GMAT Books 2023: Best Books for GMAT Preparation

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GMAT Books

After deciding to enroll in a B-School, the initial step is to begin studying for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). There are a variety of materials available for GMAT preparation. Obtaining GMAT preparation books and participating in online GMAT forums will aid in exam preparation. As there are several publications on the market, it is tough to determine which book or resource is ideal for GMAT preparation. In this article, we will discuss the top GMAT preparation books and other tools for scoring well on the exam. We have compiled an exhaustive list of the greatest GMAT books and resources that will offer you an advantage over other candidates.

Students must be aware that they should not overstock their bookcases with GMAT materials. Do not be fooled by aesthetically pleasing websites and book covers. Following a restricted number of resources and focusing on many revisions, practice problems, and mock exams are always recommended.

GMAT Books and Resources: Critical Considerations

These factors will assist you in selecting the best GMAT preparation books and materials:

Adhere to the Curriculum and Structure: The market is flooded with GMAT preparation materials. Before purchasing a book, ensure that you have a clear understanding of the GMAT’s syllabus and format. Once you have read a book, ensure that it aligns with the exam’s syllabus and format. Do not purchase books based only on their aesthetic appeal.
Formulating the Ideal Strategy: Not only must you solve difficult problems, but you must also develop a GMAT preparation strategy that will help you perform well on all portions of the exam. It may involve identifying the area with the highest priority that will be completed first, or it may involve time management. These abilities will undoubtedly come in helpful around exam time. In order to make efficient use of your time, you can also follow expert-provided GMAT preparation suggestions.
Practicing the Right Group of Questions Because the GMAT exam is based on a certain format, it is crucial that you practice the right set of questions, which will help you achieve a high score.
Must Include Answers with Detailed Explanations: The GMAT preparation material and GMAT books must include answer keys so that students may comprehend the proper approach to solving various question types. So that the aspirant can get the notion behind the correct answer, the answer keys should provide extensive justifications for each correct response.

GMAT Prep Books

The GMAT Official Guide, also known as GMAT OG, is the most essential book for GMAT preparation. This book must serve as the foundation for your preparations. Do not remove any pages from this book. GMAT OG comprises around 1000 questions from previous GMAT examinations. This is the closest you can get to the GMAT before the exam date. A full review of the exam, detailed answers, essays, and a planned question order will assist you in obtaining a high GMAT score. Ensure that you read through this book at least twice during your GMAT preparation. The GMAT Official Guide Bundle eBook and Online Question Band is available for $81.99.

Manhattan Preparatory School Set of Comprehensive GMAT Strategy Guides: The Manhattan GMAT books cover all aspects of the GMAT examination. The whole collection consists of ten manuals covering every subject, from analytical writing to integrated reasoning and beyond. You have the option of purchasing these books individually or as a set. In addition to the textbooks, students receive one year of access to practice tests and online materials. These books will assist you in enhancing your skill set in order to perform admirably. Reviewers rate the study materials and guides provided by Manhattan to be the greatest GMAT preparation material available. In addition, the practice exams included with the textbooks help you prepare for the actual examination. Answers to practice questions are accompanied by extensive explanations. You must combine the GMAT Official Guide and the Manhattan GMAT resources to comprehensively cover the complete syllabus. After completing them, you should only move on to other GMAT books and resources.

Official GMAT Advanced Questions: After finishing the GMAT Official Guide and Manhattan GMAT, you should go on to the GMAT Official Advanced Questions. It contains challenging GMAT problems from past GMAT exams. This book will help you become familiar with the difficult GMAT questions. Note that as you continue to answer questions properly on the GMAT, the difficulty of the questions will increase (with an obvious increase in the score). Therefore, it is crucial for a candidate to practice difficult GMAT problems. The GMAT official advanced questions ebook and online question bank are available for $29.99.

Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2023: The greatest benefit of learning from the Kaplan guide is that it covers the exact exam-relevant material and avoids ideas that can be distracting. The Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workbook aids in the development of advanced strategies for answering verbal questions. In addition, the Kaplan GMAT Math Workbook can assist you in developing solid quantitative fundamentals. This book is unquestionably beneficial to individuals who struggle with math. Kaplan’s study material is universally regarded as the top GMAT study book by critics.

Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set: Those who wish to increase their understanding of each topic can purchase the Veritas Prep GMAT Set. Each topic is thoroughly covered, and the books are also well-written. In addition, the practice questions included in the books are not only unique but also challenging. One of the disadvantages of this package is that it includes only one online full-length practice test, although other publishers give significantly more. Despite the fact that Veritas offers hundreds of practice questions online, which can help candidates improve their scores, Veritas does not offer a practice exam.

Online GMAT Resources: In addition to the prep materials, you can get free GMAT preparation material from reputable web communities. Alternatively, you can join forums like the official GMAT forum and post your question there, where it will be answered by specialists. There are various online GMAT exams (both free and paid) that you can take to improve your skills. With minimal effort, you can obtain useful, free GMAT preparation materials. We encourage you to utilize the following internet resources:

YouTube channel for GMAT

GMAT Club Forum

Thursdays with Ron Magoosh

No amount of books or GMAT preparation materials will be effective unless you adopt a comprehensive study strategy, intensive training sessions, and discipline, which are essential for obtaining a high GMAT score.

Best GMAT Books for Independent Study

Those who intend to self-study for the GMAT may utilize the following books as resources. These books aid in reviewing the fundamentals and also provide several questions for practice. Following is a list of the finest GMAT prep book for independent study.

The Official Guide to GMAT Review
Manhattan GMAT Strategy Guides (8 Books)
Kaplan GMAT 800

The Best GMAT Maths (Quantitative) Books

Following are the top GMAT Quantitative books.

The Official Guide to GMAT Quantitative Review
Kaplan GMAT Math Workbook

Best GMAT Verbal Books

The following list includes some of the top books for the GMAT verbal part.

The Official Guide to GMAT Verbal Review
Manhattan GMAT Sentence Correction Strategy Guide
Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workbook

Best GMAT Forums

In addition to books, prospective candidates can utilize additional learning resources. Multiple forums provide an abundance of free GMAT study materials.

They are listed below.

Pagalguy
GMAT Club
Beat The GMAT

6-month GMAT Study Plan

Every candidate learns at a different rate, which is quite normal. Therefore, if your peers or friends have obtained their desired GMAT scores within three or five months, you need not be concerned. Following is a 6-month GMAT study schedule that you should follow when preparing for the exam. Some students can fulfill the goals outlined in the six-month program a bit early because they prepare for the GMAT exam full-time, while others prepare for the GMAT exam while managing their job or other responsibilities.

How many hours each week you should study:

Aim to study between 5 and 7 hours per week, and progressively raise that amount as the exam date approaches.

First Month Monthly Hours: 20 to 25

If you haven’t taken the GMAT exam in a while, establish a plan for your next steps.
Use a GMAT practice exam to measure your present level of preparation.
Understand the curriculum and the format
Start with the GMAT Official Guide and Manhattan Guides.
You should have completed the GMAT quantitative review and sentence correction
Make brief notes on GMAT sentence repair and review these grammar rules again.
Create a collection of formulas for quantitative review and tweak them repeatedly.
Take a full-length mock exam at the end of the month to gauge your progress.

Second Month Minimum Hours/month: 30

Complete the outstanding sections of the GMAT quantitative review and GMAT sentence correction.
Revise the previously finished section
Completing Critical Thinking
Participate in at least two full-length GMAT practice exams
At the end of the second month, review all you have accomplished thus far.

Third Month Minimum Monthly Hours: 45

Review what you have accomplished in the past two months.
Achieve Total Reading Comprehension
By the end of the third month, you must have successfully finished the entire course.
Participate in three full-length sample exams and track your success

Fourth Month Monthly Hours: 60

Complete the AWA and Integrated Reasoning sections and finalize your preparation.
It is now time to revise everything once more.
Start with difficult queries
Participate in as many full-length mock trials as possible.

Fifth Month At least 60 hours

Practice different GMAT preparation materials covering all question types
Revise your notes
Resolve GMAT Original and GMAT Official Advanced Questions
Perform simulated exams and track your progress
If you believe a topic needs additional practice, dedicate additional time to it.

Sixth Month Minimum 75 hours

This month, you should concentrate on practice exams and revisions.
Take a day off before the actual examination.
We recognize that it may not be possible for you to study constantly for such a lengthy period of time; thus, you may alter your study schedule according to your convenience and take breaks if you become weary. Also, keep in mind that it is preferable to study with a schedule and focus on one section/lesson at a time, as juggling different topics may confuse you.

Frequently Asked Questions About GMAT Reference Books 2023

Q. Which book should I get for the GMAT?

Ans. If you’re searching for the finest GMAT preparation books for 2023, you should consider the Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guide bundle. GMAT Official Guide 2023 is also one of the most popular GMAT preparation books among students.

Q. Is a GMAT score of 700 simple?

Ans. 700 is a difficult GMAT score to achieve. Most of the best business schools need a minimum score of 700 to admit international students.

Q. Is the GMAT Difficult?

Ans. Approximately 6% of those taking the GMAT to get a score of 720 or higher each year. This data set indicates that the GMAT is not an easy exam and that one must train extensively to get 700 or higher.

Q. How can I earn a 700 on the GMAT?

Ans. Obtaining a GMAT score of 700 or higher involves a great deal of hard work and constant effort. Determine your weaknesses and concentrate on improving them. Consistent preparation can result in a score of 700 or above on the GMAT.

Q. Can you prepare for the GMAT in three months?

Ans. In order to prepare for the GMAT in three months, test-takers require a complete study strategy. Many applicants attempt to complete their GMAT preparation in two months; however, we recommend a three-month study strategy.

Q. Is a GMAT score of 650 a decent score?

Ans. Typically, a GMAT score above 700 is regarded as excellent. The majority of top business schools favor applicants with a score of 700 or higher for their management programs.

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