Books for GMAT
Preparing for
GMAT by referring to the right kind of books can get you the score you’re
aiming for. However, with the plethora of study material available it is easy
to waste your time and money on material that may not help you. Worry not!
Here, we’ve provided important tips on finding the right books for you and have
also listed out a few of them.
The apt books
for GMAT preparation should consist of comprehensive notes on the principal topics
and concepts that are asked in the test. It is essential to skim through the
book before purchasing it. This helps you to understand if key points and
examples are sketchily covered or has detailed information. No topic should
just be superficially dealt with. Verbal or quantitative sample questions should
be clear and straightforward, leaving no room for ambiguity.
Another
important feature of a suitable GMAT prep book is the set of questions printed
in it. These set of questions and sample papers should be in par with the level
of difficulty of the GMAT test and should be of the same nature as well. The
test papers should be balanced in terms of theory, tests and sample answers
with detailed explanation.
While the test has four sections: verbal, quantitative, analytic writing and an integrated reasoning section, there are two variations of the course, self-guided and guided. If you are an employed professional, you can opt for the self-guided course as you have full freedom to plan out a good study strategy for yourself. Choosing the guided course ensures you discipline while preparing for the test. Accordingly, you can purchase the necessary guides and books.
The Official Guide for GMAT Review
This book is a
must as it is considered the Holy Grail of GMAT preparation. It is a collection
of more than 900 questions from past test papers that gives the learner a
deeper understanding of GMAT. Since it is authored by GMAC, the creators of the
test, the book’s content is limited to topics that are GMAT specific only. Thus
preventing any sort of diversion of subject while studying. The various
sections in the book help you to prepare for the types of questions expected in
the exam. These sections comprise of model questions with detailed
explanations, essay topics with illustrated answers, a grammar review, a math
review and a score guide along with reasoning questions and a unit on
diagnostics. There is also a free software available to download review
questions and two full-length practice exams.
There are two more GMAT books authored by GMAC, The Official Guide for
GMAT Quantitative Review and The Official Guide for GMAT Verbal Review. Each of
these have a set of 300 GMAT practice questions.
Manhattan GMAT Complete Strategy
Set
Many opt for the Manhattan Strategy set as it is a widespread series
with in-depth knowledge of how to prepare for the test. Along with the series
is a test analyser. This feature is of great help to understand one’s areas of
strengths and weaknesses. Besides providing the most extensive curriculum in
the form of 10 different guides which cover all assigned areas of integrated
reasoning, analytics and math, this set contains more than 200 practice
questions, 6 computer- adaptive practice exams and a separate guide solely
focusing on integrated reasoning. With such a vast availability of study
material from just one source, you can be certain of being fully prepared and
able to tackle all the questions in the test.
Kaplan GMAT Premier
The Kaplan book is highly recommended by those
who have already appeared for the GMAT test. Its key feature is the diagnostic
test which enables you to find out your weak areas, work on it and understand
corresponding concepts prior to solving papers. There is detailed theory
explained at the start of every section. By reading the theory before
attempting the questions, your concepts are refreshed and you have a better
understanding of answering the sample test. The Kaplan Premier has 6 practice
tests of which 5 are available online. Illustrated answers are explained in detail
and integrated reasoning strategies are paired with sample questions. Kaplan
offers other 9 GMAT prep courses besides the GMAT prep book.
It is advisable to study from the Kaplan book after referring to the
Official Guide as the level of difficulty increases in the Kaplan series.
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