3 Killer Books - All You Need To Master The GMAT

Not only for the GMAT, but for any test, books familiarize you with the test format, sections, timing, and main strategies. In the previous post, I wrote about my GMAT preparation and some useful tips. The first thing to do for any test is getting the best study material. But when it comes to GMAT, the options are overwhelming and confusing at the same time. And since I and you don't have all the money and time in the world, here are my findings about the best in the lot.

1. The Official Guide

The most authentic source of GMAT preparation. Even though you won't see these exact questions on the exam in the future, you can be sure you'll see some questions that are very similar.

The Official GMAT Guide presents more than 800 questions taken from retired versions of the test with more detailed explanations of the correct answers. The questions are presented in order of difficulty, giving users a better understanding of what constitutes an easy or hard question.


2. Kaplan Premier

An advanced guide for ambitious students who dream of high GMAT scores. Most of the questions are really tough but I'd certainly rather go in to the test being too prepared than not prepared enough.


3. Manhattan Series

This is a set of 8 books on GMAT preparation, offering a well-balanced and organized format. It presents arguments with clarifying illustrations that are well-constructed and easy to follow. These books don't emphasize tricks or easy ways, instead they methodically cover areas tested, and should be pretty much all you will need (besides the Official Guide). It is a bit expensive but I recommend this book, as it is worth every penny.

I personally recommend getting The Official Guide for GMAT Review + One other general GMAT book. Go for the specialized ones out of the Manhattan Set if you are weak only in certain areas or if budget is a constraint.

Now let me devote some time to my GMAT preparation and you go buy one of these to start preparing. I'll be posting more useful GMAT information on this website from time to time. Keep in touch by subscribing to full feed (RSS) or enter your email address here.