640 to 750 thanks to Sherpa!!! Sherpa is, by far, the best option for GMAT prep in the Washington, D.C. area. I can say this without reservation because they took me from a 640 to a 750. My Background: I am a former military officer who works as a management consultant in the international division of a publicly traded company. I took the GMAT in 2014 with some self-study in order to apply to a masters' in finance program. I scored a 640 and was unnerved by the test. It was like nothing I had ever seen before in that it is taken on a computer and changes the difficulty level of every question based on the result of the previous one. Therefore, there is a significant psychological component to it. This past summer I decided that I was in a place in both my personal and professional life where I was ready to apply to full-time MBA programs. Although 640 is a solid score, I knew I would have to do better if I was going to be competitive for a top MBA program, so I started doing my research on prep programs. Why Sherpa is the Best: As someone whose career is focused on identifying methods for earning a return on investment, I was greatly impressed with how Sherpa does business. Unlike their competitors who are focused on pushing their products on students, Sherpa has created its study guides in a cost effective fashion. They identified the key concepts in every GMAT section and have produced 30-60 page pdfs that address each, complete with examples and problems. These are e-mailed to you before the course starts. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on long books that will put you to sleep. Sherpa's packets are short, to the point, and tell you everything you need to know to get the score you want on the GMAT. Because Sherpa focuses on the quality of its study guides vice their presentation and sales, you get a superior product at a much lower price. I took the June 30, 2016 start date class an the DuPont Circle location taught by Nafeez Amin where I soon saw the high quality of classroom instruction. The classes are taught in small groups of less than 15 students so you get individualized attention throughout the entire course of instruction. You spend the first half of each classes reviewing major concepts on the test and then spend the second half applying them by doing problems both individually and as a group. I found this to be extremely helpful as problems that seemed impossible at the beginning of the class were gimme's by its end. The degree to which Sherpa's instructors care about their students is the single greatest differentiation between Sherpa and its competitors. Nafeez gave his e-mail address to the class on the first day and told us all to contact him any time we had a question. I definitely took him up on that offer and he delivered responses to my numerous questions promptly without fail. Also, as mentioned previously, Sherpa offers an incredible discount on its one-on-one tutoring sessions for its students who have already taken the full class. No matter who you are, you will benefit from personal instruction and the $50 per hour rate Sherpa charges makes this support affordable. I ran the numbers, and I spent a total of $1,575 on my GMAT preparation from Sherpa including personal tutoring sessions. The cost for this level of support from one of its competitors would be $4,532 or roughly three times as much. After finishing the class, I was sent on an international project in a country in the Middle East. While overseas, I developed a plan of attack on the GMAT where I would take an official practice test every week, then review the results with Nafeez in a personal session. He was able to accommodate my schedule and work sessions with me on zoom while I was over 6,000 miles away from D.C. Our final sessions not only focused on addressing and correcting my weak areas, but also getting me mentally ready to take the exam. The GMAT tests its taker's mental resilience just as much as his or her verbal and math ability. Nafeez played the role of Mr. Miyagi as he prepared me for the exam. We not only covered key concepts, but also reviewed the strategies that make someone successful, like knowing when to "punt" a question, how much to spend on a given question, and how to effectively employ process of elimination. He also made sure I had the right mind-set when I was taking the test and did not let it psyche me out in any way. When I finally sat in the booth and took the test, I was relaxed and ready. My result of 750 (Q47 V47) speaks for itself. THANK YOU SHERPA!! YOU HELPED ME BEAT THE GMAT!! read more

If you are researching GMAT prep companies, stop here and sign up for Sherpa Prep immediately! Experience Unlike any other GMAT prep company, Sherpa Prep should be renamed to "Sherpa Experience" because you will receive an all-encompassing preparation for all things related to the business school application process. Once you enroll in a class, you join the "Sherpa Family" and they will hold your hand to guide you along the entire business school journey. This company is committed like no other to ensuring you are not only successful on the GMAT but also in the business school process. Starting with my first GMAT class, my instructor, Nafeez, took time to provide business school application tips on all aspects (resume, interviews, essays, recommendations, etc). Sherpa does provide admissions consulting services to *only* Sherpa students, but I found that Nafeez was happy to share any information or answer questions we had regarding admissions at any point in time. For all the services you receive, the course pricing is a steal. Methodology Sherpa compares the GMAT studying process to playing basketball. The course is broken into two phases with your instructor serving as your "coach" throughout the process (in and out of class time). Phase 1 is where you learn the skills and plays for the game. Phase 2 is where you drill and practice until you're ready to take on Kobe. Throughout phase 1 and 2, you take a practice test every two weeks (just like playing preseason games) to become accustomed to the test conditions and learn how well you're picking up the material. You will only practice with real GMAT questions. Other companies may think they have understood the GMAT, but there's no better way to learn than from the test makers themselves. Phase 1 consists of the 12 classes plus 18 packets that Sherpa has written themselves using real GMAT questions-- essentially a text book--as well as bi-weekly "experiments" (practice tests). Phase 2 consists of timed practice sessions of math and verbal using a list of real GMAT questions Sherpa has already curated for you. During Phase 2, you will have regular check ins with your instructor. They also allow you to retake certain classes or even the whole course if you need to. This sets Sherpa apart from all other companies and shows their dedication to your success. Class & Instructor The class is 3.5 hours long for 9 weeks for 12 classes total. This translates to 40 hours of class time; much more than most other companies offer. My class occurred on Tuesday evenings. I'm typically an early bird and was worried about a long class after work; however, these classes are fast paced. There was not one instance in which I was ever bored or became tried; Nafeez's teaching style was captivating. On most nights, I left the class with more energy than I entered! I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about Nafeez. The Sherpa instructors are the best in DC because they KNOW this test and they truly want you to crush it. Nafeez's knowledge, strategies, tips, and tricks are magical and mind boggling at times, but I was more impressed by his dedication to his students. He remembers small tidbits you tell him and he makes the class fun and comical at times. There is no one that wants you to succeed more than him and *that* is a true differentiator between any other company. read more

Where do I begin? I had been planning on going back to school several years ago and of course I will fully admit that I tried the "buy a book from Amazon and lock yourself in the library until you master the GMAT" strategy. Well let's just say that failed for me and I was on the hunt for professional help. I lived right outside Clarendon at the start of the year 2016 and looked into prep courses and saw that there were only 2 close to me, Sherpa Prep and Manhattan Prep. Noticing that Sherpa was significantly cheaper I was a tad apprehensive even with the amazing reviews across Yelp and other platforms. After completing the course, taking the test and having Nafeez and Sherpa along the way, it's without a doubt the best money I could have spent. Class: The number of students were limited to 12 and set in a smaller classroom. I really liked this as every student was encouraged to participate and no question went unanswered. Classes typically go between 3 to 3.5 hours with several breaks and if you had any questions about a specific problem or other topic Nafeez was always happy to assist during breaks and after class. Teaching style: Before the course started, Sherpa sent out a syllabus on what topics each class will cover, carefully crafted guides for every topic the GMAT covers, as well as homework due for each of the 12 classes. The guides are simply amazing. Not only do they help you think uniquely about the questions on the test, but are designed to help you master each topic before you continue. During class Nafeez encourages everyone to ask questions about problems that were troublesome and gave his unique approach on how to solve them. By taking notes and reviewing them, I noticed that my practice scores would increase as I could spot similar problems as those that were solved via discussion in class. In each new concept that was taught Nafeez would not lecture throughout but rather found humor and witty examples to guide us along. There's no doubt that the GMAT topics aren't exactly fun but Nafeez's approach made each class enjoyable to attend. Why You Need to Sign Up for Sherpa if you are taking the GMAT/preparing for a MBA: Nafeez. He is incredible at teaching and I can't say I have ever had an instructor as relatable as him. He doesn't sugarcoat how difficult the test is and does not promise results that are unattainable. Taking the course will help but you the student must also work hard outside class to achieve the result you want. The class may be only 12 sessions long but Nafeez is there for you during the course and a lifetime after. Having him help guide you along this tough but worthy journey was the best decision I could have made and thanks to his help I have been accepted to the top school on my list. Thanks for your help and good luck to all! read more

If you are like me, I started studying for the GRE about 3 years ago on my own buying THREE different GRE study books and brands. After those 3 years, I was still studying, lacking a desired practice test score and lacking motivation to sit down and study. I needed help. I stumbled on to Sherpa GRE during a Google search, and at first, I was really apprehensive. The price is half that of other GRE prep classes and classes were only offered in the DC area. I thought "this must be a scam". But I can assure you, IT IS NOT A SCAM! My husband and I did some research on the names found in previous reviews. After Google stalking the class teachers and liking our results, I decided to enroll. Long story short, it was the best decision of my life. I enrolled in the Sunday Bethesda class and made the trek out there each weekend to avoid traffic. I was worried that having the class on the weekend would be tough with my schedule to make all of the classes, but Sherpa Prep works with you to make up classes at other times of the week. Sherpa Prep also offers private tutoring, an abundance of study material, and will tailor the study homework to match your speed in the class. I had Nafeez as my instructor on Sundays and Nasheed on a make up class. Both instructors have similar teaching styles and move at the same pace so any instructor you get will be amazing. Nafeez is the "tough" teacher I needed to kick my butt and get me to focus. I spent at least 3 hours each afternoon studying and working through the assigned material and I kept up with the study schedule assigned by the teacher. I also completed 5 of the 8 vocab worksheets and carried the world's largest notecard collection in my purse. I studied the vocab words whenever I could. I'll admit, I missed BBQing with friends and didn't go to the movies that often, but I wanted to take the test once maybe twice, and I kept telling myself, 8 weeks of GRE Sunday's is not a lifetime, this too shall pass. My Sunday class was held in a very clean and fancy office building. Nafeez will show you the best study strategies, short cuts, tips, techniques, and WILL NOT provide any of the same junk advice you will find in the usual GRE study books on the shelves. His knowledge and insight will move you along and you won't be disappointed with your results. I encourage everyone to sign up and take the class You won't be disappointed! If by the small chance you are not feeling challenged enough or it isn't quite what you were thinking, tell the teachers and they will crank it up for you. They will make this class whatever YOU NEED, move at your pace, and be there every step of the way. To conclude, I took my GRE right after completing this course and got the score I wanted! read more

Sherpa Prep is quite simply top notch. I came to Sherpa after I took the GRE once using self-study and didn't get the scores I needed to be applicable for the programs I was aiming for. The instruction Sherpa provided cuts through the noise of technicalities and gets straight to what works, and what produces higher scores. The instruction is clear, well-paced, and the entire curriculum is set up to get you in super sharp shape by the end of the class (follow all their suggested study timeframes!) The teachers as well as the admin side of Sherpa Prep are super responsive on email and always provide clear responses. Additionally, Sherpa instructors were extremely insightful in what resources in the world of GRE prep are helpful, and which ones are not. There insights are well directed and from my experiences totally accurate. The preparation was holistic - this was a huge factor for me and made a world of difference as the immediate tone of the course was not just giving you a couple tricks for the "game" that is the GRE, but instead giving you the framework to take on any problem that comes your way. Sherpa instructors also start by asking the bigger questions, asking you to think about how you are planning to structure the next 2-3 months of your time and your mind to set yourself up for as much success as possible. The instruction is tiered - Sherpa instructors flag the different content levels according to the grade you are aiming for. This is helpful in studying because you can determine how to focus your study time for maximum impact. The materials - from the books to the Math bibles, to the vocab lists, to the apps - provide a very robust source of content for practice. The Sherpa Math app is a godsend. You can take the quizzes at the end of each chapter which time how long it takes you to finish the problem. This helped me trust in my personal pace so that on test day I didn't even feel the need to hide the clock (the clock was one of the biggest stressors for me). I am sure all the instructors are great but I have make a shout out to Tae. He always went the extra mile (even sharing a dope playlist for the day of the exam to get pumped up which turned out to be magical for me to get my nerves in check!). Also, his descriptions of the problems were always clean, clear, simple, and focused on methodically attacking a problem. His teaching helped me transform my thinking from if I could even solve the problem to how could I solve it best. Sherpa got me in a place to confidently submit applications to my most competitive programs! Best course on the market, don't even think twice about Sherpa if you are in the DMV area and need a GRE prep course. read more

After about 2 years of working with Sherpa Prep, I have finally moved to a new city to start business school next month, so figured it was time to write this review. Signing up for Sherpa is without a doubt one of the best decisions I made during the MBA application process. I could speak volumes about Sherpa's test-taking expertise, their hugely effective teaching style, their insight into MBA applications, and the list goes on. But what makes them stand out to me is simple: their commitment to YOU - their students. After signing up for Sherpa, they will truly go above and beyond to help you earn your target score and to be admitted to your target school. This is not something the big MBA courses or coaches can offer. I first began working with Sherpa after signing up for their GMAT class. Sherpa takes a methodical approach to the GMAT with a very personal and engaging touch. Sherpa's curriculum helps you break down the daunting grind of GMAT studying into an organized and manageable game-plan. They help you identify and correct your weak areas. Math in particular was a weak area for me, and Sherpa did an excellent job of simplifying the difficult concepts and questions into smaller, manageable parts. Sherpa also teaches you strategies to manage your time, answer questions efficiently, organize your notes, etc. that genuinely and meaningfully pay off. All of Sherpa's tutors go to great lengths to meet with you and answer questions outside of class. On my first practice exam I got a 600 and my final test score was a 710. I could not have gotten these results without Sherpa. After wrapping up the GMAT, I was so impressed with Sherpa (and, in particular, my tutor Nasheed), that I decided to stay on and use their consulting services for my MBA applications. Nasheed's insight into what schools are looking for and how to craft a compelling story to help you stand out is extraordinary. But perhaps more impressive than Nasheed's expertise is her genuine and personal commitment to your success. She was there for me, offering advice and guidance, throughout every step of the process, and in the end, became the person I trusted most with my applications (sorry mom and dad). Knowing that I had Nasheed in my corner was simply invaluable. And if that's not enough, Sherpa provides what is undoubtedly a better MBA coaching service at a fraction of the cost of the big MBA services. TLDR: If you're considering GMAT tutoring or MBA coaching (and even if you're not), I strongly encourage you to use Sherpa. You will not find a better, more knowledgeable, more committed partner to help you navigate MBA applications. read more

I'm a terrible test taker and have done a bunch of prep courses over the years--Princeton Review in high school for SAT, Kaplan after college for the GRE, Testmasters in college when I foolishly thought I wanted to go to law school--but none of them compare with Sherpa Prep. I decided mid-September that I wanted to apply to grad schools this cycle, which meant I had about 6 weeks to study for the GRE. I had heard great things about Sherpa Prep from a friend, so I reached out for tutoring, and ended up working with Nasheed. (Did tutoring bc none of the classes fit my schedule.) Nasheed was amazing. First of all, she has a great personality. Second, she's brilliant at math. Third, she's a fabulous teacher. We focused on math, which I haven't done in 15+ years, and she gave me a crash course on the concepts that will be covered on the test, taught me strategies for tackling tougher questions, and explained the content in a really accessible way. In fact, I've never had a better math teacher. She was able to identify my weak points and really work them over with me. My score ended up jumping ten points in math, from a 151 on a practice test to a 161 on test day. The other great thing about Sherpa Prep is their books. I learned so much from them, and they're extremely easy to follow, and contain tons of practice questions. Also, they have a bank of videos that are easily accessible online where all of the practice questions are explained in a clear and accessible manner. Amazing! Even though I spent 95 percent of my time focused on math, I quickly browsed through a few sections of the verbal books (essays and reading comp), and Nasheed and I spent some time talking about the verbal questions--and that was time well spent, because what I learned definitely helped me on test day. I agree with the other reviewers that you really need to put the work into it in terms of the homework and practice tests. I followed SP's advice and made flashcards and did hundreds of questions in the weeks that I studied, between all the Sherpa Prep questions in the books, the questions they have in an online question bank, and other question banks that Nasheed pointed me to. There were periods where I felt despairing and completely sick of math, but, in the end, I'm so glad that I pushed through and got my goal score of above 160 in each section. After struggling big time with the SAT and GRE in the past, knowing now that my scores won't be a weak point in my apps is a huge relief, and I couldn't have reached my goal scores with Nasheed and Sherpa Prep. Huge thanks to Nasheed and the SP team!! read more

Sherpa is the ideal GMAT prep course -- 10/10 would recommend taking this class. I signed up after researching across all of the major prep companies and was convinced to join after reading the reviews. I understand why everyone raves about them! Simplify your life and just sign up for Sherpa. Friends have taken some of the larger corporation courses and reviews are mixed. Since performance on the test is important for admissions and the cost (both time and money) is so high, I wasn't wiling to go anywhere with mixed reviews. I took the October - December GMAT prep course with Erin C., took the test two weeks after class ended, and improved my overall GMAT score by just over 100 points (over 700). The course was instrumental in improving my verbal score and conquering timing issues on quant. Erin is an awesome instructor who teaches both the content and the strategies for test-taking (both are necessary to do well on this test). He's laid-back and personable but keeps you on your toes and finds ways to challenge you. Erin is also able to make complicated problems simple -- both quant and grammar. This may be true of all Sherpa instructors but I found Erin to be able to highlight the important ideas AND correct any bad habits you might have with timing, problem solving, etc. You can also reach him any time via email and cell. Nuts and bolts: class meets weekly, sometimes twice a week, and convenient locations. Sherpa gives you the official books but more importantly their own prep materials, which are amazing guides -- this and their instructor quality is the main differentiator. I've never seen GMAT material as straight-forward AND essential (no unnecessary detail) as Sherpa's. If you can't make class, you can make up at other locations. There are also office hours for 3 hours on Sunday, which is really helpful for questions that you have between classes. I took the test soon after the course ended but Erin made himself available any time after the course ended for additional help. (And, Sherpa provides a study plan for you if you have 1+ months between course and taking the test.) Like anything, you have to put forth the effort to get the reward. There is a lot of homework -- reading Sherpa packets, completing practice questions, and taking practice tests per the instructor's guidance -- but it's well worth it. It's important to attend class, which is a combination of teaching and student questions. Probably the best experience you can have with preparing for these tests and it's a perk that they're significantly less expensive than the rest. read more

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Sherpa Prep GRE program with Jay. My primary goal in attending the program was to boost my math score, which was a pretty big task since I had not taken a math course since struggling through high school math six years before. While learning all the math skills needed to be successful on the GRE seemed daunting, the Sherpa Prep program introduced the material incrementally each week, making the learning process a lot less stressful. As the program progressed it was neat see how the skills I learned one week were building off the previous week. If you are concerned that three hours a week of classroom time is not enough to be successful, don't be. When signing up for the Sherpa program you're getting much more than a once weekly class, you're purchasing a program that will guide your studying throughout the entire eight-week program. Each week comes with a study guide that explains the topics in a way that is both extremely detailed and easy to understand. In addition, each problem in the packet comes with a link to an online video that explains the best method to solving the problem. The videos are so effective program that it's like having your own personal tutor that you can rewind as many times as you want. Another area of the course that I really appreciated was the essay portion. The Sherpa program has an outline for both the "argument" and "issue" essay that will fit into any prompt you find on the GRE. Having those outlines is a HUGE time saver on the actual exam!! I also agree with the other reviews that have referred to the instructors as being much more than instructors, but coaches. Jay not only helped me to better understand the required material, but he was able to keep me motivated and boost my confidence. After every single mock exam (7 in total) I received an email from Jay providing me with words of encouragement and further tips on how I could boost my score. It felt like a review session with a coach after game day. Another thing I liked about Jay was he has a great understanding of the concept, "less is or more". Rather than overwhelming me with every single math concept under the sun, he narrowed my focus, allowing me to learn the topics that would be needed to achieve a solid score. Thanks to Sherpa Prep my verbal score increased 16 points and my quantitative score went up 15 points. I couldn't be HAPPIER!! read more

5 stars isn't enough for Sherpa Prep. It is simply the best GMAT prep company out there. Sherpa Prep is run by caring, hard-working people and utilizes a unique, effective methodology that the competition can't come close to. Other reviewers have outlined Sherpa Prep's strong points - the structure, strategy, availability, price, etc. I agree with all of the points and would also add small class size and cheap one-on-one tutoring as important strengths. But where Sherpa Prep stands out from its competition is that Sherpa teachers meet you where you are. While there is a structured curriculum, they speed up or slow down to match the progress of the class as a whole, making sure that noone is left behind or bored. During class, answering student's specific questions takes precedence over covering pre-determined material, ensuring that students understand the basics before moving to more complicated material. That said, the instructors make sure that all of the critical concepts are covered by the end of the course, sometimes offering additional free sessions if needed.The course is tailored to each specific class, which helps students to reach their individual goals, whatever they may be. I can't emphasize enough the dedication and kindness of the Sherpa Prep instructors. Nafeez has gone out of his way a number of times to help me achieve my GMAT goals (eventually leading to me getting accepted to my dream school), offering me additional resources and meeting with me during off-hours to make sure I had the support I needed. He and the rest of the Sherpa Prep team go above and beyond to provide their clients everything they need to succeed. The only downside is that despite the great support that Sherpa provides, the GMAT is still a terrible, time-sucking monster, and it requires hard work to overcome it. The good news is that it is totally possible. Finally, a word of advice for those of you who end up taking Nafeez's GMAT course - try to actually learn (not just memorize for purposes of the GMAT) his mental math tips, as well as probability, statistics, and algebra. I've used all of these concepts on a daily basis in my first term at b-school and mental math is really important for consulting interviews. I've even referred to Sherpa Prep packets to help me study for class, so hold on to those too! read more

Last year I tried to get ready for the quantitative part of the GRE using ETS' official guide to the GRE. I felt I was not learning as much, and then decided to get a subscription to the Magoosh GRE - Math only plan. I scored 155 the first time, 153 the second time I took the GRE in October and November of 2017. Although I only studied for a month, the amount of material, and not knowing the weight each subject would have on the GRE made it hard to stay focused and motivated. The time that I did study, I would spend it unnecessarily reviewing topics of minor importance to the GRE, such as permutations. I enrolled on Sherpa's classes early June, making it 3.5 months of hard studying. Studying was at times hard because I have a full time job, but knowing I would have a class the following week helped me stay on track. After the course was over, I did one more month of studying, which resulted in a 160 of my quantitative score! The amazing thing is that I was able to reach this score only focusing on easy and medium questions. I plan to retake the exam next month, and I will now focus on studying harder questions. That is another great part of the Sherpa material: topics are organized in order of relevance for the exam, and also difficulty levels. There is an app that makes it convenient to test yourself on whatever topic you wish, so you don't have to be carrying around the 5 books they give you with your subscription to the program. Lastly, although the idea of spending three hours sitting every week going over GRE topics was a bit disencouraging and intimidating, my teacher, Tae, happened to be very energetic and engaging, so time did go by fast. The notes I took during class would later help me discern what I should focus on when reading the Sherpa book and taking my own notes. Tae would give us each individualized advice on how to improve our scores after we would take a practice exam, and it was very easy to get in touch with him by email. Even after 6 weeks of finishing my Sherpa course he still responds to emails with suggestions and encouragement. I greatly recommend this course. read more

Sherpa was an amazing investment. I took this class to study for the GMAT. Since doing so I've recommend it to several friends and decided to make it my first review here. If you reading these reviews because you are deciding between Sherpa and say, Kaplan, Manhattan, or some other large test prep company, stop right now. I unequivocally recommend Sherpa, hands down. Sherpa's instructors all have amazing GMAT scores (780+) and really know their stuff. They offer personalized attention and extremely thorough work packets. The class cycles are longer than competitors, about 10 weeks instead of 4-6, so they really teach you how to approach the test and identify common traps, and you see real results. I won't disclose my scores, but I'll say that from my very first practice test to my ultimate final score, I saw a 300 point increase in my GMAT. If, once you are done with the class you feel you need more time to prepare,they also offer a free repeat of the class. I took advantage of the retake, and I'll say that right there is worth the $900 or so cost of class. The instructors are incredibly accessible, patient, and supportive. I actually credit Nafeez with teaching me how to do math. Seriously. I studied English and Journalism in college, and had a serious math phobia. I really did not know how to do a lot of the basics, but with Nafeez as my instructor (and those work packets- I know I keep mentioning them but they are seriously thorough and helpful!) I faced my fear and got better. And for the math whizzes out there that know everything from basic algebra to multivariable calculus, don't fret. I guarantee you will learn something too, because he is incredibly smart and experienced with the GMAT and teaches all of his students to be faster, better, more efficient GMAT machines and personal stuff was worked on outside of class. The class pace was great. If you are invested in your own success, ready to study, and ready to give up a few Saturdays to take the practice tests, you will definitely improve your GMAT score. Sherpa, hands down. read more

Speaking from experience, Sherpa Prep is the best GMAT course out of all the GMAT courses out there. Prior to Sherpa, I started my GMAT studying with Manhattan and Veritas Prep. In the conclusion of both programs, I was still scoring in the low 600s. After amazing reviews online, I decided to try it out with Sherpa Prep. After enrolling in Nafeez' class in January 2019, I took the test in the end of May 2019 and achieved my target score of 700+. I cannot recommend learning from Nafeez and team enough. Nafeez knows the GMAT inside out and his class is super engaging that I actually kind of enjoyed it. The methods you learn in his class are better than the other test prep companies. Not only do you learn how to solve problems quickly, but you also receive guidance on how to attack the test and how to manage stress on test day. Big part of the test is psychological (i.e. getting disappointed in lower than expected practice tests or burn out from studying) and I really felt supported even after the class ended in March 2019. They will provide you a structure on how to study after the class ends (Sherpa calls this phase 2). This support after weekly class meetings are over was pivotal to my improvement. In addition to superior studying materials, you just won't get this kind of support from the other test prep courses. From my experience with Nafeez, I can tell that Sherpa cares that you achieve your desired test score, thus the student teacher relationship continues until you get the score you want. You will not see this level of care with other GMAT prep companies. With them, your relationship ends when your class ends. It is also crazy that Sherpa is much cheaper than the other more popular companies, but the quality is just so much better. The GMAT is a lot of work. I wanted to quit so many times haha. I would not have been able to get the score I did without Nafeez' guidance. If you are serious about beating the GMAT and you are willing to put in the work, I suggest enrolling with Sherpa. read more

I started my experience with Sherpa in their virtual GRE prep course, led by Jay, and ended it with MBA admissions consulting with Nafeez. And I can say with confidence that I would NOT have gotten my spot at a top MBA program if not for them. I came to them with a low GRE score and minimal confidence about my ability to get into business school, period. The extreme care and thoughtfulness that they put into every aspect of their business was evident from the start, and I was blown away by the quality of instruction from Jay. He was honest, excellent at reading the room during classes, and explained how to master each question type on the GRE in a way that was easy to understand. He is also a super nice guy who genuinely cares about the success of his students, and will put in the extra time to make sure you're getting the most out of the class that you can. As for Nafeez, it was an absolute pleasure working with him from start to finish. He is extremely charismatic, an expert at what he does, and made himself 100% available to me, even when I asked him to review essay drafts with somewhat last minute notice. I came to Nafeez with no idea how to articulate my "why" for business school, and no clear sense of how to build a compelling narrative for admissions teams. He provided just the right amount of guidance to get my narrative where it needed to be, answered every last question I had, and helped me take my essays from "good" to "exceptional". And once again, he is such a joy to work with! One thing that I think really sets Sherpa apart is their commitment to doing the right thing by their students. They genuinely care about your success, do not charge as much as other similar services, and they are honest every step of the way about what help you actually need. They are interested in succeeding as teachers and making themselves accessible to everyone. I cannot recommend them enough, and will forever be grateful for their help! read more

I have been meaning to get this review up for a while now, but better late than never. I stumbled upon Sherpa while doing a preliminary search for GMAT prep in the DC area and I attended a free sample class. A few things stood out in particular: 1. Smaller class size where the instructor, Nafeez, was actively engaged with each student. 2. Based on the way he was asking questions, I could tell he tailored his examples/explanations to address various learning styles. Then, he would make sure to spend time and explain in a way that everyone could understand in case anyone felt like they still did not get it. 3. He was blunt. Now this may sound odd or intimidating, but it's actually quite refreshing because he not only can point out what your weaknesses are, but also provides solutions to overcome those weaknesses. When I started the class in May 2018, Nafeez conducted it in the same way as the sample class helping me understand the material and concepts in the way the testmaker made the test. Test prep companies tend to give you the solution and quickly move on, but Sherpa's instructors really take the time to break down the problem and talk through various ways to solve it. There is definitely an element of self-interest in that it's up to you on how much work you want to put into the course to improve, but Sherpa gives you all the tools and resources to make a difference in your score. They are very invested in you because they care so I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a GMAT/GRE prep course. Don't expect to come in and learn everything in a few classes because practicing their techniques is where it takes time, but proves to be worth it. Lastly, I want to say thank you to Nafeez for being such an awesome instructor and saying it how it is because I could be more honest with myself about where I was and how much work I needed to do. It's truly helped me move forward in the process. read more

I signed up for Sherpa Prep for GMAT based on a google search, a few good reviews online and the fact that they were a local DC business. My lax due diligence did not lead me astray - I have been blown away by the level of support and personalization in the instruction. Small class sizes and engaged teachers who take the time to get to know students means you're essentially getting semi-private tutoring for a fraction of the price. I took the online class (due to COVID), but haven't felt that my experience was any less personal or engaging. There is no reason why you'd have to be in the DC area to take the course. I have had ups and downs on my GMAT journey, and my teacher has been available for check-ins and motivational talks when I hit low points. He also gives general guidance on the admission process and helps you set realistic targets so you never lose sight of the fact that the GMAT is, in fact, only one piece of the admissions puzzle (something that is easy to forget when you're belly-deep in quant). My husband took a Veritas GMAT class a few years ago (which was a few hundred $ more expensive) and he is constantly commenting on how much he regrets not taking Sherpa Prep based on my experience. I did zero GMAT studying before signing up for Sherpa (literally didn't even know the format of the test...). I have been able to keep up with class, but I will warn you, it is definitely a lot of work. If you just want to take the GMAT and get it over with, this maybe isn't the course for you. But in my mind, if I'm throwing down a ton of money for a test prep course, I'm going to get as much value out of it as I can, and the Sherpa team has developed an unbelievable amount of content and educational resources that you can't find anywhere else. I genuinely don't believe you can find a better course out there, especially at this price point. read more

Registering for your Sherpa Prep course is the best thing you can do to optimize your success on the GMAT. You won't find anyone more professional, devoted, and supportive than Nafeez to help you through the ordeal you're about to face. Don't just take my word for it though; I went from the 47th percentile to the 80th percentile and over, and I can chalk that up to 2 things: - A whole lot of hard work, - and Sherpa Prep. Of course no class you take will do the trick on it's own, and you'll have to put in a great deal of time and effort to succeed. I went so far as to take a few months off of work though obviously not everyone can or needs to do that. Nafeez's honest and constant guidance helped me find my path to success, and you can count on him to do that for you too. You won't just need good verbal and math skills to succeed on the GMAT. Rather you'll need to learn how the test-makers use those tools to trip you up, and this is where Nafeez made all the difference. Instead of throwing massive amounts of stuff at me to learn, as one of the more mainstream courses I took had, he helped me cut through the noise and learn exactly what I needed to do well. Nafeez is incisive in his knowledge of the GMAT, and Sherpa Prep's small classes mean you'll get a more tailored course than you would have elsewhere. Sherpa Prep helped me see the gains, and it's cheaper too! Even after my course ended Nafeez still took time out of his busy schedule to help me work through problems; never mind that it was 10:00 PM on a Sunday night. Now if that isn't dedication to your success, then I don't know what is. More than that though, Nafeez will also walk you through your MBA application process, with the all-important reality checks you might need along the way. Register now knowing you're in good hands. read more

Selecting a GMAT prep course is a daunting process. I wanted a rigorous program that would push my scores as high as possible and a GMAT instructor who could effectively identify my strengths and weaknesses to maximize my potential. The Sherpa prep curriculum and Nafeez/Erin did just those two things. Sherpa GMAT prep has several offerings (weekdays/weekends) and a bit of a longer program than most other GMAT prep classes in the DC area. I found this to be ideal as I felt that a two month course would allow me to absorb more of the critical quant information I needed prior to taking the test. One month really is too short if you work a full-time job. Sherpa also has an awesome guarantee that if you complete the course and for whatever reason don't feel as if you're prepared, don't receive the score you like, or just needed to take a couple months off because "life happened", they will allow you to RETAKE THE COURSE FOR FREE. Unparalleled value. My GMAT instructor, Erin, did a fantastic job of balancing each class so that every individual, regardless of level, was engaged and learned a great deal from each lesson. Sherpa also offers office hours on a weekly basis (Sundays from 6-9) for any student or program alum to come by and bounce practice questions off one of the instructors. Sometimes there are a bunch of folks there and sometimes you basically get your own private tutoring session (think holiday weekends). I personally became close with some of the other individuals in course and we worked together post prep class to continue preparing for the exam (Networking!! It's a skill, use it). These instructors are intelligent, impressive, hardworking, and will absolutely bend over backwards to help you achieve your goals. Best $1,000 I could have spent preparing for the GMAT. read more

I recently finished the Sherpa Prep GMAT course and can't speak highly enough about the team and the experience. I was completely blown away. The course is 9 weeks long with classes meeting once (sometimes twice) a week. Classes alternate between building fundamental math and verbal skills designed to help you grasp simple and complex concepts quickly in order to help you beat the GMAT. Each student receives a course syllabus, Official Guide study materials, and incredibly detailed Sherpa course packets. The packets and class work are seriously your key to crushing the GMAT. You'll learn everything you need to know and will learn quick/simple solutions to tackle the toughest GMAT problems. My instructor was Nafeez and I can't speak highly enough about him. He is an incredible instructor and truly cares about his students. He takes the time to personalize the experience for each student so he or she can be the best version of themselves on test day and during the entire application process. Nafeez was always available for one-on-ones before or after class, during office hours, or via email. He makes sure you know that you are a Sherpa student for life. Additionally, Sherpa continues to provide help and guidance even after the course ends, you've taken your GMAT, and you've been accepted to school. Please do yourself a favor and invest in Sherpa's program, it's an absolute steal and incredibly affordable. Anyone who is serious about going back to a top business school shouldn't look anywhere else but Sherpa Prep. You seriously won't be disappointed. You can even reach out to Sherpa and sit in on one of their classes just to see how much you can/will learn. You will be completely blown away by the experience and the incredible instruction. read more