Traditionally, private tutoring has been reserved for those who either had the most issues with the material or the most money. Today, the lines are much more blurred. If you are trying to decide between Private Tutoring and a GMAT Course, these pros and cons should help:

A GMAT Class Course makes sense if:

1. You feel comfortable in a classroom setting
2. You don’t have big gaps in your prep that will require extra attention
3. You are tight on budget (traditional course prices range from $1,000 to $1,500 for in person or live online full courses)
4. You have a schedule that can accommodate a course/class that meets at a specific time every week (sometimes it is hard to catch up if you skip a class)
5. You are self-motivated to turn in homework and assignments and don’t expect extra questions in this area

Private Tutoring makes sense if:

1. You need an individual study plan – most tutors will initiate a strategy discussion based on a diagnostic test analysis to make the best use of the tutoring package
2. You need to score 700+ and are serious about it
3. You can benefit from additional attention and feedback
4. You are tight on time or you travel for work
5. You don’t like to be stuck in a class and be interrupted by others
6. You are looking to spend more time in some areas vs. others (e.g. Verbal vs. Quant)
7. You have some extra money

What do the extra dollars buy me with private tutoring? 

1. Creates an individual study plan that is built around your weaknesses and strengths
2. Chances are much higher to score 700+
3. Uses your time more effectively – you don’t have to listen to a Geometry class for 3 hours if you already know it. Also you can optimize the time of your study sessions – you can do it before work, during a lunch break, or on the weekend
4. Issues and red flags are spotted right away. Since it is a one-on-one environment, there is no chance the tutor will miss you, or will not notice that you are lost. Also, they don’t have the obligation to continue if you are stumped.
5. A tutor would do some of the manual labor for you (e.g. mistake analysis, additional prep, homework selection, etc)
6. A Tutor can see when you are ready to take the GMAT
7. Your Private Tutor is more accountable and invested in your success and you build a stronger relationship which generally translates to a better lesson/coaching.
8. Money-back guarantee (Optimus Prep only)

If you are interested in a free and non-committal online trial hour, you can contact Optimus Prep’s support and additionally receive a free GMAT practice test. Based on those results, one of our professional tutors can create for you an individual study plan to eliminate your weaknesses.