You are in amazing hands if you choose Sherpa Prep! You are in amazing hands if you choose Sherpa Prep for your GMAT or GRE needs (I say both because I accidently joined a GRE class too and it was also amazing). They've had my back through every step of my journey. Nafeez has been excellent as a GMAT instructor and he's really taken the pressure off of studying for the test. I highly recommend. P.S. Extra friendly to Veterans! read more

I think they could also improve by incorporating a 5-10 minute intermission for certain classes. Again, the pacing is like drinking water out of a fire hose. I think students could also benefit by being split into groups based on their learning styles/skill level/programs and fields of interest, but this may require more Sherpa tutors being staffed. And finally, there needs to be some way for students to have slides available before the live session. What exactly is the copyright issue and how can it be resolved to make this happen? More to come. read more

I didnt really prefer the experience. I enrolled after seeing all great reviews. Class 1 was great. Class 2 and 3 were mid. I didnt really like verbal. Quant is good but you can read from their book than pay $799. Honestly unsure what I missed. I am bummed I wasted money a large amount almost $1000 for nothing. They didnt give any warning or nowhere it was mentioned classes expire in a year. Faculty said i can repeat the course. One year wasnt mentioned. When i asked in late 2022 i enrolled in aug 2021 btw thwy pushed me to pay but they should also tell me this. They only care about $$$. Not your journey. I am honestly frustrated. :( I didnt jave nafeez. Had tao and jay. I liked jay s class but nothing outstanding. :( I couldve reached before which I did and they tried to sell me another course for $250 saying i only have access to recorded videos. Please go to gregmat. This is bad. read more

I highly recommend Sherpa Prep services if you are currently struggling with the GMAT/GRE! I spent a lot of time self studying for the GMAT and realized I needed a more structured study plan that would force me to put more effort in my studying. I decided to sign up for the Sherpa Prep GMAT virtual course with Nafeez because of the stellar reviews and affordability compared to other larger prep companies. Nafeez is an amazing instructor because he doesn't just give you the answer that's at the back of the official guide but actually gives you quick tricks and tips that will allow you to approach questions in an effective and timely way. This is a rigorous course so expect a lot of homework and materials that need to be completed on a weekly basis. All of it was worth it because I saw a huge improvement on my GMAT score. Also the materials, books, and quick chats you get not only during but also after the course is well worth it. The team is very invested in your success. They offer so many services that will lead you to your goal score. read more

Nafeez is the best teach I have ever had - period. He has the ability to make even the most daunting of tasks seem like child's play. He cares about the successes of each student and takes the time to make sure we get the results we want. I had no prior GMAT knowledge before taking the course and ended up feeling like I have a great idea of what to expect and exactly how to attack it to most efficient and effective way. You have to put in the work - but if you do it you will reap the benefits! Highly recommend!! read more

If you're thinking of self studying or going with a different test prep company, don't. I made the mistake of self studying and wasting 4 months only to see completely different questions on exam day. I signed up for Sherpa prep's classroom course and it really did wonders for my understanding of the gmat, and the types of questions you actually see on it. Nafeez is a great teacher and really makes the 4 hours go by so fast. The strategies we learned here are so much better than any I found online or in other test prep books. I feel so much more prepared for the test now. My only regret is not signing up sooner. read more

I cannot say enough about the course and Nafeez. I recommend taking this course if you are truly serious about tackling the GMAT. Nafeez will help you outline a full-on strategy to beat the test, not just little tips and tricks for answering individual questions. Make no mistake -- it's difficult to prep for, but if you work with Nafeez to figure out how you can get this done you'll come out on top. read more

I highly recommend Sherpa Prep to prep for graduate school. The price of the course for 12 classes at 3.5 hours each is well worth it with the quality of information and knowledge of tricks you learn. They give you a very structured lesson plan with tasks to finish each week which will benefit anyone who needs discipline and motivation to start. You do have to put in work outside of the classes to get the results you want but by following their syllabus diligently you'll be glad when you take your exam. My instructor was Nafeez and the way he teaches is very detailed and insightful. If you have a question never will you feel scared to ask and he will always explain it out to you. The classes might be 3.5 hours but they went by so fast because he incorporates inspirational tips of what business school wants/is, what the GMAT is about, the psychological factors on test day, etc. which also gives a refreshing perspective and makes you strive harder to reach your goal. They also offer quick chats for students and students who have finished their courses to stay within the Sherpa circle - which are 15 minutes to ask any questions you want (from GMAT studying, the application process, business school questions, stress, anything!!, etc.). Even when sometimes I've doubted myself along the process, after I talk to Nafeez during our quick chats he gives the most real advice relating to my situation and that casts away my doubts. It's like a nice therapeutic session that motivates you to keep on going! This company truly cares about having a relationship with their students and wanting the best for them! I've also sat in classes or worked with the other instructors Nasheed, Erin, Tae, and Dylan and they are all very intelligent, quirky, and excellent teachers giving you the best quality teaching and consulting you need/want. Keep up the great work Sherpa Prep Team and thank you for truly investing in your students! read more

I would highly recommend Sherpa's GMAT class. After studying on my own and taking the test twice (with less than ideal scores), I knew I needed to change my method. The course, which I completed with Nafeez over summer 2017, provided the strategies, content and accountability I needed. 1) All of the materials are provided for you. You receive the official GMAT question books + Sherpa's own materials. 2) Informal learning environment with phenomenal instructors. You have to come to the classes prepared in order to get the most out of them. But the information is taught in a straight forward manner. 3) Great tips and strategies for planning your study schedule and test preparation. Phenomenal class, got a 700+ score. read more

I signed up for Sherpa specifically because it was highly recommended and the most affordable option. At that time I wasn't necessarily sure if I should be taking the GMAT or the GRE...so many business schools say they accept both and have no preference. On and off I tried to self-study for years and finally reached a point where I knew I needed the accountability of an in person class. I ended up enrolling in GMAT prep with Sherpa and strongly suggest anyone who's considering an MBA to do the same. I could not have anticipated how challenging the entire process was going to be. Initially, 12 weeks seemed long...now, I actually wish the class was longer. There's a lot of homework, and it's really in your benefit to do as much of it as possible. I don't recommend you dive in looking for a little something extra to do. This class is intense. You need to dedicate a minimum of 10 hours/week outside of class. Throughout the class you're instructed to take practice exams, and I kid you not, you have to write your scratch paper a certain way and bring it in for review. And your relationship with Sherpa continues after the class is over. You can go to Office Hours every Sunday from 6p-9p and ask questions that might have stumped you during your weekly study. I'm still focused on the exam side of things but plan on using the MBA admissions consulting, as well. This experience was so personalized and an amazing value. I strongly recommend Nafeez and the Sherpa Team. 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

My background is a liberal arts undergrad major who has worked in Sales and Recruiting for the past 5 years. In other words, I knew my MBA applications would showcase plenty of "soft skills" but that I would need to depend more than most on the GMAT to show my ability to think quantitatively. I can't speak for other prep courses - however, I was a part of the Forte MBALaunch program and I can tell you that I was the only one raving about my GMAT course. My teacher was Nafeez and while he teaches bomb.com strategies to be quicker in the quant section and emphasizes the importance of ace-ing the verbal section, he offers strategies and advice in personal motivation as well. This is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome as a fulltime working professional, but I really found the articles and outside-the-box advice that he sent regularly to be inspirational in helping me keep myself on track. Some memorable quotes: "Showing up is not enough"; "Quant questions are like music - you just need to learn how to recognize the music and do the right dance" (that one is paraphrased). I started with a 560 (without studying) then pretty quickly plateaued to around 650 after about 6 practice exams - this was frustrating, and it's where the personal motivation became really important. But then something clicked and my last 3 practice exams were 730, 710 and 720. When I took the real exam, I scored a 720. I still was not happy enough with my quant score, so I re-took the quantitative classes and was able to improve from the 50th percentile to 69th (still scored 720 overall). I've since been accepted to UCLA and USC, both with scholarships. Truthfully I don't think there is even a point in looking into another GMAT prep course - Sherpa is the best one in the city. read more

As many others have stated below, Sherpa prep was the absolute best thing that got me through the graduate testing process. I requested to specifically with Nafeez on the GRE exam, as I had taken it before but was stuck at a certain point level (from self-study) and needed to surpass the plateau to reach a higher score that would be acceptable for top 10 business schools. I cannot recommend Nafeez and Sherpa enough. As a baseline, their lesson plans are incredibly straightforward, concise, and provide you with all of the information you need to successfully take the test. Beyond their lesson plans, Nafeez was ridiculously flexible with my difficult schedule; I travel full time as a consultant and constantly had to change times or request Skype sessions, and Nafeez was always so accommodating and supportive throughout the whole process. The other great thing about Sherpa and Nafeez was he took the time to understand my working style, strengths, and weaknesses. He quickly sussed out where I needed support, and made me rep out as many problems as we could find until I had worked out the concept and was able to do it on my own. Nafeez was also incredibly transparent, honest, supportive, and no BS - exactly what you need in a test instructor. When I was slacking, he pulled me up; when I was feeling insecure about the test, he could tell and made me feel more confident about my abilities. I could tell he genuinely was invested in my success, rather than getting payment. Nafeez's commitment also went beyond helping me with the GRE; once I cleared the bar, he helped me get through the early stages of applying to school and provided helpful experiential insight and perspective on how should approach schools. Because of his flexibility, commitment to my success, and stellar teaching methods, I'm now receiving invitations to interview at top 10 schools Wouldn't have been able to do this without Sherpa prep! ***edit: as an update, I was recently accepted into MIT Sloan's MBA program. Again, Sherpa was a critical part of my success and can't thank Nafeez and his team enough! read more

Don't waste your time or money on any other GMAT prep services. Sherpa is the only program I would recommend if you're serious about taking the GMAT and being successful. I studied for the GMAT for 10 months through other prep courses and private tutors before I found Sherpa and I'm glad I did. I worked with Nafeez and he provided practical strategies and guidance to get me to my goal. His verbal strategies are solid! Legit solid!!! All in all, Nafeez was realistic with me about my personal situation, encouraged me throughout the process, and worked to help me revamp my prep strategy as situations changed. I highly recommend Sherpa for GMAT prep! This is not your traditional machine factory GMAT prep course. [Update]: I got into Fuqua, Ross, and Wharton!!! read more

I signed up for Nafeez's GMAT prep class without knowing what to expect; it turned out to be a great decision. His energetic and upbeat approach to the dense material had me looking forward to class on Thursday nights. I ended up taking the GMAT three times and not once did I come across a concept, problem type, or situation I wasn't prepared for. However, the value of this course goes beyond the GMAT preparation. Nafeez was always there to answer one-off questions about the application process and looked forward to meeting with me one-on-one. He also instilled confidence in each student and provided motivation each day to ensure each of us stuck with it. Highly recommend. read more

I signed up for this class on the recommendation of a friend after struggling for months to get my GMAT score up on my own. I had taken the test 3 times and could not get past 700, no matter how I studied or what I did to relax. Coming in I was nervous, but promptly found that there was no need -- Nafeez is not only a brilliant teacher, but he manages to make class fun. The GMAT is a horrible horrible test designed as much to mess with your head as to actually test your knowledge, yet Nafeez kept our class laughing throughout while still teaching us an enormous amount. As a teacher Nafeez is clear, extremely well-informed, and to the point about what needs to be done. He doesn't mince words, he doesn't fluff egos, he does the work and tells you both generally and personally what you need to do to get the score you want. I will be taking the GMAT roughly one month from now and I feel calm and relaxed about that date thanks to Nafeez. Why? Because my average practice test is up 30 points and rising with every hour I spend reviewing his materials. I've gone through Manhattan GMAT prep materials, taken classes with Kaplan, even bought books from Powerscore, and reviewed materials from GMAT club. None of them made a significant difference in my score and all of them increased my stress about this test. Nafeez and his materials made a difference and did so in under 40 hours of class. This is the best GMAT class in DC and likely the best one period. When it expands nationally (and it damn well should) I will champion the materials too. Why are you still reading this? No one reads this far in a yelp review. Just take the class. It is more than worth it. read more

Before this program, I've tried self-studying for the GMAT on my own using different books out there, and failed sticking with it. I wouldn't say I'm the worst test taker, but I definitely was rusty and nowhere near where I wanted to be. I stumbled upon Sherpa Prep by chance while searching for a proven, highly-rated GMAT prep course that provided in-person instruction and a program structure that I could stick with. To say that my expectations were exceeded would be an understatement. Nafeez not only walks you through the fundamentals of test-taking and subject matter content, he also ensures that each candidate (1) understands what it takes to succeed in the testing environment & process, (2) why each candidate is pursuing an advanced degree, and (3) ensuring that each candidate walks out not only comfortable with the content but ready to take on the test. They also offer free office hours and personal tutoring (at a VERY reasonable rate) for those who need it. I would be remiss to not mention the MBA Admissions Consulting experience I've had with Nafeez and Tae. They walked me through the entire admissions process, got to know me (arguably to a deeper level than I know myself!), and helped me assess my options given my personal and professional situation. I would not have gotten into the programs I applied to without Nafeez's and Tae's guidance. This year I'll be heading to Cornell Tech with a scholarship. Big shoutout to them and the Sherpa team! TLDR: If you're looking for a no-nonsense prep course that has a proven track record of helping candidates (1) achieve their target scores and (2) competitively apply to the top MBA programs, please check out Sherpa Prep. read more

Just like any other prep class, you'll get out of this what you put into it. I took the class twice (they offer a free retake for those of us crazy enough to actually take them up on it). Jay taught my first class. He's brilliant, but I didn't take seriously how much time and energy you need to put into studying to really see results, so my quant scores stayed the same. Studying while you work full-time is really hard, but not impossible. The second time I took the class, almost a year later, was with Nasheed. Nasheed is hilarious and smart as hell, and will kick your ass and shame you if you don't study; it was exactly the push I needed. I studied my ass off, actually learned my number lists, took basically all of the practice exams and practice sets I could get my hands on (buy the Kaplan book if you can so you get access to their practice sets on top of what Sherpa provides), and increased my score *significantly*. So grateful for Sherpa Prep, whose instructors support you the whole way. I'm convinced ETS is run by the devil himself and the GRE is absolutely torture, but you don't have a choice if you want to get into grad school. Take a class from Sherpa and be serious about memorizing your number lists, taking practice exams, and filling out your error logs. Good luck! read more

I'm almost finished with my GMAT prep course with Nafeez - wow! I've learned SO much in these 8 weeks. Nafeez's is an outstanding instructor. He takes the time to get to know students' name and stories, and checks in on you every so often to hold you accountable. He is smart, easy to understand, doesn't fend off questions if you have them, and easy to get a hold of. This course is 3 hours long with a break in the middle, but it seriously flies by. He gives you all the materials you need, and teaches techniques that you can't find elsewhere in order to kick ass on the GMAT. I would highly recommend this class to anyone considering a prep class (which you should, because exams are hard). It is so worth the money. If you need to miss a class, you can reschedule from a variety of dates for just $10. You can even take the class a 2nd time for free. Do yourself a favor and invest in yourself. This program is the best prep I've ever been in. read more

I have to add my praise to the long list that is already here. I am applying for doctoral programs, and need a good GRE score to be competitive for fellowships to finance my studies. After reading all the rave reviews, I decided to give Sherpa a chance, especially given its low cost. I took a pretest, and researched the median scores at the programs I am considering. I set my goal on a 5-point increase in both Verbal and Quantitative, and began attending class and doing all the recommended work. When I took my GRE eight weeks later, my score was more than 10 points higher in each section. I did far better than I anticipated, and will be a strong candidate for fellowship support. I really enjoyed my instructor's laid back attitude, especially since the stakes already are high. He made learning the content enjoyable and manageable. Sherpa offers tons of resources if you are willing to put in the work. It's well worth the money! read more

Sherpa Prep was truly great! I improved my score by 140 points in 5 months. The classes are spot on and teach you tricks and strategies you can't find elsewhere. Above all though, the support once the class ends is huge. You can continue attending office hours and speaking to your instructor (mine was Nafeez and he was great!), and you can also attend Phase II sessions (for once you've finished the packet work they give you). The entire program made this process feel more manageable, and it ultimately paid off!! Highly recommend!! read more

After trying self study and all the Manhattan GMAT Prep materials, I can confidently say that Sherpa Prep is hands down the best GMAT and GRE prep option in the DC area. Most positive aspects - -Materials - The materials given to students is so helpful to review forgotten concepts essential to getting your best score. The GMAT can be so overwhelming but Nafeez does an excellent job of breaking down the content so it can be understood and applied effectively on the test. I'm saying this as someone who struggles alot with math. -Value - The class is worth every penny, particularly if you lack the type of discipline needed to tackle such a challenging test on your own. Plus, you are allowed to retake the class once if a refresher is needed. That is simply unheard of. One on one tutoring is also available to students at a discount. -Small class - I am impressed by the level of individualized attention that exists. Nafeez is always willing to review an extra problem, practice exams, and answer random questions (GMAT and MBA related). -Responsiveness - Jay and Nafeez are both super responsive and I can only imagine how many inquiries they get a day from students. I will say this - do not expect a quick fix. Your score will likely not go up 100 points in 3 weeks. Over the course of 12 classes, after taking multiple practice tests, reviewing materials, doing extra official guide problems, sure. What's important is that you have to be willing to put in the work outside of class to succeed and Nafeez will meet you halfway - providing you the tools and techniques to help you reach your goal. You will be a better student as a result. I am more confident and prepared now to tackle the GMAT than I have ever been. If you're going to take a class anyway, I cannot recommend Sherpa enough. But if you're on the fence about whether this is a good option for you, you can always check out a free class before signing up. read more

I just finished taking Sherpa Prep's GRE course in March 2015 and was incredibly pleased with the class. Sherpa Prep was exactly what I was looking for in a GRE prep program. Sherpa has the best price for GRE classes in DC by far, and you won't be sacrificing quality by paying less. Jay went above an beyond to provide personalized help to me in the class, and provided tailored feedback for every practice test. Jay has been teaching GRE courses for a decade or more and his knowledge of the test and where to focus your energy is incredibly helpful. I also had to miss a class for work travel and Sherpa was very flexible in immediately setting me up with a list of options for make-up classes. Most importantly, I walked into the test confident and got exactly the score I was hoping for! Highly recommended. read more

I took Sherpa Prep's GRE course in the fall of 2011 and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The course helped me get exceptional scores on my exam, which in turn was a major factor in my successful grad school admissions process. All things considered, I had a fantastic rate of return on my investment in the course. The course helped me in three major ways: -- first, it helped me to appreciate the breadth and depth of the knowledge required to get a top score and to realize how much studying is required to do so -- second, it taught me the most effective approaches to use for every type of GRE problem, especially certain types of math and verbal problems -- third, it guided me through a comprehensive and structured study plan that made it possible for me to achieve great results 1) I used to think that being able to flip through the chapters of a GRE prep book and tell myself "OK, I understand that.. Sure, I get that.." was the same as being prepared for the exam, but what I know now is that "understanding" the concepts in a superficial way is not enough to get a top score. Yes, a bright person could look at many GRE problems and try a handful of approaches until one of them eventually works, but on a timed exam this means other test-takers have time to finish all the problems and go back to check their work while the smart guy trying to wing it might not even finish the sections. Now I understand that the key to success is studying and doing practice problems until you're able to recognize any tricky problem as a variation of others that you've already done and to immediately know the quickest path to the solution. The GRE just doesn't give you enough time to finish all the problems if you try to work your way through tough problems that you haven't thoroughly practiced. 2) The course did a great job of teaching the best ways to approach all the different types of questions that can appear on the exam. For the verbal section, Sherpa's strategies for sentence completion and reading comprehension questions do a great job of allowing you to approach the questions in a clear, logical and systematic way while avoiding "trap" answers. For the quantitative section, the class covers every single type of math problem that could possibly appear on the GRE and gives you the most effective approaches for each type. About 2/3 of each of the eight 3 1/4 hour long classes is devoted to math. The strategies for test-taking in general are helpful too. 3) I am certain that I studied longer and harder than I would have on my own without the extra kick in the butt of having an instructor who expected that every week I would show up to class, do all homework, take a practice exam, and stay on top of my vocab studying. read more

I could not have chosen a better GMAT prep program! Sherpa Prep not only gives you way more bang for your buck than other programs, but the tips/tricks, intimate class setting (even when virtual), and support from staff outside of the classroom is above and beyond what I anticipated. I now recommend Sherpa to any MBA applicants I come across! read more

The person I spoke to on the phone did not want to work with me, seemingly because I've been out of school for 40 years, and he called me a "dilettante," which was uncalled for because I'm already doing graduate-level nondegree coursework at a well-known university. I've now found a one-on-one tutor, and we are zooming through the Kaplan GRE prep book really fast and effectively. I'm posting this in case anyone else encounters ageism. I posted about this before but my review seems to have disappeared, so posting again. I see Jay's reply, and I understand you want to make sure your course will benefit the student. However, that is not a reason to resort to name calling. Further, your advice to drop the graduate-level course I'm currently taking was bad advice. I paid more than $2,000 to take the course and I'm currently earning an A in the class, plus the professors who teach it are the same ones who will be making the admissions decisions for the MA program I'm applying to. Dropping the course would give them a negative impression and would be ill advised. Please be careful what assumptions you make about older students. read more

I took Sherpa's GMAT course with Nafeez during summer 2014, and could not have asked for more. Sherpa focuses on content, rather than just the tips and tricks that can increase your score a few points. They help you actually understand the material (and then also sprinkle a few tricks in here and there). For someone who had not taken a math class in 7+ years, this was a huge help. They also produce their own study guides that lay out the topics in a very easy to follow way. Classes are engaging and the time passes quickly. It's amazing that Sherpa courses are about half the price of the others out there because from what I've seen, you get so much more. The instructors all care a lot about what they do and go out of their way to ensure they're offering the best advice and material. Nafeez will be a great instructor as well as one of your biggest supporters, just be prepared to work hard and embrace the struggle that is the GMAT. read more

Everyone who has taken this course would agree with one thing, Sherpa definitely helps you in visualizing the goal as achievable; the holistic and friendly approach towards the stigma of a gmat test is dealt with in a very thorough and aggressive yet amicable mannerism I have not taken the test yet, but I can say it with confidence that I feel a lot more prepared than I used to while trying to botch it down by myself Nafeez is a very realistic and pragmatic tutor, (coach suits him better) .his approach towards overall grooming for a decent GMAT experience is not only limited to classroom knowledge and help with quant,verbal topics etc, but also with the mental conditioning required to be able to take the test in an appropriate way. If you are dedicated to your goal, these guys are there to walk with you till your final step towards getting into a school of your choice. Hardwork pays, smart and organized work pays better. Sherpa helps transcend from former to latter... Thanks to both Nafeez and Jay for this quality, worth the money and dedicated platform. read more

Signing up for Sherpa prep was easily the best decision I have made in the last year to help my own future. Like most people I considered the big name prep companies, Mahattan ($1600), Veritas ($1650), and Princeton Review ($1599). I was hesitant because of the huge price-tag. Also my girlfriend had taken a manhattan prep GRE class and paid 1350. She said the class was good and helped her but wasn't anything she couldn't have gotten from studying the tons of available prep books. I was very wary of paying $1600 for an out of the box prep course. I did not want to give my money to one of these big companies just because I could not discipline myself to study on my own. Then a friend recommended Sherpa prep. I checked it out and was immediately drawn to the more reasonable price of $900 which covered all the same books, their own unique prep material, and more class hours then the big companies. So I signed up. I just recently took the test and scored 150 points higher than my first practice test and could not be happier that I went with Sherpa prep. Looking back, here are few of the reasons why I liked Sherpa prep: Instructor, my instructor was Nafeez. He was down to earth and explained the test in a very accessible way. It was clear from the beginning that he knew what he was doing and that if you 'buy in' to his system and his approach then you would get to where you needed to be before taking the test. Nafeez was very skilled at responding to every single question thoughtfully and without any pretense. Structure, when you pick up a GMAT book it can be very daunting and hard to know where to start. When you start Sherpa Prep you are given a clear road map. Sherpa gives you their own prep material written by the instructors. This road map was crucial for me. There is no point in doing questions on complex combinatorics and probability if you haven't remastered arithmetic and algebra. Strategy, when i finally sat for the test I felt confident that I had a strategy for tackling every question type in both the quant and verbal sections. This confidence came directly from my review sessions with Nafeez. None of the material on the test is that difficult (high school level) the trick is knowing how they are going to ask the questions and what the best (quickest) strategy is to getting the right answer. Sherpa is structured to give you these tools. Availability, I imagine the gmat instructors at other companies are smart and give good advice for tackling this test but I am certain the "SHERPA" difference is the availability of the Sherpa instructors to answer any questions and to meet with students outside of the classroom. After taking the course I met with Nafeez a few times before sitting for the test. (very reasonably priced individual sessions) These sessions were crucial for understanding my weaknesses and perfecting my strategy and approach for each part of the test, especially in regards to timing. In the end it was clear to me that my 900 dollars to a small local company was way more valuable than writing a check for 1600 to one of the larger national companies. read more

This review is long overdue, but with my b-school orientation starting up next week, I'm feeling compelled to reflect upon how it is that I even got to this point. Not only did I survive the GMAT and MBA application process, but I got into a great school on almost a full scholarship. I can say with 100% confidence that I could not have done this without Nafeez and the Sherpa Prep team. When I began this process nearly two years ago, the MBA world seemed scary and unreachable. I hadn't taken math since high school, and I'd always struggled with standardized testing. A friend recommended I check out Sherpa's GMAT course, which I took with Nafeez as my instructor. While the course itself is incredible, what sets Sherpa apart from other GMAT prep courses is the personalized care and attention given to students outside of class and even long after the course ends. I struggled with the GMAT - I mean, really struggled. After sitting for my first exam, I was very close to abandoning the MBA idea entirely - I just didn't feel like I was cut out for it. But Nafeez was there to tell me I was wrong. To this day, I think I might've given up on the MBA had it not been for Nafeez. He is not the kind of instructor that butters you up or tells you what you want to hear (in fact, he very often tells you what you don't want to hear!). Instead, he encourages his students to take a hard, critical look inward at what went wrong, talks with them about specific steps they will make to improve, and then holds them accountable. Even more, he speaks very honestly about the emotional and physiological factors at play when it comes to standardized testing, and offers tangible tips to overcome them. Through all of this, Nafeez and the Sherpa team helped me build not just my skills, but also my confidence. I could not recommend Sherpa Prep more highly. They reject a one-size-fits-all approach and are intentional about meeting you where you are. Sherpa staff are willing to roll up their sleeves and work side by side with you throughout the process - no matter how long it takes. Their commitment to their students' success is unmatched. read more

I can't say enough about the Sherpa Prep program. The amount of classroom hours for the price is what caught me eye at first and the fantastic reviews were not overblown. Nafeez is a phenomenal instructor and really goes the extra mile for his students. The in class sessions moved a long smoothly. All the material was taught in a way where I felt like I had a competitive advantage over other students. I was able to improve my initial score by 100+. Nafeez has also been helping me get through the application process this fall. His expertise on the MBA process and his availability to read through my essays has been a real asset. I would recommend Sherpa to anyone and you'll be hard pressed to find a company who cares about each individual more. read more

Took the GMAT course with Nafeez this year, and it was excellent. You will learn how to approach problems in an efficient way that you won't find by reading the book or browsing YouTube. You get a lot of material, and cover pretty much everything the GMAT throws at you. Highly highly recommend this course if you're looking to get into a top Business School. Money well spent! Thanks Sherpa! -James read more

Sherpa is wonderful and the proof is in the pudding. I just took the GRE last week and I did better than my target scores! Dylan was my instructor and he was so knowledgeable and helpful when it came to all of the subject matter. LISTEN TO HIM. Particularly to his advice on how to study and tackle the material over time. The books and the practice materials are very thorough and very helpful. The classes and instructions are great, not only in covering the subject matter in detail, but keeping you on track and keeping you accountable in your studying! Discipline is definitely one of the hardest parts of studying for the GRE and I definitely benefited from having a class to be accountable to. I would not have done as well studying on my own, for sure. I 100% believe it was worth the investment. You'll notice the difference when you're taking the GRE and all of the skills, strategies, and tricks kick in. Many thanks to Sherpa for getting me through this process! read more

You get more than what you pay for with Sherpa Prep. I completed two programs and spent about $4,000 before starting Sherpa. I wish I would have known about Sherpa from the beginning. The GMAT is no small feat, but you can definitely get your shot to crack the exam with Nafeez's preparation. Thanks to Nafeez, my quant score improved from 36 to 48. Nafeez is not only a phenomenal instructor but also an extraordinary business school coach. He offered sound advice throughout these crazy few months. Thanks to his guidance, I got accepted to University of Michigan's Ross School of Business with a full scholarship! read more

After taking a GMAT course with Sherpa in 2009, I came back to them this fall for help with the GRE. Going in, I knew I wouldn't need much help with the verbal portion of the exam. The math portion, however, I recognized would be a different story. While I've never been bad at math, it's never been my favorite subject and it had been over 5 years since I last did Geometry, Algebra or Statistics. And I've always hated word problems. In short, I loved the course. Nasheed, my instructor, was a rock star. I found her to be extremely knowledgable and dedicated. After almost every class, she emailed us to see whether we had any questions and to ensure that we were studying properly. Whenever I did ask a question, I almost always got an answer within 24 hours. Be forewarned, though: she is brutally candid. If she thinks you're not putting forth enough effort or making excuses, she will call you out. The course materials, I thought, were also excellent. The course comes with eight strategy guides, each of which is about 100 pages long, Sherpa's 500-page math bible, and 8 practice exams. As part of my preparation, I also purchased Kaplan's premier guide to the GRE and Manhattan's 8-volume guide to the GRE. The Kaplan guide was a complete waste of money. The Manhattan guides were very good, though I found myself sticking to the Sherpa guides for the most part. The Sherpa math bible was absolutely invaluable for advanced material. The eight Sherpa guides feature a point-by-point analysis of every topic you'll find tested by the GRE, as well as 1,500 or so questions. Roughly 1,000 of these are math questions, and all the math questions have video solutions. The videos are simple but extremely helpful and were a really nice compliment to Nasheed's in-class instruction. The course comes with the right to take it a second time, free of charge, as well as access to tutoring at a discounted rate of $40/hr. I never needed to make use of either offer, but was glad the options were there. Sherpa is also very flexible if you have to miss a class. For $10, you can attend any class that you like in one of their other courses. I did make use of this option once, where I met Nafeez, another instructor. His teaching style was quite different than Nasheed's, but he too was great. Very funny and reassuring. In the end, I raised my math score from 154, which is essentially average, to 166, which is the 92nd percentile. I absolutely could not have done this on my own. I highly recommend Sherpa to anyone who needs help with the GRE (or the GMAT). My only advice: be prepared to work hard. Sherpa will give you all the tools you need to be successful, but like most things, it will ultimately be up to you to put in the time and effort. read more

I took the Sherpa GRE prep course based off of the reviews here, as well as on the fact that if you aren't satisfied with your score, you can take the course again. Great policy, but practically speaking, the GRE requires at least 2 months of preparation. I'm exhausted thinking about the prospect of repeating this process! In all honesty, my score did not improve drastically (increased by one point in each section). I obviously wished by score improved, but I in no way blame Sherpa for that. They don't take the exam for you, they just give you an understanding as to what to expect. I would say they did an adequate job. There were definitely some topics that I didn't understand when I took the exam. Sherpa warned us the real exam would be more challenging than the practice tests, which was true. The majority of the prep course focused on the math section, but I needed assistance with the qualitative components. They also informed us that the practice section of the GRE would be quant, but that isn't always the case... While, the study materials were excellent, I really wouldn't recommend the class itself based on the instructor. I was fairly disappointed by the instructor's dismissive attitude. He was supposed to review your practice tests with you, but this only really happened if he had time during the class. He'd say he'd set up a call with you but then neglect your e-mails when you attempt to do so. He also said that he'd sit down with each of us and watch how we answer questions so he could know our individual approach, but this didn't happen either. And he did just straight up ignore a couple of students if they didn't understand something. This was not true with all instructors, I took a make-up class in Bethesda, and I absolutely adored that instructor (Dylan). If I were to do this process again, I would contact Sherpa Prep and make sure I'm with an approachable instructor. I would also recommend that Sherpa Prep avoid having instructors that haven't applied or attended grad school to give advice on the application process. I will say the study materials were amazing, though quite overwhelming initially: 5 books, lots of homework, more study guides, 2 online books, and either 5 or 6 practice tests. There are office hours on sunday; though I was kind of pushed out of one when the instructor wanted to leave, but it was the Superbowl. I'm hesitant to recommend this particular GRE prep course, but if you just need the materials then this is a good option. read more

Sherpa is hands down the absolute best GMAT/GRE prep service in the game. Nafeez and team are literally miracle workers. The content that they've prepared: packets, test taking strategy, application support, even general matriculation strategy are totally out of this world. The best thing about Sherpa is how invested they are in you as a student. It took me damn near a full 2yrs to "pass" the GMAT and I wholeheartedly believe it's because I didn't come to Sherpa first. Nafeez on day one knew everyone's name, our general backgrounds, our struggle points. Whatever. And the next year still new all of the same information about me. He's been in the game so long he knows what levers to pull to get you motivated, what you need to do to succeed, and when to tell you to abandon something. As much as the program is a series of classes, you really feel like you're on a one on one personalized journey every step of the way. The best part of being on the journey so long was seeing Sherpa's growth. They implement feedback immediately and can easily see what's working well and what's not. Some of my favorite highlights: 1. They're now a full service shop. From the day you open your textbook to the day you hit submit they have test materials, essay review, interview prep, and one on one ask me anything type review to get you there. 2. Retake one time for any reason at all. I took the course all the way through twice. And you could pay a nominal fee to retake certain struggle classes. 3. The app! Having material on an app instead of having to lug textbooks and printouts around all the time was great. 4. Ease of access. Everyone on that team is available damn near all the time. If you have a question pop up, got to a Sunday review session, schedule a 15min check-in on your progress, shoot them an email and get a response almost immediately. 5. They're REAL. No sugar coating, no bullshit. They will tell it like it is and meet you where you're at to get you through. If you are too hungover to take a practice test. Fine. It happens. Let's move on to the next day. They're not going to waste your time nor theirs telling you you messed up and they will do everything in their power to see you through the finish line. I'm at Duke's Fuqua School of Business now with a full-tuition scholarship. Sherpa is a HUGE part of the reason I'm here. Sign. Up. Now. read more

A colleague referred me to Sherpa Prep and specifically to Nafeez Amin, one of the founders and tutors. This is one of the best recommendations I have ever received for anything. Nafeez is a master of both the GMAT and GRE, not just in understanding how to beat them, but in knowing how to teach extremely effectively, regardless of your particular strengths and weaknesses. Because of his superb guidance and training, I scored very highly on both the GMAT and the GRE. Best Value: When researching different programs, I wanted an individual, in-person tutoring program. I compared Sherpa with other programs (including the highest rated national programs), considering cost, program structure, tutor qualifications, schedule flexibility, and guarantee. In all areas, Sherpa Prep offered the best quality, price, and value. An unlike the other programs, I was able to talk to Nafeez before signing up. Outstanding Instruction: Nafeez is extremely responsive, professional, reliable, supportive, insightful and knowledgeable. Best of all, he does not rest until you have achieved the score that you have set out to achieve. I increased my GMAT score by 110 points from the initial practice to my actual final test. I did even better on the GRE, with a near perfect score. In general, Sherpa has a guarantee that doesn't expire, including a free repeat if needed. Nafeez was very generous with his time. The tremendous value of Sherpa is the very focused and personalized instruction, even for those taking the class (I attended a couple of them as well, at no extra charge). Flexible and Focused: Even though I had set an overly aggressive deadline to take the GMAT and GRE (I recommend giving yourself at least four months to feel comfortable and not scheduling the test until you're ready), Nafeez was able to tailor the program and help me focus on exactly what I needed in order to do well, even though I had given myself a very short time-line. Comprehensive Materials: The materials are very well organized, comprehensive and efficient. There are thousands of practice problems built into the lessons, which progress in a logical and effective way. Nafeez guides you to the best resources to get additional GMAT and GRE questions, as needed. Bottom Line: You might be skeptical of all the five star ratings. Don't be. They are absolutely earned and deserved. If you put in the time, Sherpa Prep will get you the results you want. Sherpa Prep is the best program, bar none. UPDATE: In March 2017, I was accepted to the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs. While there are many aspects to the application process, the very strong scores I earned on the GMAT and GRE were essential to making me competitive. I could not have achieved this without the guidance and support of Nafeez and Sherpa Prep, for which I will always be grateful. read more

If you're aiming for an elite GMAT score (700+), Sherpa Prep is 100% the course for you. They have truly "hacked" the GMAT and designed a comprehensive course that makes conquering the GMAT simply a matter of how much time/effort you put in. My course instructor was Nasheed, who was fantastic, but I also worked with the other two GMAT instructors, Nafeez and Erin, during makeup classes and office hours. All of Sherpa's instructors are incredibly smart (they all scored like 790s or something insane) and teach both content and testing strategies. In addition to the learning side of the course, all of the instructors set aside "check-ins" with each student. They all are invested in your learning and take the time to encourage you along the way. The course is broken down into two parts: Phase 1 (all the classes) and Phase 2 (drilling practice problems in a strategic way). Phase 1 goes over math/verbal content and all these short-cuts/tips/tricks that you absolutely need to answer the questions quickly. Phase 2 is a formulated review series where you go through several practices tests a week. Overall, I spent about 4 1/2 months from start to finish. You're advised to wait until Phase 2 starts to schedule your exam. Sherpa provides the official GMAT guide textbooks, 18 "sherpa packets" (basically their own textbook of notes), 2 additional MBA.com official practice tests, free office hours, and free "check-ins" throughout Phase 1 and 2. They also let you take class repeats for a small fee (I think $25/class). I did 3 of these "targeted repeats" to keep everything fresh as I was getting closer to the test - definitely worth it. The value of this course is undeniable. It's a good deal and worth every penny. I highly recommend Sherpa to anyone taking the GMAT - and, knowing the quality of the GMAT course, I'm sure their GRE courses are top notch as well. read more

Sherpa was amazingly helpful in preparing me for the GRE. As someone facing down the test who hadn't done a bit of math in over ten years, I can say that I would have never regained the proficiency in the subject that I did by my test date without the Sherpa prep course. Tae Min was a great and super chill instructor, the Dupont Circle location was convenient for anyone working in downtown DC, and the books were hefty but not overwhelming. The classes provide you with tips and tricks and shortcuts, including things that I'm still amazed aren't yet taught in US primary education (but are apparently regular practice in math education internationally). The app is a great help too for those hours commuting that can be utilized to run vocab flashcards and test basic multiplication drills. Couldn't recommend more highly! read more