GMAT aspirants face the decision between coaching institutes and self study. Coaching institutes offer structured environments with expert feedback, especially beneficial for those planning to study abroad. Students in coaching programs tend to score higher than those who self-study, as they follow a clear roadmap. However, self study is a more budget-friendly option, offering flexibility in scheduling. But without accountability, it requires more research, motivation, and self-discipline to create effective study plans.
While both choices have their own pros and cons, the choice you go for ultimately boils down to the learning style you are comfortable with and the resources available to you. You will also need to keep time commitment and budget in mind, especially if you want to study abroad. As a future commitment, the budget will play a major role because, to go through with it, you will require a chunk of your savings.
There is no need to be discouraged if either of the options doesn’t appeal to you, however, as both can bring you success. All you need to do is weigh your options and choose what’s best for you.
This blog will tell you all you need to know!
Let’s get real here and talk about how difficult self-preparation is when it comes to the GMAT or any other entrance exam that may fulfill that dream of yours to study abroad. While it is a viable and flexible option to explore, you need to be very disciplined and stick with your schedule. Once you get a hang of it, you’ll find it as effective as coaching. Let’s see how self-study can be advantageous as a budget-friendly option.
Let’s explore how self study can be advantageous and some of the challenges it presents.
If you’re saving up to study abroad, self-studying for GMAT is the ideal option. Aside from its cost-efficiency, self-studying is also beneficial for those with difficulty learning in large groups. The following points of advantage will surely turn you around this subject:
Self-study can be effective, but it is no stranger to challenges. Let’s address some of them here:
Self-study comes with its own advantages; budget-friendly is one of the leading ones. However, it requires careful planning and resources, something that unobtrusive companies like Manya can help with without draining your savings, especially if you are planning to study abroad. Let’s look at some strategies to make self-study more efficient:
Albeit expensive, coaching institutes are, hands-down, one of the most opted-for options as they offer a structured approach to mastering the GMAT. John Fulmer, the national content director for GMAT at The Princeton Review USA, says:
It’s not just the knowledge being tested; it’s the approach to the problem.
To succeed in the GMAT, you need to know how to approach and solve the questions efficiently instead of just understanding the material.
Coaching institutes are conducive to those who love being in structured learning environments. Most GMAT aspirants will opt for a coaching institute for the following reasons:
The immersive classroom experience that coaching institutes offer is crucial for building practical strategies that go beyond academic knowledge. They are:
While both have advantages and disadvantages, the choice depends on what you are comfortable with. Here’s a handy comparison table to help you weigh out the pros and cons:
| Aspect | Coaching | Self Study |
| Learning | Structured with expert guidance | Flexible, self-paced |
| Demonstrations | Live, real-time problem-solving techniques | Self-taught, from books or online resources |
| Feedback | Immediate feedback from instructors | Limited or delayed unless using forums like Manya Abroad or tutors |
| Interaction | Group discussions and peer learning | Solo learning |
| Accountability | Higher, with set schedules and check-ins | Self-driven; requires discipline |
| Cost | More expensive due to classroom fees | More affordable, limited to resource costs |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule | Study anytime, anywhere |
While studying on your own can be a very cost-efficient choice for those planning to study abroad, it can get very overwhelming due to the lack of accountability, expert support, and feedback. However, self-prep coaching programs held by companies like Manya can be an ideal budget-friendly option.
Going abroad for further studies is a choice that will incur huge expenses and GMAT coaching centers can be quite expensive. If you are struggling with money, but wish to study abroad, self study is the best option. There are many self-prep coaching programs available that are cheaper compared to coaching classes.
Manya–The Princeton Review, Kaplan, and Manhattan GMAT are coaching institutes offering consultations and comprehensive expert help to self-prep applicants.
Your GMAT preparation will entirely depend on how familiar you are with the content and what score you aim to achieve. If you are planning to study abroad, your GMAT scores will play a big role. Ideally, applicants usually take around 2 to 4 months to prepare for GMAT.
Yes, absolutely. With institutes like Manya Abroad, you can easily curate your own flexible studying schedule while getting expert guidance and immersive studying experience from these self-prep coaching programs.
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