Which book(s) should I use?

Question

Hey guys I want to take the GMAT in May and in few weeks I want to start with my preparations. My target is at least 680-700! Which books are useful to reach this target? I´m planning to buy the official guide, but which other books would you guys recommend for an optimal preparation? I´m planning to study 8-10 weeks (full time).

Thanks in advance!

Thanks in advance!

mvictor · Answer

There is no specific book that many use to reach such a score. I say - what works for you - work with that.
First of all, you need to see where you are at the moment, what your weaknesses are...

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Paddyphone,

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 download 2 for free from 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 4 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.

You've already defined your goal score and the approximate date that you'd like to take the GMAT - which is good. I have a couple of questions about your overall goals:

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

There's a significant problem for many Test Takers who use a "book heavy" study approach. Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. Considering your goal score is essentially the 90th percentile (meaning that 90% of Test Takers can't score that high no matter how many times they take the Official GMAT), you might want to consider other study materials besides books.

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

Nevernevergiveup · Answer

Welcome to gmatclub.

There are plenty of books in the market to teach concepts but official guides are best for practice. But as Rich suggested take a mock CAT and then select books or courses for your preparation as per the need. Manhattan gmat books are generally preferred by many.

kvw547239 · Answer

OG books and Manhattan books for sure! Beyond that, as others have said, best to take a CAT first and then decide what you want to focus on.

Paddyphone · Answer

Hey guys, thanks for your help! Due to some issues I didn´t take the GMAT and therefore I was not active in the forum.

Now I´m planning to take the Test during spring 2018. I´m applying for an German Master programme. The deadline is on the 31st May. My plan is to start in January with my preparation and take the exam Mid-April. I bought the official guide and the Manhattan Prep books. As you recommended I will take a CAT and then post the results here.

Does this approach make sense? Do you have other suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Paddyphone,

The logical first step is to take that initial practice CAT. When are you planning to do that? Are you going to take that CAT this month or are you going to wait until January?

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

AjiteshArun · Answer

If you're still looking for books, there's a post  here  that you could go through.

Lyndon91 · Answer

I found the MGMAT Number Properties book especially useful. The SC book didn't really click with me for one reason or another. I personally found the PowerScore SC bible much easier to read.

Good luck!

Paddyphone · Answer

When would it make sense? I could take the CAT this month, but isn´t it better to wait until January?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

9 Months old post.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Paddyphone,

Yes, if you're planning to start your studies in January, then would make sense to take that first CAT then. However, since you're here now (in November), if you wanted to begin your studies a couple of months early, then having that extra study time could be quite helpful.

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

Paddyphone · Answer

I have gone trough the first pages of the OG and Manhattan Prep. Does it make sense to recap (2-3 hours) some basic stuff before taking the first CAT? Or would it falsify the result?

abhimahna · Answer

I would NEVER prefer to do that and will try to keep my brain as fresh as possible before taking any mock and before taking the final exam.

Paddyphone · Answer

Thanks for your help.

I would not recap this stuff just right before the CAT. I would recap this week/next week and then go for the CAT overnext week.

To be honest I'm a bit scared, that my level of knowledge is a bit low. It´s a long time ago that I have done things like geometry etc., therefore I thought it would make sense to just recap a bit.

abhimahna · Answer

Ohh okay. So, if you revising the stuff 2 or more than 2 days before the mock, you are all good. It is actually a good practice to keep everything fresh. All the best

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