Study guides, resources, etc

Question

I'm getting ready to study for the GMAT. Traditionally not a good tester; very average. Anyway, I'm thinking of using the 8 Manhattan guides to study, but I have questions about whether or not I should use other resources/guides besides the books. It's been a long time since I took one of these standardized tests. I took the GRE about 18 years ago before I went to grad school. So, should I take a diagnostic test before I start studying? Take others as I go along? How necessary are the diagnostic tests? I can't use the free GMAT Prep test because I use a Mac and those tests are Windows only. I don't mind paying for tests if I know they will help me, so I could do that. Should I stick with Manhattan online tests since I'm already using the books? By the way, I'm buying the books used, so, yes, I would have to pay for the online tests as I would not have access to the tests that come when you buy the books new.

Also, I'm taking advantage that my place of work pays for classes to take these tests, GMAT included, so I'm taking a test preparation class. They pay for two-thirds of the cost, I'm only responsible for one-third.

Thanks. Any other recommendations as far as preparing for the GMAT are welcome.

Also, I'm taking advantage that my place of work pays for classes to take these tests, GMAT included, so  I'm taking a test preparation class . They pay for two-thirds of the cost, I'm only responsible for one-third.

Thanks. Any other recommendations as far as preparing for the GMAT are welcome.

akaydee · Answer

I think the MG Guides, the online exams are great. You'll also need to get yourself a copy of the (1) Official Guide 12th Edition (2) Quant Review 2nd edition, and (3) Verbal Review 2nd edition. These are essential and perhaps might be required books as part of the prep class you are taking at SFSU.

Other than that you can also have a look at a 3 month study plan as given on the GMAT Club website:

gmat-study-plan-for-gmat-novices-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html?highlight=ml301

bb · Answer

Take a look here as well: top-gmat-prep-books-guides-reviews-comments-77703.html?highlight=ml306

macandal · Answer

Thanks akaydee, bb.

I took a look at the links you both suggested. Thanks. So, judging by the three-month study plan, am I right in assuming that diagnostic tests are not necessary? I mean, right before I even start studying? I take from the study plan that the tests should be taken after I have studied, then take the test, and then take more tests as I work the kinks that my error log shows? Is that right?

Thanks.

BM · Answer

You seem to have a firm grasp of the situation, macandal. Most members, though, would probably advise you to take a diagnostic test before studying. That way, you know which topics require the most effort for improvement.

But don't get too involved with the CAT's. I think that the two GMATPrep tests and the six Manhattan tests are just fine. Some people take way too many of those tests. For the most part, this just consumes time better spent on learning.

But, as you suspected, focus on review the concepts (guidebooks) and reinforce the material through high-quality questions.

And the MGMAT series is a very good option!

macandal · Answer

Thanks bmillan01. FYI, I won't be taking the GMAT Prep tests because I'm a mac user and you can only take those on a Windows system.

bb · Answer

Take a diagnostic first - that should be your first step but don't continue with tests until you are ready.

See this:

dharani1234 · Answer

Thanks for the above advice.

Can I buy the 2007 or older editions of the Manhattan prep series ... Just a question as the 2007 series is selling for a much cheaper rate than the latest ones .

Will the new ones have a lot of difference in content when compared to the 2007 ones ?

BTW

I am a 5 year experienced IT guy and planning to take GMAT. Pretty good at english but bad at maths ... so any recommendations from the seniors ?

macandal · Answer

Thanks bb. I was going to wait and buy the online tests until later, but considering that I need a diagnostic test, I'll buy it right away. Thanks for all your suggestions.

akaydee · Answer

Well then you'll have to get a copy of the Official Guide 11th edition and 1st edition of the Quant and Verbal Review since the MGMAT books refer to problems from the Official Guides. Of course they do have their own separate problems in their guides, but their whole method relies on reinforcing concepts using OG problems.

The newer editions of the Official Guides have many more newly released official questions which you don't want to miss. So it might be in your interest in going in for the latest edition of the MGMAT books.

Just a thought.

bb · Answer

Just take the GMAT Prep - it is free. You also get tests with MGMAT books for free. Free is good

macandal · Answer

Yes, but for Windows users only. I'm a mac guy. Free is, indeed, very good, however, I'm buying the books used, so, no free tests. I'll have to buy them.

kissthegmat · Answer

Buy only one MGMAT book you'll have the access of 6 CATs.

macandal · Answer

I just got my 8 Manhattan GMAT books and the GMAT Official Guide (12th Ed), all for the price of $50. The books are in pristine condition, and I found out, to my joy, that the codes for the free online tests have not been activated, so I have access to those too. The guy I bought them from got them about 3 months ago and, for whatever reason, didn't or couldn't return them. He decided against the GMAT and B School and is taking the GRE to get a similar degree (to business), dealing with computers. So, I lucked out. Now all I have to do is study. Great deals like these feel good.

Of course, I would trade all this and even take getting ripped off for an excellent GMAT score.

Of course, I would trade all this and even take getting ripped off for an excellent GMAT score.

PranavChamp · Answer

Manhattan Number properties and word probs
Manhattan SC
OG12
OG quant 2
OG verbal 2
gmatclub tests

PranavChamp · Answer

2 manhattan guides are very important for basics: number properties and word problems

SeniorFlunky · Answer

See here for ways others have got GMAT Prep to work on macs:  https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-prep-power-prep-official-free-gmat-tests-77548.html#p585374

kissthegmat · Answer

Many people say that gmatclub tests are MUST if you are aiming for 49+ and I also endorse their statement as gmatclub tests designed in such a manner that you'll get exposure of all type of questions that can pop-up on test day.

BM · Answer

Macandal, just to clarify things, the "word probs" mentioned above refers to the Manhatan Word Translations guide. That's guidebook number four in the Manhattan series.

mohater · Answer

Do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyvrdEKLEw0 (sarcasm, obviously)

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