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Email estee@prepcorps.com if you have any questions about courses, tutoring, or admissions consulting. |
Deciding to Take the Exam
What if I just skip the test?
Some programs don't require the GMAT or GRE at all. Can I just submit an application based on my experience?
It's probably been a while since you've taken a standardized exam like the GMAT or GRE. It may be tempting to opt for a graduate program that doesn't require them, but the quality of education, career services, and networking opportunities at top programs are invaluable. PrepCorps is here to make sure that you maximize your potential as a grad school applicant and get on track to your dream job.
What about the Executive Assessment for MBA programs?
If you have a significant amount of experience, call the Admissions at your preferred programs to ask if the Executive Assessment is right for you (it's a shorter version of the GMAT). If you do decide to take it, we recommend taking a GMAT course or signing up for individualized tutoring with us so that you can achieve your potential.
It's probably been a while since you've taken a standardized exam like the GMAT or GRE. It may be tempting to opt for a graduate program that doesn't require them, but the quality of education, career services, and networking opportunities at top programs are invaluable. PrepCorps is here to make sure that you maximize your potential as a grad school applicant and get on track to your dream job.
What about the Executive Assessment for MBA programs?
If you have a significant amount of experience, call the Admissions at your preferred programs to ask if the Executive Assessment is right for you (it's a shorter version of the GMAT). If you do decide to take it, we recommend taking a GMAT course or signing up for individualized tutoring with us so that you can achieve your potential.
Which test should I take? When should I take it?
I want an MA in my field
Take the GRE! We've worked with students from various backgrounds such as acting, non-profit, data science, physical therapy, psychology, humanities, and engineering. Most students study for the GRE in 2-3 months. We recommend budgeting 80-120 hours of studying, but that will depend on your starting point and target goal. Most students start studying between April and September so that they can apply to programs in the Fall. If you are getting started even earlier, that's great! Your score lasts five years.
Tip: Book your test at least two months before the admissions deadline in case you need to re-take it!
I want an MBA
The math on the GMAT is more difficult and therefore more respected by MBA programs. A solid score on the GMAT will look better for you than a solid score on the GRE. That being said, you can and should take the GRE if either of the following apply to you:
Tip: Book your test at least four months before the admissions deadline in case you need to re-take it!
Take the GRE! We've worked with students from various backgrounds such as acting, non-profit, data science, physical therapy, psychology, humanities, and engineering. Most students study for the GRE in 2-3 months. We recommend budgeting 80-120 hours of studying, but that will depend on your starting point and target goal. Most students start studying between April and September so that they can apply to programs in the Fall. If you are getting started even earlier, that's great! Your score lasts five years.
Tip: Book your test at least two months before the admissions deadline in case you need to re-take it!
I want an MBA
The math on the GMAT is more difficult and therefore more respected by MBA programs. A solid score on the GMAT will look better for you than a solid score on the GRE. That being said, you can and should take the GRE if either of the following apply to you:
- You want to leave your options open to non-MBA grad programs
- You don't have a lot of time to study (it takes more time to prepare for the GMAT - some students don't have the bandwidth)
Tip: Book your test at least four months before the admissions deadline in case you need to re-take it!
Deciding to Register
How does PrepCorps compare to other GMAT/GRE test prep options?
We specialize in the GMAT and GRE
Many national test prep companies are focused more on SATs and haven't perfected their GMAT and GRE content.
We attract talented instructors
Instructors choose to work with us rather than with other companies because we have a social mission. Our founder Estee created PrepCorps as a way to fundraise for the nonprofit that she founded in Paraguay, the Superkids Foundation.
We limit class size
Our courses are capped at eight students, but probably average around five students. Small group study means that you can ask questions and get more attention from your instructor.
Many national test prep companies are focused more on SATs and haven't perfected their GMAT and GRE content.
We attract talented instructors
Instructors choose to work with us rather than with other companies because we have a social mission. Our founder Estee created PrepCorps as a way to fundraise for the nonprofit that she founded in Paraguay, the Superkids Foundation.
We limit class size
Our courses are capped at eight students, but probably average around five students. Small group study means that you can ask questions and get more attention from your instructor.
What if I have an issue with the dates?
I need to miss a class or two...
You have several options. You can self-study the course slides and check into online office hours to ask questions (Free), you can make up the class with a different session (Free), or you can use your student discount on tutoring to make up the session around your schedule . Sometimes, if there is very low enrollment, students can coordinate with their instructor to reschedule classes at times that work for everyone.
The dates don't work for me at all...
If there is enough demand, we may be able to schedule another course around your schedule. Email Leah@prepcorps.com so that we can see what we can do for you.
You have several options. You can self-study the course slides and check into online office hours to ask questions (Free), you can make up the class with a different session (Free), or you can use your student discount on tutoring to make up the session around your schedule . Sometimes, if there is very low enrollment, students can coordinate with their instructor to reschedule classes at times that work for everyone.
The dates don't work for me at all...
If there is enough demand, we may be able to schedule another course around your schedule. Email Leah@prepcorps.com so that we can see what we can do for you.
I haven't touched math since high school. Is this class for me?
Absolutely. Our students have the opportunity to take our Math Refresher Workshop for free! It is an awesome three-hour interactive workshop on math fundamentals. You'll study topics such as:
If you can't make the online Math Refresher or need more individual attention, use your student discount code to register for individualized tutoring to catch you up. GMAT students would ideally catch up on math basics before the course begins or as soon as possible, as problem sets can be difficult.
- Quick Arithmetic Tricks
- Number Properties
- Fractions, Decimals, Percents
- Exponents and Radicals
- Least Common Multiple and Greatest Common Factor
- Simple Algebraic Equations and Systems of Equations
- Factoring and Distributing
- Common Algebraic Manipulations
If you can't make the online Math Refresher or need more individual attention, use your student discount code to register for individualized tutoring to catch you up. GMAT students would ideally catch up on math basics before the course begins or as soon as possible, as problem sets can be difficult.
Have students improved their score via your program?
Absolutely. Five of our current instructors were PrepCorps students in the past: Ben, Tony, Karan, Sam, and Zichen. They all went on to nail the exam. Our course will provide you with great test-taking strategies, a structured study schedule, a formula sheet, basic math review, and guidance through a myriad of different question types. The last ingredients depend on you - realistic expectations about what it will take to succeed and persistence to put in the hard work to get yourself there.
If you're still on the fence, email Leah@prepcorps.com and we can arrange a one-hour class visit (space-permitting). If timing does not work out, we can also arrange a phone call with an instructor.
If you're still on the fence, email Leah@prepcorps.com and we can arrange a one-hour class visit (space-permitting). If timing does not work out, we can also arrange a phone call with an instructor.
Do you offer payment plans? Do you offer refunds and referral rebates?
Yes! You can reserve your spot by paying 50% upfront and 50% one month later or after the fourth class, whichever is sooner. To reserve your spot in our course using a payment plan, email Leah@prepcorps.com for an email invoice. Yes. Our refund policy can be found in our Terms and Conditions here. If you refer a friend, we will reward both of you with a $100 rebate.
Taking a PrepCorps Class
How do courses work?
Our courses are eight sessions. The first session is a Strategy Class that covers test-taking strategy and study tips; the remaining seven classes are each dedicated to a structured topic. We generally teach a concept, allow the students a few minutes to practice, teach a concept, allow the students a few minutes to practice. See our respective GMAT and GRE course pages for information covered in each session. Try to leave time on weekends to study and catch up on homework.
Should I take an online course?
If your schedule is tight, an online course could be a great option. We conduct online classes over Zoom (which is like Skype). Your instructor will share his/her screen and walk you through the slides while annotating and solving math problems alongside. Like in-person courses, we keep online sessions small, and students interact with the instructor via video and sidechat features. In general, we would say that the quality of your experience depends more on the instructor and material than on format.
Advantages of Online
Advantages of Online
- Likely to be smaller class size (3-5 students) so there will be plenty of participation via video and chat
- More focused because there are fewer tangents in conversation. We usually cover much more ground in an online class because of this.
- No travel time means you can spend that extra time on homework
- Difficulty getting to know the instructor or classmates as well on a personal level
- May be a little more difficult for the instructor to pick up on subtle cues that you don't understand (our workaround is using the side chat)
- Watching an instructor draw things out on a physical whiteboard is often more fun/personal than watching the instructor's mouse draw it out on a virtual whiteboard
Homework and Materials
What materials do I need for homework and are they included in the price of the course?
Students purchase homework materials separately; we typically send out links in our Welcome Email once you're registered. Homework is assigned from Magoosh Online Resources and the Official Guide. Magoosh comes with online videos, timed practice sets, and several full-length practice sets. The Official Guide provides additional practice via questions from the testmaker and/or past exams. If you are a GMAT student, you can buy an access code to Magoosh through us for a $100 discount.
What materials do I need to bring to class?
Just bring a notebook and a pencil on the first day! The instructor may or may not request that you bring the Official Guide and/or your laptop on days when there is lots of in-class practice.
I prefer a physical manual rather than an online tool. Can you recommend an alternative resource?
The Manhattan Prep books can be ordered from Amazon. These are a good resource and can be used as an alternative to Magoosh. When the syllabus prompts you to do Arithmetic practice from Magoosh, do the equivalent practice via Manhattan Prep.
What if I can't complete the homework in time?
We recognize that the majority of our students are young professionals who work full-time. Studying on top of that can be hard! Do the best you can to dedicate weekends to homework. If you can't keep up, there's no problem with taking the class now and circling back to do the homework after the course is over.
Students purchase homework materials separately; we typically send out links in our Welcome Email once you're registered. Homework is assigned from Magoosh Online Resources and the Official Guide. Magoosh comes with online videos, timed practice sets, and several full-length practice sets. The Official Guide provides additional practice via questions from the testmaker and/or past exams. If you are a GMAT student, you can buy an access code to Magoosh through us for a $100 discount.
What materials do I need to bring to class?
Just bring a notebook and a pencil on the first day! The instructor may or may not request that you bring the Official Guide and/or your laptop on days when there is lots of in-class practice.
I prefer a physical manual rather than an online tool. Can you recommend an alternative resource?
The Manhattan Prep books can be ordered from Amazon. These are a good resource and can be used as an alternative to Magoosh. When the syllabus prompts you to do Arithmetic practice from Magoosh, do the equivalent practice via Manhattan Prep.
What if I can't complete the homework in time?
We recognize that the majority of our students are young professionals who work full-time. Studying on top of that can be hard! Do the best you can to dedicate weekends to homework. If you can't keep up, there's no problem with taking the class now and circling back to do the homework after the course is over.
Location
Location Instructions: Office Nomads: 1617 Boylston Ave. Suite 200, Seattle. Try to arrive between 10 or 15 minutes before class starts - Stephen will be waiting to let you into the building and bring you up to your classroom. If you have any trouble or are running late, you can get in touch with Stephen at 206-960-8047.
Signing up for Tutoring
Should I sign up for tutoring or a course?
Individualized tutoring is the best option for you if you've already taken a course with a different company, you need to schedule lessons around a tight schedule, or you only need help on a handful of topics. Otherwise, we strongly recommend starting with a course and adding on the individualized tutoring with your student discount code as that's by far the best bang for your buck.
For GRE students: You can purchase a 24-hr course ($699)+ 14 hrs of tutoring ($686) for cheaper than 12 hours of tutoring on its own.
For GMAT students: You can purchase a 24-hour course ($999)+22 hrs of tutoring ($1078) for cheaper than 22 hours of tutoring on its own.
For GRE students: You can purchase a 24-hr course ($699)+ 14 hrs of tutoring ($686) for cheaper than 12 hours of tutoring on its own.
For GMAT students: You can purchase a 24-hour course ($999)+22 hrs of tutoring ($1078) for cheaper than 22 hours of tutoring on its own.
How does tutoring work?
We'll ask you a few questions about what you're looking for and then connect you with an instructor who would be a good fit for your level and who has the bandwidth to meet with you around your schedule. After you're paired up, your instructor will get in touch directly to coordinate dates and locations of meetings that work for both of you. In the past, instructors have conducted tutoring at a cafe, library, University of Washington study room, student's office, or study room in a student's apartment building.