Review of MGMAT Challenge Problem Archive

Basic Description:
Manhattan’s Challenge archive contains over 250 very difficult math problems, along with answers and detailed explanations. For $29.00, customers gain online access to these questions for one year. The archive does not overlap with any other Manhattan math problems. In terms of difficulty, many Challenge problems rank in the 750-plus range. Perhaps just as many questions surpass anything found on the GMAT. For further information, please visit the Manhattan GMAT store.

Pros:
1. Price - Overall, the price is reasonable for the number of questions. While access is limited to one year, that's still plenty of time.
2. Updates - New math problems are added to the question bank and past questions are occasionally updated.
3. Explanations - Though the questions are extremely difficult, the explanations do a decent job. They can be rather lengthy, though.
4. Online Practice - Reviewing questions online provides an opportunity to grow accustomed to seeing problems on a computer screen.

Cons:
1. Out of scope – Many questions go way beyond anything that you will encounter on the actual test. Some problems are downright convoluted and stray too far from the GMAT. The style also feels slightly off at times.
2. Intended Audience – Unless you are performing well above the 90th percentile in quant, then these questions are definitely not recommended for regular use.

Overall Assessment:
For upper-level performers, the occasional Manhattan Challenge question might be helpful. Some may further argue that reinforcing concepts this way truly tests one’s math skills to the max. However, taken as a whole, the Challenge Archive is excessive and will not benefit most people. And even if you are exceptional in quant, many questions are not representative of the actual test at all. If you’re interested in effective hardcore practice, then the GMATClub Tests and Jeff Sackmann’s Extreme Challenge set are more suitable options.

However, if you still want to incorporate these into your studies, make sure to read the linked discussions below. Also, there are a few Challenges already available on the math forum. Just make sure that you're ready!

Additional Discussions:
did-anyone-do-the-mgmat-challenge-problem-archive-79026.html

https://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/fee ... 10339.html

https://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/man ... -t510.html