Students gearing up for a grad school entrance exam have plenty of choices. They can enroll in an in-person class, sign up for an online course, hire a private tutor, or simply grab the right books to study on their own.
But not every approach works for everyone, and picking the right prep style can save both time and money, according to experts.
“People eventually figure out how they learn best,” says Dave Killoran, CEO of PowerScore Test Preparation, which helps students prep for the GRE, GMAT, and other exams. Some realize they thrive with the structure of a course, while others are auditory learners who need to hear the material.
Before committing too much time or money to the wrong option, students should assess their study preferences. “You don’t want to waste cash on a class or tutor if you don’t need one,” says Charles Bibilos, who preps students for the GMAT and GRE.
Below, experts break down which students succeed in four different study setups.
Self-studying:
This is a common starting point for grad school exam prep, experts say. Books and practice tests are budget-friendly—LSAT materials can cost as little as $150. Plus, unlike a class, solo study lets students work at their own pace.
Those who choose this route need to take charge of their learning, says Killoran.
“If you’re a chronic procrastinator, self-studying isn’t for you. You’ll keep putting it off,” he explains. Successful self-studiers “are usually self-motivated and organized.”
Picking the best prep books can be tricky, says Patrick O’Malley, founder of Get Prepped, an LSAT prep service.
“Self-prep book quality varies,” he notes. O’Malley suggests students “try a few different books and compare.”
In-person class:
A traditional classroom demands a big time commitment. A student in class eight hours a week may spend another 8–12 hours studying outside it, says Killoran.
For LSAT courses, O’Malley recommends two hours of independent study per class hour.
Costs can also add up, with many classes running between $1,000 and $1,500.
This structured setting works well for students who thrive in groups and value peer support, says Killoran. But it’s not a universal fit. Experts advise sitting in on a class first to see if it clicks.
“If the pace feels too fast or slow, you’ll regret the investment,” warns Bibilos. Previewing a class also helps gauge how much work the instructor expects.
Online course:
Great for busy students or those without local in-person options, experts agree.
“You can log in from anywhere,” says Killoran. Some providers price online courses similarly to live classes, but without physical overhead, they’re often cheaper—sometimes 40–50% less, notes O’Malley.
Course formats vary. Some allow real-time questions, while others use prerecorded lectures. Many let students rewatch sessions at their convenience.
Like self-studying, online courses demand focus.
“It’s easy to zone out mid-class,” says Killoran. In live Q&A sessions, some students fixate on typing questions instead of listening.
“Early on, students should focus on absorbing info, not flooding the chat with questions,” O’Malley adds.
Private tutoring:
One-on-one tutoring can be pricey—sometimes up to $2,000—but it’s ideal for targeting weak spots, experts say.
For instance, a tutor can zero in on GMAT data sufficiency questions instead of covering the whole exam, Killoran explains.
It’s also a smart choice for time-crunched students. “Three weeks of tutoring beats a one-size-fits-all class,” says Bibilos.
While tutoring offers maximum instructor attention, students must help steer sessions.
“In class, we handle the structure,” says O’Malley. “With tutoring, the student drives progress.”
However, passive learners or those uneasy with intense focus may struggle.
“You’re always on the spot,” says Bibilos. “There’s no hiding weaknesses.”
Finding the right prep method might take trial and error—or a mix of strategies, Killoran notes.
If you’re stuck, he advises consulting experts.
“Ask as many questions as you need,” he says. “It all comes down to what works for you.”