by StaceyKoprince Tue Sep 30, 2008 10:05 pm
Before I started working for the company and actually experienced the online classroom, I would've said in person is much better. But now I think they're both very effective (based on both my own observations and what students tell me), but there are a couple of differences you should consider in making your decision.
Both courses use exactly the same curriculum, spend the same amount of time, and have the same instructors - so there's no difference there. You will still get the same visual learning in terms of seeing the class slides and working out the solutions on a shared whiteboard.
The in-person course allows you to make eye contact with your instructor and be physically present while learning, which is good if you tend to get distracted by other things. It's also easier to meet other people to form study groups (though I encourage my on-line students to do this too.) The on-line course has two instructors in the classroom at all times, which is good because you can ask questions without interrupting the instructor who's currently speaking. I find that students ask a lot more questions in on-line classes because of this. The on-line class is also more convenient for an obvious reason: you don't have to get into your car and go anywhere.
Some people in the on-line classes participate more than they otherwise would because they're not as hesitant to ask questions. Some people in the on-line classes participate less than they otherwise would because they start browsing the web or getting distracted by other things. So ask yourself: which do you think you would be?
Also, you can sit in on the first session of a class for free, just to test it out. So sign up for a trial session (you can do that on our web site or by calling 800.576.GMAT) and just see what you think. Then you can make your decision!
Stacey Koprince
Instructor
Director, Content & Curriculum
ManhattanPrep