If you want to fill top roles in the business world, a high-quality MBA program is the way to go. And that takes getting a competitive score on the GMAT. Choosing the right GMAT study materials and can make entry into your first choice business school a lot more accessible.
The GMAT isn’t a straightforward, knowledge-based test. While there is plenty of logic, reading and math on the test, the GMAT is more about skills.
Preparing for this difficult test requires high-quality GMAT resources that specifically hone the right abilities you need to pass. Read on to learn all about the GMAT study materials and official resources that will help you pass the GMAT with a high score.
Official GMAT Resources
There are a lot of options when it comes to studying for the GMAT. One of the first stops you’ll probably make is MBA.com, home of the Graduate Management Admission Council that administers the GMAT.
This is where you can find official GMAT resources, which include study materials, GMAT practice exams, a question bank, and a few more options.
If you are self-studying, the official resources are a good source of practice material. However, they don’t offer learning materials, like classes, videos, and textbooks, that most people need for GMAT prep. Many people start off with a comprehensive GMAT course (we’ll cover those later), and supplement with official practice exams as needed.
Here are the official GMAT materials you can find at MBA.com:
- GMAT™ Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2 (Free)
- GMAT™ Official Practice Exams 3 & 4 ($49.99)
- GMAT™ Official Practice Exams 5 & 6 ($49.99)
- GMAT™ Official Advanced Questions: eBook + Online Question Bank ($29.99)
- GMAT™ Official Practice Exams 3 to 6 ($89.98)
- GMAT™ Official Practice Questions 1 ($29.99)
- GMAT™ Official Practice Questions 2 ($29.99)
- GMAT™ Official Guide 2022: ebook & Online Question Bank ($47.99)
- GMAT™ Official Guide Quant Review 2022: ebook & Online Question Bank ($20.99)
- GMAT™ Official Guide Verbal Review 2022: ebook & Online Question Bank ($20.99)
- GMAT™ Official Guide Bundle 2022: ebook & Online Question Bank ($81.99)
- GMAT™ Official Advanced Questions: eBook + Online Question Bank ($29.99)
- Premium GMAT™ Study Collection 2022 ($329.99)
- GMAT™ Official IR Practice ($19.99)
- GMAT™ Official Quantitative Practice ($39.99)
- GMAT™ Enhanced Score Report ($30.00)
- GMAT™ Official AWA Practice ($29.99)
The GMAT Syllabus
There are four GMAT sections that test will cover, which are:
- Verbal, which has 36 questions and will take 65 minutes to complete
- Integrated Reasoning (IR), which has 12 multiple-choice questions and will take 30 minutes to complete
- Quantitative (“Quant”), which has 31 questions and will take 62 minutes to complete
- Analytical Writing Assessment, which has one essay question and will take 30 minutes to complete
There are a few different subcategories of questions within each of these sections. For instance:
- Quant will have data sufficiency and problem-solving questions.
- Verbal will have critical reasoning and sentence correction questions.
- Integrated reasoning will have four kinds of questions, which are two-part analysis, multi-source reasoning, graphic interpretation, and table analysis.
When you study with a GMAT program, you’ll get full detail and plenty of practice with every type of GMAT question.
GMAT Prep Books
One of the core GMAT study resources are GMAT textbooks. Most commonly, you can find a GMAT prep book that will cover each of the sections and then separate GMAT quant textbooks.
These kinds of textbooks are usually updated on a regular basis, to reflect the most recent GMAT questions. Some of the most popular GMAT prep book options are from companies like Manhattan Prep, Powerscore, Wiley, and Kaplan.
It may be that you find a GMAT textbook that accompanies a GMAT course you are taking, in which case it will coordinate well with the other test prep materials you have. If you are self-studying, or you want extra help on a section like quant, you can buy textbooks separately.
Find what you need in our roundup of the best GMAT prep books.
GMAT Online Preparation Courses
Most people take the GMAT after taking an online course. Courses like these are offered by some of the top professional test prep companies in the world, such as Kaplan, Manhattan Prep or The Princeton Review. Others only publish GMAT courses, such as Target Test Prep or Magoosh.
If you’re looking for a good GMAT course, you want to find one that has comprehensive materials and fits your learning style.
Here are the basic GMAT course features you should look for:
- Videos led by qualified GMAT instructors
- GMAT textbooks
- GMAT flashcards
- GMAT practice tests and practice questions
- GMAT tutoring options
As mentioned before with textbooks, it may be advisable to get extra GMAT study materials that specifically address quant.
Here’s a list of our top-rated picks, and you can find more details in our comparison of the top 5 GMAT courses:
- Kaplan GMAT Review: This program has excellent instructor-led courses, available in-person or as an interactive, online class. Course packages come with online resources including one of the largest banks of practice questions.
- Magoosh GMAT Review: This is a flexible, self-paced online course, that comes with a full suite of study tools and practice material. Magoosh is one of the most affordable options for comprehensive GMAT prep.
- The Princeton Review GMAT: This test prep company offers a few options, but their most popular course guarantees a 700+ score. It’s specifically designed for those who want a competitive score and entrance to a top-tier MBA program.
- Manhattan Prep GMAT: Although it’s on the more expensive end of the spectrum, Manhattan Prep offers a unique range of GMAT prep options, including live classes, tutoring, and bootcamps for those on a compressed timeline.
- Target Test Prep: This course is great for those who only want to focus on the Quant section. The content is taught through video lectures, and it comes with a vast library of practice questions with analytics to track your progress.
- The Economist GMAT Tutor: Although it comes with online content and practice material, this program is known more for its one-on-one GMAT tutoring packages and “ask-a-tutor” online support.
GMAT Books vs GMAT Online
There are a couple of ways that people choose to study for the GMAT. Some pursue a self-study or focus a lot on GMAT textbooks and practice tests. Other people want a GMAT online course that has live streaming options or in-person courses.
Studying with GMAT Books: If you want to study for the GMAT using mostly text-based materials, you’ll need to be sure that you’re doing so in an organized way with a thorough GMAT study plan.
A weakness to this option is that you don’t get real time feedback or guided instruction from an expert. A strength to this option is it allows for any length timeline and a lot of independence.
Using a GMAT Online Course: An online GMAT course will have comprehensive resources to help you prepare. Usually, a course like this will feature highly qualified instructors and offer additional study resources, like supplemental quant materials or GMAT tutoring.
A weakness to this option is that you will have a specific study schedule and have to adhere to a timeline. A strength to this option is that it prevents any gaps in knowledge, ensuring that you are as prepared for the test as possible.
GMAT Forums
GMAT forums are a great way to crowdsource answers to GMAT questions or get support from other people who are studying for the GMAT. There are a few popular GMAT forums that you can easily find online, which include:
- GMAT Club has numerous forums, with a variety of threads that can answer specific genres of GMAT questions or give you access to people who have passed the exam.
- Manhattan Prep GMAT forum has questions and answers between students and Manhattan Prep GMAT instructors.
- Beat the GMAT forum has category-specific questions and GMAT study groups that you can join online.
Forums are just one more way to beef up your GMAT study schedule, keep track of your progress and get encouragement to endure the challenging process of GMAT preparation.
FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about GMAT study materials.
Are GMAT Prep Courses Worth It?
Most people find a GMAT prep course is well worth the investment and effort, providing a better score than self-studying. GMAT courses typically include all the resources you’ll need, and there’s a price range to fit any budget. Some are specifically designed for people who want to get a high score on the GMAT, while others are geared toward quant mastery or developing specific skills.
Can You Self-Study for GMAT?
You can self study for the GMAT. But you shouldn’t. The GMAT format is an enormously difficult test that covers a broad range of topics and skills. To develop them with any level of aptitude, you need a framework and GMAT study schedule. There are plenty of great GMAT review courses that will provide instructor-led videos, GMAT textbooks, and specialized practice materials that have helped thousands of people prepare for the GMAT. This is the way to do it if you really want to succeed.
What is the Best GMAT Study Material?
GMAT study materials range from free to very expensive, official to self-study, and everything in between. The best GMAT study material is the one you will use. A lot of individual factors are in play, including your learning style and educational or professional background. It’s important to compare the available GMAT courses and find one that best fits your needs. For example, Kaplan GMAT has excellent, structured classes, while Magoosh GMAT has an affordable and flexible self-paced program.