How To Use GMAT Study Guides

For the first step in preparing for the GMAT, I recommend you buy at least one study guide. Get an official GMAT guide from GMAC, the firm that writes and scores the the tests.

GMAT Study Guides are the First Step

Regardless of your learning style, GMAT prep guides are the best first step. The cost is low, especially relative to other ways to prep, such as taking a class. Moreover, the study guides will help focus you by identifying the areas where you need extra assistance.

GMAC Prep Guides are the Best

The GMAC prep guides contain official questions from old or retired GMAT tests. Practice tests from other sources are not actual tests and are not as highly recommended because the GMAC does not license GMAT tests to other companies. Further, only the GMAC uses the official GMAT algorithms when scoring your answers.

These are the official study guides. All others are published by third parties. These contain real GMAT questions as well as provide answers and explanations.

The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 12th Edition
 
The Official Guide for GMAT Quantitative Review, 2nd Edition
 
The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review, 2nd Edition

Third Party Prep Guides

As good as the official GMAC materials are, some of the third party prep materials can help you as well. They can offer worthwhile strategies and explanations, often targeting specific skill areas.

After using one or more of the GMAC guides above, you will know which areas you need to work on. Next, consider a third-party prep book.

Here is a quick look at the best-selling GMAT prep books on amazon.com. It is a mix of general prep guides and books covering specific areas of the test. Remember, too, there are also excellent books out there that help with general math, or language skills.



Here is a more detailed look at top GMAT prep books as well as best-selling admissions guides for help getting into business school