For both tests, a typical study plan for someone starting from scratch is 8 – 10 weeks. However, I like to caution students against measuring their progress in terms of weeks spent studying. There is no magic formula for the time investment one needs to get a certain score. What constitutes “enough” varies from person to person. Therefore, we can always extend, condense, or adjust the schedule as needed.
I reserve two days a week for students living in Chicago who prefer to meet in-person. I can meet anywhere from The Loop to the North Suburbs and anyplace in-between.
For the most part, I got nothing against the large test prep companies. I've worked for many of them, both as an instructor and a content developer, and wouldn't be the teacher I am today if it weren't for some of the people I met along the way.
What doesn't vary, are the obscene hourly rates these places charge. Don't take my word for it though. Below are the private GMAT tutoring rates for a 2-hour session at five of the largest test prep companies as listed on their own websites. And these are the discount packages!
These rates are necessary so these companies cam support their bloated marketing budgets and other overhead. In other words, half your money is going towards stuff that has absolutely nothing to do with quality teaching. By hiring me you can be assured that 100% of your money is going to nothing but the highest quality personalized instruction possible.
I strongly encourage students to approach their studies as if they are only going to take their test once. Assuming otherwise encourages the sort of bad study habits which tend to result in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Nonetheless, I am happy to work out a study plan in case a retake is necessary. Depending on the situation, this may include one or two comprehensive review sessions.