When it comes to preparing for the GMAT, a lot of people feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available. From test prep books to online courses, the choices can be daunting. One platform that has garnered attention in recent years is Target Test Prep. This online GMAT prep course promises to offer a streamlined, efficient approach to preparing for the exam. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive deep into this review to find out.
What is Target Test Prep?
Target Test Prep (TTP) is an online GMAT prep platform that’s designed to provide a thorough and structured study plan for GMAT test-takers. The program is known for its focus on quantitative skills, offering a deep dive into all the necessary math concepts. This is especially beneficial for students who feel that their math skills need some extra attention.
Target Test Prep was created by a team of GMAT experts, with a particular emphasis on breaking down complex topics into manageable sections. The course is entirely online and self-paced, meaning you can study whenever it fits into your schedule.
What Makes Target Test Prep Stand Out?
There are several key features that make Target Test Prep unique compared to other GMAT prep programs:
Comprehensive Quantitative Focus:
One of the standout features of Target Test Prep is its comprehensive and thorough coverage of GMAT quantitative topics. While other prep programs might offer a more general approach, TTP’s focus on math is one of its strongest points. If you’re looking to improve your GMAT score and need serious help with math, this course might be a perfect fit.
Interactive Lessons and Detailed Explanations:
The course breaks down each topic into easy-to-understand lessons. The explanations are detailed, yet clear enough for even students who find math challenging. The interactive lessons help students engage actively with the material, ensuring better retention of concepts.
Practice Questions and Mock Tests:
TTP offers a wide range of practice questions, which are critical to mastering the GMAT. With over 2,000 questions available, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test your knowledge and improve. The course also offers mock tests, which mimic the real GMAT format and conditions. This helps students get used to the test-taking environment and gauge their progress.
Personalized Study Plan:
The platform also provides a personalized study plan, which adjusts based on your current level and target score. This means you can tailor your study schedule to fit your specific needs and focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Performance Tracking:
TTP includes a detailed performance tracker that allows you to monitor your progress over time. This is an invaluable tool, as it helps you identify areas where you’re excelling and areas that might need more attention. Tracking your performance helps keep you motivated and on track toward your GMAT goals.
Course Structure: What to Expect
Target Test Prep’s GMAT prep course is structured in a way that promotes efficient learning. The course is divided into three main sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning. Let’s take a closer look at each section.
Quantitative Section
This is where Target Test Prep shines. The course includes over 1,500 questions dedicated to math, which is often the most challenging section for many GMAT takers. The course starts with foundational topics like arithmetic and progresses to more advanced concepts like algebra and geometry. The lessons are designed to break down even the most complicated problems into digestible steps. For students who struggle with math, this section will provide the clarity and practice needed to improve.
Verbal Section
Though Target Test Prep is known for its quantitative focus, it does not neglect the verbal section of the GMAT. The verbal lessons cover all the essential topics, including reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. The course offers practice questions and detailed explanations for each concept, helping you understand why one answer is correct and another isn’t.
Integrated Reasoning Section
The Integrated Reasoning section is relatively new to the GMAT and can be intimidating for some students. Target Test Prep offers a variety of lessons and practice questions to help you master this section. While Integrated Reasoning is not as heavily emphasized as Quantitative and Verbal, TTP does a good job of covering the essentials.
The Pros of Target Test Prep
Now, let’s explore the strengths of the Target Test Prep course. Based on user reviews and my own analysis, here are the main pros of using this platform:
Focused on Results:
The primary goal of Target Test Prep is to help you raise your GMAT score. This focus on results-driven learning makes the platform ideal for students who are serious about improving. You can expect structured lessons, thorough explanations, and lots of practice opportunities, all designed to get you the score you want.
Affordable Pricing:
Compared to other GMAT prep options, Target Test Prep is relatively affordable. While some other programs charge several hundred or even thousands of dollars, TTP offers a variety of plans, with prices starting at around $99 per month. This pricing is highly competitive, especially considering the quality of the course.
Self-Paced Learning:
One of the best features of Target Test Prep is the flexibility it offers. Since it’s an entirely online and self-paced platform, you can study at your own convenience. Whether you’re balancing work, school, or family commitments, TTP allows you to fit in GMAT prep whenever it suits your schedule.
Quality Content:
The course content is designed by GMAT experts, and it is regularly updated to reflect the latest trends and changes in the exam. The practice questions are high-quality and closely mimic the format and difficulty level of the actual GMAT, ensuring you’re well-prepared for test day.
Excellent Customer Support:
TTP is known for its excellent customer support. If you have any questions or issues, their team is available to assist you quickly. Whether it’s help with technical issues or questions about the course material, their support team is responsive and helpful.
The Cons of Target Test Prep
While Target Test Prep is a great option for many GMAT takers, no prep course is perfect. Here are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Limited Focus on Verbal:
Target Test Prep’s primary strength is in its quantitative offerings. While the verbal section is certainly covered, it is not as robust or comprehensive as the math section. If you need more help with verbal reasoning, you might need to look for additional resources to supplement your study plan.
Overwhelming for Beginners:
If you’re just starting your GMAT preparation, you might find the amount of content on Target Test Prep a bit overwhelming. While the course breaks down each topic well, the sheer volume of material can feel like a lot to handle if you’re new to the test. It might take some time to get used to the pacing and level of detail in the course.
Less Interactive than Other Platforms:
While the lessons are detailed, Target Test Prep lacks some of the interactive features that other GMAT prep courses offer. For example, platforms like Magoosh or Kaplan include video lessons, discussion boards, and interactive learning tools that some students may find helpful. TTP, however, focuses on text-based lessons and questions.
Target Test Prep Reviews from Real Users
To get a better sense of how TTP performs in real-world scenarios, let’s look at feedback from actual users.
Many users rave about the platform’s comprehensive coverage of quantitative material. They highlight the detailed explanations and how easy it is to follow the lessons. The personalized study plan is another feature that users frequently praise, as it allows them to focus on areas where they need the most improvement.
However, some users have mentioned that they wish the verbal section received more attention. If verbal reasoning is a major weakness for you, you might need to supplement your studies with additional resources. Some users also feel that the platform could benefit from more video content and interactive features, though these are relatively minor complaints.
Pricing: Is Target Test Prep Worth It?
Target Test Prep offers a variety of pricing plans to fit different needs. The pricing is fairly competitive compared to other GMAT prep courses, especially considering the quality of the material. The course offers a free trial, which allows you to test out the platform before committing.
The standard plan costs around $99 per month, which is much more affordable than many of the other GMAT prep services out there. Given the in-depth coverage, especially in the quantitative section, this is a solid value for money.
Final Verdict: Is Target Test Prep Right for You?
Target Test Prep offers a high-quality, results-oriented GMAT prep experience. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, affordable, and self-paced study program with a heavy emphasis on quantitative skills, this platform is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for students who want a structured, straightforward approach to GMAT preparation.
However, if your main focus is improving verbal skills, you might want to consider supplementing TTP with additional resources. Additionally, if you prefer more interactive, multimedia content, you may find the platform a little less engaging than some of its competitors.
In conclusion, Target Test Prep is an excellent option for those who want to tackle the GMAT with a clear, focused study plan. It may not be perfect for everyone, but it certainly delivers on its promise to help you boost your GMAT score.
FAQ’s
What is Target Test Prep?
It’s an online test prep platform offering GMAT, GRE, and SAT prep courses.
Is Target Test Prep free?
They offer a limited free trial, but full access requires a subscription.
What exams does Target Test Prep cover?
GMAT, GRE, and SAT.
Does Target Test Prep have a mobile app?
Yes, they offer a mobile app for learning on the go.
How effective is Target Test Prep?
It’s highly rated for its comprehensive, in-depth study material.
