is perceived or actual, I recommend directly addressing your weakness in your application (via the personal statement or optional essay) and highlighting how you have worked to address this weakness. Nobody comes in with all the boxes checked, but it's best to address any areas that the admissions committee may flag. For GMAT in particular-use an error log. While studying, I didn't feel like it made a difference. However, after completing my exam and looking at my score, I definitely think it made an impact.
Elizabeth –
I took online classes to prepare for my GMAT so that I could receive the highest score possible. The Manhattan Prep had well rounded and intense classes that were great in helping me prepare for my GMAT. I personally enjoyed how many different study methods were used to help me prepare. Instructor taught classes, multiple-choice questions, and plenty of reading. I thought the Manhattan Prep let me work at my own individual rhythm and pace. I never felt rushed or felt the need to understand something quickly. I was able to take as much time as I needed on the practice material and was able to go back and look over things I questioned the first time around. I would highly recommend the Manhattan Prep overview for anyone needing to take the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
George Washington University, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply to as many MBA programs as possible. Study hard for your GMAT. Fine-tune your interview skills as they will be needed when you are trying to get into the program that you want.
Nicole Lam –
I took the online classes from Manhattan Prep and found them to be extremely helpful in preparing for GMAT. The online classes consisted of videos taught by instructors, in-video interactive questions, and end-of-lesson practice questions. In particular, I appreciated that I could study at my own pace, as well as be able to go back and review topics I needed more focus on. My online course lasted for 6 months, but Manhattan Prep was extremely helpful in extending my registration by an extra 3 months for only $45 USD, allowing me extra time to prepare for the GMAT. This was useful during the Covid-19 pandemic, when tests were postponed or testing centers were closed.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I advise new MBA applicants to use Manhattan Prep's service to study for the GMAT or GRE. Even signing up for the online course and self-studying can be extremely helpful, especially if you don't have time to go to in-person classes. I also advise new applicants to start studying for the GMAT as early as possible, and allot at least an hour each day towards studying. The same goes for researching schools and writing essays/applications.
Kate –
I took Manhattan Prep’s course through the Forte Foundation’s MBALaunch program and I loved working with Jamie on the quant content! Not only are the instructors amazing, but the online question bank and answer explanations are the best I saw. I would definitely recommend if you are trying to increase your score!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck '23
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
While going through this process remember to take this time and really think about where you want to go in your career and what school will best support you. All this hard work is in preparation for 2 years of your life - be genuine, to yourself and in your application.
Anna Harris –
Manhattan Prep was an incredibly helpful tool. MBAs are competitive, and in order to get accepted to top-tier universities, it is worth every cent of money, time, and effort to be as competitive as possible. Especially during Covid-19, when in-person prep was not available, Manhattan Prep helped me get to where I wanted to be! I would recommend supplementing the online material with in-person tutoring if the opportunity is there.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Johns Hopkins Part-Time MBA, 2024
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
When choosing which MBA programs to apply for, be sure to read through the required courses and research opportunities. Some will better align with your career goals than others. Once you have chosen where to apply to, start early. You need to put a lot of thought and time into your letter of intent. Cater it to the program to which you are applying. Read the prompts carefully and make sure you clearly hit every required point. Have people you respect proof-read it, and don't be surprised if your final draft it completely different than your first draft. Also, don't forget to update your resume, especially if you have work experience that pertains to the course you are applying to.
Kevin Smith –
Manhattan Prep Gmat was an excellent service that catered to my needs, especially during test preparation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The instructor was awesome and the class was small (about 15 students). The instructor always took extra time after the class was finished to answer my specific questions. Even if you can learn how to answer questions correctly yourself, this test prep company does an outstanding job of helping you through the test, meaning you learn about timing, structure, and trade-offs. If you’re spending 200K on a top tier MBA, why not spend $1500 at the front end as an investment in a good test score – or a score that you at least know was your best effort!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UVA Darden 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take time to find the right "fit" when determining which schools to apply to and attend. I could not stress this enough. Yes, I may have had a good chance of getting into Columbia, but did I really want a school submerged in the middle of New York City with hard-to-define boundaries between the graduate school community and the city? This is not what I wanted. So I focused on schools with strong people-first academic environments where students and professors worked together in a collaborative community. Darden may be ranked a few spots behind Columbia, but I am 100% confident that I will succeed and enjoy doing so much more at Darden - the best fit for me.
Stephanie –
I used Manhattan Prep’s Interact (both Quant & Verbal). I was already scoring high on verbal, so it didn’t increase my score there by a ton—but quant soared after my initial practice CAT. 100% worth it to get the Quant version if you have a non-quant background and have been out of school for several years.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell Johnson '23
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start your research early. Find and connect with an adcom rep for every school you're interested in, and foster that relationship throughout the cycle. And most importantly: Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Alexandra Baker-Brown –
The Manhattan Prep books prepared me very well for the content of the test, however I felt that the resources offered by the book to practice testing strategy. Overall I give it a 4/5 if books are used on their own. Probably would have been a 5/5 experience if paired with live tutoring.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale School of Management
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I highly recommend sharing your essays with either an MBA consultant or a friend/colleague who recently went through the MBA application process with good results. I found that my drafts often did not come off the way I thought they did, and getting feedback from others helped me tell my story in a more compelling way that ultimately won me entrance to Yale SOM and Tuck!
Kelsey B –
The MGMAT books and online resources were extremely helpful for the first 50% of my studying. The online practice tests are generally a bit harder than the real thing, so it does a good job of scaring you to study harder. The questions in the books are a good place to start, but you should also find additional questions online from GMATclub etc.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Trust the process!
Connor Regan –
I thoroughly enjoyed my education by Manhattan Prep. I was immediately impressed by the intellect of my instructor, which gave me a lot of trust in the process from the start. The materials were well made and maybe even a bit harder than the real exam, which is exactly what I wanted. Their services are pricey, but so is an MBA — it’s critical you see these as investments, not expenses; if so, Manhattan might be right for you.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB '23
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be true to yourself in the application process (like actually) and the process will benefit you regardless of its outcomes.
Kevin Smith –
Manhattan Prep was the best test-prep company for GMAT – especially during COVID-19. I took a 10 week course and each week the instructor stayed after class to answer my questions. I thought the class was not going to be as effective since it was delivered remotely, but it was even more effective and efficient than meeting in-person. The instructor even reviewed one of my GMAT essays to help me prepare!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UVA Darden 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself! Showing genuine interest in the program that's best for you cannot be faked. Admissions will recognize how great a fit you are and you will be admitted wherever is best for you!
Callie Estreicher –
Great testing material
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself and never give up!
Vaishali Nijampatnam –
I used Manhattan Prep with the Forte Foundation MBA launch program. Manhattan Prep was very helpful and has specific/concise tips for Quant and Verbal. Quant was the most challenging section for me and after using the prep classes’ videos and prep book, I understood the problems better and increased my score. Highly recommend Manhattan Prep!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Emory Goizueta 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I recommend pre-mba students to start essay writing at least a month before hand and GMAT prep before 3 months you intended test day. Getting a good GMAT score is definitely helpful and will increase your chances, but don't feel discouraged if you are not reaching your target score. The test is 1/7 of the typical MBA application, your interview and essays are probably the most important part. So make sure you spend a lot of time writing and revising essays and be yourself for you interviews! You got this! :)
Sabrina Rodriguez –
I used Manhattan Prep to help me surpass my plateau which ranged from a 590 to a 620 over a year course. I am so happy I enrolled in the in-person course in Boston when I did. The curriculum offered ample material (books, study tips, online help, and more!) to not only learn the core content necessary for the exam, but also efficient test-taking strategies. My first practice test at the beginning of the course was a 610 and I managed to increase that score to a 700 on the actual GMAT. I highlythe Manhattan Prep course as you will be able to keep the materials and they certainly come in handy even after the course is over so you can review at your leisure.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Online MBA@UNC 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get to know your school of choice--in and out. Make those connections early on so you can truly understand whether you will be a great fit and whether the school will help you meet your goals. As you begin to make those connections, you will also be informed of the scholarship and fellowship opportunities shortly after--it's a win/win!!
Katie –
Manhattan GMAT was the tool I needed to dramatically improve my score in a limited time frame. I took the course with instructor Mike Morgan who was very knowledgeable on test taking strategies and helpful in guiding our small class. I used both self-study with the books and the course to keep myself on schedule and ultimately exceed my target!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
TBD 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Talk with multiple students, faculty and friends. If a school is your target, be your authentic self and let your enthusiasm for the program shine through!
Eric –
I took the guided self-study GRE program and video chatted weekly with instructor Joseph Martin. I cannot say enough good things about Joe.
Everyone seems to be in agreement that Manhattan Prep’s materials are top notch. The digital content is fun and engaging, and the physical books are laid out in a logical way that makes it very easy to find the class of problems you are trying to solve. Nothing is frustrating to navigate. And when studying for a test like the GRE/GMAT, minimizing frustration is key to staying the course.
Manhattan Prep makes studying “fun” (or as fun as it can be) which god knows helped me keep the course.
Joe Martin, was the sun that kept on shining rays of wisdom down on me—helping to make sure that I was absorbing the most important takeaways from every problem. He has a genuine love of teaching, and excitement is a contagious thing.
Just watching Joe walk-and-think-through problems taught me so much about how I could approach the test, and how I needed to be flexible in my approach.
Statues will be built for Joe one day.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Graduate School in Music
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Have fun.
Stephen –
Manhattan Prep could not have been more helpful and effective in preparing me for the GMAT. I highly recommend instructor Ryan who was always accessible to answer questions and went above & beyond.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Connect with current students and alumni. Be sure to speak to as many people as possible and start your prep early.
Daisy Erbas –
Manhattan Prep Review helped me improve my skills and knowledge to pass GMAT. I’m so happy to get accepted to my dream MBA program and highly recommend it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Irvine & 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be patient, don't give up, make lots of research for best business school
Dan –
I took Manhattan GMAT classes in person
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I took the course in-person because I wanted to have accountability and an in-person instructor. In my first Manhattan Prep GMAT test, I scored 490. Six months later, I was scoring 710 on full-length practice test GMATs. I ended up scoring a 660 on the real test on my third try, jumping from 580 on my first real test and 650 on my second. I still believe I could have topped 700, but I ended up not needing it after applying in Round 1. My instructor was patient, and I appreciated that Manhattan Prep offer simpler alternative explanations from the Official Guide. I drilled against Official Guide problems, and I used MPrep’s Navigator to keep track of my progress while testing my knowledge against the company’s solutions. The company’s written guides were really useful, too. In the end, you must be ready to put in hours of study — especially if it’s been a while. I put in well over 150 hours over six months, but it was well worth it. Do not be discouraged if you aren’t hitting your goals right away. Just keep learning from your mistakes. And use the error log they provide (I definitely did), and then go back to review. My one regret was coming into the Manhattan Prep course cold. I hadn’t practiced the math concepts in roughly a decade, and I used the course as a kickstarter to start studying, which I did, but I would have learned more from the course as a kickstarter to start studying, which I did, but I would have learned more from the course if I had come in with a bit more prep ahead of it.
Danielle –
My tutor, Dhivya, was outstanding. I learned a lot from engaging with her in the classroom. The online Atlas site was great, and I liked being able to enter my Original Guide answers and have a customized report show where my strengths and weaknesses were.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell University, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take all the time you need to figure out school fit!
Sindhu Kotha –
Great experience taking the online course — both teachers were approachable and intelligent. The course was unique in that it offered helpful test taking strategies such as how to best approach the multiple choice section and how to manage your time efficiently for each specific section. Additionally, the class structure with lesson + examples review was effective.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg School of Management 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make yourself a timeline by working backwards from the application due dates and get your recommenders started as early as possible! At school, reread your application essays to align with your goals for pursuing your MBA and focus on taking classes and involving yourself in the right clubs to help you achieve them!
Ernie Doherty –
Definitely the premier test prep of the four I sampled (Kaplan, Magoosh, Manhattan Prep, and Economist). Manhattan explains things to the test and offers quick books on specific areas. The math was monumental in getting my quant up, and in a targeted way. Plus, there are over a dozen books and bonus problem books. I would still favor the GMAT practice tests, as I found the Manhattan tests overly hard.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the process early! It's best to take the GMAT several times, write the essays early, and ask for letters of recommendation about 3 months in advance. All this can be done if you start early.
Sindhu –
The Manhattan Prep program was well-organized and provided the right combination of lecture, review, and live-problem solving lessons. Also, I love how they provided key tips on how to manage time during the test and strategies to work through the multiple-choice problems. The online instructors I had were approachable and very intelligent.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg School of Management 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Leverage your undergrad and professional networks and talk with alumni at your target b-schools to get a sense of each program's culture and offerings. Take the GMAT as early as possible so that you can focus on essays 3 months ahead of deadlines. In school, get super organized ahead of quarter / semester start so that you have a defined filing systems for academics, career, networking, personal, etc.
Vian –
Very Professional And Experienced Instructors. You Can Always Find The Answers You want.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
McCombs 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be Yourself. Think What You Want, What You Have Now, And What's The Gap In Between.
Dillon –
The Manhattan GMAT prep provided meaningful insight and flexible scheduling for those who have a full-time job. While more costly then some other services, it was well worth it. I was well prepared for the GMAT and knew exactly what to expect. Highly recommended!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg MBA Class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself at least 3 months to complete MBA applications. Also, try to be consistent in your study patterns.
Ezra Natlor –
It was a well structured program. My administration department helped with the program and guided me through it every step. There could have been some portions that could have been made simpler, but outside of that it prepared me for the exam.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MBA 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and continue to work on it to best display the scholar that you are. Have people with some sort of knowledge of the program review your submission before you turn it in.
Jessie –
The in-person class with Manhattan prep was extremely comprehensive. We had a relatively small class, allowing us to ask questions and ensure we were getting all the help we needed. The instructor was extremely knowledgeable and was also available to answer one-off questions via email outside of class. Overall, felt incredibly supported throughout the process and am so glad I chose to work with Manhattan Prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on the GMAT/GRE first; but once it's done put it out of sight/mind for good - it's important but it's just one part of the overall application Talk to current students and recent grads - they have the most honest and authentic vision into what being at a given school is really like It's helpful to have stories on hand that showcase who you are and where you want to go - you should weave those into your essays as appropriate but don't overlook actually answering the prompt (which do vary slightly by school) Don't overlook the short/fill in answers - they take a deceivingly long time and can actually hold a bit of weigh on the overall application Don't write off round 2! If your application is going to be stronger with a bit more time, t's worth the wait
Jesse Leung –
In-person class sessions were attentive. I found the test prep problems were reflective of the actual exam. Instructors were knowledgeable about the test and were readily available to answer questions.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg MBA Class of 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be honest about who you are and do your research about the schools you plan on applying to. Highlight your commitment to social impact and how you have demonstrated leadership in the work place or in your community.
Jennifer –
This is a great option for individuals looking for a structured study plan and desiring an improvement in their base knowledge.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Denver, 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Find the program that best supports your long-term goals and values. Give yourself time to complete all application materials with thoughtful responses. The application process is the most challenging part. Good luck; you can do it!
Vivian –
It’s great if you need the structure and complete refresh. However because it is in a group setting with varying skills you may not get the help you specifically need. The online platform is great for practice tests. But it is very expensive so if you only need help on a specific area, I’d recommend private tutoring
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Umich Ross - 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Finish GMAT at least 3 months before the first application deadline and don't wait until the last minute to draft your essays or fill out the applications, it takes a while and you don't want to have to test while doing both. The application part is truly the hardest part so don't give up!
R. Hamm –
Great online services that went well with my schedule. Additional book resources helped with the online instruction and I will continue to use those in the future.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of North Carolina- 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early and work with the provided resources to help you get to your goals.
Young Kuk Lee –
Manhattan Prep GMAT was a helpful resource to deep dive and study from. Each subject was broken down and every topic was covered with thorough explanations. This exam prep requires no previous knowledge and reviews everything from the basic number properties to more complex problems such as combinatorics, data sufficiency/problem solving, and work/rates. I found the math and the reading study prep guides to be the most helpful for myself.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Foster School of Business 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be sure to attend the campus visits and classroom visits (if offered). Get to know the faculty, current students, as well as other prospective students. An MBA isn't for everyone, so it's important to do your research and self-reflect whether this is what you truly want to pursue before you make any kinds of commitments.
Christopher Williams –
I took the in-person course and was very pleased with my instructor. He knew the content well and explained concepts in an easy-to understand way. Five stars for that.
My issue was with the study materials. There was a convoluted process where we needed to reference a sheet with practice problem #s, a physical book with the actual questions, and then another online tool they provided. It made studying a bit harder than it needed to be. Three stars for this.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UT Austin McCombs -Class of 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take your time scouting schools and talk to as many people as possible before dedicating effort to applying. The applications take time and you'll be better off submitting a few well-thought out applications and likely happier with the outcome.
Jeren Wood –
Focused curriculum and insightful strategies make this test prep essential for test takers looking for admittance into top tier MBA programs
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Berkeley Haas - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be true to yourself! What are your goals and how will an MBA help you achieve said goals. What is unique about the program you are applying to that will assist in your career plans. How will you bring value to your cohort and institution if you are granted admission.
Erika Gomez –
Great refresher, especially for quant portion of the test. Also helpful with learning time-saving tricks.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business - Class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Connect with students and alums from the school you're applying to. Their insights will be tremendously helpful for your essays, interviews, and will also help you determine if the school is the right fit for you.
Sid –
They provided personal attention for which I would rate 4 starts however cutting down 1 star for the pace of the course itself – too fast!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
More than you being a good match to the school, ensure the school is a good match for your needs. Research, research, research!
Aarushi Arenja –
Great materials to help you get a comprehensive review of topics covered and lots of practice questions available.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
1600 Fillmore St Apt 1-205
Renard –
Helped me tremendously to improve my score and get into the school of my dreams.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Maryland Smith 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Visit the campus, get a feel for the environment. Make sure your application is as diverse as you are.
Madelaine Chivi –
Manhattan Prep was a great learning environment. I felt it taught me the skills I needed to not only refresh my memory on the quant I had no used in some time, but also learn tricks on how to beat the exam. It was useful to refresh my memory and apply new ways of learning to ensure I optimize my exam timing. I felt the course work was manageable but effective.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Business 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take your time with applications. Ensure your essays are concise but also bring forth your personality. Show what you know, but your resume speaks for itself. Ensure you bring a 360 picture into your application showing your professional history and your personal passions. Similarly, know how each school will allow you to meet your goals, and be specific. I also reviewed each schools ethos and values to ensure they were aligned with mine.
Owen –
Manhattan Prep GMAT offers the most comprehensive range of study materials available. They will prepare you to tackle on every problem that gets thrown at you on test day and will have you heading to the test center ready to rock.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do as much research as possible and consider every resource available to you. Read reviews, watch videos, call students, go to information sessions, etc. Give yourself as much information as possible to feel confident about your decision.
Thomas Kwan –
Great base knowledge. Requires other resources but this is a good starting point.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School Full-Time MBA 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't try to write what the school is trying to hear. Write what you really want to do and do your research so you know how the school can help you achieve your goals.
Patrick Rauh –
A phenomenal self-guided program that helps test takers refamiliarize themselves with the concepts covered on the GMAT test. Providing a solid structure and study plan, these books allow you to work at your own pace to conquer the GMAT material. Best combined with practice problems and practice tests provided by the GMAC(Graduate Management Admission Council) but absolutely critical to my improvement from 660 on my first GMAT test to my 720 on my final.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The GMAT is just one piece of a robust application. While it is important to perform well, don't let it become your sole focus -- even if you feel you are well below the "minimum" for acceptance. While working to improve your score, be sure to also be networking with the admissions councils to be sure you are more than a name on a file. Very few applicants feel like they actually have a good shot at getting into the schools they are applying to, believe in yourself, and do your best. That's all you can do!
Louisa Xu –
I would highly recommend Manhattan Prep to anyone applying to MBA programs. The resources were extremely helpful and the practice tests I found to be very valuable because of how close they were to the real thing. The online video resources were very helpful for stepping through difficult problems and concepts.The Online Question Bank and explanations were crucial to my success on the GMAT, providing ample opportunity to practice and improve. I would suggest having an instructor is you feel that a structured course if more of your style. Overall I found the program to be excellent and would definitely go with Manhattan Prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't be discouraged by a lower score than you wanted on your first test or by essays that need to be scrapped. The final product is what's important and most people need multiple iterations in order to succeed! The application process can be grueling, but keep at it and hang in there!
Tammy Su –
Manhattan Prep was highly recommended to me by other successful MBA admits. I found that the resources were excellent – I had a highly qualified instructor who could answer any tricky questions. The online question bank, question explanations, and topic videos were all highly effective for learning. I would definitely recommend taking the course since having my instructor as a go-to resource was extremely re-assuring.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg School of Management - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
1. There's no right/wrong reason to get an MBA - as long as you understand the unique costs and benefits for your own context and situation, if an MBA is what you dream of, go for it! 2. Take the time to really reflect on your goals for an MBA, and the path that led you to this moment in time. Most essays will ask questions that will draw upon this self-reflection. 3. Split things into manageable chunks. Try to take your GMAT and get the score you want early on. The application process can be a lot, especially while working full-time, but is made more manageable by spreading it out. 4. Sometimes when you don't get what you initially want - it could work out for the better. I didn't get into schools that I thought were my top choice in the first round, but ultimately was able to find a more fitting program for myself Round 2. And, by that time, I had become a pro at writing essays and tackling the applications, so I was able to come up with a stronger application.
Scott Goldman –
Great product, a little expensive for what you get.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
JHU 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Build relationships with the school and alumni by showing you care enough to dig into the program with questions specific to your goals.
Caroline Tofflemire –
Manhattan Prep stands out because of the quality of their classes and written materials. The teacher of the 9-week in-person course that I attended was highly qualified, thorough, and fun. He was able to explain some of the difficult parts in a clear and concise way, which increased my confidence. The Manhattan Prep books are organized well and provide a very comprehensive overview of materials. Explanations were well-thought-out and helpful when studying. Lastly, Manhattan Prep has a blog on their site, which I have found extremely helpful throughout my GMAT and EA prep studies.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell Johnson 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Keep organized and utilize tools like Trello to keep track of deadlines and related materials. Utilize helpful sites like ApplicantLab.com and network on sites like Forte Foundation. Give recommenders advanced notice and be kind to yourself throughout the marathon of a process.
Claire Wiley –
I found the Manhattan Prep books to be comprehensive. The sample exams prepped me the most for the GMAT – couldn’t have done it without them!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Think through why it is you want to purse an MBA. What are the key messages you want to convey to the admissions team, and how can you get that across through the different sections of the application (e.g., essay, short answers, recommendations, interview).
Ashley Chitwood –
The Manhattan Test Prep for the GMAT was EXTREMELY helpful. I waited until the last minute to study and I was able to do a lot of crash courses to get me up to speed quickly. I highly recommend!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MBA 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Study sooner rather than later. Take as many timed practice tests as you can to be accustomed to what to expect!
Michael Farruggia –
I used the Manhattan Prep GRE books – working my way through all eight. I found them incredibly useful, and thought that the style of the questions was fairly similar to those presented in the actual exam.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would recommend studying for the GRE or GMAT early and often. Don't procrastinate! Also, choose good recommenders who know your character and work ethic well.
Christopher lenoci –
I believe the prep is more geared towards students already proficient and looking for top-tier scores — teachers are very good
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale School of Management - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Try not to stress - suggest writing your essays and then iterating over time as you think through positioning yourself. Weekend jam jobs is not the winning approach. Put together background package for your recommenders so they have an easier time noting your accomplishments.
katie sibbet –
The Manhattan Prep guide clearly outlined each subject that individuals need to have a strong knowledge of, and designed their curriculum to help students learn and quiz themselves on the material. Self paced, and easy to navigate, the prep books helped me feel prepared and confident to take the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of St. Thomas Part time MBA; Grad Year: 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Reflect on your reasons for wanting an MBA, then look for schools that are seeking to meet those reasons.
Jacob Carlson –
I used the Manhattan GMAT Prep 6th edition books and thought they did a great job at explaining concepts and providing practice. The corresponding website also did a decent job at providing ways to practice, drill questions on particular topics, and take practice exams. Some of the featuers of the online study package weren’t intuitive as to the benefits of using that feature, when to use it, and how to access the feature (or if it was included in the package I purchased).
Overall, Manhattan GMAT Prep was recommended to me for studying for the GMAT and I would recommend it to others as well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
CMU Tepper Part Time Online Hybrid MBA, Class of 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Identify your target schools, and then pick two more that you might be interested in. Start looking at schools and preparing your plan to apply 18 months out! Gather as much info as possible, talk to current students and alumni, and attend a class. You will get a great read on the culture of a program and if it is a good fit for you from those interactions.
Abe –
I took the GRE for MBA Course starts at $1,399 and includes 9 live sessions with a focus on advanced math course from mid-October to late-December. My instructor, Deena, was very thorough and the curriculum was well orchestrated. Most of all, I appreciated the online resources which were recently released and allows students to keep up with assignments and follow detailed demonstrations of the answers.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I advise anyone pursuing a top-tier MBA program to make this investment now so that it may benefit them in the long term.
Adrienne White –
The Manhattan Prep GMAT Course was incredibly helpful. I took the in-person course that met once a week in Manhattan. My instructor Dave Mahler was the best. He had great tips and advice on test taking and a deep knowledge of the study material.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern 2022-23
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Find a school that best fits your goals.
Kaitlyn Sanders –
I took the classes in-person in addition to online prep. The classes at Manhattan Prep were extremely helpful in how to approach questions and studying in the most impactful and efficient way. The online resources including videos, test questions and answers, navigator were fundamental for tackling problem areas and understanding strengths and areas of improvement. I also utilized the post exam review in order to improve my score by taking the test again which was helpful for getting the ultimate score I wanted.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton MBA 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Upfront prep around stories, key themes, and achievements was fundamental for crafting the perfect application. If I had just jumped into writing essays I would not have gotten to the level of depth that I ultimately did by putting upfront work in. Take the short answers seriously (work experience, achievements, etc.) as they are just as important as the essays.
Denis Kato de Almeida –
The material is very well prepared and easy to follow by yourself. I did the online classes and it helped to focus on the important things as well as to have a discipline of study.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU MBA - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
NYU is considered a collaborative school and is very proud to be in the heart of NYC, so be sure to bring evidences of these two points in your application.
Elena Avdeeva –
I used Manhattan prep books in addition to the Official Guide. What I found most valuable for me, was a verbal part, for math I ended up using another prep book. Very good explanations, examples, After few months of self preparation with Manhattan Prep I scored 700+.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg school of management/ Pritzker Law 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Stay focused, don't procrastinate and delete social networks from your phone
Christopher Magas –
These prep materials are great for learning the rules of the GMAT as well as learning the foundational skills you will need. The online questions were also very useful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell MBA 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would recommend to start early. Visit the programs that you are interested in to get a sense of the program, location, and future classmates.
Nick Curcio –
Massively helpful in prepping for the math section. Raised my initial practice score by 100 points on quant at time of actual test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia MBA 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Think hard about the network each school provides. Although most top MBAs will provide the same opportunities, each school's network is geared slightly differently toward certain careers. Don't just think a couple years out -- think long term.
Andrew Grossbart –
I found the Manhattan GMAT course to be incredible comprehensive. I was scoring in the low 600s and was able to achieve a 730 after taking the course. I would encourage anyone considering the GMAT to take the course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Berkeley Haas
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't be afraid to be vulnerable in the applications. The schools want to know who you really are.
Olivia Farrell –
I found Manhattan Prep online course to be only okay. The strategy seemed to be test the hardest questions, rather than learn the fundamentals. I ended up having to do much more additional prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MIT Sloan 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Research the schools and visit if you can. Be authentic
Nitin Sharma –
Manhattan online prep was very useful for me, especially with videos available with easy access. Thank you for the customer service team
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA, 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start Early
Nicole Delany –
I thought the online course was incredibly thorough but it was difficult to keep yourself on track. On the one hand the flexibility was helpful to craft my own study plan, but on the other hand, it made it difficult to stay on track. The first tutoring session I had was not helpful, so I recommend going into the sessions with very specific questions in mind in order to get the most out of the experience.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard Business School 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would do a lot of research on schools as early in the application process as possible. This research helps you refine why you want to go to school as well as narrow down your list early on. Going into writing your applications it is helpful to feel excited about going to school and sure about what you want to achieve coming out of it. I also recommend visiting schools earlier than later, go in the spring semester before you are ready to apply so that you don't waste time applying to schools that really might not be the best fit for you. When it comes to writing your essays, take some time to write down all the things that matter to you, all the things you're good at, and your favorite activities you have participated in since high school – this will help you find a common thread in your experience that is truly and uniquely you. The most important thing in the essay is to be yourself, so reminding yourself of who you are is a good place to start!
Gregorio Concha-Toro –
I took the GMAT three times. The first two times I wasn’t able to materially increase my score. However, with the use of the Manhattan GMAT I was able to achieve a 740. The Manhattan Prep Overview books provided the right balance between testing strategies and tools to tackle specific questions. I know some people are doubtful of the costs, but it is very worth it. That being said, the tools by itself are not enough. You need to put in the hard work and study, but this test prep gives you the foundation to be successful. The classes provides even more personalized support.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Trust the process - Take the necessary time to work through the application. Start early and use it as a trip of self-discovery. You will find that the more time you invest in the application, the clearer and more poignant your reasons for applying will become. You will find answers that you had trouble drafting for the essays flow more naturally. The key is to start early and give a lot of time to the process.
Byron Neal –
Trust me, I know the GMAT seems daunting. And it is. But I’m living proof that you can beat the GMAT. I am not a quant person and it has been 10 years since I took a high school math course. Feeling intimidated I put off the GMAT countless times; until one day I decided to take the plunge. To help, I signed up for Manhattan GMAT Prep. It is expensive but in my opinion you get what you pay for with GMAT prep companies. Manhattan GMAT starts with the basics and ensures you are comfortable with the fundamentals before advancing to the next concept. After 3 months of consistent studying with Manhattan GMAT I guarantee your score will increase. The GMAT is a strategy test not an IQ test. Keep with it, do not give up, and you will succeed. I highly recommend Manhattan GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg School of Managment - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself, do not try to portray someone you are not. Attend admissions events and make sure you learn any of the school's buzz words. Use those in your essays. Schools want diversity and are interested in how you can contribute to the cohort. It is important to give yourself enough time to submit a quality application.
Michele –
The GMAT journey was a long one for me. I had used Veritas Prep three years earlier (while studying during my senior year in undergrad). I was working with a private tutor and unfortunately it didn’t work well for me.
After three years, I got serious about studying again and came across Manhattan Prep.I did their 10 week classes course and was so impressed. My teacher was very responsive and constantly made sure that I felt supported. My only issue with it is was that the classes went by really fast and therefore I needed to sign up for private tutoring in addition (which is not cheap). I would recommend that Manhattan considers adding a few extra classes to the coursework.
The books were super easy to read and the best I have come across so far.
Wishing you all the best with your GMAT!!! The GMAT process is definitely tough but it all works out 🙂
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Northwestern - The Kellogg School of Management 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself as much as you can! I truly believe that schools can tell when you're not being authentic. The more you can be vulnerable and honest in your application, the better. Pro tip - make sure you look at the supplemental questions in each application. There are some sneaky short answer questions on there.
Emily Kwong –
I enrolled in the full GMAT prep course online with Jamie Nelson. I was introduced to Jamie through Forte as she was the instructor for our math review webinars. I was apprehensive at first because I generally do not learn as well online but Jamie really changed my perspective. She was extremely patient and encouraging. She met the class where we were and didn’t over complicate things. If there was a problem or solution that didn’t make sense, she would simply offer an alternative strategy or change her approach. The Foundations of Math book was also a lifesaver. Working through the problems in that book was a great reminder to the math concepts I’ve forgotten since hight school. Manhattan Prep gave me the confidence and support I needed on test day.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Foster School of Business, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start studying early, I thought I would only need to dedicate 3 months to studying but soon realized I needed 6 months. My schedule was pushed back further and I was studying and working on essays at the same time. That combined with working full time added a lot of extra pressure. Take a practice GMAT and GRE test to determine which test works best for you. Manhattan prep offers support for both.
Dan Neubelt –
Manhattan Prep (Live, online format) was a great way for me to review the necessary content, practice the material, have rigor around my schedule, and to learn the tips and tricks necessary for a successful exam. The instructors are great, and the online delivery format was surprisingly effective and engaging. Nothing is a substitute for hard work and putting in the study time, but a combination of effort, study, and practice helped me get a 750! Worth every penny in my book.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't rush. It can take a while to learn about the right program fit for you. More importantly, it may take you a while to figure out exactly what you want to do and why. The scores and the application are the easy part. Selling admissions on your goals in a convincing manner is harder. Find the school that really excites you and reflect on why, and you'll be well on your way.
Divjot Singh –
Extremely beneficial program that allowed me to improve my grade by providing expert resources and training.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Would recommend anyone interested to please begin reviewing applications as early as possible. Narrowing down in the early stages which schools and programs you are interested in will allow you to focus in on the actual application, which is a lot more tedious than anticipated.
Mariel Sanchez –
I registered for the GMAT Live Course, which is live online, and also allows access to on-demand lessons, all Manhattan Prep GMAT books, and a GMAT notepad. The instructor was very helpful and very quick to respond to emails regarding questions on very specific GMAT problems, and she provided very helpful tips and general insight on the exam structure/style. I was very impressed with the scope the course covered, and attribute my score to this prep course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Trinity College Dublin
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take your GMAT early on, preferably at least one year before your application deadline. This way you have enough time to study and re-take the exam if necessary, and not have your GMAT studies interfere with your application preparation.
Sally Stris –
Great program. Highly recommended I got increased my score by a ton and felt confident and relaxed going into the exam thanks to the tips and training from my Manhattan Prep instructor
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg. 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Drive home why the MBA and more importantly why that school. There are so many options so make it clear why your specific school is the best fit.
Peace Titilawo –
I thought that these books really helped me as I self-studied however I think it could’ve been intuitive with many more relevant examples.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden School of Business & 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be your true authentic self, don't try to write an application because you think it's what admissions would like to hear.
Cory –
I’m a self-study type of person, but I enjoy having solid lecture videos to watch. I tried many different GMAT prep materials, but nothing prepared me like Manhattan Prep. Thanks to these materials, I’m now attending Michigan Ross!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan, 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Prepare a unique application while being authentic. We are all unique individuals, so this is totally possible. Use your own story to give your application life.
Jerry Becker –
Book helped me get thru studying for the GMAT. I had not been in School for 5 years and the Manhattan broke down the test for me in an easy and understanding manner. Studying for the GMAT is overwhelming but I was able to break it down into sections using Manhattan and it worked great.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MBA 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Talk to the admissions person regularly and see if there are any things such as work experience/extracurricular's that you will help with the admissions process or count for class credit. Also, work with your employer to fully understand the reimbursement process. Do not overload your schedule and make sure you can handle your work schedule before start worrying about school.
Louisa Xu –
Most useful test prep material out there. Practice tests are very similar to the real thing and instruction is to the point and useful. Highly recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start with GMAT prep early and take timed tests to help with prep. Also don't be afraid to take it multiple times because it increases your chances of a better score.
Michael Dunn –
I took the accelerated online course for test prep on a time crunch. I found my instructor, Emily Sledge, to be very knowledgeable and accessible for questions. The supplemental materials including the books and Atlas program walked through everything step by step in a very organized, comprehensive fashion. I would strongly recommend to anyone prepping for the GMAT. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars was the cost for an online course being ~$1,300 seemed a little rich, but it ended up being worth it for me as I got into my target MBA program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UT Austin, McCombs Class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do your research to narrow down your applications to a handful of programs with a reach program or two, a couple solids and a safety school. I found it much more manageable to focus on a smaller set of applications and work on a higher quality of application vs more quantity. Also when interviews come around, if you have a higher number of choices it's more expensive and can be difficult to coordinate while working full-time.
Christopher Foster –
This prep review helped me get into my MBA program. It’s flexible design allowed me to set up courses to fit into my busy schedule.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Davis 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be sure to take advantage of fee waivers and meet all the deadlines. Work closely with your counselors! They know what they're doing and can get you in!
Samuel Frankfort –
This study program was more than helpful! There was a professional, yet, easy-to-use format. There are live people willing to answer any questions. It helped me get an advanced score and get into the grad school of my choice. I highly recommend!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take a deep breath and realize that the process is not as hard as you may. There are numerous resources out there to help you.
Jenna O’Brien –
I used the one-on-one tutoring. My tutor was extremely knowledgable and patient. He worked to identify my strengths and weaknesses and used our time to focus on what I needed the most help on. He also gave me tips on how to improve my score by eliminating answers for 800 level questions. He set me up to be as successful as I possibly could.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take everything one step at a time. Make a list of what needs to get done and prioritize based on how long it will take you to finish each step.
Pranav Daryanani –
The material was extremely helpful and the mock exams that came with the program were more difficult than the actual GMAT exams. This allowed for a strengthening of skills especially on the quant side.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale School of Management Class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use the opportunity to explore who you are, your motivations and your aspirations. This gives you a chance to learn about yourself during the process and I think that only strengthens your application. Also, don't be shy to reach out to as many people as you can and extend your network during this phase. I found that even if the MBA application period results in no acceptances, you can still learn about yourself and meet new people which is rewarding in itself.
Nathan Shapiro –
Good comprehensive review materials
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Analyze schools that will be the best fit for you
Royce –
I took the GMAT Advanced Course. It was a good program with impressive proprietary learning resources. I enjoyed the professor a lot, was very engaging, effective, and personable. However, I ultimately did not increase my score enough to justify the high cost of the program, and actually received much lower IR scores after using the course methods.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Undecided, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Work hard and put in the time for the GMAT, there aren't a lot of shortcuts to be taken here.
Rachel –
I purchased the comprehensive GMAT prep books (strategy guides) and they were extremely helpful! I also gained access to the full GMAT Interact course through the Forte Launch program. The books were easy to use and learn the key strategies for the exam. The Interact course was great to track my progress and performance on Official Guide problems. This was so helpful and I wish I had started the full Interact course earlier in my GMAT preparation. Out of all the test prep options I researched/tested, Manhattan prep was the best fit for me. I did not use a personal/virtual tutor and this program allowed me to work at my own pace. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for GMAT test prep!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
TBD - Class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The program fit/culture is extremely important. Spend time upfront identifying programs that are best for you!
Yue Gu –
I bought Mhanhattan prep verbal practices. The arrangement of each chapter is logical and helpful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale MBA, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply to target schools in round 1
Naomi –
I used the Manhattan Prep GMAT books as resources, and was very satisfied with the content. The material went in depth with each tested topic, and not only provided information as to how to solve each problem, but also specific strategies on how to solve them as well. The books also include numerous practice problems, reinforcing the comprehension of the learned material. Further, I supplemented this material with the program’s online question bank, which provided more opportunity to practice problems. Lastly, I also used their online CAT exams, which was very representative of the actual exam. Would highly recommend Manhattan Prep as a resource.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA FEMBA 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on strategies to efficiently solve problems.
Alice –
I loved the manhattan prep for GMAT studying. The questions were challenging and the materials really pushed me to excel on the day of the real test- where I found many questions easier than the manhattan prep! PS – if you’re good at vocab and reading and struggle on math… the GRE may be a better test for you.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
TBD, class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The fit really matters! Take time to learn about what make each schools unique.. or not!
Anika Patel –
I gained access to Manhattan prep through the Forte MBA Launch program about a month before my scheduled test date. I used the initial assessment to find my weak spots then used the videos/practice problems in the prep course to bolster those areas. As someone who studies independently, I thought the extra resources were great and think it would have been a great resource for studying the basics early on.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
TBD
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Celebrate the small wins or the process will burn you out!
Stephanie Wojda –
Manhattan Prep is good… if you have already done some of the work yourself. It felt as if the bulk of the class was just going over the problems themselves rather than learning and refining the basic principles the problems are asking about. I think it’s important to have a class that balances both, the basic principles and the actual problems. My score did improve about 50 points from my first practice test to my practice test at the end of the course, but then again, I had put in 0 hours of studying before my first practice test and might have been able to do that on my own. All of this being said, the class was really small and it probably could have been better tailored to my needs had I spoken up about it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of London - London Business School MBA 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be consistent! I did MUCH better when I set aside 1 hour every day to study than when I would cram a couple days per week.
Andrea Noe –
I took the in person class, which was incredibly helpful. My instructor was engaging and knowledgeable and gave us a host of strategies to use throughout the test. I think the timing strategy was one of the most helpful things I learned. I improved my score significantly through taking this class and would recommend it to anyone.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Research schools by visiting and speaking with current student, start the essays early, and make an outline of all the information you need to complete each application as it takes time!
Amanda Morrison –
Took the in person class along with the interact. The interact was great, but the in person class was not very helpful. The class started at a great pace, but the teacher was not able to drive the class forward and often got bogged down in out students questions.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2022 - CBS
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
consider the GRE
Madeleine Kaczmarowski –
Easy to use and helped me achieve a great score. Would recommend to anyone taking the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Illinois at Chicago 2023
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start working on your application early and be flexible on where you go to school. Look for the option that makes sense the most financially - often people won't care about where you go the degree from as long as you have it. That being said, make sure to network while in school!
A.H. –
I used the Manhattan Prep set of books, and found them to be critical in my GMAT prep. There is a lot of material, but if you’re willing to put in the time and effort to learn the material, you will certainly benefit.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Aim to find schools that have strong curricula, employer attraction, and alumni bases in your target industry/sector/location, etc. Additionally, don't undervalue fit - you'll be there for two years, and it's worth it to find the best environment to maximize your experience.
Chun Yu –
Loved Manhattan in the way with prep and review guidelines and exercises. I also attended the online sessions to understand the framework and achieved 700+
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Haas 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Haas
Jake –
I loved my experience with Manhattan. The best part for me was the shorter book length. Manhattan provides 10 books that are all between 100-200 pages, which actually makes you feel as though you are making progress. They are a lot less daunting than other companies that have books between 500-1000 pages.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Really understand your story of why getting an MBA is the next logical step on your journey to your end goals.
Ricardo Lopez –
The Manhattan GMAT prep was an amazing resource. The adaptive questions on the practice test were similar to the official GMAT test and compared well with scoring. The overall class helped me raise my scoring by 125 points and allowed me to be accepted into my program. I would highly recommend this course for anyone looking for guidance.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
First year-Grad date 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Choose a school that meets your needs. The essay questions seems to be getting shorter on words counts so make sure you are being concise, but saying what you need to about your experiences. If you have a weakness make sure to address how you overcome this also or what your strengths makeup for.
Judy To –
The in-person course with Avi Gutman was fantastic. With that said, Avi’s class is more advanced so be sure you already are scoring 650+ in order to get the most out of his instruction.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Plan to take the GMAT more than once!
Ryan Blackwell –
Good book for practice; definitely get it to supplement your studies. However, if I got something wrong it doesn’t tell you why.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Grind hard. Don't quit. Invest in yourself.
Michael Antwi –
Manhattan Prep’s program was very comprehensive but not overwhelming. Perhaps because I had a background in math, many of the concepts required review but not in-depth explanations and Manhattan Prep provided just this. I like that the program incorporates homework questions from the Official GMAT book. This is important because the best way to get used to the style of questioning is to complete actual GMAT questions. Lastly, I used an older version of the Manhattan Prep books. These served me just fine. The Manhattan methodology has withstood the test of time; as such, even older books still have value.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start very early. GMAT preparation takes time. Also, try to attend school info sessions as the admissions teams look at this information to gauge enthusiasm.
Matthew Bell –
Manhattan Prep content is top notch and will leave you well prepared for the GMAT. Be prepared to put in the hours.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Pick a group of peers schools, I suggest 5, and apply to them in concert. Your essays will get better and your odds of being admitted to at least one are quite high.
Andrew Goldsmith –
Manhattan GMAT provided a very helpful framework for attacking the GMAT. The class can vary based on the instructor; however, my instructor, Joseph Martin, was top notch. Make sure you conduct your due diligence on the instructor before committing. Good Luck!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Commitment is the key word to find success on the GMAT. The test is designed to challenge you, but everything on the test can be learned with time and practice. Think about how much time you will need to finish essays, revisions, and applications, and then double it! Reach out to your recommenders at least two months in advance, and make sure they have the information they need to write a strong recommendation that ties into your overall story.
Brandon Schroeder –
Provides all the tools and timing that you will need in order to succeed in preparing for this exam. This program gives templates for detailed studying schedules while providing practice exams as touch points on your progress. Using this improved my score by 60 points and gave me a leg up on getting into a top 25 MBA program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Indiana University - 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be prepared, organized and intentional with your studying.
Nathan Shapiro –
Excellent well rounded study materials
MBA Program & Grad Year:
COlumbia University and 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Go on a campus visit to every school
Emily Bazilian –
I took the live course with Ryan McGorman and then worked with him privately as a tutor after the course was complete. I had a great experience and felt that the course helped keep my learning on track and I would not have done well on the GMAT without the support from Manhattan Prep. Ryan was great to work with and a wonderful tutor!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Try and take the GMAT a full year before applying and start studying earlier than you think. It makes all the difference to have testing out of the way so you can focus on your application.
Jordan Bennett –
I was really worried about the GMAT because I haven’t taken a math course since high school and haven’t taken a standardized test since the SAT. I enrolled in a 9-week online course with Manhattan Prep and couldn’t have been happier with the results. The strategies they have for answering each question type are invaluable, and the interactive element of the class helped me learn so much more. I also greatly improved my GMAT score with their post-course assessment as well as the post-exam assessment. Their instruction helped raise my score almost 100 points, and I got into my top choice program (& also one of the top business schools in the US). I highly recommend using Manhattan Prep for your GMAT prep!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The essays are extremely important, so don't put a lot of pressure on yourself to get them done quickly. Start early and begin with brainstorming sessions. It's also important to ensure you're telling a compelling story about yourself. Make sure your unique passions and reasons for pursuing an MBA are clear to the admissions team because they can tell (& will appreciate) when you're being genuine.
Alex Trombetta –
Strong test prep program – very comprehensive and covers all topics experiences in live GMAT and practice exams. Only reason not a 5 is that some of the answers in prep books are convoluted and not easy to understand. Had to supplement with other resources sometimes.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Berkeley Haas, 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Craft your story and use each component of the application strategically to tell it.
Harry –
Fantastic test prep service. I bought the full book set and was able to raise my test score by over 100 points throughout the course of 3.5 months of studying. Start early and you will do great!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton University of Pennsylvania 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early. Spend time brainstorming your story and figuring out what makes you unique. Get the GMAT out of the way early so you can fully focus on crafting your essays and answers to the short questions throughout the applications.
Harry –
Fantastic test prep service. I bought the full book set and was able to raise my test score by over 100 points throughout the course of 3.5 months of studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton University of Pennsylvania
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early. Spend time brainstorming your story and figuring out what makes you unique.
David F Chang –
The Manhattan Prep helped me tremendously with studying and preparing for the GRE. As an active duty officer and being in a high tempo job, I often found myself in situations and deployments were services were limited. The prep allowed me to study while I was in the desert and deployed with the prep book helping tremendously with my GRE exam.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
The Citadel: Year 2 MBA
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you are in the military and using Tuition Assistance, plan accordingly with the start date of your college with the completion of the your GRE and GMAT scores for the university.
William Clark-Lowes –
The course was well structured and the trainer was really motivating and engaging. The materials were very extensive, but the online courses and example tests helped keep you focused on the test rather than lots of theory. I also thought the one-on-one discussions which came after the group lessons were very helpful and motivating. All in all a good value and great course
MBA Program & Grad Year:
EMBA-Global Americas & Europe (Columbia Business School / LBS) 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the GMAT/EA/GRE process early with a solid online course. Ensure you answer every section of every question in the essay part of the MBA application. Keep the answers honest and personal to give the School an insight into what drives you. Try to open each essay answer with an interesting turn of phrase or anecdote and continue that theme, rather than going straight into a boring list of reasons why you might be an attractive candidate.
Jorda –
The course provides you with the essential prep materials. Classes are good, but you need to do work outside of class to get full value. Totally worth it if you’re willing to put in the time, and for people who aren’t organized and need scheduling help, this class is well-worth the cost. You must be committed to get full value, however.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use the essay to differentiate yourself. Don't just use the essay to brag, but instead use it as a means to show more about yourself - what you value and why. Admissions committees review thousands of applicants and want to know what unique attributes and perspectives you will add to the class. The essay is the best way to convey this.
Lance –
I took Manhattan prep courses for GMAT in Orange County. My instructor was Eric and he did a really good job simplifying the material.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
You should get as much feedback as possible from current students or alumni at the target school you apply to.
Roni –
The books were very helpful for strategy and practice. The online video lessons are good supplements if you have a lot of time.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Plan on taking the GMAT twice. Start essays early.
Jamie Blake –
Great course! Take it in person.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
concentrate on culture
Lijun Liu –
Very good material online and excellent teaching staff. They can teach everything clearly and this helps me a lot.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
One Year MBA Program 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Know what you want and plan your application list at first.
John –
Very professional and well run organization. I would recommend taking the class before paying a dollar for any 1×1 tutoring as everyone needs a baseline education on the exam materials. Additionally, this will allow you to maximize your time with the tutor as you will know what to work on.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get everything completed early, don't wait until the last minute.
Amanda –
Best GMAT test prep on the market.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
CBS 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and don't rush the process.
Kevin Joyce –
While it was a useful tool in preparing for Math but did not have representative questions/difficulty for the Verbal section. Would recommend as a weighted bat tool for Math.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The key to a good essay is crafting a good story, even if you feel your path to an MBA is circuitous or meandering (i.e. story-less) - that's what will help you succeed in interviews and schools want to see that you have that skill in spades.
Miguel van Zeller –
Great books with deep explanation of each topic. Quant tests usually harder then the real one but great to prepare
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Manhattan Prep to NYU Stern
Alice M –
I’ve self-studied for most important exams including SHSAT, SAT, and AP classes with books I borrowed from the library. It’s gotten me far, but didn’t cut it for the GMAT math section. After taking Manhattan Prep’s GMAT in-person classes, I definitely felt more prepared. The instructors are brilliant people and give interesting strategies for the math section. The books were helpful, but not as much as the instructors. I boosted my score 70 points.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't rule out a part-time MBA. An MBA is expensive, so working while taking classes reduces some financial strain. Also, a part-time program gives you the same brand name school, without having to take a break. It comes full circle when you have something to contribute in class and also back in the office (or get an offer to a dream job while still doing your MBA).
Ana A. –
The program is really helpful if you are trying to break a 600 score. It provides helpful tactics and strategies for answer the easy – medium GMAT questions. If you are looking to break 700, you will likely have to do more self-studying with more challenging materials.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Read through your application for two things. One is authenticity to yourself and the other is aligns to the school’s culture and resources.
Jessica H –
Manhattan Prep was awesome. I used a private online tutor who helped me up my time strategy game. I also thought their practice tests were closest to the real thing.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
FTMBA 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use a targeted strategy and start the apps early.
Jessica H –
Manhattan Prep was really helpful. I used a private online tutor who helped me up my time strategy game and boost my score by over 100 pts. I also thought their practice tests were closest to the real thing.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
FTMBA 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use a targeted strategy and start the apps early. Drop names of people you’ve connected with to show you did your networking homework!
Jhoana Kellam –
Great materials, Manhattan Prep provides techniques and strategy to beat GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UNC - Chapel Hill
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus not only on getting a good GMAT score, but also on what sets you apart from everybody else. They are equally important. Time and dedication are key.
IM –
The online tests were helpful for acclimating to the adaptive format of the GMAT. I found that their tests were harder than the actual GMAT so I was better prepared than expected.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB, 2021
yongwha jung –
I used Manhattan prep to increase my score in sentence correction! I highly recommend if you want more practice with topical examples and helpful tips on better test tasking skills.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply to your top schools and make sure to make an impression on the admission committee by visiting them and getting your name out there face-to-face.
Adam –
I bought the “Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set” on Amazon back in 2017. I found the online tools to be extremely helpful and it came with a good amount of CATs as well. Specifically I liked the navigator tool that helped direct you to questions in the official GMAT materials that you needed to study the most. If you have the motivation to study on your own, these materials were great. Of course you need the GMAC books first to properly use these materials, but they were great, especially at the price. I would recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS MBA 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be authentic and use your essay to tell the admissions board what they don't already know about you. Push yourself and don't be afraid to make yourself a little uncomfortable.
M.B. –
The supplement tests were the most helpful!!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS MS/MBA 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Demonstrate your passions in and outside work.
Brian –
Self guided study was great – score increased over 50 points from initial test. Well worth the time and money.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
ASU W.P Carey/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, use the resources the schools provide and actually attend events
Zach –
The materials and classroom experience with Manhattan Prep were a perfect combination for me to achieve my target score on the GMAT. As someone juggling a busy travel schedule and study, the level of accountability and support offered by my instructor made all the difference.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start applications and essay writing early. A school visit can truly help you with finding your "fit".
Audrey Huntington –
Whitney was an excellent instructor. I was on a tight timeline and did one of the accelerated classes. It wasn’t enough time to actually improve my score over the course of the class, it was too condensed and there wasn’t enough time between sessions to practice enough. The materials were good and I bet the regular class would have been better. It was better than I expected an online class to be. My score dropped 10 points after taking th class.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton Executive MBA 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Go to the events! You get actual information about the different schools, and the schools care if you show up or not.
Andres Rodriguez –
Breaking down the prep to separate strategy guides helps to make it manageable and not overwhelming to study.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Florida 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early and make sure to reach out to admissions office with questions early.
Matt S –
The prep materials were comprehensive for what I needed personally. By test day I felt fully confident in achieving a good score on the areas I originally believed myself to be weak in.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
USC Class of 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Achieve high quant scores - be genuine.
Sydnie Klett –
This was a great test prep service. It had been a few years since I had graduated from undergrad and I needed an extensive review of many math and verbal concepts. This program really started at the basics and built upon those ideas. They also teach great strategy techniques that allowed me to get a competitive score and get in to my dream school!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
USC MBA PM Program Class of 2022
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early on!
Dante B –
Very helpful. You have to be committed and disciplined. With this, you won’t be disappointed.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of La Verne MBA for Experienced Professionals.
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early. Stay on top of deadlines. Standout in your essay(s).
Ahsan Mohar –
I used Manhattan Prep for GMAT preparation. I took the only course.
The teachers were qualified and seemed confident in what they were doing. They always welcomed questions and comments and allowed freedom for students to stay engaged. They were also available to answer questions over emails. Overall a great course.
The only negatives I have are that their video quality was not always great so sometimes, it was a little distracting. Also, there were two teachers teaching at once and one of the teachers was not so experienced so he was not as good at teaching as the other teacher.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Full Time MBA at Notre Unversity's Mendoza School - 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Try to apply early and reach their material and watch their videos to find some details of what you really like about the school. Mention those things in your application so the admissions committee knows you did some additional research and have a genuine interest.
Gurpreet –
They are an excellent way to study for the GMAT. The GMAT is an intense exam and they provided very insightful knowledge to help me prep to take the GMAT. The materials they provided were easy to comprehend and follow along. This is important because when you are preparing on your own by putting in the extra hours, it can get trying and tough. Thus, it was nice to be part of a company that prepares their students accurately for this exam. I tried different companies to help me take the GMAT and none of them did as good work as Manhattan Prep. I would recommend them to others and I still do to those who are considering taking the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Woodbury MBA Program, 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure you check the schools accreditation before attending, an advice someone gave me.
H. Yeh –
I used Manhattan Prep when I was preparing for the GMAT. My instructor was terrific, and the self study materials (print and online) were very thorough. Would definitely recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Begin to study for and take the GMAT well in advance of your actual b-school application.
Meera –
I took the Manhattan instructor led course. I learn best in a classroom environment along with a textbook. The course was very effective in the verbal section. The textbook especially went into a structured method of addressing critical reasoning questions. In addition, grammar and other areas was explained in detail by the instructor with a very clear structure.
The math section left a bit to be desired especially in terms of tougher content. That being said, it still helped significantly while doing the test.
The practice exams provided were useful to practice.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of California, Berkeley 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The GMATs are intended as a base level. Target the minimum score you need to get through and focus more on the application essays and reference letters. They help you tell your story to the MBA school.
Roberto De Silva –
I used these books to study for the GMAT. Really helpful on test techniques.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MIT Sloan/2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply in R1 and just be yourself in the application. Visiting campus and networking with current students and the admission officers could give you a real sense of cultural fit that will be helpful when you write your essays.
Arpad von Nemes –
I can highly recommend Manhattan Prep. I enrolled in their online course and it was very effective. The instructors were very good and provided guidance throughout the journey.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the application process early and set yourself clear goals and a timeline.
Reid Whelan –
Manhattan Prep was by far one of the best study tools I have ever used. I took the in-person class, and then used all of the test prep and video courses. The video courses were interactive and provided engaging and interesting material. It improved my score by over 100 and got me into NYU’s MBA Part-time accelerated program.
The teachers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always available for questions outside of class. I would recommend this course for anyone looking to learn how to take the GMAT and improve their score. However to succeed you can’t take the course just by itself, you need to take what you learn and apply it to your own practice outside of the study material.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern Part-time MBA 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Shoot high and don't believe all the hype online about the difficulty of getting into MBA programs. If you set a goal, you can reach it as long as you put in the time and commitment to make it happen.
Jay –
Manhattan Prep was very helpful in learning the rules as well as tips and tricks of the GMAT exam. In my situation, the tips and tricks proved very helpful because I was having trouble with time management. Once I got that down, the exam becomes just knowing the materials, which was not too difficult.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take breaks if you get stuck studying for the GMAT. I took a month off from studying and it helped with the results. Don't overthink the essay questions, it's important to be thoughtful but not overly appeal to admissions. Show why you're different from other candidates.
Randall Goldfarb –
Manhattan Prep undoubtedly helped me on my GMAT journey a few years ago. I took the test during practice and scored a 550. After diving into the prep with Manhattan – My score increased 170 points. The books do an excellent job of breaking down the subject matter and really breaking down the concepts into manageable chunks. That, in conjunction with a three hour a weekend online class, really helped me understand the structure of the questions and how to manage my time during the exam. I took the test only once, breaking the 700 barrier, and helping secure my spot at an M7 in the fall!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Once your stats (GPA / GMAT or GRE) are locked in, start thinking about your story. You need to make sure your journey so far really connects with the place you want to go. For example, if you work in healthcare, it doesnt make sense to say you want to break into entertainment. Have a thru-line - "I spent 4 years as a restaurant manager, i need the MBA to pivot into corporate strategy at a major restaurant chain" would make sense. Also, work on extracurricular activities that are true to who you are - not that sound good in an essay
Rebecca Schwartz –
I did an online course followed by 1×1 tutoring with Manhattan Prep to prepare for the GMAT. I loved the optionality/different models so I could pick what worked best for me. My tutor was very helpful, easily accessible for email/text questions in between sessions and provided homework assignments that were well oriented around the areas that were the most challenging for me. I really needed to improve on math and this helped me focus attention and up my score there. Overall I would highly recommend Manhattan GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get the GMAT out of the way as early as possible to spend more time on applications, which for me took much more time and focus than I anticipated.
Henry Schreiber –
Manhattan Prep was very helpful. I took the class and then used private 1:1 tutoring sessions, both of which I found to be useful in their own way. I thought the online modules were very engaging and that the instructors were very good at breaking down nuanced concepts.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Best to tell your real story vs. the story you think the admissions committee may want to hear.
erica2021 –
I took an in person GMAT class with Manhattan Prep, and my experience was mixed. While I found the structure helpful and I thought the instructor was good, my score on the exam itself, which I took twice, did not improve at all from my diagnostic. I was diligent about keeping up on top of the homework and taking practice exams, but for whatever reason, it just didn’t click.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early. Get testing done during the fall / winter / spring so you can use the summer to refine your essays. Apply Round 1 or 2. Apply to a manageable number of schools at once. Do your research so you are only spending energy on schools you actually want to attend. Apply to a few reach schools and a few where you are more confident about your chances. Have multiple people read your essay drafts. Talk to as many students and alumni from different schools as you can. Always opt for the in person interview. Send thank you e-mails as soon as the interview is over. Be patient. It will work out.
Stephen T Snyder –
Really good instructor however the online materials weren’t as intuitive. However, date was very powerful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Northwestern Kellogg
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Know your own story!
Jasminejen –
Manhattan Prep has great books and the Official Guide were very useful. I did the group course in person but I don’t think it was very helpful. I learned better by diligently working through the books and taking notes.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
My advice would be to start prep early so you aren’t writing applications while studying. If you learn better in person and in a schedule then the Manhattan Prep Group Study will be helpful.
David Huxley-Cohen –
The self-study material is well organized, very thorough, and good for those looking to score above 700. The quant material helps prepare you for the harder GMAT questions, more so than the verbal. The solutions to their problems are also clear and comprehensive. Their practice tests are very useful and accurate in predicting your score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia/2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use this in collaboration with the official GMAT books. Manhattan Prep's online platform is a great tool to use with the official GMAT practice problems to help you analyze your results.
K Curry –
I really enjoyed the in-depth explanation of GMAT strategies. Once I learned and practiced questions using the strategies, I took many practice tests, and my scores increased. I used the same syllabus as the in-person class for structure, but did self-study.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Consistency is key for GMAT studying! It is frustrating, but with time, you can conquer the test!
johnsje3 –
Great prep books and test questions.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you have enough self-discipline to stick to a schedule, this book will prepare you sufficiently for the test.
Superstar1 –
Jerry taught a great class at Manhattan Prep. I loved how patient he was with his students, especially those who were new to a test-taking environment since undergrad. He was always an advocate, long after the test-taking process – even months after when applications were due.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Full Time 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Definitely sign up for the in person classes.
vpt1401 –
The in-person course with ~10 other students was helpful to learn the basics, but is not good for students who are far along their studies. If far along, opt for a private tutor.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg School of Management Class of 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the GMAT a year before you plan to apply in case you need to retake several times.
Michael –
I ended up buying the entire series of Manhattan prep books and used them as the foundation of my GMAT studying experience. The material is great for learning the basics but to get a more accurate representation of what the test would be like I had to rely on other test banks.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Smith 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you're really dedicated to getting the best score that you can, try out multiple sources, services, and/or tutors.
Kate –
I took their in person course and supplemented it with their online content. I went to one individual session with a test consultant and he was not particularly encouraging. Instead, I found an MBA student to help build my weakest areas which worked well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton & 2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Try to identify your weak areas early and invest time in strengthening those
Former Consultant –
I used Manhattan books and online tests and they were the best – the actual GMAT felt so much easier than their test prep and then I just breezed through the test! The advanced quant book was also a good investment to get me to a particularly high score – if you are aiming for above 750 it was worth the spend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford, 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Just be authentic and don't try to fill in a "box" or a "profile" the admissions may be looking for, because then you just become like everyone else!
Sara –
I used the Manhattan Test Prep to prepare for my GMAT test. Very easy to understand and a great preparation tool for non-business major undergraduates to use to apply to their MBA programs. I got into my first choice school on my first GMAT try thanks to this book.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2018/2021
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Have someone you trust look over your application and don't be afraid to pursue an MBA even if you weren't a business major in undergraduate!
George P –
great instructors
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Georgetown University - McDonough School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
start early
bsg5046 –
I used a few different resources when preparing for the GMAT. Manhattan Prep and the Official Guide provided by mba.com were the most useful. I found the solutions in the Official Guide book to be lacking, but the solutions provided by Manhattan Prep really helped me to understand how to solve each problem. The Manhattan Prep guide books also did a great job at teaching me what I needed to know and how to solve all of the different problem types. I admittedly almost gave up on studying for the GMAT because of how poor I was scoring on the practice exams, but Manhattan Prep was able to teach me the fundamentals that I needed to finally start solving some problems correctly.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Delaware/Currently Attending
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply even if you have a low GMAT score, especially if you have 5 years of experience and other aspects of your career/life that make your application strong. When writing your essays, stay true to yourself and do not try to make anything seem like something that it is not. Apply to a lot of different schools! Schools can be so different from one another, even the top ranked programs. If you encounter one or two schools that seem disinterested in you as a potential candidate, keep searching because there could be a lot of schools that feel the complete opposite! I used the rankings and filters on the US News website to research schools and narrow down the ones that fulfilled my needs.
Connor Bergen –
I used both Manhattan GMAT’s online system as well as private tutoring. Having employed other test prep companies, I found Manhattan to be the most comprehensive. Their tiered approach to learning concepts (particularly in the Quant section) made learning and practicing new material straightforward, and their breakdown of common mistakes helped me target my approach as I went to review. I would certainly recommend Manhattan GMAT to anyone seriously trying to study for the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Applying fall 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and do enough prep
LaShawn R. Mellerson –
Manhattan Prep truly fits the quote “don’t judge a book by its cover”. When I began my studying, I was hesitant to use textbooks alone to prepare for my test. Due to financial limitations at the time, I could only afford to use the test materials. However, now that I have completed the test I am proud to say that the materials were amazing. They honestly made me feel like I was working with a personal tutor because the reading was detailed, challenging, and they were able to teach me strategies that truly contributed to my success. I will be honest and say it was difficult not having a tutor with one on one instruction. But, with the textbooks I became stronger in my studying because I didn’t have someone to hold my hand. The books had plenty of readings, strategies, and practice problems so when it was time to take the test; I can honestly say there wasn’t any surprises on the test. I am truly grateful to Manhattan Prep and will definitely recommend them in the future.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Maryland University College (Class of 2020)
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If I can over any advice for someone applying to a MBA program, I would give multiple suggestions. First and foremost, do your research. Similar to your undergraduate degree this is a commitment and you want to make sure you are choosing the school that will best serve you needs. Second, if possible take a preparatory class as well as individualized practice. The standardized test is very difficult and the better your score the greater your chance of better schools and financial aid. Third, allow yourself time for changes. If an application opens in September, I would recommend allowing yourself 2-3 months to get all required materials. Particularly for top schools they have hundreds if not thousands of applications; so the sooner you apply to the better. Finally, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Although you may have a dream to go to one school, apply to back up plan/safety schools just in case. Good luck with your future endeavors.
Hannah –
It was very good for preparing, especially since the subject-based books let you only study what you need to study, rather than requiring that you just follow what they think is best.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale School of Management/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on your weaknesses during the GMAT, but your strengths during the application process. Do not write application essays based on what you think the school wants to hear, but what is true to your story and passions.
Katie –
Manhattan prepared me well for the GMAT. It was particularly difficult which was helpful in the preparation, especially the math section. I’d say the exams were well thought out and the specific stats they provided were also helpful in pinpointing the parts that I needed to bulk up, and referring to the sections that I needed to go over again.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Not to be worried about rewriting essays, or taking a long time to think about what to write. It seems important to differentiate yourself, and something specific to you.
Allie –
I thought it was great to kickstart studying, but the group setting definitely wasn’t the most useful for my learning process. I think they do a great job with providing materials and having smart/thoughtful teachers, but it was probably more expensive than most.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Georgetown MSB
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would say to try both the GMAT and the GRE!
Kenban –
Great class. Super attentive instructor who made it fun. The books were a goldmine of difficult questions to make the exam that much easier
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early! Count on 1-2 people for advice - too many people will give you conflicting opinions and will confuse you.
Ginger –
I just used the Manhattan prep books (didn’t take the class or utilize an admissions consultant), but I found them to be extremely helpful. They walk you through the various sections of the exam and give you a good understanding of how to “beat” the exam in an extremely efficient and effective way. I was able to pinpoint where I needed to spend the most time reviewing early on in the process, which sped everything up significantly. I started studying on weekends/evenings in May, took the exam in July, applied to schools in August, and was on my way! Highly recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Think about the applicant pool and how you can brand / differentiate yourself accordingly. Make sure the various parts of your app contribute to that brand in consistent but nuanced ways.
Sam –
Manhattan GMAT was an amazing resource. The practice is very granular, and I highly recommend. The online portal is easy to use, gives fast feedback, helps you narrow in on what your issues are, and prepares you for the actual test experience. I also used Kaplan, and Manhattan was way better. I highly recommend.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford, 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Know what you're trying to get out of it before you start.
Jake Allen –
Manhattan is a fantastic resource to take your scores to the next level. The Official GMAT prep books are only going to get you so far. Manhattan’s material and the app, which is extremely convenient for studying when you have just a little bit of down time, is going to really help you prepare for the toughest questions on the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
The University of Kansas
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you're serious about achieving a high score, make sure you understand how much time it will take to put in the hours to study and take practice exams.
Chad –
I found Manhattan Prep to be extremely useful. Both the in-person classes and the online resources provided a level of support that is unmatched. Additionally, the opportunity to work one-on-one with coaches multiple times to develop individual study plans was vital to my success.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School/ 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take adequate time to research schools and understand your desires for the MBA experience. Finding the optimal match between the two will help you to be more targeted in your search.
alk –
Going after a graduate degree when you’re in your fifties is tough, so having high-quality resources that don’t waste you time or money can make a big difference. They have several good options and price points, and if you put in the time and effort that you know you should be putting in, you’ll get a lot out of their services.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
LSU
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get your finances in order. Really, seriously in order. If you think adding another $100k to the student loan burden you're already ignoring from undergrad will somehow just work out and be fine, you re setting you and your family up to be broke for a long time. Work, cash flow, chase scholarships, pick a different school, go part-time. Adult.
Laura –
This is a very comprehensive program that will get you extremely well prepared for the GMAT test. The books and other online tools are amazing. It is definitely worth the money. If you have no idea where to start sign up for this program and you will be well on your way to conquer the GMAT. Or even if you have experience with other programs you will see the superiority of this program, do not waste time or money any longer, this program is the one you need.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Duke University/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Go to open house events as early as possible, this will give a great insight on what your life will be like while in school. Talk to other current and prospective students, the admission's department could help you connect to other people. Talk to alumni, these days is very easy to reach out to people over in LinkedIn, you can see their profile and career trajectory after they graduated. Talk to admissions, they will be your number one aid through out the entire application process. While working on your application do not try to do everything all at one, take your time, enjoy it.
Vantrill –
I wish I would have studied the GMAT more before starting this in person prep course. I enjoyed the course instructor and learned immensely from the materials. The prep materials were quite useful and it got me into my #1 school.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start studying for the GMAT early. Don't leave it to the last minute.
Param Randhawa –
Manhattan’s GMAT prep is excellent. I took a classroom course where the instructor went through most of the content in class, working through problems and taking tests throughout. I liked being back in a classroom setting and collaborating with other students to learn the material, and my instructor was thoughtful, humorous and just a great teacher.
My only complaint is that the course doesn’t do a good job of improving the scores of people who already are in a high percentile. I took the GMAT a few times before this course, and landed at a 720. Once you’re at that level, it becomes incredibly hard to improve.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I think the most important part of your application is making sure your story is authentic and connects to what you do in the future in a convincing way. I'm actually a re-applicant, and my biggest mistake was not doing this when I first applied.
Anon –
Our instructor was very good and tried to be as engaging as possible while lecturing. This is probably the best GMAT prep program out there but something of note is that you really need to do the homework as you go along or the material won’t sink in. Also plan on taking the exam shortly after the conclusion of the prep program. If you wait too long, you risk forgetting a lot and losing the true value of the test prep program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be ready and apply round 1. Admissions can be unpredictable so apply to as many schools as you think you can manage
Jadnson –
I took the online Manhattan prep course in 2016 and guarantee I would not have gotten a 730 without that course. My first practice test was a 540 and even after studying I was at 640. The class kept me engaged and gave me the homework and guidance I needed to beat the gmat! The personalized consultation after the course was incredible and the instructors were very engaging. I was concerned about taking an online class and losing interest, but the courses were interactive and I paid attention the whole 3 hours. Great work Manhattan Prep!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
U of M Ross / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The essays matter! Don’t assume that just because you get a good score you will get into a good program. Take the time to think through your essay reaponses and how they make you stand out. Also, have multiple people proof read them. Don’t be shy.
James –
Basic level program where the in-class instruction focused on catering to the average student. Not helpful for students looking to focus on the advanaced problems in each topic. Was helpful having a pacing guide to keep you accountable while studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start your exams early but don't be afraid to retake them if you think you need them. Also, the test is just one piece of your application - do your best but don't stress too much about it.
caseymanning –
I had a fantastic experience with Manhattan Prep. I came in strong in one area and weaker in another, and they helped me excel in both. The test taking strategies themselves were priceless, and my score greatly improved after taking their in-person class.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross School of Business / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the process early!
Chowe –
Manhattan prep was a phenomenal program that helped me build strong skills, grow my confidence, understand how to navigate through the different components of the GMAT, and ultimately improve my score more than 200 points! I was thrilled with my final score of 740! I don’t think I could have gotten into a great B school without it!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck school of business/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do the prep work, it’s 100% worth it! Remember, this is an important investment—in your future self! Good luck :)
David –
Manhattan is one of the very best in GMAT preparatory services – highly recommend!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rice/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start Early. Obtain solid recommendation letters.
Ari –
I used the Manhattan GMAT self-study course. I found the material very easy to follow along and that it actually over-prepared for me the actual exam. I felt very confident going into the exam due to the multiple computer adaptive tests available on the MGMAT website. The format of these practice tests was identical to the real test, so I did not waste any time to have to understand how to use the system. I would strongly recommend MGMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Jones School of Business (Rice University) / Class of 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Allow yourself plenty of time to study for the GMAT so you only have to take it once.
Andres F-A –
This was an amazing service. All the classes / lessons are incredibly well organized and the teachers are knowledgeable and nice. While it’s a stressful process to go through, I appreciated that this curriculum nailed the details and helped me feel relaxed going into the GMAT. I would recommend this to anyone who is prepping for the GMAT and wants to do their very best! Manhattan is amazing!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Think hard about what you want to get from your MBA. If you know that, you'll be made in the shade.
AllThatGlitters –
I used the online Manhattan Self-Service Course which was great since I needed to study anywhere. This does require a lot of self motivation to use since you can go through the lessons at your leisure. That being said, I would build out a schedule and stick to it while also finding a local study group to keep you accountable.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I used the online Manhattan Self-Service Course which was great since I needed to study anywhere. This does require a lot of self motivation to use since you can go through the lessons at your leisure. That being said, I would build out a schedule and stick to it while also finding a local study group to keep you accountable.
Kek323 –
I took the evening course and found it to be very helpful for quant. If you’re looking to brush up on verbal i suggest checking around but if you are really weak in quant this seems to be the best program for it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I took the evening course and found it to be very helpful for quant. If you’re looking to brush up on verbal i suggest checking around but if you are really weak in quant this seems to be the best program for it.
C Park –
Used books (not the prep course). I found the books more helpful than Kaplan. It’s very detailed, so I was able to nail down part of quant that I felt like I needed more help with. I didn’t take the course, because of the cost and I had a baseline idea of where my score was.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Sign up for your test so you have a goal date to aim for
LL –
I’m not naturally a good test-taker, and this course gave me everything I needed to get a decent score! They don’t just address the subject matter; they also offer test-taking tips & tricks to make the most of your “guess-work”, and address all areas of the psychology of test-taking (for example: my instructor even provided a recorded mediation to help combat anxiety). You will be much more sure of your ability to perform at your best after taking this course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Write your essays authentically; avoid writing about what you think admissions wants/needs to hear, and just be yourself!
Katie –
This GMAT prep course was valuable in that it forced me to study and make the most of it. I would take advantage of the one on one prep. The downside to this course is that it has very specific focuses and can be overwhelming to complete.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
When applying to MBA programmes, look to solicit advice from others who have been in your shoes. The GMAT is an incredibly important piece of the puzzle, but it is only one piece. Study hard and get a good score, but at the end of the day, your story is much bigger than just that. By reaching out to alumni, admissions staff or current students, you can get an appropriate gauge for your success.
Paul –
Manhattan Prep (Live course in NYC) was fantastic. The instructors are all incredibly talented, scored in the high 700s, and have a knack for teaching not just the material covered on the GMAT, but more importantly the tricks and strategies needed to effectively tackle the test. From my dry run to test day I increased 100 points and I attribute a great deal of that success to Manhattan Prep. Even after the course was over and I had already sat for an official test, Manhattan Prep provided me with services to help focus and improve on problem areas. The class format is great, the material covered is incredibly helpful, and the instructors are supportive from start to finish. I highly recommend Manhattan Prep as the foundation for GMAT prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
My advice is to start as early in the process, both with regards to GMAT prep and speaking with current students and alumni. Not only will a head start help you down the road, it will give you peace of mind as you deal with the inevitable speedbumps along the way.
Anastasia –
In short, Manhattan Prep was definitely a step up from Kaplan online course (yes, I took both), but I still was not ready to score above 700 upon completion. I did all the exercises in all the books, and attended every lecture, but something was missing. Although I learned a lot of techniques and formulas, there were not enough similar exercises to sharpen my skills. I ended up hiring a tutor, who was able to get me past 700 mark. Looking back at my GMAT experience I see that Manhattan Prep was instrumental in creating a framework for my GMAT skills, but group studies did not provide an opportunity to focus on my personal weaknesses. This is where a personal tutor was instrumental. He identified areas in which I could easily improve, and by hitting those three subjects, I was able to improve my score dramatically. Don’t be afraid to try a different resource if the first one does not work, or does not get you as far as you would like to be. One size does not fit all.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School, 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
1. If Columbia is your first choice, apply in Early Decision round as soon as application opens up. This way you might be done with the whole process by the end of July. 2. Don't leave short answer questions for the last moment. There are a lot! 3. Read about professors and courses offered. These differentiate schools one from another, and provide good points for "Why this school?" questions.
online –
At first, I thought I could study on my own. With work being so hectic, I slowly realized that I needed help getting out of my rut.
I took a Sunday afternoon course and it was much better than expected – my class only had 5 people. The teacher was still able to break us up into different skill levels and make it personable while being online. Also the practice tests were clutch – 5 options, but even when you take them multiple times, you tend to get different questions 40% of the time.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get the GMAT done as quickly as possible and then focus on the meat of your application.
Your cover letter matters a lot more than you realize!
Chris460 –
I took the standard Manhattan GMAT Prep class the summer before taking the GMAT. I was initially hesitant to shell out $1000+ to take a course that consisted of reviewing material available elsewhere. The course’s thematic grouping and logical progression with respect to topics covered on the GMAT justify the expense, and the easy access to top test takers who are more than willing to help you succeed is invaluable. I went up 120 points from my initial diagnostic to my final test score, and attribute much of that to the Manhattan Prep course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on no more than 3 schools per round. Begin your applications well in advance of the deadlines, especially if you are retaking the GMAT ahead of submission. I waited until after getting the GMAT score that I wanted to begin my applications.
tay24 –
I took the GMAT last year using Manhattan Prep and my score went up 80 points in 6 weeks. Manhattan Prep breaks down the material to be digestible. Furthermore, they are very responsive. I would email them with questions and they would always get back to me. I studied on my own for about 3 months and I learned more (and saw more progress) during the 6 weeks with Manhattan Prep than the 3 months prior combined. I recommend it to anyone.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
My application advice for the GMAT is to fit in the time. Have a schedule and dedicate a certain amount of time each day and week. I broke out the different sections of the GMAT and studied 2 hours before work every morning. Prior to doing Manhattan Prep, I studied on my own, as well. In total, it only took 4 months, which is worth the commitment for a top grade.
Liz –
I did a Manhatten Prep review course that was extremely helpful in prepping me for the exam. Re-learning the math and grammar rules, etc, is easy on your own but the course provided me with countless tips and tricks for doing my best on the test that I would not have known otherwise (e.g., strategies for timing questions, getting yourself mentally prepared, etc.) The materials provided for the course were also very thorough and something that I could use to help prep well after the course ended.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The most important thing in the application process is to establish your "story" early and to know it very well. This will make everything else (e.g., writing essays, interviewing) much easier. Talk to coworkers, current MBA students, MBA alumni and those working at the companies you would be interested in post-MBA to help get this story right. Also, do lots of information-gathering through both campus visits and information sessions.
Molly –
I took an in-person class with Manhattan Prep. Not only was the course engaging, but MP has comprehensive online resources and practice tests that made me feel prepared for the actual test day.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start thinking about it as early as possible! Give yourself enough time to study for the GMAT and retake, if needed. Think about your application in a holistic way and make sure that you are presenting a clear, compelling message as to why you are pursuing an MBA.
Claire –
The Manhattan Prep course was a great introduction to the GMAT. The class covered both the quantitative and verbal sections of the test, which was helpful for me because I needed to review both sections. The class also assigns a lot of homework, which is optional but very helpful for students that are willing to put in the time and complete all of the assignments. In order to achieve a top score on the GMAT, most students must continue studying independently after the course is over. That being said, the teachers are always via email for support after students have completed the course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the GMAT as early as possible. It's a huge piece of the application and it's best to get the test out of the way early so you can focus on the other parts of your application.
Kadaicia-Loi Dunkley –
I absolutely recommend Manhattan Prep’s GMAT test prep. My instructor was really great with teaching the class the fundamentals, and preparing us to “beat” the GMAT. When I first began the course, I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to keep up on the quant side, but quickly learned that the majority of the class was nervous about the same thing. Because we all had similar weaknesses, it was very easy for the instructor to focus on what the class really needed help with, versus going over everything in the textbook. I also really enjoyed the one-on-one attention that the instructors provided. Even though the course I took had about 12 students in it, the class was intimate enough that I could ask the instructor for help with problems during breaks. My instructor even brought us in cookies on our last day of class. We struggled together, and grew together, which was an amazing experience.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Begin preparing as soon as you get out of under-grad, if not before. I truly wish I started studying for the GMAT while I was still in College. Having a full-time job and studying for the GMAT is not an easy task at all. If I could do it again, I definitely recommend prepping while you are still in study mode in college.
GJ Chin –
Manhattan had the best resources to prepare for quant challenge questions. They helped me get a good score on the quant section.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
The Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply to as many schools as you have time to. The process is unpredictable and you want to maximize your chances of success.
Alexie –
Manhattan Prep is a great company to use for GMAT prep; a bit pricier than other companies, but worth it. I recommend signing up for the online interactive course – it includes videos that cover the same content as the in-person classes, and they have been vetted and reviewed so you don’t need to worry about teacher quality. You can complete at your own pace, but you have the same syllabus as the in-person classes so you can stay on track. With the money you save from the online class, I highly recommend using it to buy hours with a tutor. This is where I was able to get over my final score hurdles.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do some brainstorming and think about what core messages you want to be sure to include - like if there is something in your personal life to highlight. You can find a way to incorporate this. And start your personal story essay on what you want to do post-MBA early!
RachelNYC –
It was a good introduction to the GMAT and it helped to learn the basic strategies to taking the exam. Since the class is intended for a wider audience there isn’t a lot of personalization to the course for each student’s needs.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the application process early because it takes longer than you initially anticipate.
Logan –
I took the in-person GMAT prep course with Jamie and felt full-prepared for test day. The Manhattan Prep instruction and course materials helped me stay focus and on-track while working full-time. One of the differentiating factors of MP is the personalized of the course. I received personalized feedback from my teacher after completing the MP practice exams and full course. In addition to good course materials, MP puts a good attention on the non-material test taking skills such as relaxing, breathing, and managing time- I believe these skills attributed a great amount to my success on test day. After scoring a 580 on my first practice exam, I scored a 720 on the actual GMAT and received interviews from my top choice MBA programs!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
The Wharton School / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the GMAT prior to the application release dates. Give yourself several weeks to complete your application. Ask someone close to you (friend or family member) and someone unfamiliar with your personality or background (co-worker, etc.) to proofread your essays. Having two parties helps ensure that you are coming off genuine and with clarity.
ArielR –
I took ManhattanPrep’s group class for my GMAT preparation. Overall, the course provided a very solid foundation for the GMAT. The instructor was extremely helpful both in the class setting and individually. The class was intimate enough to ask individual questions while also large enough to feel motivated by and learn from my classmates. I especially appreciated the online resources that ManhattanPrep offers students. In particular, the online practice exams allowed me to create tangible goals and really understand my progress. After studying for a few more months after the course by taking more practice exams, I ended up with a 710 on my GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School/2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the MBA application as early as possible. Create a tangible, achievable study plan for the GMAT. Similarly, construct a schedule for MBA essays for each school you plan on applying to.
dnc –
I began prepping as most do — with books, scratch paper, a calculator and a target score in mind. From the first practice test onward I knew I needed to something different to really improve my score. I was able to raise my score over 100 points and score in the 98% percentile using the techniques I learned in class all while working a demanding job and with a newborn at home. The key is to give yourself time, to be consistent, and to work hard.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton Applicant / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and focus on the things you can control. Think about your recommendations, your essays and your resume as part of an entire package. They are admitting a whole person, so make sure you come across as you intend in your application.
Jessica Adnson –
I decided to sign up for a GMAT prep course after speaking with a few friends who tried studying on their own and did not get the score they wanted after two attempts. After taking a course, they beat their desired score on the first try. I picked Manhattan Prep after doing a trial online class. I was concerned about doing it online because I thought it would be easy to zone out, but the instructors make it very collaborative and engaging. My starting score (before the class) was 580 and my goal was 680-700. After a lot of work, I got it up to 640. After the course I had a post-class consultation where they reviewed my stats. This really helped me tune in to my verbal skills when I thought that math was really my weakness. When I finally took the test, I ended up with a 730! The course completely set me up for success.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan Ross School of Business / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself several weeks to write and edit your essays. It is good to just get something on paper and come back to it later to refine. Don't procrastinate!
kek323 –
I took the weekly prep course on Wednesday evenings and definitely found the quant portion to be of excellent (fairly quick) speed to give a comprehensive overview. The verbal was a good refresher, but found the essay prep to be of little use. You already have these skills going through the school system, so focus your effort on the quant/verbal and do the homework!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross, 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Manhattan Prep is great for quant, but if you're already a native speaker you may need to seek additional verbal assistance to get you to the higher level.
Ashrene –
Manhattan GMAT helped a lot with structuring my thinking and giving me useful tips/tricks for the test. It broke the test down into manageable parts and helped me organize my studying. My instructor was extremely intelligent and always willing to help.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan Ross / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Budget your time accordingly so you aren't rushed doing essays, applications, and informational interviews.
MI6 –
Manhattan GMAT was a great preparation course for the GMAT. I looked at a number of other providers, but after speaking with a handful of friends, Manhattan GMAT seemed to be the consensus for provider, given the goals I had for my score. I’d recommend this course to anyone prepping!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Chicago Booth School of Business/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the whole process early. Give yourself time for setbacks, delays, and more diligence on the schools. You'll be spending the next two years of your life at one of the schools you're applying to, so you might as well make an informed decision.
Arianna2018 –
I enjoyed Manhattan GMAT! It offers a variety of ways to absorb the content so you can never get bored or run out of practice problems or flash cards. I attended the in-person class because I need something like homework to hold me accountable and prefer a live person to go over problems with when I’m stuck. As with anything, you get out what you put in, so don’t cheat yourself out of time and money by falling behind or by not paying attention.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Pepperdine University/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be organized! Make a MBA calendar of when you plan to collect all required documents, references, test scores and essays and stick to it! In fact, give yourself some cushion or emergency time before deadlines in case you absolutely need it. As far as essay prompts go, interview 3-5 people that know you the best around the prompts. This will help you to articulate your strengths, especially the ones that may seem innate to you, clearly and convincingly on your essays!
lplp –
I took the online class with Manhattan GMAT Prep. The books are very thorough and a great learning experience. However, the class doesn’t create enough depth that it can be applied well to the GMAT. Essentially, if the same time was taken without the class to prepare, a similar score could have been reached. I would recommend the books they create, but not the online class, especially at $1300.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Indiana University / In-Progress
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early. Re-read your essays over the course of weeks until you feel they reflect your message.
Charles Schellhorn –
After taking the GMAT for the first time, I was disappointed with my score. I felt like I had exhausted all the free resources to do well, and to get into my top B-school choice, I knew I needed help to improve my score by atleast 70 points.
I was directed to Manhattan GMAT by a friend who took their intensive course. I was serving in the Navy, and so I looked at their online courses. They classes were self-paced, interactive, and offered a 10% military discount. I was pleased with the prep.
A few months later, I took the GMAT for the second time, and I was overjoyed to increase my score by 100 points.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard Business School / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Stay organized with timelines, and don't wait until the last minute to take the GMAT, realize you should've studied more, and have to postpone your B-school applications until you get a good score.
Ronika –
I took the Manhattan Prep Online Course and the program was very helpful. The course content was interactive and allowed me to work at my own pace. I was able to strengthen areas where I needed support and casually review areas I felt strong in. i highly recommend this course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Foster's EMBA
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
My advice for your MBA Application is to reveal your character via essays and recommendations. Often we get trapped into getting in and it masks who you are and why you should be selected. Take time to figure out why and draft responses accordingly. Choose colleagues/peers that can reveal different characteristics about yourself that you may not be able to convey clearly in your essays. This will highlight other traits and set the bar for acceptance.
LV –
I highly recommend Manhattan Prep for studying for the GMAT. This is an incredible course for many reasons – great instructors, great content, great pacing. I found the time in the classroom invaluable and the homework realistic to keep me on track. It was especially helpful to learn tips and tricks for speeding up my pacing on the exam and knowing when to guess and move on. I would recommend the in person class. I took a course that met weekly with the same instructor. Super fun to get to know classmates in a similar situation as well. Thank you Manhattan Prep!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck School of Business/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be true to yourself! This is a great process to take time to reflect.
MP2017 –
Personally, Manhattan GMAT is probably one of the best companies out there. Tons of resources online as well as stellar teachers. If I could provide any advice – I would say please review the books for a month or so before attending the course. At Manhattan GMAT, they don’t teach you the fundamentals but the short-cuts on how to get your answer. If you lack a solid foundation, you will struggle.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Babson - 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I can't provide much information here but I would simply suggest crushing your GMAT and providing 3 recommendation letters rather than the standard two.
EL_LA –
I took the Manhattan Prep online course to e refresh on concepts I haven’t touched since High School. It was really helpful. The online program allowed me to work at my own pace and review the areas where I was weaker. It also allowed me to skip the areas where I was already strong, saving me a lot of time. The practice questions were really helpful. My score improved drastically.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself a lot of time to prepare your applications. Take the time to meet with alumni and staff. And, definitely, invest in getting to know the schools and the programs you will be applying to before even starting your application. It'll give you more focus when you start the application process.
Baosterrs –
I took Manhattan gmat’s in-person prep course and while it was expensive, it was well worth every penny. I’m not the most effective at self-studying and the in person instruction quickly broke down difficult concepts and made them easy to understand. The workbooks and extensive online study materials (i.e., practice exams, exercise question trackers, etc.) were great supplements to the studying process. The practice exams were very similar to the actual gmat and being able to track all the drill question/answers online can help identify strengths/weaknesses and where to focus your studies. You have access to the online materials for a year after you sign up for the class, which comes in handy if you need to retake the test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Anderson / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Even though you might not feel ready, schedule your exam for right after the class ends. Things will still feel free in your brain and you can always retake the exam shortly after.
kallie –
Working with Manhattan is simply the way to go if you are looking for top scores. Making the investment is well worth it, and paid huge dividends for both myself and others who used their services. Taking the time to prep with Manhattan makes the GMAT portion of the application a solid foundation from which to start.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
university of chicago booth school of business / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
BUDGET MORE TIME THAN EXPECTED, AND WORK ON YOUR STORY
evi –
Manhattan prep was basically the only resource I used. It was comprehensive and rigorous! The books in themselves are more than sufficient to get you scoring a superb score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rotman/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
remember to do your research for every step. Research what learning methods work for you when prepping for your gmat research your schools, their focus areas research the location of the school research potential career paths research everything possible and you'll do great
BTKell –
Was great to have in person meetings; kept me on track. however, I wish you pre-tested into your class so that you were with students at your level. Great online resources to track your progress. The individualized study plan from my instructor was a game changer.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
KELLOGG/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
i scored a lot higher when sitting for the test (700+ score) than i did in my practice exams (was scoring in 600 range). i am the type of person that has trouble focusing when i know something doesn't count.. therefore, i focused more on mini drills and perfecting my areas of weakness. trust yourself to assess what study plan will work best for you.
ESs –
I studied from the books and did the practice tests online. They were a great resource because it covered all the topics and types of questions in great depth so that I could focus on my weaknesses and dedicate more time to work on them. The practice tests were quite challenging and helped me get a feel for the real GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rotman/2017
DS –
The online practice tests are very similar to the gmat exam and since you can track your performance with each test, its easier to identify areas to focus on and areas to hone. The sentence correction material in particular stood out. for non-native speakers, the content and exercises provide a background and structure on how to approach sentence correction problems.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rotman/2018
Nav –
I must admit that Avi is a fantastic teacher. I found his classes incredibly helpful in creating a holistic approach to gmat prep. He helped me structure a study schedule that worked around my job . Avi is a gmat expert but he is able to relate to first time writers and empathize with their limitations. I recommend his course to anyone looking to excel on gmat!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rotman mba 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
researching mba programs and their admission requirements is intimidating, but do not let this discourage you from applying to the program that fits your ideals. an mba is a serious commitment and you want to ensure you are in a school that helps faciliate a journey towards your ideal career or industry.
Sanaban505 –
I used the books from Manhattan prep overview for the gmat test. I found the books very useful as they provided an overview of the concepts and then had examples and exercise tests.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
rotman/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Think about what you want to get from your mba program
mk –
I did the online practice tests, which were very good simulation of the actual test. Practicing those gave me a sense of what to expect in the real test scenario and prepare for the time pressure that is built during the test. Manhattan Practice Tests were a great way for me to prepare. I would encourage others to do them before giving the actual tests. You can see the correct answers and solutions to understand where you made mistakes. It is a great learning and practising tool. And the tests results are very close to the actual score in my case.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
rotman 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
start early and practice the online tests to simulate the actual test environment
Samanthax –
I took the in person classes in nyc spring 2016. if you want to score >700, take the more challenging courses and do the advanced exercises, because i found the class somewhat basic. take advantage of the online videos, simulated gmat test experiences in their office, and online seminars.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
chicago booth / 2019
MI –
Manhattan complete course is available on-line or in person and is a very comprehensive GMAT prep course. The program includes in-class instruction, home work assignments, fantastic test prep materials and online information web site portal. Private tutors are also available so depending on how much assistance you feel you need to obtain the score you are targeting. Individuals who become a Manhattan instructor must go through rigorous hiring process and extensive on-the-job training before they’re allowed to teach any classes. They also have at least 2 years of teaching experience a factor often overlooked when choosing a GMAT prep course. Free classes and networking events are offered not all GMAT prep providers provide similar services. The website provides a special section dedicated to providing students with free study tools like flash cards, and information about the format of the exam and how to study for it. Compared with other test prep providers hourly tutoring rates are relatively expensive. Like many other programs this one does not offer any guarantees your score will improve after studying the course materials. See the website for latest, pricing general information and calendar of key dates.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get started on your application package early in the process and be crystal clear about you goals and also your story. That way you will be sure to seek out programs that offer what you are looking for but also a compelling reason for the admissions board to select you over other qualified candidates because of your fit with that class of students. Study for the GMAt and any courses that boost your academic record. Meet with your prospective recommendations early in the process so that you are sure you will have the support you need. Admission success doesn't just happen you create it through hard work.
BM –
Manhattan Prep was amazing. The books cover every topic possible. It was easy to choose what I wanted to work on since the books are divided into manageable topics and subsections. In addition, Manhattan prep does a fantastic job of explaining what types of questions you will see in each of the sections and gives you strategies on how to answer them accurately and efficiently. Much of the GMAT is about learning how to answer questions quickly, and the Manhattan prep books provide a great framework for getting good at working quickly. After going through the books and practice work, I felt very prepared for the real thing.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
wHARTON / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
be authentic. construct a coherent story of where you've been, why you've chosen to do the things you have, and why you need to go to business school.
Hbr2018 –
I found the preparation materials and the guidance from Stacey Koprince, one of their best teachers, incredibly useful. They focus on learning how to take advantage of your relative strengths and prevent your weaknesses from hurting you too badly on the exam. I found their digital platform was also a great resource for practice exams and for drilling on specific topics. On the whole I would highly recommend Manhattan as the place to go for gmat prep
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard 2018
ts –
The quant guides did an excellent job of refreshing the concepts and providing strategies to quickly move through the questions. highly recommend working through the 5 guides first. if comfortable with that material, working through the advanced quant book can greatly improve your recognition of different test questions and your ability to move through them far quicker. questions were harder than the exam and my manhattan gmat practice test scores were far lower than my actual test score, which i consider to mean it prepped me extremely well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Haas2018
LT4L –
Course was extremely helpful – in particular to help structure the studying process and make sure I was focused on what really mattered. I appreciated the extra study resources and the ability to practice as much as I needed to in any area.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
wharton 2018
eG –
I decided to purchase the Gmat Interact on-demand prep course by Manhattan gmat and it was one of the best deicsions i ever made. I found the practice exams to actually be harder than the real gmat which was great, and the interactive courses helped me focus on my weak areas. Worth the investment.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UniVersity of michigan ross school of business / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Treat your apPlication prep with the same Level of attention, persIstAnce, and preparation as youR gmat Exam prep itself. A well developed application is in some ways more IMPORTANT than the gmat Score itself and can Even serve as an offset to a score that may be in the lower range oF your target schoOl.
hijdn –
Manhattan gmat was excellent! it goes very in-depth and explains all the concepts very well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
apply early and spend a lot of time for essays and interviews.
AK –
I picked Manhattan Prep after checking out many different prep materials and also hearing great reviews about it. I am really glad I did because the prep was intensive and allowed me to score 700+ on the GMAT. Also, the practice exams tend to be more difficult than the actual exams so I was very pleased to see that I did better when I took the ‘real’ GMAT. I struggled with time on the quant section so I bought supplementary quant flashcards, which included easier problems that allowed me to focus on time management. This helped me significantly in learning how to effectively manage my time on the harder GMAT quant problems.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross / 2019
LJ –
The video courses were incredibly helpful since I could study at my own pace and time. as a consultant who also moved cities while studying, it was great to be able to follow a syllabus and have courses ready when I could fit them in. I will say, an in person class is better for those who need the discipline and I missed being able to ask questions live. The detailed answers and study guides helped me hone skills, but asking clarifying questions would have put the course over the edge.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross/2019
LK –
Set up to be a logical progression, by grouping together categories and presenting them in a very accessible fashion. Through the advice, and roadmap section, was able to clearly develop a study plan and timeline to both take, and succeed, in taking the test. Additionally, I regularly found that the cat tests offered were more difficult than the typical test questions offered, and therefore felt much more comfortable on test day. Lastly, I would say that the study guide, in addition to the detailed solutions for each question set, enabled me to strengthen my proficiency in self-identified relatively weak areas.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross/2019
Colin McNally –
I used one of the GRE prep books, but I assume it holds true. Good content and examples, it definitely helped to get a feel for the overall strategy of the writing portion. I only took 1 full practice test, but it gave me a good idea of what I needed to fine-tune at the last minute.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan Ross / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Prep early, but don't spend too much time on test prep. Getting a solid app in early is more important than 1 or 2 percentile points on a standardized test.
AG –
Manhattan Prep was extremely helpful in preparing me for the GMAT. The weekly courses and access to individual help is what led to my increase in score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan/2019
JON –
Very thorough – great strategies and great practice test analysis
MBA Program & Grad Year:
rOSS/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
USE THIS SERVICE - I IMPROVED BY 90 POINTS
Daniel j –
I would recommend the classroom Delivery method of This course to help prepare for the gmat. Having an instructor helped Keep me on track and complete all the modules, questions and practice tests during the course term. If you are motivated on your own to do the self study, then you probably don’t need in the classroom instruction. But if you are working and trying to study for the exam, then you may find the classroom useful as i did.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross school of business class of 2018
Kek323 –
Manhattan prep is an excellent course and has excEllent resources in the quantitative area. Minimal time is spent on integrated reasoning and The essay pOrtion in classes but the books outline everything You need to know. I will say that if you are not a nAtive english speaker you may need additional assistance or work in the qualitative portions as even i stRuggled at first and english is my native language. I sought help elsewhere and was able to raise my score in the Sentence coRrection and critical reasoning to receive a much higher score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
RoSs school of business/2019
Jessica Adnson –
When I first took a gmat practice test I got a 580. I knew I had a lot of work ahead of me to get my goal score of 680-700. I took the online manhattan prep class and it was amazing. I loved the group interaction and the fact that it kept me on top of my homework. The instructors were amazing at explaining complex concepts and the books helped me understand how to approach the test. After a few weeks I took a practice test and got a 640. Once the classes were over I was set up with an individual session with someone to coach me on my opportunities. That made all the difference! I ended up getting a 730 on the official GMAT on my first try. I give most of the credit to manmattan prep (and a little to myself for sticking with it).
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University Of michigan / 2019
daniel –
As an older student, returning to academia after a 19 year absence, where I wasn’t the most engaged student as a young man, to say that I was rusty would have been a significant understatement. Though the EMBA program that I chose did not necessarily require the GMAT, they encouraged it for students who, in their words, “believe [their] academic records do not accurately reflect [their] current knowledge of quantitative methods.” Manhattan Prep was absolutely crucial not only to taking the GMAT, but to relaunching my academic pursuits. The online live courses were a fantastic way to reintroduce me to the classroom. The weekly class was highly interactive. At any moment, I could be called upon to answer a question or explain a concept. I quickly learned that I needed to be engaged, focused, and come to class prepared. The homework was voluminous, in a great way. As I mastered each concept, my confidence increased. With each week, I felt more ready for the GMAT and more ready for an MBA program. The instructors were enthusiastic, knowledgable, and great encouragers. Manhattan Prep’s live online courses include the physical books, e-books, practice exams, and access to all of their recorded online content. That’s a tremendous value. At the conclusion of the course, I chose to start all the way over at the beginning with the recorded online material to reinforce what I learned in the live course. If you have the time to do that, I highly recommend it. The material is very high quality, and very engaging. It solidified my learnings and allowed me to go at my own pace when I got hung up. The impact was clear. The score of my initial practice exam was abysmal. I saw progressive improvement with each practice exam. The actual exam was very consistent with what I had learned and practiced. I felt confident and prepared during the test. I walked out with a good score, but almost more importantly, I felt prepared to continue my academic pursuits beyond the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MIT Sloan 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I began considering an MBA just before round 3 deadlines. I chose to take a year to learn about the GMAT and preparation options, to talk to schools, and to get a solid idea of my goals. I am very glad that I did that. I feel that the time I took to prepare is reflected in a great GMAT score and admissions essays that I am proud to submit. I feel committed to my education and have little fear of failure. Take the time to assess your goals and prepare the very best application.
Fi –
The course was great for helping keep me focused and on track for my gmat exam. Most value comes from practicing questions, but having a teacher and schedule kept me accountable. I took the test once and scored 760.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford Graduate School of business / 2015
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
your application is so much more than a gmat score. give yourself plenty of time for the essays (get started several months before your due date and iterate!). It's a great time for introspection and reflection - don't rob yourself of the gift!
dave –
i tried a couple different test prep platforms and thought manhattan prep was the best in terms of the rigor of the questions. in general, i thought the questions were harder than the actual test and forced me to really understand the underlying concepts for the test. highly recommend manhattan prep. The question banks and practice tests increased my score by 100 points.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
stanford / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
regarding the essay, i would recommend really focusing on telling a great story that succinctly ENCAPSULATES an event that shaped a very core part of your worldview and perspective.
Mitchel robertson –
I highly recommend to use this prep course with an instructor, wither virtual or in person. I attempted to use their study material and do it alone, but scored low and retook after taking their online course. My score jumped over 100 points on my second attempt. Thank you manhattan.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
rice university/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
320 Jackson Hill St Apt 322
Katherine –
I really enjoyed Manhattan Prep, thought it was the best course I could have taken to prepare for the GMAT given my busy work schedule. I found the questions to be especially challenging and though often felt discouraged after taking the CAT practice tests, I realized that without Manhattan I woudln’t have been nearly as prepared for the actual GMAT on which I scored in the 99th percentile on my first try. My advice would be to take it slow and do all the practice problems that you can timed, as timing is key.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
hbs / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I applied rather late in the game which meant that I had to squeeze in my self reflection in a couple of days. If you're thinking about business school it's worth starting to brainstorm and review your current experiences earlier rather than later so you can come up with a genuine story to express.
Nikki –
I enjoyed the course and learned a lot about the test format. Some times the format seemed confusing, they would jump from quant to verbal within the same class. I think it would have been better if they did one class for ie. Problem solving Quant questions and then another for sentence correction. With jumping around, I don’t think we learned as effectively. Overall, however, I like the instructors and class and did learn a lot and was able to bring up my score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson / 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I am so happy i applied early, because it gives you the option to work with admissions in case you get waitlisted and are able to do some extra work such as extra essay, retake gmat, or take a pre-mba course.
George –
I was very satisfied with the preparation I received from Manhattan Review. My tutor was polite, professional, and engaging. He gave me tips and advice that were tailored specifically for me and that I found very useful. I went from scoring in the mid 600s on practice tests to scoring a 710 with a 6 on the essay when I sat for the test. I attribute my success largely to the prep I received from manhattan review. I tried to do self-study for the GRE and I was not nearly as effective. Whatever your level of preparation and understanding of the test materials, you can benefit from additional training from manhattan review.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton Business School 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
i did not hire an admissions counselor. instead, i had a select group of people that i trust (my "board of advisors") read my essays and give me recommendations on how to polish them. a good strategy is to give your confidantes the essay, then ask them two questions: 1) what do you think the essay prompt was? and 2) does this sound like me? other than that, don't pad your resume, don't try to game the system. just be natural and be at your best.
Sidney –
Manahattan Prep was great at keeping me on track during a set two month study period. It ensured I went over all of the material on the test at least once and allowed me to focus on my strength areas. The online software that came with the class was very helpful at explaining Official Guide questions better than the book.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
university of california los angeles / 2020
SFBerkeLey-2019 –
The manhattan online gmat prep was a life saver. I self studied the manhattan books for the first time I took the gmat, but the score I got was not within the 80 percentile of the schools I wanted to apply to! The Manhattan online course provided me the correct structure to follow and great interactive videos. This class helped me increase 90 points in total score. I wish I would have invested upfront and taken the manhattan gmat prep course for my first time around.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY - HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If possible, take the gmat at least A year before applying or at least eArly enough that you are not rushing the essays. I received this advise but ended up re-taking the gmat in Nov, right before r2 applications were due. AlwaYs better to allow yourself Time to reflect and craft great essays without the streSs Of the gmat.
erABB1003 –
I REALLY DID NOT LIKE MANHATTAN PREP. I TOOK A GROUP CLASS BUT PROBABLY SHOULD HAVE INVESTED IN SOME INDIVIDUAL PREP INSTEAD. I DID NOT LIKE THE TEACHER – JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE DOES SUPER WELL ON THE GMAT DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE NECESSARILY THE BEST PERSON TO EXPLAIN THE INFORMATION/ANSWERS/HOW TO REALLY DO WELL ON THE TEST. I did appreciate the online resources that were available to me after the class. I reused a lot of their practice questions and found that they were helpful. Perhaps I just had an unlucky experience with my teacher but I really would not recommend Manhattan Prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UVA Darden/2018
NYC_Wharton_2020 –
Manhattan Prep was great. Helped me get my score UP from 680 to 760. The practice tests was where most of the value was at for me. The books were good in that it helped keep me on track studying and kept me thinking about the topics but I think there is room for improvement in these books. I can’t quite explain what it’s lacking but it often felt a little brief in some places and UNNECESSARILY long in others (still a 4/5 though). I also didn’t do the live classes, but I was diligent about reading and note taking on the weekends so I think you can get by without it.
Everyone says this (and it is true) but the prep tests online seemed to be significantly more difficult than the GMAT prep tests or the actual exam. Especially the quant section.
I can’t compare them to other vendors but overall they got the job done.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2020
Mitchel –
I bought Manhattan’s self-study or “Interact” back in 2014 while working in Paris, France. Needless to say it was hard to find the time to make myself sit down and study. I read all the material and worked all the assigned problems in the curriculum but my practice test scores were consistently low. Without instruction I could not crack to test with self-study alone. In 2016 I decided to revisit the GMAT, but this time I would get proper instruction to fill in the gaps I had missed two years prior. I ended up purchasing a new set of study material and the virtual class instruction. This virtual class gave me the flexibility to log in from any location without having to drive to a specific classroom location. The virtual class felt like an in-person class. The instructor was skyped in the top left corner of the screen, there were buttons to raise hand and speak as well as a chat window. With this added instruction I was able to bump my score by 120 points! I attribute this to the more structured study plan, someone to answer questions, tips on time management, and in-depth explanation test strategies. Overall I was thrilled with my results from Manhattan Prep’s Live Online GMAT Course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rice University / 2018
cerinejoy –
I took Manhattan GMAT’s live online class in November 2013 and found it instrumental to my achieving a 99% percentile score on my first try. The methods and skills taught by Manhattan, along with the personalized teaching offered by my instructors to make sure that I nailed the methods, would have been very difficult for me to attain through self-study. “Paying up” for the live course (a bit cheaper if you do it online rather than in-person) was a huge benefit to me since it kept me on schedule with studying and allowed me to get my gmat taken care of in a couple short months. Personally, I prefer the online live course over in-person because you can take class in your pajamas. Would highly recommend and typically do recommend to my friends applying to b-school.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
columbia business school / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
kNOW YOURSELF AND BE AUTHENTIC IN YOUR APPLICATION. sTRIVE TO ACHIEVE A PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH AT LEAST ONE PERSON AT EACH SCHOOL YOU APPLY TO.
ALEX –
(apologies for the caps) Manhattan gmat was really helpful for getting me organized and achieving a 720+ score on test day. It was important for me to feel confident that I was both doing enough and, conversely, not obsessing. having a weekly schedule with lessons and assignments made a big difference. The MBA process can also feel a bit lonely – everyone has their own timeline – and it was helpful being in a classroom and being with our people pursuing the same goals.
The teachers are great. (I took the course twice, once seriously, once not – both teachers were great.) The material is great. However, I would say that if you are an autodidact and not concerned with meeting other people who plan on applying to business school, you can teach yourself. The Manhattan GMat practice tests are also much harder than the real thing, which can be DISCONCERTING before you take the mgmat practice tests.
Overall – if you’re going to take a GMAT course – this one is probably the best, and well worth the investment.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
cOLUMBIA uNIVERSITY/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take things one step at a time. the gmat, recommendations, resume, and essays are separate. You want to feel good about all of them when you apply, but that doesn't have to/can't happen til the very end.
michaels –
thoroughly enjoyed using these preparation materials. However, the content was not geared well towards students looking to score over 750 on their GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
GSB/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
apply in round 1 and make sure that everything in your application points to you needing to an mba right now (and especially at the particular school you are applying to).
Jenniferg –
I have taken several prep courses since high school (SAT/GMAT/GRE). I have also used several online tutors. The GMAT prep class that I took was with Manhattan Prep, specifically with Jonathan Schneider in NYC during the summer of 2015. I had done a lot of research before selecting Manhattan Prep. I read tons of reviews online, looked at different curriculums, locations, teachers, etc. I found the most positive reviews with Manhattan Prep. Within Manhattan Prep, Jonathan was one of the teachers with the most recommendations. Manhattan Prep provided a very comprehensive syllabus as well as all the books on every topic imaginable on the GMAT. Jonathan was very patient, caring, and smart. Even though the class was about 20 people, Jonathan made every effort to focus on individuals and make sure that each of us was succeeding. I believe that attending an in-person class at manhattan prep helped me much more than i expected and i am very happy to have taken the class. i would recommend manhattan prep for anyone that wants to take the gmat.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
yale school of management
lypna –
I took the manhattan prep interactive gmat course, and also met with a gmat tutor 2x a week. i managed to get my score up to 700+, which would’ve been difficult to do without the practice and guidance that the course provided. the tutor was not nearly as helpful but kept me on track, which was good. the course was well organized, and i loved how the course adapted to your understanding of the topics. i truly felt like i was making progress! It is expensive but by paying the money, you force yourself to work hard and dedicate regular time to studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS / 2019
Ehsan Abbaszadeh –
I took Manhattan Prep’s GMAT courses last year. The syllabus was very well designed and the instructor, Jonathan Schneider, was extremely skilled and up-to-date on the latest GMAT trends/topics/question types. Coming from Engineering background, my biggest weakness was in Verbal section, for which the combination of Manhattan’s textbooks and CAT exams and Jonathan’s instructions were extremely helpful. From information on the algorithm that Official GMAT uses to calculate the score, to common mistakes that people make in different question types, to smallest details on how to physically and mentally prepare for the exam, you can ask or email Jonathan whatever you want and he’s always there to answer with tremendous resourcefulness and patience, even far after you’re done with classes. Two month after I finished my classes I got 710 in my first official GMAT try. I build upon the solid verbal foundation that Jonathan and Manhattan’s classes had created in me to study more, and eventually in my third try I got 760 (99th percentile) with a verbal score of 44 (98th) percentile. I highly recommend Manhattan and especially Jonathan’s classes to whoever is shooting for a 700+ score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
its never too early to start THINKING about your essay STORY LINE and narrative. start as early as you're done with your gmat.
Chris –
i CHOSE TO ENROLL IN THE mANHATTAN pREP iNTERACTIVE cLASS EARLIER THIS YEAR BECAUSE MY RESEARCH INDICATED THAT IT WAS THE BEST ON-DEMAND CLASS AVAILABLE. wORKING AS A TRAVELING CONSULTANT, i NEEDED A COURSE THAT WOULD FIT MY SCHEDULE AND THIS ONE WAS PERFECT. i INITIALLY SCORED A 640 ON THEIR ASSESSMENT GMAT AND ENDED WITH A 710 ON THEIR 6TH GMAT practice exam. i TOOK THE ACTUAL gmat two WEEKs LATER AND SCORED A 740! when you’re taking their practice exams you should be aware that they are likely much harder then the actual exam. i feel like i was able to score 740 on my first exam for 3 reasons. First off, the office hours with the interactive course were the perfect amount of time for one of their trained instructors to help me create a study plan. Second, manhattan prep’s questions are much harder than the actual exam, so i was able to finish the quant section 25 minutes early and the verbal section 10 minutes early with no mental fatigue (which I had never done before). Lastly, the ability to go back and rewatch lessons for topics i was struggling on was crucial for me.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Fuqua School of Business / 2019
YL –
(SOMEHOW I CAN ONLY TYPE CAPITAL LETTERS HERE) MANHATTAN PREP WAS ONE OF MY TOP CHOICES WHEN PREPARING FOR GMAT MYSELF. I ESPECIALLY LIKE THE SENTENCE correction strategy guide which provides a systematic introduction of gmat grammar to non-english natives in a easy to understand way. It definitely helped me understand the gmat/english way of grammar significantly.
I also like the set of 6 online CAT exams that comes with the purchase of any manhattan guide. Although the difficulty level of its quantitative part of exams is higher than the actual test, it provides a good practice to perform under pressure.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
columbia
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
campus visit is definitely one of the best ways for applicants to find out which schools are right for them individually. go early before you start the application process if you can. it will make your application more focused and productive.
KMD –
This class is helpful for learning gmat test strategies and for for those who have trouble staying motivated to study on their own. m instructor was straight-forward and helpful. be advised you probably still want to take 4-6 weeks after the class for further review and prep. also make use of the resources on the website once you pay for the in-person class.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Undecided/2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
the test seems to be the biggest obstacle people face in applying. get that out of the way as early as possible and then spend quality time focusing on school research, outreach, essays, etc.
Vick –
I have tried several GMAT and gre prep services before, both live online and classroom full preparation courses. I have found the most effective Manhattan Prep’s interact gmat course: you can go at your own pace and the difficulty of the questions adapt to your understanding of the topic. Even though it is not a live course i found it much more interactive than a live one. the main problem with the live courses is that there are 30+ people in the room or chat room and the pace of the course adapts to the average, therefore you may spend hours on a topic that you are an expert of. you can avoid it by taking manhattan’s interact course, and even save up up to 600 USD! I highly recommend it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2019
chewieboba –
I took the GMAT class with Ryan Jacobs two years ago in SF. He’s not only patient but truly cared about each one of the student’s success. In the last few months, I’ve picked up the GMATs again and even though he was no longer my instructor, he still took the time to review all of my questions via email and provided guidance on how to re-study even after 2 years. I would highly recommend manhattan gmat to anyone who is looking to start on the tedious gmat journey. By Fall, I am going to be enrolling at wharton and there’s no way i could have done it without manhattan gmat prep. it’s a little pricey but it’s worth the price for those who are professionals that don’t have the time to study or set a schedule.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Pennsylvania
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
it might seem like you need to do everything all at once but focus on one section at one time - gmats first, visiting the schools second/talking to current students (only a few), applying last and if you're lucky to get an invitation (talk to as many alumni/current students as you can so you can talk about it during the interview)
SamB –
I subscribed to Manhattan interact GMAT class. I scored a 640 with my first gmat attempt, after taking the manhattan prep course my score went up to 690. the program is very well designed, the books that come with the program are top notch and the instructor videos were easy to follow and were very engaging. What i particularly liked was the GMAT navigator which allowed you to answer questions from the official Gmat guide and would provide you with manhattan prep developed answer explanations which advised you of the best method or methods to approach a problem, and not the algebraic solution as the official guide would do. the charting of your progress through the gmat navigator allowed you to pin point your week areas so that you can address
MBA Program & Grad Year:
New york univesrity 2020
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Come up with the story of your life and identify the things that make you a unique and special candidate.
skc2019 –
the best part about the course was the books. They are some of the best. I had some books from other places and repeatedly just went back to my Manhattan prep books. they are great refreshers and skill builders. between the course and books. i didn’t go through all the books. there were concepts I don’t like so I ignored (e.G. geometry).
2nd best thing was the online practice tracking. people make a lot of these problem trackers in excel to see weakness and timing issues and from what I could tell my classmates didn’t really take advantage of the system they already have, but I used it from day one and it eliminated a lot of extra tracking I could have to do. it automatically made graphs of topics I would miss more than a certain % of the time or problems I took too long do to. you could do you practice on paper timing yourself in problem sets then put that data into the system and let it show you where you need to practice more and direct you to other problems on that topic.
I found the in class course to be ok, but that was mostly because it required me to focus on just a gmat concept. we did more “group” activities than I would have like. I like group activities, but since I take the gmat alone I would have rather just practiced problems and gone over solutions more. no one in my groups ever had some amazing insights to helping me. However, my teacher did ask for feedback 1/2 way through the class. I’m not sure I saw a difference based on feedback, but I guess it’s nice to ask.
I only did the Manhattan prep course, self study 2 weeks post class, then took the test (Manhattan prep recommends a month of additional study once the class is over). I ended up with a 700 on the actual Gmat (up from 530 from the Manhattan prep 1st practice test). I probably could have been higher if there weren’t subject I just ignored, but the score was good enough.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia/2019
AC1990 –
i thought the manhattan prep books were very useful. they started with basic concepts and built on them. going through the different topics and doing practice problems worked for me. After reviewing all the books, i had a much better understanding of the materials and better prepared to take the practice exams. The practice exams were representative of the real exam and the test prep was helpful as it helped me achieve the score i was aiming for. i did supplement the test prep with some incremental practice exams from veritas that was helpful as well in providing additional practice. Overall, i was pretty satisfied with the test prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start the gmat preparation early as you may need to take it another time. allow extra buffer to ensure you are meeting your application deadline. Starting the applications and studying for gmat at the same time is tough, so would recommend locking in a score you are happy with and then starting the applications.
btbarnwell –
manhattan is definitely a good option to build the foundation necessary for a high gmat score, but i am not confident that this prep course alone is enough for someone hoping to score 700+. if you hope to score above 700, you may need to supplement the course with additional work or tutoring. i got a 620 on my diagnostic and a 740 on the actual exam, so i certainly saw significant improvement. but i worked with a private tutor for about ten hours solely focused on quant. i felt that the need to cater to the lowest common denominator sometimes resulted in the class being geared towards people aiming to score in the 600’s. this is more of an indictment of the classroom setting generally than it is of manhattan in particular, but i felt that manhattan should have at least given additional suggestions for those hoping to score higher. for example, manhattan’s advanced quant book is a very useful resource, but at no point did my teacher suggest purchasing it. I did not buy it until my private tutor suggested that i do so.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia BUsiness school (2019)
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
start your applications early and do not rush them. give your RECOMMENDers ample time to submit their letters.
NK –
I took the Manhattan Prep in-person classes, with which you also get the interact online lessons. the Prep material is absolutely amazing. I was so out of touch with math but their comprehensive book set explained everything so nicely that it took me no time to get it all back! the course IS GREAT because they keep you on your toes by giving you homework that you have to complete before the next class. the interact lessons were a very helpful tool for me because i used them to review the work i had done in class and also used them to refresh concepts once the classes had ended, while i was self-preparing for the test. Manhattan Prep’s tips and tricks to answer the questions and the instructors’ advice on when to guess and move on were a huge plus! in my opinion, this is definitely one of the best gmat prep choices you can make- the teaching structure and instructors make it worth your while.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School/ 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself time. Start thinking about your MBA journey beforehand and get the GMAT out of the way so you can think clearly about your goals, schools and applicationS. Sometimes it can help if you chart out what your current skills are, why you need an mba and what you plan to do with your MBA - it can help clear your head and that clarity will show through in your essays. It is also very helpful if you can have close friends and family read your essay but remember that you don't have to take their advice- at the end of the day, this is your application and you have to stand behind it. Do your research on schools you want to go to. Talk to students/ alumni/ professors/ admissions and if you can't visit the schools, definitely try and attend webinars. You will be spending a considerable amount of money for your MBA, so you want to make sure you choose the right fit. Good Luck!!
Yash Banthia –
I was distraught at not being able to get the score that I wanted on my GMAT exams. In truth, I had only 1.5 months of semi-solid preparation and was not correctly able to focus on how to study. Then a friend of mine introduced me to Manhattan materials and within days I was able to see a difference in the way that I countered problems on the exam. All in all, within 15 days, my next exam was due and I saw a 50 point increase from my current score! Highly recommended!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Babson College / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
You've got to grind it out. Hustling is the key. You have to make an active effort to reach out the admissions team, connect with former alum via events and make a conscious effort to learn about the program you're interested in. It is a lot of work, but eventually pays off.
Alex Cherner –
Manhattan Prep helped me increase my GMAT score from a 700 to a 750. I took Gregg Lachow’s course, and he was incredible. He was enthusiastic, clear and he genuinely cared about the improvement of each student in his class. Manhattan Prep taught me to find the “key” or “takeaway” in every problem. Manhattan’s strategies encouraged me to learn something from every problem I practiced, and to not move on until I was able articulate what I learned and how it applies to other problems.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
My biggest piece of advice to MBA applicants is to start thinking about your MBA application journey early. Take the time to evaluate your weaknesses within your application well in advance so that you have the time to fill gaps, pursue extracurricular activities, increase your GMAT score and excel at work before you apply.
WL –
Manhattan Prep could be a great resource for GMAT takers. Personally, I took an in-person weekly class with the aim of getting >750 on my GMAT. I was comfortable with my quant score but really needed to focus on verbal. For someone like myself, Manhattan Prep is less useful as there is limited items that are “teachable” on verbal. Although I was strong in quant, I still took away several techniques that sped up my problem-solving process. For verbal, I did find sentence correction extremely helpful, but less so for Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. In summary, I think Manhattan GMAT could be helpful, and it is certainly helpful to candidates who are looking to improve their quant scores.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
My recommendation is to start the process early. First, figure out whether MBA is for you and your desired career path. If you are unsure, MBA could be right for you. Second, honestly assess potential target schools based on your experience, marks and desired career paths. Then, get a general idea of what's required to get into the schools and determine whether that investment is worth it. For some, your existing experience, background and marks are enough to get you in. Great. For others, you may need to work on certain areas of your profile (academic, extra-curricular, etc.). Having that honest assessment early can save you a lot of stress and allow you to focus when application period rolls around.
Matt –
Manhattan Prep was a phenomenal GMAT resource. I took an in-person class of theirs once a week and found the instruction to be incredibly insightful. Despite the class members having varied skillsets and areas of expertise, it never felt as though the material was boring or as though we were wasting time covering something I already knew. For those who don’t want an in-person experience, Manhattan’s online capabilities are also incredibly advanced and they provide you with a study schedule and all the resources you’ll ever need. A great company that I recommend to all future GMAT takers.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the GMAT as early as possible. This both gives you time to retake it if needed as well as allows you to spend the precious months leading up to the application deadline to focus on essays and letters of recommendation as opposed to last-minute cramming. Take your time and begin the process early, even if you aren't planning on applying in Round 1, everything takes longer than you think and you'll be glad for the extra breathing room.
Nicole –
I used the online recordings and resources. I was working overseas and did not have the predictability to attend in person or online courses, so this option was great. I also liked being able to rewind, pause, and re-watch portions that were difficult for me. The OG explanations and breakdown of types of questions was so helpful when identifying and working on my weak areas.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School /2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you have the time, start making sure that your story is comprehensive, or do what you can to see that it does. Try to make yourself stand out personally. And of course, focus on the GMAT as much as possible.
Ray –
The Manhattan GMAT Prep course was very comprehensive, structured, flexible, and useful. I did the online course, which offered a detailed schedule of when sessions were to take place, but also the exercises that you should completed on a weekly basis to keep up with the pace of the material. The actual sessions were engaging enough to encourage participation.
Further, the diagnostic/CAT exams provided rich data on areas to improve with each test, so you can focus on strengths and areas of development.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Firstly, try to get to know people who are in the program -- one of the most important things is to understand why and how you fit to the campus community. Reach out to club leaders, current students, alumni... because everyone is excited to help and share their respective experiences. Secondly, be authentic, proud, and honest about who you are and why you want to go to business school. The admissions teams value when personality and passion come through on essays that are often fewer words than more. Thirdly, when framing your essays, applications, and letters of recommendation... think about how your performance sets you apart from your peers because most applicants have such impressive careers. Think about what you did that stood out, and why you choose to pursue those paths. Lastly, have fun!
stevkang8 –
This is probably the best materials for students who want to do a deep dive into specific areas of GMAT. I personally used the Manhattan Prep for the sentence correction section under Verbal. This helped me to gain a better knowledge of GMAT specific grammatical rules and be better prepared for the actual test. This book not only provided you with good rules and tips to remember, but it also offered lots of practice questions that allowed students to test themselves on specific part of the materials. This helped me get a 40 on verbal (I never had any issue with logic and reading comprehension), and I am by no mean the strongest student in verbal. I highly recommend it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure you do a good job on your GMAT and start thinking about who you would like to get your recommendation letters from early. The later you ask people, the less leverage you have and the more pressure will be on you.
Liz Krusemark –
I used Manhattan GMAT the second time I took the GMAT after bombing my first attempt with only minimal self study with other materials. I strongly recommend Manhattan GMAT to everyone who asks me about preparing. I felt like the materials were very thorough. I liked that advice on strategy for different types of questions was included and I felt like that was key to me doing so well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Minnesota/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Have a solid story that you can clearly articulate. You need to know why you want to do your MBA and why that school. This seems so simple but it's harder in practice to clearly define why now, why here, why mba, etc.
Maggie –
Manhattan Prep was extremely helpful in reviewing all foundational information needed in order to do well on the GMAT. The online testing resources were great and the fact that they were valid for a year came in handy when I decided to retake the GMAT later on.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Retake a few times
Kirti –
Manhattan GMAT prep was extremely valuable for my GMAT prep. I took the online elearning course option, and it was greatly beneficial for me as I spent two months reviewing the material in preparation for the exam. The simulated exams were the most helpful, and helped me understand where I stand and what are my weak areas. I am super happy that I purchased the course for my GMAT prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kelley
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give ample time to your essays and applications. Both are equally important as GMAT.
Hector –
Worth every dollar I spent, I took the online self-paced course, which was perfect for me because due to long office hours I was not able to attend a live GMAT course. The comprehensive GMAT Navigator tool helped me a lot to identify my weak spots so that I could focus more on those particular areas, and you could keep track of your progress and see how you’re beginning to improve which in my case, boosted my morale. The CAT exams were very useful and the question bank as well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Duke (Fuqua) / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Visit your top schools, that shows that you're really interested in the school, also try to apply as early as possible, that increases your chances of getter your letter of admission. Talk to people alums and current students, some schools waive the application fee if you receive a recommendation from them. Patience, I know it's hard but hang in there!
Nicole –
I did the Manhattan Prep online course (not the virtual class but entirely online, interactive course that you could complete on your own time). I would say this was a good option in all and very good for extremely busy/inflexible schedules – you can go as fast or as slow as you need. Do practice problems and look at the online solutions within the “navigator” section as opposed to the textbook solutions, which are too long and confusing. Do as many full tests as possible (writing section, IR, math, verbal) despite whatever official advice says…a big part of the test is getting used to the time pressure, format and length (fatigue). Lastly, a good way to actually decipher how prepared you are is to take the 2 free tests that the official GMAT provides – they are more like the real thing (easier than Manhattan Prep) and will give you a better idea of how you will do on the actual test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
-Don't go crazy on the GMAT; it's just one input in your score. If you break 700, stop there (saying this because I know a lot of people who were disappointed with a 700). I feel it's a check-the-box portion of your app and that actual experience is much more significant.
-Provide your recommenders with robust talking points that cover what your theme/value proposition is as a candidate and concise bullet points covering details about the value that you added to the job/organization(s). Some recommenders don't remember specifics about the work you did, so you need to do more work to prepare them and thus get more control over the application process.
-Have 2-3 proof readers/editors. Do a lot of brainstorming beforehand to get a solid outline, and talk to people about your big picture message before you start writing.
David –
Manhattan GMAT prep was extremely valuable for my GMAT prep. I took the online elearning course option, and I spent two months reviewing the material in preparation for the exam. The simulated exams were the most helpful, and the question bank was also useful in getting a lot of practice in. Very glad I purchased the course for my GMAT prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Dedicate a significant amount of time preparing for the GMAT and for the essays. Get feedback and iterate over and over.
James –
Good overview of concepts and good ability to teach the foundation. The quant portion is a bit harder than the actual GMAT (IMO) but verbal, especially CR seems to be lacking in difficult. The types of problems seem repetitive within their CAT banks so when you hit test 4/5 although the problems are different, they are similar enough that you gain time you otherwise wouldn’t (in the real test).
The real value lies in the test bank, so I’d buy an online system like Magoosh then supplement with the CAT tests and question banks (unless you haven’t done math since high school).
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Duke (Fuqua) / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, give yourself 5 months for total GMAT prep as most people end up retaking.
Colin –
Manhattan GMAT was incredibly valuable in my test prep. The instructors are not only well qualified to teach the subject matter, but are invested in their students’ success. I regularly emailed my instructors with questions or to let them know how the admissions process was progressing and they were very helpful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Fuqua / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use Manhattan GMAT. Visit the schools you're interested in, because fit really is huge. Talk to people you know who go to target schools or representatives from affinity groups there to get a feel for the school. Prep way in advance -- every part of the application process will take longer than you think it will!
KELLOGGMBA –
This was a very detailed and thorough way to get familiar with the different ways the GMAT asks questions and how to best respond to them in a quick manner, while still maintaining accuracy. Going through the books was essential in my prep and the practice tests were harder than the actual GMAT so I was very comfortable on the actual test with the content and time management. I chose the self-study method because there were certain areas I needed to dedicate more time on and I think it helped me in the long run as I was not wasting time on things that I didn’t need to dive deeper into.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get a good score on the test! I ended up getting a much higher score than I was expecting and I think it was a big reason why I got large scholarships from multiple schools.
Kellogger –
I only used the books and did not take the full course. I thought the verbal material were concise and directly relevant to the test. On the other hand, the math books were harder to tackle as they start from the very basic arithmetic. Would’ve liked to have a condensed version of math for a fast-track prep path, but overall found the materials valuable.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early! And try to brainstorm ideas visually (written down outside of computer) before starting to write.
HaasBerkeley –
I thought Manhattan Prep was excellent. Sufficient practice exams, as well as supplementary problems to allow me to focus on what I needed. I found the tests / problems to be significantly harder than the actual test, which relieved some of the stress of test day.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Haas
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself and tell your story in the most authentic way possible.
CS- HAAS Berkeley –
I was very satisfied with the Manhattan Prep self-guided learning modules. The videos thoroughly explained the concepts and techniques while being easy/quick to watch and learn from.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Once your GMAT score is in the 80% range for the school pivot to working on your essays and reflecting on your story. An extra 10 points on your score for dozens of hours of studying will not be as valuable as being able to articulate your story and path clearly.
Mmwaxman –
I felt this program was very detailed and prepared me very well for the test. No class can be perfect given the variety of people in it, but the teacher did a very good job of allowing leeway so that people could move at their own speed as much as possible. I also felt that their structured studying set up really helped me as I wouldn’t have known how to do it on my own.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give yourself as much time as possible for it. My essays changed a lot over the course of two months, as I spent more time really thinking about what I wanted out of the experience. It sounds very amorphous, but just having it top of mind for a number of weeks/months really helps.
Mirza Baig –
The gold standard in MBA prep. There is no other course which covers all aspects of the GMAT in the details that the Manhattan books cover. I found each of the guides to be very useful and helped me tremendously
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Northwestern University
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
give yourself enough time to prepare. Do not wing it and expect to pass with a high score. It really is more akin to training for a marathon, you need daily practice, but do not overdo it, a couple of hours a day, and perhaps a test or two a week, do over 3 months and you will get a good score
Alex Bertles –
It was helpful but not enough hands on to fully prep for the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden School of Business / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Choose a test date early on in order to make an adequate prep schedule.
Patrick –
The Manhattan GMAT prep books helped me improve my score over 100 points from first practice to “live.” I opted for the self-study instead of the structured course. In hindsight, I wish I had chosen the course as it would have put a bit more structure around my studying and set a more aggressive schedule.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
McCombs/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get the GMAT out of the way early and with plenty of time to re-take, should you want or need to!
Parnali –
I took the Manhattan Prep Course through the 27 hours of live instruction, which was the best resource I could’ve imagined. In addition to the homework that was assigned to us every week, we were given additional problems (for those who had the time or needed extra practice), had the option to meet our professor once a week for office hours and had the benefit of study group sessions with our instructor throughout the week. They teach you the most advantageous tricks for the GMAT and really help you understand the strategic mindset you need to have for the test. I tried to study by myself with books before taking this course and what I learned through the books vs. the course was almost little to no benefit, given the course targets exactly what you need to know for the score and school you want.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
McCombs School of Business /2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would strongly advise talking to alumni at your targeted schools to see what they did for their application. I was strongly advised to develop a story - a very distinct story that stands out. I developed a website with lots of photos,a quick youtube video showcasing a talent and of course the typical essays. I think the most important issues to address are why you (what's so distinct about your story), and why your targeted school (every school is very different so it is important to understand a particular culture or curriculum and know why you are best suited for that)
Frances Wehrwein –
I used Manhattan to prep for the GMAT, and was able to only take it once. The online tests were much harder than the actual GMAT, and I preferred this for being the most prepared. The suggested scores were very close to what my actual score was. I also like the 9 week study plan, and the breath of practice problems available. I would recommend this to others.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford Graduate School of Business / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't try to fit into the box of other people - it makes your application sterile and inauthentic.
aloz –
By far the best GMAT test prep out there. I used the books for self study and that did me well but then ventured further and took an actual Manhattan Prep GMAT class and my score skyrocketed. I achieved a score I did not think I was capable of getting, above all the averages of every MBA school out there. It has drastically paid off in the form of scholarships and recruiters seeking me out. I have also had multiple friends use Manhattan Prep and have similar results and praise. It will take work but it will pay off in multiples in the end.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Chicago Booth 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
GET A GOOD SCORE! Despite all the noise you see on the internet about the score being just one aspect of your application may be true but its an aspect of astronomical weight. The score gave me a huge scholarship and recruiters actively seeking me out because recruiters care a lot about your score too whether they deny it or not.
JY –
Great program. I took the in person course. Their adaptive testing software is significantly better than trying to study out of a book, and allows you to see your progress across multiple exams and subjects. I watched my score increase from 650 to 760.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth 18
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
A lot of it is luck. Be interesting and interested. Tell a compelling story about why you want to go back to school.
dut –
The Manhattan GMAT was extremely helpful from a book perspective. The material they provided, from the different guides to the online resources were valuable in studying for the GMAT. I also attended the remote, online classes, which I found less valuable. This, however, may have been due to the fact that I was extremely busy with work at the time I was taking the class and did not have the time to dedicate to the class nor to the coursework. I believe the teaching style was simple enough to follow, the MGMAT provided frameworks that I used on the exam. Even simple tips that they provided, such as how to use the scratch paper, were very useful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Chicago Booth / June 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take your time! Do not rush the process. Start early so you can be comfortable when you hit submit. Visit the school before you apply.
Muzzamil Ayaz –
Went up 200 points from the class.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The story is important, what make you special.
Kathryn –
I had a great experience with Manhattan Prep Santa Monica tutoring class. These three hours saturday classes, although tiring, was well worth my time and money. As a working professional, it’s hard to set aside time and effort to study for the GMAT. Thanks to Manhattan Prep’s rigorous training, I was able to focus on the material and think strategically. I definitely advice people to take this course and be diligent about inputting your work on their web service. It was very helpful to coordinate my weaknesses and strengths.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
USC Marshall School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do your research and talk to people from each of the MBA schools. Although I was accepted to a top 10 business school, I chose USC Marshall because of the people and the surroundings. The people around me were intelligent, kind, and motivated. Those are the people you want to surround yourself with in business school. So my advice is -be sure to do research, talk to people (students and admin), and really be convinced that those schools are where you want to go - because ultimately that's the question admin will ask during the interview.
DidWellOnGMAT –
I took the in-person class starting 3.5 months before my GMAT test date. It was amazing and I 100% recommend it. Their instructional materials were great and the online practice materials were great at mimicking what I saw when I took the GMAT.
I would recommend making sure that the class is at your level. At times I was frustrated because we were reviewing something I felt I had mastered.
They also offer a few web-enabled classes for the more advanced materials. I took two of them and was fully satisfied with the pace and instruction.
In the end, I walked away with a 780 and was pleased with the classroom experience and the support moving from the classroom to the test (they give you things to work on as you prepare in your final weeks for the test).
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB/ 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start visiting schools and MBA programs early.
You should know going into the application process that business school is what you want and be able to explain clearly to someone why you want to spend 2 years and ~$200K to get it rather than work elsewhere or take a vacation for 2 years.
There is not any foolproof way to get in, part of it is luck. The only advice I could give is to be honest and vulnerable in your application.
Luca Gorgoglione Certini –
Good class. Practice tests are very different than the real test.
Good instructor. Overall good experience.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early and visit as many schools as you can prior to deciding where you want to attend.
Katherine –
Manhattan GMAT Prep offers ample resources to adequately prepare students for the GMAT. The in class sessions walk you through strategies for tackling a variety of problems and provide you with a necessary schedule and structure to follow. There are more than enough practice problems – if you really go through all of them, you will do well on the GMAT!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan Ross 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Create & tell a compelling and interesting story!
kate1162 –
This program does a better job addressing grammar/verbal than other programs and the books are much more comprehensive in quant than the other resources of other programs.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Nail verbal - it ups your score a lot more than quant
Victor J Pocius –
Manhattan GMAT provided excellent sets of problem solving and data sufficiency questions that sharpened my understanding of what the actual GMAT exam tests.
I particularly enjoyed the rates, geometry, and word problems. Manhattan’s content was sufficiently difficult without the stuffy, abstract feeling one gets by using dense textbooks to learn these topics. My confidence, and ultimate performance, on the GMAT exam improved considerably thanks to Manhattan.
I’d recommend the entire Manhattan course, expecially, the advanced quantitative problems solving sets.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Arizona State University / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Prepare early, prepare often. Have a clear motivation for attending an MBA program, as it is a huge commitment of time, forgone salary, and for most, tuition. Clearly articulate your reason for attending - career change, expand network, or general knowledge and management skills.
Rishabh Agarwal –
The worksheets have a comprehensive types of questions. It seems a bit tough than the original paper but this prepares us for the worst. A candidate should use the materials to score well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NCSU
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply in the 1st round to benefit the maximum in terms of acceptance and sponsorship. Essays are vital part and do not neglect.
Jay Ahn –
Questions are closest to GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tepper / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Always visit the school beforehand and meet with current students.
Monwei- Kelley MBA –
Having worked in the media industry for 5 years after undergrad, my math skills were somewhat deficient. Manhattan’s math review was comprehensive enough to bring up those skills to an acceptable level. Additionally, there were enough practice tests provided with Manhattan so that I could track my improvement. I tended to do better on the real test than on the practice, so the increased difficulty of the practice tests helped in my opinion.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2015-2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself in the interviews. The MBA is a tough program already, which could be made worse if there's a problem with cultural fit.
Sherry –
The practice materials were clearly organized for preparation. Originally I had reviewed the materials on my own and took the GMAT later decided to take a crash prep course and improved my score by over 50 POINTS. The instructors were greatly knowledgeable and willing to help outside of class hours as well. The class made me stay on pace and break out the studying into sections as it can be overwhelming.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Carnegie Mellon University/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Attend the schools you are interested in and network. Most MBA programs have weekends scheduled to get to know them and learn the culture you will be immersed in. I encourage to attend all programs in advance of application.
James –
Manhattan provides a step by step guide to killing the GMAT which can be done at the students own pace.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do the Manhattan course
Wayne –
Manhattan GMAT was extremely organized and I was able to set up a discounted rate for a special class just for employees at my company. Our instructor really knew his stuff and made the classes more engaging than it would’ve been otherwise. However, just like with other things, you get what you put into it. If you actually follow along and do the homeworks and self study as you’re supposed to, the prep course can really put you over the top. If you don’t, then you’ll end up shelling close to a thousand for the course without actually seeing the benefits.
Also, schedule your test date. Even if you feel that you’re not ready yet, scheduling a test date will force you to up your game and buckle down to study for the exam. Otherwise, you will push the test out indefinitely as there is always something you’d rather spend your time on than study.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the GMAT during undergrad or right after you graduate. Apply R1.
Anita Ratnathicam –
The materials were all very clearly organized and made it easy for me to create my own study plan. Having the option of paper or online access to all of the textbooks was a huge help when studying on the go. I also really appreciated the practice tests and the ability to go back over your answers in detail. I didn’t use the online chat option but several of my classmates have said that it was very helpful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Haas 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't rush the application and visit the class before you make your decisions on where to apply.
Henry Litman –
GMAT interact was incredibly helpful. Added over ten points to my quant score after making little progress for months. Only problem is their practice tests are really hard and can be overly discouraging.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't apply to too many schools!
Pavel Sotskov –
Manhattan GMAT test prep program, 11th edition. Great collection of 10-11 books that spread out, word for word exactly what you need to study to boost your GMAT score. It does take about three months to get through, if you are focused, but the reward is tips and tricks you need to actually do well, and avoid common pitfalls. It’s not that you can’t learn the GMAT on your own, but as graduate school teaches you, it’s all about being effective in whatever you are doing. I would give this book a 10/10 for actually teaching what is important, rather than all the minutia of studying for the exam. Keep up the good work, I realize there is a newer book out now, so the updated version should help next year’s applicants rock the GMAT!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
johnson
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, and set short term goals for studying, application writing, and essays. There is never enough time to polish your application, and the earlier you start, the more polish you will be able to give to your application packet.
Nina Borysova –
I liked Manhattan Prep, however, it didn’t help me get a good score on GMAT. The textbooks are comprehensive, the material is well-delivered, but I would appreciate more practice tests and essay samples as well as the ability to check your answers.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be thorough and highlight your strengths.
Steven Cheng –
I used the Manhattan Prep Advanced GMAT Quant workbook and found it to be a helpful repository of practice questions and test-taking strategies on topics such as pattern recognition and last ditch tactics like intelligent guessing strategies. Given that data sufficiency is an unfamiliar question type for many people since it’s unique to the GMAT, I highly recommend reviewing those examples in particular. Of course, all this assumes that you have a solid grasp of math fundamentals, so be sure to work through those books before attempting this one, as you will be warned in this book’s introduction. All in all, a great resource if you’re looking to score high in the quant section.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell Johnson/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early - take the GMAT as soon as possible to get it out of the way, and also be thinking about ways to build your resume several months before you actually need to apply!
Purvi Gupta –
Manhattan GMAT Prep books proved very useful in my preparation. I also took the MGMAT mock test series, which helped me a lot in keeping track of my progress specially in the quant section.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start off early with the preparations and take few mock tests so that you feel comfortable with the exam format.
Angelica –
Manhattan Prep was a very thorough guide to GMAT prep. I enjoyed the Manhattan Prep overview because it was a more challenging math section than on the actual GMAT itself. Manhattan Prep also had an excellent timer to see which questions the individual spent more time on versus those that took less time. I also liked the fact that Manhattan Prep allowed a person to see the difficulty level of certain questions, so that you could track your progress on more difficult types of GMAT questions. Overall, I would definitely recommend Manhattan GMAT as a test prep guide to the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Pay attention to time spent per question on the GMAT.
Emily Lagnado –
Wonderful prep company! I took the online version and found the weekly review sessions to be very helpful in preparing for my GMAT. The focus on different types of problems along with getting used to the 2-minute time cap of problems was exactly what I needed. I scored above 700 and would not have done so without this prep company.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Talk to as many people as you can (current students and alumni) to get a perspective on the culture, types of jobs available to graduating students, types of experiences you can have at school. These people will help you determine if the program is the right fit for you, if the experience is what you need to advance your career, and if the career opportunities available through the school or network are right for you.
Lisa –
Comprehensive and thorough. Manhattan GMAT was a valuable service that provides students with a comprehensive set of resources to prepare you with the necessary quant and verbal skills needed to succeed at the GMAT. Courses are easily accessible and can be taken online or in person.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Score well on your GMAT and then move on to the apps! Make sure you leave enough time to take it twice if needed.
Jim L. –
Manhattan’s prep books were very in-depth and covered a good range of topics. The books compliment the Official GMAT guide very well, as the end of each module gives you Manhattan’s own practice problems along with recommended OG problems. Live classes don’t seem to deviate much from the books though, so self-studying is also an option. If you plan to take the GRE, Manhattan’s ‘5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems’ is a fantastic study tool.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan (Ross)
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early, do plenty of research on your schools, attend info sessions, the whole nine yards!
Ming-Da Lei –
GMAT prep material is very useful for math, but not so much on Verbal.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross School of Business / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Overall great material, keep up the good work
Mike szuma –
Took the GMAT one time scored a 630 used Manhattan Prep the second time and got a 680. I feel that I would of scored better had a given myself more time the second time. But given my short window it is all I could do. But still a 50 point improvement is pretty good.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
Duane McClellan –
Manhattan Gmat was excellent. My instructor, Joe Lucero, was an extremely capable instructor and had a great teaching personality. They had interesting insights and strategies for completing the GMAT, and my score jumped 100 points. The hours were flexible for a working professional as well. They also have a very strong set of text books to go along with the curriculum they teach. The books are filled with the tricks and strategies you need to increase you score and they also have many practice problems. They also have online sample GMATs that they have created and that have been vetted by thousands of test takers to ensure there is a solid distribution of performance and I do not think many of the other firms can claim this.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, write and rewrite those essays until they are perfect. Don't suck. Be nice, make friends, do cool things.
Sahar Omrani –
The GMAT is about conforming to a different testing methodology rather than solving for an answer. Manhattan doesn’t do enough to prepare you for that and spends more time on content which gets you in the 600 range. You are held back by your classmates.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Manhattan should split into different groups based on capability. If you are trying to get in the 700s- study alone and spend the 1k on a tutor before your test
Tim Chick –
Manhattan GMAT prep books were very helpful to review all of the concepts covered on the GMAT. I scored above my expectations and give a lot of credit to Manhattan Prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan Ross / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Visit as many schools as you can to get a better sense of culture and how you would fit in to the community.
Monika –
The Manhattan live course cost an arm and a leg, but it improved my score by 130 points from the first time I took the GMAT (studying on my own) to the second time. I’d highly recommend it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan (dual degree, 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Set a timeline and stick to it! Break out clear, incremental goals to accomplish that are attainable.
Huijun Hou –
It is a good GMAT test prep website and I just use it to review the test for 2 months and I got the score of 700. It is user- friendly and it has several parts that does help me a lot in the review process. For examples, I can refer the answers and the explanations after I have done the simulate exams and in that way, I can know the train of thought of this examination.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
W . P . Carey School of Business / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Firstly, you have to determine which school you would like to apply, this is not only depends on your GPA and other scores of examination, but also depends on whether your are matches with that school.
Secondly, you have to polish all your application letters and revise it over and over again to appeal to the recruiters and let them know you are just the right person.
Finally, what you can do is just be patient and wait the offer, if your are listed into the waiting list , just communicate with recruiter without hesitate.
Jessica Ta –
I studied on my own for several months and took my first GMAT in January. I was quite disappointed with my GMAT score and decided to take it a second time with a different strategy. I purchased the GMAT Manhattan study book bundle and the 6 Manhattan GMAT CAT tests. Material is similar across the board in all GMAT prep books/classes, but the style and learning format is different in the Manhattan books. The prep books were not focused on getting the question right, but how to read and analyze the question in the most efficient way. My second GMAT score was 110 points higher due to my change in strategy and preparation.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Put weight on each application item. GMAT is definitely important, and I'm glad I got my target score, but the essays, interviews, application comments, resume, etc. are all important factors of the MBA process.
Liu Jia –
If there is one single document I would recommend aside from the GMAT Official Guide, I would say read the Manhattan Sentence Correction book.
In my first attempt for GMAT, I scored 690. After knowing that my weakness is in Sentence Correction, I ordered this book and read three times. The book has every single type of Sentence Correction with concise explanations and examples. Reading understanding it from the fundamental, in my second attempt I scored 780, which even surprised myself!
When you encounter questions in the book, you can also look for help on the Manhattan forum, the nice teachers (if I can say so :p) are of great help, especially Ron Purewal. He’s like the god in GMAT, explaining everything so clearly!
Wish you all have a great result in the end and do enjoy the process!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Foster School of Business, University of Washington, Seattle. 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would say it is a process that you learn about yourself. Talk to your friends, family, colleagues, and hear what they say about you. You have to know who you are and what you are looking for deep in your mind, then everything will be smooth and clear. The application can be tedious but it's worth going through. In the end, you will appreciate how much you have spent!
Diana Anzola –
I recommend this company for all students that either need a refresher or full tutorial course. I graduated in 2009 and started this program last year to prep for the GMAT. I enjoyed the individual approach and the flexibility of studying on my own pace. The program’s material prepared me for all subject matters that are on the test and gave me an idea of what to expect. Last time I took a standardized test was back in 2004 and this program helped me get back on track and prepare myself for the GMAT. Thanks Manhattan GMAT for your valuable program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
St. Joseph's College
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I recommend you take your time studying and prepping for the GMAT. It can be overwhelming at first with applying to schools, getting recommendation letters, essays, etc., and it's good to have a realistic outline to get all this done. Studying for the GMAT alone takes time and patience and it's good to have a timeline so you don't miss any deadline from the schools you may be applying to.
Jyll –
Manhattan Prep has amazing tutors and courses and I truly recommend this company! This company has provided a great way to study and learn the the GMAT. The tutors are very knowledgeable and they know what they are doing. They are truly willing to help you out with what you need as well. Use them because they are there for you! They want to see you succeed. The material that the company provides is amazing, detailed, and challenging. Other companies do not have the material that comes close to what Manhattan Prep supplies its students.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Arizona/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
When you start your application, make sure you send your recommendation forms to your recommenders immediately so that that part of the application is completed. Also, I would start on the essays as soon as possible. These two sections take some time to complete. It would be best to create a timeline and stick to it so that you can achieve your goal. God bless!
Cameron Moore –
I had self studied for several months and took the GMAT and did not achieve my target score. I purchased the ‘Interact’ course so that I could study at my own pace and focus on the content I found most valuable. I took the GMAT again and scored well above my target of 700. Not only is the content in the ‘Interact’ course great, it comes with several analysis tools that allow you to see where your strengths/ weaknesses are. I found myself using the tools that Manhattan provided to use with the ‘Official Guide’. I was able to track how long it took me to perform problems and the answer explanations were excellent.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I struggled with the GMAT and I found that it was due mostly to how I was studying for the test. I would perform hundreds of problems thinking that just by performing the task that my test score would improve. This did work but I personally plateaued very quickly in the low 600s. Use the analysis tools that Manhattan offers to pin-point weakness areas to focus on or to determine which types of questions should be skipped.
Mila Ban –
Manhattan GMAT offers invaluable materials and prep books for anyone studying for the GMAT. If you put the time into reading these guides and completing the exercises, you will perform well on the test. The lectures are very helpful as well, but only if you put independent study in and derive value from other people’s questions.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Duke 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Choose a few schools and commit to them. The application process is arduous and you don't want to spread yourself thin.
Briton Moffitt –
I recommend this company to anybody looking to prepare for the GMAT. I took the weekly online course, and had two great instructors. By time my course had ended, I was scoring 120 points higher on practice tests, and I was very happy with my actual GMAT score – I only took the real test one time. The materials are great, the strategies they teach are meaningful and effective, and the class time was very productive. The one drawback was that the classes were 3 hours long. I would have like to split the class time into 2 classes each week, as my particular class ended at 11pm. Like I said, the investment definitely paid off for me, as I had a great result.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Mendoza College of Business / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I would recommend to start preparing for your application one year in advance. I started preparation a little late, and was always working on GMAT preparation as a result. More time equals less stress for GMAT preparation and school application.
Poonum Kaberwal –
I took this class in 2012 and it was a great way to push myself to make sure that I was staying focused with how to study and keeping benchmarks for myself. I personally think the class was helpful, but immensely more helpful was the books since there were great strategies there and I think for those who are deterred by the pricetag, you could search online for the Manhattan Gmat prep books – I think they do a much better job as compared to other company’s book. If you learn well from others teaching you, the class is a great way to keep on task while studying for GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business / 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
The GMAT is one step in the application process that it's good to get out of the way as soon as possible. I personally got this one done first and then took much longer than I would have liked to do the other steps. It's very doable especially with a great testing company like Manhattan GMAT and they make it seem not as intimidating, so registering for a session with them or getting the books is a great step in the process.
Nik Reddy –
Manhattan’s prep class and accompanying guides were a major factor in getting me the score I wanted. I’d taken courses from Kaplan, but I found that Manhattan’s materials were the closest to the actual content of the GMAC. The guides were structured beautifully. I was able to quickly jump between content to focus on “low hanging fruit” in my areas of weakness. As far as the class, it does go by quickly, but there are guided exercises that each virtual lecture offered which proved invaluable. I’d highly recommend the Manhattan program to any individual that is looking to get the highest score they can. While expensive, it was money well spent.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Berkeley-Haas, 2019
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply when you feel that you have a full application. To see if you're competitive, see if your "numbers" fall within the 80 percentile range of a school. Also factor in demographic issues to see if that can provide you an advantage (ie: under-represented minority, etc.).
Alex –
Most thorough course I saw and discussed with friends. Incredibly well thought out syllabus and study materials for both Quant and Verbal sections of GMAT. Prepares test take extremely well across all fundamentals and problem types but spends very little time on actual test questions.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of California, Berkeley
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Research and outreach is critical. Spend time talking to students involved in clubs you would like to join. Visits certainly help but make sure to plan while classes are sessions and during a major student conference (if possible).
Oyinkansola Ayobiojo –
I found the Manhattan prep classes and books to be extremely helpful. The instructor and homework assignments help to provide a framework and structure as you begin to study. It’s helpful to practice the different methods mentioned in the books and see which one works best for you. I found the quant to be difficult and that takes a lot of drilling to make sure you understand the concept. Overall I would recommend taking a class if you are not great at self-studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Understand your story and why you want to go to business school. Understand what you can provide to your business school community- i.e. your strengths/passions. Visit the schools, talk to students and seek help with the process and essays.
Dan –
Very thorough and extensive GMAT preparation program. Read and study the Manhattan book series first to learn all the basics and then do the six online tests to get an idea of how much more you need to study. I found the level of difficulty of the Manhattan prep mostly on par with the official tests and books and my score was in the same ballpark as the practice tests. Also did the official books and practice tests to get enough of a routine. Got into Stanford with two weeks of intense practice.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stanford GSB
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be your authentic self.
Johnny –
Manahttan GMAT prep was the best resource I found while studying for the GMAT. The questions were easily the most challenging of the books that I tried, and the materials were excellent in terms of approach for the exam. While the materials might not be great for those struggling with the material, Manhattan was great at preparing me for the higher level 700-800 level problems, and added rigor to my studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Haas 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early - plan for the GMAT like you would a marathon. 2-4 months is perfect. Any less and you won't have prepared enough, and any more and you'll burn out.
Taryn –
I took the GMAT class and had private tutoring through Manhattan Prep. The quality of the instruction is invaluable. Not only are the texts engaging (and cheeky!), they are highly informative. They list all the stages you might encounter during the GMAT process: from quant and verbal refreshers in the foundations manuals to addressing test day anxiety. I am not a good test taker and ended up re-taking the GMAT several times. My private tutoring helped enable me to reach my target score. My instructor taught me how to think critically about the GMAT formula, approach the test differently, and ultimately succeed on test day. I would recommend Manhattan Prep to anyone pursing an MBA program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Berkeley Haas
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get really personal with your essays. It can be uncomfortable talking about your life and when you hit challenges, but don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability. This will allow you to differentiate yourself from other candidates. And give yourself plenty of time! You’ll need time to take the GMAT, potentially re-take the test, ask for recommendations, write multiple essays, and button up the final application. A minimum of a few months will help you tremendously.
Ashton –
program structure and level of expertise of the instructor was particularly superb. The techniques you are taught, particularly for quant section are very helpful. Time management techniques you learn in this program are also very valuable. Problem for me was that I am a horrible test taker (despite having two engineering degrees from a top engineering school) when it comes to standardized tests. So the several months of studying, hours and hours, I put in didn’t help me much improving my GMAT score. I took a year off and took the GRE and applied and got in.
I would say the program is great and the instructors are amazing and it should help a lot improving your score, IF you are a decent test taker to begin with.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UC Berkeley's Haas
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
At least for top B-schools, GMAT/GRE is only one element they look at. Believe that their evaluation is truly holistic, so take your personal statement and short answer question as well as your potential interview just as seriously as GMAT/GRE score. Same goes for your recommendation letter. Nothing you can do about your undergrad gpa, of course. Make the rest as perfect as possible. And believe me it takes time and a lot of work!
Norman Kingsford –
Very detailed review. This type of review is great if you need to build your foundation from the ground up. Great training and examples. I used it for verbal and it increased my score by almost 30% points.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Utah/ 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply to a variety of programs and make sure to prepare very well for your interviews.
Marci Stewart –
It was super helpful in learning basic techniques and realizing what an undertaking studying for the GMAT would be.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Find the prep schedule that works for you - everyone has a different style.
Preston Pierson –
When looking for the perfect gmat prep study guide, it was clear that this was the best one. I purchased the 10 book set and then proceed to review each section. The practice test that they provide are close to what you will see from the gmat test prep and the actual test itself. It can not replicate the stress but does a good job at adjusting to how you are doing.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Arizona State University 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Study these materials and practice as many test questions as possible.. gmat test questions 2016.
Guadalupe Roa –
When I started the GMAT process, I had been out of school for about four years and this course gave me all the resources that I needed to succeed at my own pace. My score increased 60+ points after taking the course within a two month period. The course gives you a great foundation and the opportunity to improve your performance to a higher level if you are focused and put the time needed to get through the material. I signed up for the online classes with instructors who alternated between subjects and made the content easy to understand. One of the competitive advantages of the program is their software program that allows you to answer problems from the GMAC books and analyze your performance. In this way, you can identify your areas of improvement where you need to spend more time studying. It is an expensive course, but since it helped me to get into my #1 school choice, I don’t regret the investment.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
W. P. Carey School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
- Do not underestimate the GMAT even if you have great foundations in the subjects tested.
- Allow yourself enough time to study before the GMAT in case things do not go as expected.
- Build a strong application that truly reflects who you are.
- Meet with the school advisors so that they know your goals and aspirations.
- Have a friend or a mentor review your application
Matthew Jones –
There simply is no better prep guide. While most companies have one book, Manhattan has a 12 book series broken down into different areas of study to make sure you master them all. I also took the online class and it was amazing. The instructors are a clear cut above the rest and always knew how to solve every problem multiple ways so they could explain the logic of how to do it correctly and how I did it wrong. They had tons of practice tests for me to take and consulted with me one on one several times to help me get my score up. I couldn’t be happier with their support and help.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Texas - Austin / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Stop writing cookie cutter stuff. Write from the heart and be yourself. Also I recommend doing the things that are a little less common like making a youtube video to tell about yourself instead of writing an essay like everyone else does.
Corey Highfield –
The Manhattan Review and its test questions were invaluable in my prep for the GMAT. The test questions are harder in difficulty, but leave you well prepared and have great solution explanations.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck School of Business 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do as many practice questions and test as possible.
Anushka Nadarajah –
Manhattan GMAT provided an extremely thorough in person test prep course. I took the course for the 3 months leading up to when I planned to take the test and the course was perfectly timed. The instructor was great, and provided extremely tactical advice and broke down what appeared to be difficult questions in ways that were very easy to tackle. They also provide a post test assessment which is great for people who are unhappy with their score after taking the course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck School of Business 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't underestimate the importance of every part of the application. It is critical to do well on the GMAT and get great reviews and to write good essays. Many people think that if two of the three are strong, that will get them in to a top MBA program, however from observing others and based on personal experience, this is not the case. Also, if you are just within the 80% band of your target school's GMAT scores, take the test again after doing more prep. Having your score go up 20 points can make a big difference. Give yourself enough time to prep for the GMAT and to write your essays before the applications are due.
Jenny Djupedal –
Loved the Manhattan prep program. It was intense with lots of readings but I needed tips and tricks as well as the assurance that I could succeed at this monster test (which I got from the reading).
I also highly recommend the (expensive) private tutoring if necessary. Well worth the money!!!!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tuck 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the time to figure out your true motivations for wanting an MBA; this will make the essay writing much easier. Also allow yourself ample time to take (and retake) the gmat.
Sarah Broadbent –
I had an amazing instructor who had an impressive background, including a masters degree in education. She was extremely helpful and effective. The curriculum was well-structured and the practice questions were demanding, which was helpful for the real test.
They also offer a follow-up consultation after you take the exam. This was really helpful to me and enabled me to increase my score by 30 points, bringing it up to my goal score for getting into business school.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UCLA Anderson 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself in the essays and interviews! Apply to schools where you connect with the culture and ones that vary in difficulty of getting in.
Maggie –
I took a Manhattan Prep GMAT prep course through my employer. The opportunity to take the course at my office after work made it extremely convenient. Furthermore, it was a great way to get acquainted with the exam and techniques for being successful. One of the best aspects of this course, however, were the many resources that came with it by way of review books. This allowed me to continue my preparation after the course was over and after my first time taking the exam so that I could improve for my second opportunity.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Learn as much as you can about the school and use this information to make genuine connections between the school's resources and culture and your needs and goals. This will help your essays be convincing, unique, and sincere.
Maintain open communication and information sharing with your recommenders about your strengths, weaknesses, and goals in attending business school so that they can be a partner in portraying a consistent and coherent admissions story.
Kavita –
My experience with Manhattan was great, largely due to the weekly assignments and highly organized format. The class provides you with a clear path to target each sub-topic in a methodical way over a reasonable time frame. The in-person class may not be as valuable to everyone but the instructors are a helpful resource for personalized questions.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't underestimate the importance of researching each school and referencing specific aspects in your essays. Admissions officers can easily spot the generic essays that have been reproduced for several other schools.
Adam Kalikow –
My Manhattan GMAT test prep was great. The instructor was smart and engaging and the material was very well organized. One of the keys to doing well on the GMAT is understanding and mastering the basic rules that questions follow. The combination of instruction and practice I received helped me improve my score significantly. As a bonus, the experience was not too painful at all!
The course is a little bit pricey, but I think it is a worthwhile long-term investment and pails in comparison to the cost of an MBA. If I was preparing for the GMAT again I would do exactly what I did the first time and use Manhattan GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure to have a clear story for what you seek to accomplish through your MBA studies. Business school is a unique experience and schools want to know that you will be engaged and use your time productively.
Priyanka –
I loved Manhattan series and its test. Very helpful for Sentence correction.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2014
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Practice the tests. It is the best method
Karna –
Manhattan Sentence Completion was a great guide. Overall, Manhattans online test which comes free with the guide was really helpful to prepare and challenge before the actual test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Give as many practice test as possible - Manhattan has 6 and Official Gmat has two.
Robert Morandi –
Manhattan’s Advanced Quant strategy guide was the defining factor in boosting my score from the low to high 700s. It breaks down common GMAT Quantitative problem structures into easily identifiable pieces and coaches frameworks that can be applied to a variety of problems.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start planning early; the tests, essays, recommendations, visits, etc all take longer than anticipated.
Sudhakar Surakasula –
Manhattan pre course has a very organized exam preparation structure covering all the essentials areas of the GMAT exam. I’m my opinion, the quantitative part provides the basic fundamentals and slowly increases the standard which makes it easier for students to grow up to the task. However, in my opinion, quantitative material is not the differentiating factor from other course offerings. The key part is the verbal. The verbal part is well organized and provides students with sufficient examples to drive the idea home. Moreover, the examples clearly help students differentiate between confusing concepts. Finally, the mock tests provide a close to real exam feel which eases the pressure on the students during the real exam. Students also get used to the navigation tool.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on advanced quant and verbal concepts to score high on GMAT
Kristi Mitchell –
Personally, I really found the live instruction very helpful. I had a fantastic instructor who was brilliant, but also approachable and friendly. I would recommend taking the course when you have a lot of time to dedicate to it, as it moves very quickly and covers a lot of material, especially if it’s been a while since you were in school.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Oxford/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
As a woman, I wish I had joined the Forte Foundation's MBA Launch program, which starts about a year prior to applying to school. They offer great resources and networking opportunities, and many business schools offer significant application fee discounts to members (which I imagine would end up paying for the program fee in the end).
Kevin Chen –
Materials were very thorough and strong and definitely prepared me well. Teachers were also very helpful and willing to answer questions after class.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan Ross School of Business/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take advantage of all resources early on and make that initial effort to get started.
Ashley –
I would not have gotten the score I did without Manhattan Prep. Its series of books are filled with in-depth analyses, helping me gain a comprehensive and robust understanding of various subjects in the GMAT. The series showed me how to identify what questions were truly asking and showed me how to apply theory to solve them.
I would recommend using the Manhattan Prep series to those who are already scoring in the mid-600s and above, and need help boosting them to a score that is more in-line with the median for more competitive MBA programs. It’s definitely a great resource for those who are in the more advanced stages of studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Yale SOM
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Plan at least a year ahead of your desired enrollment date. This will allow you time to study for the GMAT, explore and visit programs, and prepare for the application.
Nina Borysova –
I liked the books, they were thorough and very well-written.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start applying early to have more options available to you in case you don't get in.
Akrati Johari –
With the use of Manhattan-prep books and the practice tests I was able to raise my score from 680-700 range to 760.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia University
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Use manhattan prep and start studying early!
Grant –
I purchased the books and studied the material on my own. I found the books well written and easy to follow. The material was laid out in a very logical format and made sense. All the added materials online and the CD’s really helped prepare me for what to expect. There was enough questions to practice on and I felt like I knew what to expect when the GMAT exam came along. I didn’t access any tutorials or seminars in preparation and felt the full study package was adequate.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Texas/ 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Figure out the system that works for you. It took me a few days to figure out my study pattern. When you figure it out, review, review, review.
Daniel O’Connell –
The Manhattan Prep books were by far the only reason I could break 700 on the GMAT. The multiple books allow you go to deeper than any other program on the topics that you need help on. Furthermore, the help goes well beyond simply memorizing answers to a set of questions, or using gimmicks or memorized algorithms to solve problems. Instead, they focus on how to really think and understand the problem so you can apply what you need to get the right answers.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
On the GMAT, take full advantage of breaks. Get up, move around, and keep a snack and drink in the locker at the test site. Even though it's broken up into parts, it takes a long time, and you'll need the refresher.
In terms of applying, it's a complete up-and-down, often unpredictable rollercoaster. Don't get sucked in to thinking too hard about why you got an interview to a top-rated school but flat-out rejected to one in the top 50. You'll inevitably get into somewhere, and it will fit your needs as long as you're open minded.
Sean –
Good and thorough course that will cover both core concepts and strategy.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Ace the GMAT
Mo Fouz –
It was a good program that offered a decent review of the test material. I went into the test knowing I had at least came fully prepared. Great instructors, happy to teach and just truly smart ppl.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
IMD
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Plan ahead and work hard. Be genuine. Someone will notice!
Andrew –
Bought the course materials only, without taking the class. Materials were very helpful, especially the practice tests. However, I found the practice tests to be significantly more difficult than the real exam, so I’d recommend taking the Official Practice Tests (GMAT gives you two free ones) last, to get a better sense of where you can expect to score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MIT Sloan 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If possible, save your "dream school" application for last. You get better at self-reflection as the process goes on.
Johnathan Tran –
Manhattan GMAT has some of the best materials on the market, 99th percentile instructors, and a great suite of online learning tools.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, get organized, and ask for help from your network.
Johnathan H Tran –
Manhattan GMAT has some of the best materials on the market, 99th percentile instructors, and a great suite of online learning tools. I felt more prepared and confident going into my GMAT exam because of Manhattan GMAT and got my target score on the first attempt thanks to the instructor that I had.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, get organized, and get help from your network at each major step in the process.
Antonia Hyman –
Manhattan GMAT was comprehensive and will whip you into shape. If you’re someone with a busy schedule who may not have the time to attend all of the classes, the books will get you through.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be thoughtful about what you want to do post business school. Don't just apply for another degree to hang on the wall.
Sarah Lee –
Best test prep course I have ever taken (and I’ve taken plenty of test prep courses in my lifetime). The instructor really makes the difference. Helpful in identifying test patterns (what correct answers tend to look/sound like).
MBA Program & Grad Year:
The Wharton School/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Not to bust any MBA's ego, but remember that there are thousands of qualified applicants and not everyone can get accepted. Schools also require a diverse class, so keep in mind that this whole process is very luck based (of course not only luck based though).
Juan Pablo Mejia Caicedo –
The GMAT test prep/ Admissions was an amazing tool to prepare for the GMAT. The exercises were very useful and the preparation exams even better, as they were very similar to the actual exam (including the adaptability feature). After the preparation exams the answers of all the questions are explain in detail and it is very easy to learn and understand. After doing 4 or 5 preparation exams I was ready to take the real test and the results were impressive. I improved my score from 640 to 720 and I strongly believe that the GMAT test prep was a big part of this.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
London Business School 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Do as many preparation exams as you can.
Thiago de Assis –
I found Manhattan Prep to be a high quality and reliable source. While some of the questions tend to be on a higher level of difficulty, I found it to be essential for those interested in scoring 700+ points on GMAT.
In terms of areas of improvement, I would have appreciated if there was a study plan for those interested in self-studying. Naturally, the program is not cheap and international might struggle a bit more to afford it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus, discipline and balance.
Focus: Avoid distractions and keep a focus on your end goal.
Discipline: Application for a top MBA is more like a marathon than a 10k.
Balance Do not forget other aspects of your life, especially the social and healthy aspects. It does pays off to have a clear mind and to be in good health, otherwise, you will burnout.
Sapan Kothari –
Manhattan GMAT course was probably the best course I could have taken. I have taken courses through Kaplan and Princeton review, however the educators at Manhattan GMAT truly enjoy taking the test and that insight definitely helps. They do all course work while trying to simulate how the actual exam goes. So when you actually take the exam it is very familiar.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Gabelli Business School / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
DON'T PROCRASTINATE. The process to complete should be taken one step at a time. There is a lot to do and you don't want your decision to be made on a simple mistake.
Bill –
I found Manhattan prep to be a more strenuous and thorough program than others. It pushed me to break 700 by highlighting what i need to work on, The books were easy to reference and the practice tests were more difficult than the actual thing. Pretty solid program overall!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Plan on taking the gmat multiple times, plan on re-writing essays from scratch, just give yourself much more time than you think is necessary.
Serdar Ozsoy –
Manhattan GMAT Prep is a great tool to prepare yourself for the GMAT. In my first attempt, I took GMAT and got 610 only by studying for OG and some other materials for three months. I was indeed disappointed by my performance. However, I decided to give it another try and improve my GMAT score. I found out Manhattan GMAT Prep online and its sample questions sounded appealing. Thus, I bought their all online preparation products.
Manhattan GMAT Prep has a large database of questions and it enables you to take exactly to run GMAT tests with timing under pressure. Moreover, both quant and verbal are harder than real and practice GMAT exams. Specifically, for their verbal sections, particularly SC and RC questions, are harder than those of real tests.
After you solve a set of questions at Manhattan, just review your question no matter whether you have done RIGHT or WRONG. The questions you get wrong are sometimes from the ones you solved coincidentally right in practices. From that sense, Manhattan provides you a comprehensive set of transcripts on the answers, this is a secondary learning stage. I think that these comprehensive explanations are also what makes their product superior to other products in the marketplace.
Eventually, taking the exam for the second time after a month with the preparation, I got 720 in my second shot and improved my verbal score tremendously thanks to Manhattan GMAT Prep.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
McGill Desautels/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
GMAT Preparation: BE SELECTIVE! Don't try to solve everything you can find! You have limited time to prepare. Organize and go for the good products. Practice! Practice! and Practice!
School Application: Don't overweight the ratings and find which business school culturally fits better for you.
Jen Koo –
I self-studied and used the Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set and thought it was great. It provided a strong structure that helped make self-studying a lot less overwhelming. Manhattan is known for its difficult math review, which I found to be really helpful come test day. You also get access to online resources which I found to be really worthwhile as well. If I were to do it over again, I would not change my choice of test prep provider. I was very happy with my result 🙂
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Plan ahead! It is never too early to start planning for the MBA application. Your GMAT scores last for 5 years, so I would highly recommend taking the test at least a year in advance to leave time to retake the test if necessary. You definitely want to have a comfortable amount of time to do some soul searching that will help you frame your story so that you can write your essays as thoughtfully and introspective as possible.
Chris Hall –
Great material and instructor. My instructor, Mark Sullivan, was able to provide some “tips and tricks” that I would not have found just in the material. Put in the time and take advantage of ALL the offered resources and you will do well!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Foster - 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
First, make sure you have a clear mission and reason for pursuing your MBA. Then make sure to clearly communicate that information THROUGHOUT your application. If you really want to go to a particular school you need to network with students, faculty and the admissions department of that particular program.
Chelsea Turner –
The best part about a prep course in general is the accountability it demands. I studied way more way harder during the course than when I was on my own. I liked the course as a whole and found the strategic approach and tricks to be the most helpful aspect. I didnt like that my essay was supposed to be reviewed by the teacher and it never was. The room we used was fine and the features online were helpful. I liked the analytics of the practice tests a lot. Overall, a prep course is great, but hard to compare.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Johnson/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the GMAT early so you dont have to worry about it while you are doing your essays!
Mark –
I purchased the Manhattan Prep books separately and studied on my own. The books come with 7 practice tests, which was the main reason I chose Manhattan. I only used 3 of them, because I found them very inaccurate. I think it is a way to make students think they need to keep studying or take a course, because their practice tests are much harder than the real thing (I scored around 650 on their practice tests, and 760 on the real GMAT). The books are useful for learning tips and tricks for certain types of problems, but the best way to study for the test is to do a lot of practice problems, and make sure to time yourself. I didn’t take the course, but unless you have a problem forcing yourself to study on your own, I wouldn’t spend the money on a prep course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden class of 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early knock the GMAT out before you have to worry about applications, it's good for 5 years! And I recommend applying first round to a small number of your top schools, save your middle tier and back up schools for 2nd or 3rd round. If you're realistic with yourself, you should get one of your top schools and avoid the work and the application fee for all your backups! Plus the hassle of going to interviews at schools you won't go to unless you don't get admitted to the school you really want.
Maria –
Overall, I found the Manhattan GMAT Prep course to be incredibly useful. The course provided me with so many (almost too many) resources for the GMAT and made me devote time to studying. The top benefit for me was the structure it provided to my preparation, because I blocked three hours each week to attend class and then daily review of the assigned homework. The one critique I have about the program is that you can easily get overwhelmed with all of the strategies and techniques offered, which can hurt your timing on the test. I found that you should take a break a few weeks out from the test date to refresh and refocus your strategy after completing the course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UVA Darden - 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Let your personality come through in your applications. Schools really want to get to know you as they are making admission decisions.
Justin –
I looked at many GMAT prep companies. Manhattan had the best materials and teachers by a significant margin. Additionally, the cost is about the same or even less (at least when I took it). I would definitely go with Manhattan if you’re looking to prep for the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Have a plan going into the application. You want to be remembered so don't try to be great at everything. Try to separate yourself in any way.
Heidar Fadae –
Manhattan prep was very helpful to me during my GMAT prep. It helped me start the prep by reading all 7 books and gain a solid base and understanding. Then the free online tests that are provided with the book set helped me understand where I stand. This in addition with the official GMAT guide and tests helped me ace my GMAT and gain a place in a top school. It is important to keep practicing with timed tests and under test conditions, without taking breaks, to recreate the exact test conditions and stress – to know which score level you stand at and work at improving it by practicing as much as possible.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Indiana University Kelley School of Business - 2005
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Average scores matter, get your credentials in a place that match the stature of the program you're targeting. Spend as much time not only gathering information, but interfacing with admissions staff, faculty, current students, and alumni. I tend to believe MBA programs admit applicants that they have really come to know among candidates of comparable stature/quality.
Ked –
go through limited set of valid resources.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
diligently work on your story
Tejaswini Mallem –
Manhattan prep was very helpful to me during my GMAT prep. It helped me start the prep by reading all 7 books and gain a solid base and understanding. Then the free online tests that are provided with the book set helped me understand where I stand. This in addition with the official GMAT guide and tests helped me ace my GMAT and gain a place in a top school. It is important to keep practicing with timed tests and under test conditions, without taking breaks, to recreate the exact test conditions and stress – to know which score level you stand at and work at improving it by practicing as much as possible.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kelley school of business - Indiana University / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Create a well rounded application, highlighting your curricular and extra curricular activities and emphasize your fit with the particular school
James –
I felt that Manhattan GMAT was very valuable. I opted to take an in-person class rather than just use the materials and really thought my teacher did a nice of of making sure the entire class was comfortable with the “pace of play” — allowing some students to move forward while also helping those who struggled on certain concepts.
I also have a number of friends who opted not to do an in person class (just use the materials) and they also fared very well. The real value of Manhattan, in my opinion, is the quality of materials — for me the value of the class came from making sure I stayed on track and was honest with my studying.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth - 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make sure you understand you story relative to others and how you will be differentiated.
Gabriela –
Manhattan GMAT was very helpful in prepping me for the GMAT. I scored a 730 and I’m sure I wouldn’t have done it without this comprehensive program. I appreciated reviewing the various types of quant and verbal questions of the GMAT and learning how to tackle each of them. I highly recommend it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Goergetown
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Visit each school you apply to, specially those higher ranked programs. It will make a difference between getting waitlisted and getting in.
Sarah –
I found Manhattan Prep through a discount offer on Giltcity.com (an unlikely place!) and immediately signed up after reading several reviews of their services. I worked with a private tutor who was pleasant, easily accessible and truly helped me prepare for the exam within a relatively short time frame. I would recommend this service.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't be afraid to stand out.
Joe Porto –
Fantastic service. I did better than I had expected on the GMAT thanks in large part due to this course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UW Madison - 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
When looking at schools consider the whole picture. You'll be spending two years in the city you choose with people at the program you choose.
Michael Misciagna –
Manhattan GMAT is the best course out there. The other students in class were bright and added to the environment. I previously took a different company’s course but the skill level was too spread out to be helpful – we were either going too slowly or too quickly for someone in the class at all times.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early.
Joe –
Manhattan Prep’s books and online resources were very helpful. The solutions were easy to understand and provided the easiest way to think about and attack a problem. I found the math section the most helpful, as it gave you exposure to every type of question that would be asked. The instant feedback and timed online exams were the most beneficial. My critique is I felt the actual GMAT exam had, what felt like, unrelated problems, however the general concepts were all there.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Columbia Business School / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early, learn about the classes and groups each school provides, network.
Jason –
The materials were helpful, however the weekly class meetings were not worth the price. Because people are at varying levels of proficiency, there were areas where the instructor went too quickly (in my case for the quant section) and in other cases too slowly (verbal). I ended up getting a private tutor – which was worth the money and not much more expensive than the Manhattan classes.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Naveen Jindal - UTD
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get a private tutor and focus on the areas where you struggle. But the study guides or self-study online program from Manhattan.
Matthew Chao –
Manhattan MBA Prep
Overall a solid and comprehensive test prep program when self study. It goes over every type of question you’ll expect on the test. The math areas are probably the strength of the program as you’ll be able to tackle any problem you face in the real test.
The verbal study is lacking a little however. While it gives you a good foundation, the examples are a little too easy. You’ll need to do as many practice tests as you possible can.
The most important aspect is doing as many practice tests to make sure you put the skills you learn to the test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
McCombs 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply as early as you can. Reach out to students and admissions officers to express your enthusiasm.
Be yourself
Andrew –
Manhattan GMAT is a flexible program that enabled me to do self-study on my own terms. The introductory books were helpful in terms of explaining the content. On the limited occasions where I engaged with the instructors, they were helpful too. Combining the test prep books, practice problems from GMAC, and one-on-one time with the instructors, I was able to get the score I was seeking.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Chicago Booth / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take the time to differentiate your application and find a unique story to tell.
Sean Sauve –
I did two different programs, the GMAT Interact program by Manhattan Prep, and the Live Online course provided by the Princeton Review. My instructor through the Princeton Review program was a good instructor, but the GMAT Interact program was far superior to the content received through the Princeton Review. The material on the GMAT Interact is more thorough, you learn more and is more challenging.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tulane University / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Have a purpose and a career goal for when you write your essay's. It shows the admissions committee that you're grounded and aren't doing something aimlessly and for no purpose whatsoever.
Meredith DeLoca –
I used the Manhattan GMAT prep books and online software, but wonder if an interactive class might have suited my leaning style a bit better. Unfortunately, my budget wouldn’t allow for such a thing and had to decide on the best combination of affordable resources.
The full set of strategy guides were helpful both for subjects I had revisited in recent pre-requisite classes as well as subjects I hadn’t seen in years; however, I would have liked more detail in the solution process explanations in both the main material and answer keys. Video resources similar to those of Khan Academy would be very helpful, with, not only, the basics of thinking through the material, but also the Manhattan Prep time saving tips.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
F.W. Olin Graduate School at Babson College/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
It is very true that test preparation should start as early as possible. The test is designed to make you think through problems as efficiently as possible, so you may need to practice switching out old methods of doing things. If you think you might have test anxiety, you will also need to work on methods to tackle that. Practice. Practice. Practice!
Doug Sutherland –
Manhattan GMAT prep was very thorough. There were a few parts that dragged on, but overall was very comprehensive and helped me to get the score I wanted on the first time. The books also included a lot of tips/tricks that I didnt see in many other places that help you to complete questions quickly.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Chicago Booth/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early - set your own deadline of at least 1 week before the application is due so several people get give a full review of your complete application.
LP –
It only notched my score up 20 points with heavy studying. I think the game plan they give you is really good, but I would have loved to go more in-depth with certain concepts, especially the more difficult quant questions. They teach you some very good test-taking strategies that help a ton, but the actual content could go much more in-depth. Also, I think a lot depends on the specific instructor. I had one that had very long-winded answers and stories, and I felt like that wasted our time especially since I had to pay out of pocket and wanted it to be worth the money.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Chicago Booth/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
When applying, think about your specific value proposition in relation to what you can provide the school. It helps to fill out a Business Model Canvas with you as the offering and the school as the customer. Why should they want you?
Andrew Schwert –
I spent time comparing various GMAT prep options (Princeton Review and Kaplan were other options I considered) and decided on Manhattan prep because I thought the math prep was more detailed than the others. Given that math was the area I needed the most preparation, the choice was easy.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Booth School of Business/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Consider what you look to get out of your MBA experience and apply to the schools that you believe would be the best fit for you (i.e. don't just go by the rankings). When telling your story in your application, address not only what the school can do for you, but the value that you can add to your potential classmates (as they are your greatest resource in business school).
Doug O –
I used that Manhattan GMAT prep books and online software. The books were well written, and were the perfect refresher for old math and grammar tricks I had long since forgotten. Perhaps the most helpful thing was their online software that corresponds with the practice questions from the official GMAT guide. By following that while doing practice questions, I was able to easily track what types of questions I was struggling with or taking longer on, so I knew for sure where I needed to spend more time in my prep. My only criticism is that their online mock exams are much harder than the real thing, especially in the Quant section. Overall, the Manhattan guides were an outstanding resource, and helped me get a 780 and admission to a top school
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kellogg - Northwestern University / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Don't focus too much on the GMAT. The essays and recommendation letters are equally important and deserve plenty of time and attention.
Arvin Shandiz –
Manhattan GMAT was definitely worth the money for me. At the very least I had to be in a classroom 3 hours a week preparing for the GMAT. When you think of taking a test, you want to get every question correct, at least I do. However, the GMAT is a test of decision-making, and sometimes you have to learn to let go of difficult questions in order to score in the 700s.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Chicago Booth/2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get started early. Take the GMAT, and then worry about the application itself.
Robert Nelson –
I found that the course was a bit gimmicky; namely, the “strategies.” As opposed to teaching actual foundational concepts, the course focuses on tricks aka strategies that are as simple as avoiding “Homer” answers; that is, avoid the answers that only Homer Simpson would choose. Such strategies were not insightful or helpful. In my particular course, the instructor initially touted how lucky we were to have only a few students in the class because we’d get more focused attention. Yet, in reality, the instructor refused to answer basic email inquiries, stating that if he responded to all of his students, he’d be writing emails all day. Moreover, this instructor dropped numerous “f-bombs” during class. Lastly, the instructor said at least once in every class that we follow what he says because he scored a 780. Ultimately, the behavior of the instructor, especially his overt immaturity, made the class extremely uncomfortable. Thus, the instructor combined with a curriculum that is no better, if not worse, than any other course results in a one-star rating. I recommend spending your money elsewhere.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Foster School of Business
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Pick a basic GMAT prep course if you need a structure to keep you disciplined. Conversely, if you're disciplined, just buy a syllabus and the associated test prep books and do self-study for 2-4 months. I wouldn't take the GMAT any more than three times. As for MBA applications, give yourself 6 months to research schools and focus areas that are relevant to you. The more research you do, especially immersing yourself in relevant books through reading, the better off you'll be when you have to complete your applications. If/when you are invited to interviews, you'll be thankful that you immersed yourself in research.
ABS –
Took the online course. The course material was good and certainly helpful.Videos are helpful if you want to have a feel of class room environment.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of California, Irvine
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Interact with as many current students as possible. Set up info calls. Once admitted don't hesitate to bargain over the scholarship.
Erika –
I was able to take both an in person class as well as utilize private tutoring with Manhattan. The class provided a useful and timely overview of all GMAT concepts, and kept me on a schedule for studying and taking practice tests. After this class, the private tutoring allowed me to hone in on my specific areas of need and gain some extra advice and skills for these particular sections. I was extremely satisfied with both services and would highly recommend them to anyone.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden School of Business/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Take it in strides and leave yourself enough time for multiple edits. Do not rush through essays and have close friends or colleagues read your essays to gain perspective.
Sam Horsell –
I did the self pacing but comprehensive (verbal and quant) portions of the online GMAT test prep through Manhattan Prep. I honestly was impressed with the method in which they teach it and break up the learning. i think it is certainly manageable, if you devote the time to studying (which is the true challenge after all). I’m very much a visual learner, and since the in-person course was not an option for me, I appreciated videos that were interactive on online book copies to work through the material. I definitely credit the course and not books alone (I tried that earlier) with raising my score significantly.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross/ 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early! I'm sure everyone says that, but keep in mind this is definitely a task you want to know all the ins and outs about. For instance, I studied abroad so I needed those official transcripts (not something easy to request before second round and winter break). Also, do you're research! You're already investing all this money in prep and applications, if possible, go to the campus. You'll certainly have more compelling points to say about WHY ------ and you can add names of people who were significant.
CS –
The Manhattan GMAT prep course was well worth the investment. I opted for a weekend class, which wound up having less than 10 students. As a result, I received a lot of very valuable and individualized feedback throughout the preparation process. The class was supplemented with comprehensive review materials that can easily be tailored to your specific needs. I scored a 740 on my first attempt, which was a 100+ point increase from the first practice exam I took. They used to offer discounts for attending an admissions consulting webinar but I’m not sure if that’s still the case.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Darden 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Make an effort to visit the campus or attend admissions events in your city before applying. Your interactions with past and current students will help you get a better sense for the school and prepare you to more effectively convey your interest in the admissions essays. Try and get the GMAT out of the way early, so that you can concentrate on the essays when they become available.
Danny Brigman –
They have helpful study tools; however, I am not sure if it is worth the price. Unless one needs to ace the GMAT test I would suggest to use a free link off of the internet. If someone else is covering the cost then I would recommend this product.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Gonzaga University 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
They have helpful study tools; however, I am not sure if it is worth the price. Unless one needs to ace the GMAT test I would suggest to use a free link off of the internet. If someone else is covering the cost then I would recommend this product.
KL –
Very strong review materials–the unique advantage of Manhattan is that even without a test prep class, the books themselves are great standalone guides that really prioritize what is important while giving you ample resources to cover topics you need extra help on.
In combination with the standard GMAT review books, I was able to score a 780 on my GMAT on my first try, a 100 point+ improvement from my initial test with Manhattan. Highly recommended
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard Business School / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply in earlier rounds--seems like there is a clear advantage for Round 1 applicants vs. later applicants.
If you work at a place that routinely sends students to strong business schools, I would commit the time to do really well at work, build genuine relationships with your superiors and secure outstanding recommendations.
I would practice the interview early and often--consider taking interviews at your lower-tier programs first just so you can get a few real-life repetitions. You can practice talking to a mirror and to admissions consultants all you want, but there is no substitute for the real thing.
Ryan Riordan –
The Manhattan Prep course really helped me to achieve the score I needed to get to gain admittance into the Tepper School of Business, as well as get a scholarship. The books not only helped me refresh on some items that I hadn’t gone over in 10 years, but also gave me helpful shortcuts to save time on the test. And time is of the essence, since you have only two minutes to spend on each question. Additionally, the practice tests were integral for me to 1) get the timing down and know what pace I needed to take the test at and 2) to build up the mental endurance for the 3.5-hour grind. I think those two things can be the difference between someone getting a 620 and a 720.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, Class of 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself. There's a thought that you need to cater your answers to what a particular school wants to hear, but in reality, if the school doesn't like what you have to say, then it's not the place you want to be. Yes, you should look for a school that allows you to reach your highest potential, but it's also very important to make sure that's it's a good fit. The school you choose, with its alumni base and your classmates, are your network, and it's important to be able to be able to fit well within that network for the rest of your career.
Ryan Riordan –
The book materials really gave me good shortcuts (especially for the quant section), which allowed me to save much needed time. The practice tests were the best part, as they help you build up the mental endurance needed for the 3.5-hour grind.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Carnegie Mellon University, Class of 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be yourself. There's a thought that you should cater your essay answers to what the school wants to hear. But if you have to do that, then the school probably isn't right for you. You should pick a school that's a good fit, as well as the one that will allow you to reach your career aspirations.
Angela Tenney –
I studied for the GMAT with a few friends and we each bought different study books so we could try them all. Out of Manhattan Prep, Kaplan, and the official GMAT study book, Manhattan Prep was clearly the best option. Its books were divided by subject, so you could adjust the order you covered the material based on what you were most comfortable with (i.e., they didn’t have to be used in the exact order, you could skip around if you wanted to). Each chapter of each book had questions throughout to test your understanding of the material that had just been covered, so you could make sure you understood that before moving on, and the end of each chapter had a quiz of the whole chapter’s content. Additionally, the books presented strategies for solving the problems beyond just doing the math, including when it’s appropriate to estimate and what order to attack data sufficiency options. Manhattan Prep was thorough and clearly explained, I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about taking the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Fuqua / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Print out your essays and application proof and do a final review of the hard copy before submitting them! I found a lot more typos looking at pieces of paper than I found scanning through pages on a computer screen.
HXH –
I actually did not have much time preparing for the GMAT test, Manhattan prep definitely helped me to structure the ideas and get used to the test format really quickly. All the teachers were very professional and good at what they were doing, they will help you to raise your scores in the shortest amount of time. So you will not only learn more in terms of knowledge and methodology but also in terms of strategy. Even if you do not know the answer directly, you can always learn to guess tactically and work it backwards or halfway. That is the same strategy towards life right? Well, there is always a way.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HEC Paris/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
GMAT score is not everything, sometimes you have to know when to stop and move on. Not getting a 700+ is not the end of the world. Application, essays, recommendations are all important elements. Know who you are competing with at an early stage, perhaps the school has different expectations towards people from different countries, definitely true in terms of GMAT scores...
Tana –
I only used the Manhattan Prep books. They cover thoroughly and in-depth all topics. But beyond the pure knowledge, they explain how to approach the D-day, the strategy to follow, etc. Many say that Manhattan Prep is designed for people who wants to achieve 700 plus, and it did actually work for me. I got much higher than I expected.
In addition to the books, Manhattan Prep comes with many mock test. Not sure whether the level of difficulty is in line with the actual exam or just me who performs better in a real exam environment, because I had much lower during the mock (in mock exams, the highest score I got was 630). But assuming the mock exams are tougher than the actual exam, it means that either:
– (i) the bad scores during the mock force you to study even more, which in turn translate in 700+ during the real exam, or
– (ii) the bad score has a negative impact and you feel like giving up.
All in all, I would recommend Manhattan Prep if you are very motivated and resilient.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HEC Paris - 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
People tend to overestimate the importance of the GMAT. Don't get me wrong, a bad GMAT makes is much harder to get into the business school you're contemplating, but an excellent GMAT doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a red carpet.
Essays and interviews do make the difference. Thus, I recommend to go very deep in your explanation of your application to this b-school. It has to go beyond the "FT rankings show that your one of the best MBA program and I want to join one of the best MBA Program". Get more intimate with the school, the curriculum (including professors), the atmosphere, etc. And the best way to do that is to reach out to current students or alumni
Kelsey Wolfe –
ManhattanPrep in-person courses did a great job preparing me for the GMAT. They taught content and test taking strategies that helped me increase my score from 600 to 720. The instructor quickly understood what level each student was at and was very good at teaching the material in a way that challenged each person.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Get the GMAT out of the way early. Write as many drafts as possible without trying to make each draft perfect. Get friends, family, etc. to review your essays and give you feedback early and often.
Adam Sinensky –
Manhattan Prep is good. They tout themselves as focused on people who want to get >700 so they claim to focus on the more advanced questions. I am not sure if that is true and got the sense that the target scores of the people in my class ranged from targeting 600 to targeting 750. OVerall I felt the prep materials were very good. I felt the instructors simply taught the book. If I had a clarification as to why an answer was what it was, often they would basically just read what was in the book. Of course I had already looked there and still didn’t agree and was hoping for additional insight from the instructor. So if you are looking for the discipline that comes with a class with HW, they are great. If you think you can discipline yourself, you can save some $$ by buying the books and doing your own schedule.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Wharton, 2015
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you use a service to help with your essays, make sure you retain the spirit and tone of who you are in the essays. As for GMAT prep, my opinion is that you can save money by doing your own test prep if you have the discipline. I felt that the instructors simply taught the books. It was $2000 for the course (including books) or only ~$400 for the books. I took the course because it would force discipline on me, which is something that I benefit from.
Simon Chafetz –
Manhattan prep was a great resource. I did the “live online” version which allowed me to learn from the comfort of my own home while also getting live support from a real person through the computer. The platform/interface worked really well, because it allowed the teacher and the students to interacts as if they were face to face (laugh, raise hand, ask question, etc). The pace of the studying felt right too. There is a lot of outside work required, if you want to do well.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan Ross, 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Definitely start early. Visit schools before applying so that you know what you're writing about in your essays. Spending money on getting a good GMAT score is worth it.
Ryan Colameo –
GMAT preparation material was fine. I purchased the books and moved through the problem sets at my own pace without a formal instructor. I would recommend taking a formal GMAT preparation course in beginning in January or February the year before you plan to matriculate. Not taking a formal course was my only regret throughout the entire GMAT/Application process. That being said, studying on your own can yield a very high score. If you are disciplined and set aside time to complete all of the drills then you will be on a path to success on the GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
I understand the irony in this statement before I type it, so please forgive me: ignore 99% of what you read on the internet about MBA applications, GMAT preparation, essay advice etc. If it does not come from an actual book written by someone who would know what is going on (e.g. a former admissions person), a school's official website, or from the mouth of admissions people working at the schools you are applying to, simply disregard what you have heard. There is so much static on the internet with people voicing their uninformed opinions relating to a process that they hardly understand. If you want to reduce stress, avoid forums entirely. Your best GMAT prep website is going to be GMAT Quantum (http://www.gmatquantum.com/).
Matthew Schlenker –
Dry but good and useful content
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan Ross Class of 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Spend real time on the portions outside of the GMAT
Jaso Back –
I took Manhattan Live GMAT Course in Toronto:
– I thought the instructor was very knowledgeable of GMAT prep
– In terms of class, it is a good opportunity to make friends and potential study buddies
– I think the class size should be slightly smaller in order to really have enough opportunities to interact with the instructor
– The books were very helpful in terms of really focusing my weak areas and run some drills
– Online support and tracking tools are pretty easy to use and you can drive your results with analytics to evaluate your strong and weak areas
– You can resell the books on Kijiji get a decent value because they are highly regarded and they are constant demand for it
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ivey Business School / 2015
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
- Make sure you apply early as possible if waiting till the later round does not significantly improve your qualifications (ex. GMAT score by +30 points, promotion, etc)
- Also ask for more scholarships when you are accepted
- Make campus visits if you can and get to know admissions people before you apply (this is important for you get an interview/accepted)
- Try to distinguish yourself and make sure your application is unique. There are millions of other applications who have the same goals and similar experiences as you do
Ash –
The class was good, professor was approachable. They definitely set you up with the materials, but they won’t do much good without doing the homework. I think the class is worth the investment if you make sure you are diligent about doing every assignment. Definitely get an accountability partner. The GMAT is all about practice and preparation,
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan Ross 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Commit to a disciplined GMAT study schedule and be your authentic self in the MBA application essays.
Abe M –
I took the in-class course with Manhattan Prep and really liked. The instructors were great and the strategies were really good. There is a lot of content and homework you cover in the 9-weeks, so it can be a bit of a challenge keeping up with it. Requires a lot of discipline and dedication to do so. Personally, I struggled with it and catching up was difficult. This is where their online resources come in handy. All lectures are available online, along with the other tools to track your progress. The online resources were available for 9-months after the 9-week course. You do get a free admissions counseling through the course, along with a free book and that’s useful if you’re planning for an MBA early enough.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Michigan Ross School of Business / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Your GMAT is important, but your essay is just as or more important.
Kaitlyn Klingensmith –
I chose Manhattan Prep because after doing extensive research on the pros and cons of different programs, I found that the majority of reviews found the books and materials to be more thorough than other prep courses. As a humanities undergrad major, I know I needed extra help with quant so I wanted the best materials to cover those topics. That being said, I think the materials are a good summary but not great for going into detail to make sure you truly understand the material. Additionally, if Manhattan prep is good at one thing, it’s teaching you how to best understand the test structure to figure out a strategy to beat it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Find a program that works for you so that you can get a better understanding of how the test works, but be prepared to do a lot of the grunt work on your own. Make sure you allow for enough time to take the test multiple times so that you can apply for schools during the rounds you want to give yourself the best chance of admission.
Panuwat –
– Great online CATs and Sentence Correction Strategy
– So-so exercises
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross / 2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
- Plan to take GMAT early. It requires long preparation to get high score.
- Aim high. If your GMAT is in 80% median, try M7 schools in R1, and lower schools in Top 15 in R2.
- Talk to other applicants/students/alumni.
- Don't give up!!
Kevin –
Manhattan GMAT is probably the best test prep book out there. Level of difficulty is in-line with what you should expect in your actual exam. Their strategy approach to problems, time management, etc. is great. Would highly recommend it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on a 3-4 schools that you really want to go to. Avoid applying to too many safety schools.
Nikhil Mittal –
I found Manhattan’s books and prep tests to prepare for my GMAT very helpful. The material is comprehensive and the prep tests are very similar to what one gets on in the exam.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rotman School of Management/2015
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
In preparation for GMAT understand and focus on your strengths. Practicing what to leave is as important as mastering key sections.
For applications, try to narrow down your key motivation behind getting into MBA. Then understand which school fits best in your plan. Also, understand the the market where school is located as that could be a significant factor in achieving post MBA goals.
Francisco Escobosa –
I think that this is the most complete set of tools to prepare for the GMAT, especially for non native english speakers. The books are clear and extensive, and the computer exercises are tough but have the full explanation of the problem.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
darden business school/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Dont just look for rankings, try to go where you really fit in. It will not only be the best for you, but also for your classmates. Rankings matter a little, but if you are in a top 15 school, you get to the door of any company, the rest will be up to you.
Alessandra Kroeff –
I used Manhattan’s books and prep tests to prepare for my GMAT and they were very useful. The material is comprehensive and the prep tests are very similar to what you will see the day you take the actual test. The review functionalities are very good.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Cornell University / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus and prepare. GMAT is not hard, you just have to learn how to take it. And don't give up, take it as many times as you need it, schools don't care how many times you've taken the test.
Dan –
Manhattan books are the best
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Rotman / 2015
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Focus on the gmat, better scores lead to higher entrance awards
Sanjit –
Great course! I particularly think their sentence correction courses are the most helpful. In addition, I believe the math is a good refresher!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Fuqua/2018
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Start early! And make sure you pace yourself and don't rush as it may seem simple, but you need to really digest all the information for the GMAT regardless of how smart you think you are.
Mostafa abd elaziz –
Real expensive for what it offers. Study from the books but the online course is too expensive
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Berkeley Haas 2017
Anne-Sophie Leroux –
Really enjoyed the small virtual group prep that got me prepared for both Math and Verbal in just under two months.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Ross School of Business / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Look for the program that will best match your schedule and allow you to best prep for the GMAT.
Matt B –
I used the online sessions and independent study options for Manhattan and felt it was very valuable. The course kept me focused and on track to make progress up until the test date. It’s hard to stay motivated on your own, and I felt Manhattan offered material and online resources to answer high level and very detailed questions I had along the way.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
UNC Kenan Flagler
Abdul –
Great teachers and material
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Umass/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Work hard...
Elizabeth L –
Loved Manhattan prep (took it as Manhattan GMAT then the name changed). I took a live online course which met online once a week then had two additional online “discussion” meetings to go over the math and verbal homework. Manhattan prep provinces all classroom software so there are no additional charges. If you go to all the sessions and do the homework you will learn all the basics you need to do well. BUT then you have to practice. I spent 4 months practicing with the Manhattan prep Official Guide question banks after the course. This is essential to help with timing and other nuances.
The online resources that come with any Manhattan prep course are invaluable.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Notre Dame - Mendoza 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Apply early, visit schools in person
Neha Singh –
It was a great introduction to the GMAT format. The questions familiarized me with the type of questions and I knew what to expect in the actual test.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Arizona State University
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Be true to yourself and you will find the school that is the right fit for you.
Alvin Oswandy –
Excellent prep program. Very methodical in their test-taking strategy and advice. Best teachers around, super helpful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Duke University (Fuqua) / 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Keep an open mind when choosing schools - do some research into your career goals before applying.
Amanda –
Absolutely the gold standard in GMAT test prep. I took the online version of the class, which is slightly less expensive. Be sure to take advantage of all of the included services – not just the classes and homework.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stern
Molly McGovern –
At times the level of material discussed during class was insufficiently challenging. However, the Manhattan test prep books were extremely helpful for learning content outside of class and for practicing sample problems. The course syllabus was useful in pacing one’s studying. Overall the course was well worth it.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS / 2016
On –
I only used the books and that was good enough.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
London Business School
Juhi SIngh –
Comprehensive and a great resource for mock tests! I could see incremental improvements in my mock tests as I progressed through the materials.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MIT S
Evelyn Z –
Manhattan GMAT
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Loved the Manhattan GMAT online prep course. Very convenient because the closest test center was over 1 hour away, and the books were great. Even after the online courses, I would review the books in areas of weakness and the content was extremely helpful. 100% the reason my GMAT scores improved
Sam –
Great resource for mock tests. I found Manhattan’s mock exams extremely helpful. Although the level of VA needs to be improved and level of qa needs to be adjusted slightly downwards. Good algorithm too!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stern/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Great resource for mock tests. I found Manhattan's mock exams extremely helpful. Although the level of VA needs to be improved and level of qa needs to be adjusted slightly downwards. Good algorithm too
Gabriela –
definitely not a cheap option but very effective. the tips, practice tests and other resources that they give you are really helpful. especially useful if you’re working while studying for the gmat and need a more structured course.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
lbs/2016
Tiffany –
Best choice for GMAT Prep
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kelley School of Business / May 2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Best thing I could have done for myself was take this prep program. Without Manhattan GMAT I would never have understood the questions and what I needed to know to the degree that I did. THe class I happened to take was very small (less than 5 people per session) so I felt that I got a great deal out of it (and a 700!).
Sarah Kretz –
Manhattan gmat is great, augment the normal set of books with the advanced quant book. small cclasses, personal attention from instructor
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard Business School/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
SPEND TIME TAILORING RESUME TO SCHOOL WHICH IS NOT THE SAME AS FOR JOB APPS
MARTIN FERNANDEZ –
I took the 10-WEEK ONLINE COURSE AND FOUND IT EXTREMELY HELPFUL. I USUALLY DON’T PREFER ONLINE COURSES BUT THIS ONE WAS WELL-EXECUTED, WITH NO TECHNICAL ISSUES. THE MATERIALS WERE ALSO EXTREMELY HELPFUL.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS / 2016
Abhishek Bhaker –
good 🙂
MBA Program & Grad Year:
2016
AJ Belen –
The in person prep course was amazing – great materials and an incredibly smart instructor. The course definitely targets a 700+ (or maybe 750+). Definitely worth the time and money.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Stern 2016
Brent powers –
Great materials and key methods to break down the hardest sorts of questions. Only ding is that their practice exams grade lower than the GMAC’s PRACTice exams or GMAT
MBA Program & Grad Year:
HBS 2016
Sara Weber –
the in-person Manhattan gmat prep course was amazing. I actually enjoyed attending class with a brilliant and engaging instructor, and my gmat score was higher than i ever imagined it would be 🙂
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Harvard business school
Marc Weiner –
Great prep, taken on a college campus with a fantastic teacher
MBA Program & Grad Year:
NYU Stern/20178
S. Attwood –
Good prep and review, more challenging than the exam itself. Always a plus!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
MIT Sloan '16
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Good luck! Be yourself and describe how you want to change the world.
Kapil Dhingra –
Not exactly like the real exam but still pretty good practice if you’re aiming for a 720+ score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
University of Iowa
brandon cole –
I found the books very helpful. in particular the QUANTITATIVE books were really good.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
university of iowa / 2017
Thitikorn Setthalikhit –
Great material especially for the sentence correction part. For critical reasoning part is not so useful.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
mit
Laurence Lau –
Worth the money. Manhattan prep reqUires a 760 from its instructors, Kaplan only requires a 710 and princeton review only requires a 670. Best materials were the PRACTICE exams, they are much more rigorous than the actual gmat. I finished the math section 10 minutes early on game day, 99th Percentile Score overall.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
mIT Sloan 2016
Jon Ting –
Manhattan is DEFINITELY not a cheap program but if you COMMITTED and ready to put the time and work in then it’s a great program for you. The teachers were great and material was good. Make sure you take the class only when you are sure you want to take the test though, this will get you the most value for your money
MBA Program & Grad Year:
USC MARSHALL/2016
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
START EARLY AND BE FOCUSED, HIGHLIGHT YOUR STRONG POINTS AND WORK EXPERIENCE
Melody Buckley –
I took an in person course and found it very VALUABLE. The INSTRUCTOR was really good at conveying the core concepts of how to succeed at ‘beating’ the gmat. The supplemental material is good, but can seem OVERWHELMING – to get through everything in detail, I think you need more than two months. I would highly RECOMMEND this prep program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Michigan State University - 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Getting a good SCORE on the gmat isn't for the faint of heart - DEDICATE resources ( time +money) to succeed
Anesha Agarwal –
Manhattan gmat is overall really helpful. However, i think it prepares you for the hard questions, and is not as realistic as Kaplan. Kaplan is better for level-setting and getting a more feasible version of the test. Manhattan is good if you are already scoring well and want to incrementally improve your score.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Sloan MBA 2016
Harish Patel –
Fantastic on all fronts. If you are willing to put in the time, Manhattan will help you get over the hump and get your dream score – just as it did for me!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
London Business School - 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
Finding a unique selling point in a 'common' applicant pool is the difference between admissions goals being realised.
Eliana bakEr –
I did the self prep and found it to be great for someone with a difficult Schedule and not all the time to go to classes. The material was all the same and also rEceived one free hour tutoring via the phone.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Mccombs 2016
Srinivasan Venkatesh –
Great Material. Helped me a lot in my preparation!
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kelley School of Business
Christina Naguiat –
Not worth the money! Being that the program does not guarantee improvement on scores, I didn’t see any added value by taking this program if you are paying out of pocket. It gives you great materials to practice with, but you can buy those online. The courses were structured in a lecture format, and met once a week. As a female, I gained more out of being involved with the Forte MBALaunch program.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
Kelley 2017
Your MBA Application & School Advice:
If you are a women, apply a good year+ in advance to the forte mbalaunch program, it costs $500 but just the first two webinars are worth that cost alone.
jESS kim –
GREAT TEACHERS AND MATERIALS. MANHATTAN PREP WAS OFFERED THROUGH MY COMPANY AND WAS A GREAT INTRODUCTION TO THE GMAT.
MBA Program & Grad Year:
mit sloan/2016