I am buying the GMAT official bundle USED.Can I get a CODE separately?

Question

Hello,

I am getting ready to start studying for the GMAT, and I am about to buy the GMAT official books bundle USED. Does anyone know if I can buy separately the code to access the exams and other digital information they provide?

Thank you in advance. 
Debora

bb · Answer

You don’t get exams with the OG. 
You only get access to the quiz engine (questionable value) but if you want to get 1-year access to that it is as much as the book itself.

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drubin · Answer

Hi, thank you for your reply. In this case, do you know if I can get access to the quiz engine you mentioned (with the code), through an other way?

I am trying to see if by buying the books USED, I can still prepare for the exam and have access to all necessary resources.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi drubin,

Many GMATers use a variety of study materials over the course of their studies (far more than just the OG books), so you might want to consider more than just those particular study materials. In addition, while the OG books are great sources for practice questions, but they're not designed to teach you Tactics, patterns or the little 'secrets' behind the GMAT - for those, you'll need Course-oriented materials. To that end, you might want to work on those OG materials a little later on in your studies.

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can take 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

drubin · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thank you very much for your response, it is very helpful. I haven't study in many years, and would like to refresh concepts I learnt on my B.Comm. before doing the practice tests. I am getting ready for it. Answering to your questions:

1) What is your goal score? My goal score is 700
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT? In November / December the latest.
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School? November/ December

I am debating on getting the Foundation of Math from either Kaplan or Manhattan, which one is best do you think?

Thank you in advance.
Debora

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Debora,

For free math practice and help, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books). While the site is vast, you should limit your studies to basic Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. You might find it helpful to spend a little time re-building those skills before you start your GMAT studies. If you would prefer to work out of a book, then either of the books you mentioned would be fine.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

drubin · Answer

Hi Rich,

Thanks again for your response. I will definitely use Khan Academy to refresh those concepts. Here are few more question to finalize my gmat prep research:

1) When do you recommend scheduling the test? Should I wait until I'm confident with all Math/Geometry concepts?

2) If I decide to buy the foundation books to refresh concepts, does it matter if they are old versions not 2020 version?

3) If I buy the OG (3 books included) not new but USED, they won't have the code number that gives you access to exams on the gmat website. Is there a way to buy a new code for a used book, or is there a workaround for this?

Thank you in advance.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Debora,

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so with a Score Goal of 700+, it would make sense for you to give yourself at least that much study time as well. It's worth noting that the Quant section of the GMAT is NOT a 'math test'; it's a 'critical thinking test' that requires lots of little calculations as you work through it - meaning that beyond (re)learning how to do the standard Arithmetic and Algebra, to hit your Goal Score, you will also need to learn Tactics, patterns and the little 'secrets' to the Exam.

Since the GMAT is a remarkably consistent Exam - and the rules of math have not changed over time - you would be fine using slightly older versions of any of the books that you are interested in. In addition, while any relatively recent version of the main Official Guide is a great book that everyone should use during their studies, you likely will not need the subject-specific books (the Quant-only and Verbal-only books), so you won't necessarily need the purchase the OG 'bundle' for your studies. In that same way, you don't necessarily need the online access to the Wiley website, but if that's something you really want, then you will have to buy a NEW Official Guide (as that's the only practical way to receive the online license).

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

drubin · Answer

Rich,

Thank you for the reply, I appreciate it!

Hope others newbies to the GMAT find your answer helpful as well.

Debora

drubin · Answer

Hi do you know if Varsity Tutors is a good platform for a guided 5 week course?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Debora,

Since it's been almost 3 months since we last discussed your study plans, before you purchase any new materials, it would help if you can provide a bit more information about how you have been studying since August:

1) What type of study routine have you been following? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
4) Do you have an Official Test Date scheduled yet (and if so, then when is it?)?
5) What application deadlines are you currently facing?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

I am buying the GMAT official bundle USED.Can I get a CODE separately?

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