1st time poster - Good Book list?

Question

Hello everyone, I'm excited to be joining the forum and am starting my GMAT journey.

A little bit about me:
Graduating this December from UF 
4.0 GPA
Starting Fortune 100 Corporate Finance Rotational/Leadership Program in January (2 1/2 yr program) 
Interested in Top 10 Business School for Fall 2012

I'm hoping with a 700+ GMAT it will be enough for me, but i'm not sure. Any comments on this are appreciated.

Anyways my book list:
I'm verbally challenged SAT 1390 (600 V 790 M)

Kaplan Live Online to start / get good overview of Test 
OG 12, Verbal OG 12, Quant OG 12 for lots of problems
MGMAT SC RC CR 
I need a good Math review book on probability / combinations / everything , what's the best book? Does Kaplan Live Online cover probability / combinations? Should I Not get any of these books? 
 
Thanks,
Mike

mohater · Answer

Hello flgators519,

You have a pretty good selection of books. If you're looking for specific topics to cover, I suggest spending some time with targeted math books, like powerscore or the MGMAT series as you can only buy the book that covers the topic you want.

Some other threads that might interest you:

Novices guide to the GMAT:
gmat-study-plan-for-gmat-novices-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html

Best Math Books:
best-gmat-math-prep-books-reviews-recommendations-77291.html

Best Verbal Books:
best-gmat-verbal-prep-books-reviews-recommendations-78094.html

Best prep books:
best-gmat-prep-books-guides-reviews-comments-77703.html

Best of luck,

flgators519 · Answer

Thanks for your input.

Anyone have any comments on Kaplan Live as far as math review? Does it cover probability / combinations?

I've heard the gmat club tests are quite good for math to take it to the next level, is another book necessary ?

Thanks,

Mike

mohater · Answer

Hello Mike,

I am not sure if Kaplan live covers what you have below. Most people have said it covers a very comprehensive introduction to the GMAT and the question types, but very little details into each topic/section.

The tests are very good for testing math skills. If you need to learn/re-learn math concepts/material, the GMATClub tests are NOT a good resource. If your math and problem solving skills are strong, then you might not need much prep.

Take a diagnostic full length test and assess where you currently are. The test will also provide you with feedback on the topics you are strong/weak in and help you establish a study plan. This study plan will be key to reaching your goal.

Resource for tests:
all-gmat-cat-practice-tests-links-prices-reviews-77460.html

flgators519

Thanks for your input.

Anyone have any comments on Kaplan Live as far as math review? Does it cover probability / combinations?

I've heard the gmat club tests are quite good for math to take it to the next level, is another book necessary ?

Thanks,

Mike

bb · Answer

There is not really a good probability/combinations guidebook. Kaplan Live Online definitely is just a basic book to get you started with the GMAT and for most enough to get you up to 600-650 level.

This is probably as good as it gets: combinations-permutations-and-probability-references-56486.html

P.S. MGMAT Word Translations book covers some probability, but I am not sure about how good the coverage is.

Attachments

manhattan GMAT word translations.gif [ 32.83 KiB | Viewed 2706 times ]

gmatjon · Answer

I studied couple books of Kaplan, and I would say, that they are not as detailed as MGMAT books, and do not cover tough problems in details in such areas as combinatoric, and probability. I would recommend MGMAT books, if you shooting for above 700

mdinerstein · Answer

Hi Mike,

BB is right - the Word Translations book is the best source for probability and combinatorics. It is also comprehensive in nature, like the rest of our guides. You'll be able to get a better preview of the book on Amazon (the Manhattan GMAT website just has the first chapter of the guide, whereas Amazon allows you to search through the guide until you see a certain number of pages). You can find a link to the MGMAT Word Translations guide here.

Best,

Michael Dinerstein
Manager of Online Marketing
Manhattan GMAT
[email protected]

anstance5 · Answer

MGMAT *definitely* better than others in my experience; never tried PowerScore though, so can't comment on htat. Although I've found the Kaplan 800 book and Princeton Review 1012 to be great for just more question review.

Most relevant link for your question on GMAT Club:
best-gmat-prep-books-guides-reviews-comments-77703.html

anstance5 · Answer

Thank you "bb" -- as always, a great post. I was looking for something similar.

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