GMAT Test Prep
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best books for GMAT test prep. There are a wide selection of test prep books to choose from, and you can select the right resources based on their length, format, and on the theory or content that they cover.
A GMAT, or Graduate Management Admissions Test, is a real challenge, but with the right preparation and study, you’ll lay the foundation for performing at your very best.
Selecting the Best GMAT Book
The selection of the best GMAT Book to use can be difficult. However, in this article, we will evaluate the selected books to use in 2020-2021. The evaluation of the best resource should be based on compliance with the current syllabus.
Many of the GMAT Prep Books are no longer in compliance with the current format of the GMAT. Since GMAT Books follow a specific pattern, it is mandatory that the GMAT resource you choose is able to give you some firm strategies for tackling the GMAT Questions.
The best GMAT Books should be able to cover the following sections of the GMAT test pattern:
1. Analytical Writing
2. Integrated Reasoning
3. Quantitative Reasoning
4. Verbal Reasoning
5. Online Option
You are not supposed to depend on one resource.
Other Key Considerations on GMAT Book Selection
Best GMAT Books should have relatively more content; but not too much or little. The content should be escorted by the practice questions which are vital for Test preparations.
“Practice makes perfect”, and the more practice questions you tackle, the better you’ll get at answering GMAT Test Questions. This means the best books should provide answers for self-evaluation as well.
Given 6 months to prepare for GMAT, the best book should provide enough content to study within the first 4 months, at most. Also, you should give yourself at least 5 hours to study per week. The content comparison can be imperfectly determined by the number of pages that the books have.
Moreover, the cost of the GMAT Books may be an important aspect to consider. Some of the books cost you more money, while not covering everything needed for GMAT Test prep.
The Best 5 GMAT Books for Test Preps are listed as follows:
1. Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guide Set
2. The Mometrix GMAT prep book
3. GMAT Official Guide 2021
4. Kaplan GMAT Complete 2020
5. GMAT for dummies 2020
A Closer Look at the Best Books for GMAT Test Prep
1. Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guide Set
The series is one of the best 10 books written specifically for students; thus, more comprehensive content. The cost is the highest, at $153.84. However, these books cover the latest and more relevant content, and can allow beginner students to follow along as they advance.
The books also provide 6 practice exams with a total of about 100 practice questions. This gives the student a chance to achieve a score above 700.
Keep in mind that the eBooks edition has relatively more difficult questions compared to the hard copy edition.
2. The Mometrix GMAT prep book
Priced at about $25, the Mometrix GMAT Prep Book is one of the best GMAT Books. This book covers the important sections of the GMAT Test. It only comes with 1 practice exam with about 100 questions.
The content in this book is relatively minimal, as it only has about 215 pages. However, students who purchase this book are provided online learning tools; which means students have hands on practice, rather than simply reading more content.
The book does not target fresh students, but those who want to revise the general concepts in preparation of the GMAT Test.
3. GMAT Official Guide 2021
This book is one of the best. It is also my personal preference, as it was provided by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) which provides the GMAT Exam.
I think this book is a must-have, since the GMAT Test will consist of questions based on the content inside. Also, for new students, this book can be helpful in providing a test strategy.
The official bundle costs about $80, but it comes with no practice exams. Nevertheless, it provides 1895 practice questions. Moreover, it has more content than other books, amounting to about 1800 pages. Other features of this book include online flashcards and access to a mobile app.
4. Kaplan GMAT Complete 2020
This book costs about $75, a little less expensive compared to the GMAT Official Guide. It comes as a bundle of four books consisting of 6 online practice tests.
The books have a total of more than 2000 topical practice questions. This allows students to take advantage of more practice time. The books also provide more content, and contain about 2000 pages. Finally, these books provide some of the most difficult questions compared to other prep books.
5. GMAT for dummies 2020
This book is surprisingly one of the best books that one can use for GMAT Test Preps. Available at about $20, this book is most useful for those that are just starting their test preparations. It consists of 7 practice tests which come on a supplementary CD. Also, 2 full length practice exams.
There are about 100 practice questions and the content is fairly helpful; covering about 400 pages. This book helps in improving test-taking strategies that can help the students manage their time, as well as tackling different question styles.
Since the book does not really go into detail, it’s best to use this book alongside one of the above mentioned books. The book addresses the updated content, hence, it is also a must-have.
Phina Pipia