Study Abroad exam prep: Benefits of Coaching classes versus Self-study

When you decide to prepare for exams like GMAT or IELTS, you will have to figure out whether you want to carry out the preparation on your own or you want to attend coaching classes specially meant for these exams. While you are in this dilemma, remember that your course will depend on your personality. Whether you thrive among people or are content with studying in peace, all these will count towards the final decision.

Here we have curated a few benefits of both coaching classes and self-studies. Go through them and decide for yourself which one sounds better.

Coaching institutes

• Coaching will uplift you and motivate you to do better. Learning in a class environment puts you in serious study mode. Those who find it difficult to find motivation are usually greatly helped by coaching.
• By conducting regular tests, the coaching centers will give you counselling based on your performance.
• You will learn tricks of the trade by experts of the field. Shortcuts and mnemonics are easy ways to learn difficult concepts, and most coaching centers evolve their own style.
• Since you will have the teachers evaluating your performance, you will get continuous feedback and additional support with your weak areas.
• These coaching institutes take into account the highest probable questions and sets, and give thorough training and coaching related to those.

Self-studies

• Since every student and his style of learning is different, a coaching center which proved to be good for others may not be suited for you. You need to understand how you learn and focus on carrying forward the personal approach to studies. Since coaching institutes have a teaching style suited for big groups of students, personal attention will be minimal.
• Studying within the comfort of your home is a lot better than travelling every day to reach the coaching center. You might be drained of energy even before reaching the class, which will only lead to low productivity state.
• Self-studies will save you a lot of money. Coaching classes come with fat bills, and not everyone can afford to spend so much on preparation. Exams like GMAT, GRE, TOEFL or IELTS are expensive to register for, and if you add on the expenses of coaching classes then the whole deal becomes quite expensive.
• Internet today is overflowing with educational videos. You can look around and will find many informative videos, websites, software which will provide you different approaches to study.

In the end you need to figure it out whether you are short on time or money. If you need intense preparation in a short span of time, coaching classes will serve your need. If you have abundant time and are sure that you will manage the prep on your own, then you can stick to self-preparation. It all depends on your priorities. Once you have them in place, figuring your preparation strategy will be easier than you think.

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