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.
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