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Best GMAT Prep Book Reviews 2023

Selecting the right materials for your GMAT preparations can be a tough job, with hundreds of GMAT prep materials available on the market. How do you know which one to choose? We have done the work by researching many options, and have narrowed them down to five of the best GMAT prep books, so you don’t waste your time surfing the internet and becoming more confused. Now, go through our reviews to find out which of them suits your particular needs the most.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Includes
Focus
Practice
Certification
Resources
Our Top Choice
GMAC Basic GMAT® Study Collection
GMAC Basic GMAT® Study Collection
GMAC, committed to connecting talents/aspiring professionals with opportunity, presents the Basic GMAT Study Collection to help graduate management students.
A prep book by the test maker. More than 1,500 real GMAT questions and answers. Includes Official Guide for GMAT® Review for 2017, plus the corrected version.
Does not teach GMAT test-taking practices but includes test practice materials straight from the test-maker.
Online; book; video
General
Test taking tips
GMAT
GMAT past questions
Best Value
Kaplan GMAT Premier 2017 Prep Book
Kaplan GMAT Premier 2017 Prep Book
Kaplan always goes the extra mile to ensure that every edition is better than the previous one and this GMAT Premier 2017 edition is no exception.
1,200+ practice questions with detailed explanations. 6 full-length practice tests. Mobile-enabled online resources. Academic support from Kaplan faculty via their Facebook page.
No GMAT past questions contained within, but there are strategies on how to answer them.
Online; book; video; mobile
General
Test strategies
Nil
GMAT study guide
Manhattan Prep Complete Guide Set
Manhattan Prep Complete Guide Set
Manhattan Prep believes the best teachers produce the best students and has applied this philosophy in creating the GMAT Strategy Guide for producing the best students.
Over 200 additional free practice questions. Strategy guides on different subjects. Topical sets of Official Guide practice questions and detailed answer explanations.
You have to go online to gain access to test practice questions. But the test simulations are worth it.
Book; Online
General (Subsets in each book)
Test guides
Nil
GMAT study guide
Princeton Review GMAT Prep Book
Princeton Review GMAT Prep Book
Princeton Review helps students get beyond their test scores with their resources for deeper understanding/mastery. The GMAT Premium Edition embodies these values.
Teaches how to avoid the traps that make it difficult to beat the GMAT. Teaches step-by-step problem-solving methods for the toughest question types. Strategies for working smarter.
The book has mostly facts and formulas with no practical strategies or questions.
Book, Online
General
Adaptive Tests
Nil
Computer Adaptive Tests
Scott A. Hatch, Lisa Zimmer Hatch
Scott A. Hatch, Lisa Zimmer Hatch
Paperback has made a name for itself in using “simplistic methodologies” to approach ideas. The GMAT For Dummies will give you the confidence and skills needed for the test.
A plain-English explanation of the test's format. Teaches how to make educated guesses. Offers tips and advice to calm your nerves. Proven ways to save time and beat the clock.
The practice questions seem to be a lot easier than actual GMAT questions.
Book; CD
General
Test guides
Nil
GMAT study guide

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What is the Best GMAT Prep Book?

Determining the best GMAT prep book for you can be a tough call. It all depends on many variables, such as whether this is your first time taking the GMAT, the quality of education you received in high school, or what kind of university you are looking at attending. As you go through our reviews, pay close attention to the features of each prep book and how it aligns with your particular situation. That will enable you to make the best choice.
Our Top Choice
GMAC Basic GMAT® Study Collection
GMAC’s reputation in research and information for quality graduate management education (with the creation of GMAT) is evident in this study collection that helps prepare you for the test. Who better to give you practice materials but the test maker themselves? If you want the same information at a lower cost, try the 2016 edition.

GMAC Official Guide to the GMAT Review 2017 Bundle With Question Bank And Video - 2nd Edition


Features

Preparing for any examination can be very tedious, especially when you do not know what type of questions to expect. With GMAC exam study guides, your anxieties are completely removed and you can walk into your graduate exam with confidence. Millions of people all over the world have aced their exams by trusting GMAC.

The Basic GMAT® Study Collection (selling for $77.28USD - Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) remains your best companion for preparing for your graduate exams or even job aptitude tests. We know that practice and preparation are keys to success on the GMAT® exam; now you have all the questions to practice. Here are some of the other features of The Basic GMAT® Study Collection:

  • More than 1,500 real GMAT questions and answers
  • Includes Official Guide for GMAT® Review, 2017
  • The Official Guide for GMAT® Quantitative Review, 2017
  • The Official Guide for GMAT® Verbal Review, 2017.
  • Corrected version of The Official Guide for GMAT® Review, 2017

The Basic GMAT® Study Collection is an excellent GMAT exam preparatory guide and can even be bought for less than the suggested Manufacturer’s retail price on Amazon.

NOT the bundle/year/subject you want? GMAC has a wide variety of prep books for you to choose from at Amazon.
Best Value
Kaplan GMAT Premier 2017 Prep Book
Other brands may cut back on the quality/quantity of practice questions included in their prep books, but not Kaplan. In this GMAT Premier 2017 collection, Kaplan added 40 advanced GMAT Quantitative questions - that’s value. If your challenge is in Math only, then, try the Math Workbook.

Kaplan GMAT Premier 2017 Prep Book With 6 Practice Tests, Online, Book, Videos And Mobile Resources


Features

Exam prep must be done with the right system or materials developed by an authority on the test. Kaplan is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training, USA. It is the only GMAT prep organization that offers the Official Test Day Experience, allowing you to take a practice GMAT test at an actual Pearson VUE GMAT testing facility so you know exactly what to expect on Test Day.

Kaplan’s GMAT Premier 2017 with 6 Practice Tests: Online + Book + Videos + Mobile (Kaplan Test Prep) Pap/Psc Edition (Selling for $25.86USD - Manufacturer’s suggested retail price) is an all in one GMAT preparatory system that gives you unfettered access to in-depth and topnotch strategies, test information, and practice questions to help you score higher on the GMAT.
GMAT Premier 2017 has the following features to enable you have a great GMAT preparatory experience.

  • 1,200+ practice questions with detailed explanations
  • 6 full-length practice tests: 5 realistic Computer Adaptive Tests online and 1 in the book
  • 200-question online Quiz Bank for customized quiz creation and review of GMAT practice questions
  • NEW! 40 advanced quantitative questions with detailed explanations for higher scores
  • Mobile-enabled online resources: study anywhere on any device with an Internet connection
  • Academic support from Kaplan faculty via their Facebook page: facebook.com/KaplanGMAT
  • Updated Integrated Reasoning strategies and practice questions
  • Video lessons with top Kaplan GMAT faculty
  • Study plans to help you make the most of your time preparing for the GMAT
  • Register for one-year access to GMAT online center
  • For test takers who want to break 700—and nail Integrated Reasoning—this is the definitive resource

Kaplan has guaranteed that if you prepare for your GMAT with the GMAT Premier 2017 online resources and book, you will definitely score higher on the GMAT or you'll receive a full refund. Can you beat that?

Kaplan has a number of different prep books if the featured one isn’t suitable for you. See your options at Amazon.
Manhattan Prep Complete Guide Set
Every tutor in Manhattan Prep scored within the 99th percentile in their test, which goes to show the quality of work done on its guides. This GMAT Strategy Guide packs the best strategies that have been used by these tutors and other students in passing the exams. If you need practice questions instead, you can opt for the Advanced Quantitative Guides.

Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set With One Year Access To Online Practice Exams And Questions Bank


Features

An alumnus of Teach for America founded Manhattan Prep in 2000 and Manhattan has been a leading test provider ever since, with offices all over the world. Manhattan Prep’s curriculum was developed by instructors with 99th percentile scores on their own tests who offer courses for the GMAT, GRE, LSAT. For excellent performance in any of these exams, Manhattan Prep is your sure bet.

The Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set Sixth Edition (Selling for $194.99 - Manufacturer’s Suggested Price) was designed by the best to make you the best. This complete and exhaustive guide helps students develop all the knowledge, skills, and strategic thinking necessary for success on the GMAT. Purchase of this set includes one year of access to Manhattan Prep’s online computer-adaptive GMAT practice exams and question banks.
Here are more of the features of the Manhattan Prep GMAT guide:

  • It has over 200 additional free practice questions
  • Contains topical sets of Official Guide practice questions and detailed answer explanations
  • Includes Number Properties GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Includes Fractions, Decimals, &Percents GMAT Strategy Guide
  • You’ll also get Algebra GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Receive Word Problems GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Also included is Geometry GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Critical Reasoning GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Reading Comprehension GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Sentence Correction GMAT Strategy Guide
  • Integrated Reasoning & Essays GMAT Strategy Guide

The Manhattan GMAT study guide contains everything need to ace your GMAT exam.

Don’t need the Prep GMAT Strategy Set? Manhattan has many other prep books for you to choose from here.
Princeton Review GMAT Prep Book
Better grades. Better scores. Better schools. This is the guiding tagline for Princeton Review in all their prep tests. This GMAT Premium Edition embodies that to help students achieve the best scores. There is also the more specific Math Workbook in case you need to focus on improving your math.

Princeton Review Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition 2017 (Graduate School Test Preparation)With 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests


Features

The Princeton Review is a one-stop shop for getting into your dream school. From test prep courses to private tutoring, on-demand homework help and admission counseling, Princeton Review has all the tools to ensure you achieve your educational goals.

Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests, 2017 (Selling for $41.99USD - Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) is one of Princeton Review’s signature educational products focused on helping you seat for the GMAT exam once and for all. Developed by outstanding faculty, you are sure to ace your GMAT exam.
Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests, 2017 is feature packed:

  • Learn how to avoid traps that make it difficult to beat the GMAT
  • You will be taken though step-by-step problem-solving methods for answering the toughest question types
  • Discover key strategies to help you work smarter
  • Receive complete subject coverage of all GMAT topics
  • Go through a thorough review of necessary Math, Verbal, Writing, and Integrated Reasoning skills
  • You’ll have access to bulleted chapter summaries for quick reference
  • Enjoy 6 full-length CAT practice exams online with robust score reports and detailed answer explanations
  • 180+ additional practice questions, sorted by difficulty, to customize your prep
  • Get drilled for each test section in the book, plus additional Math, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning drills online
  • Take Online practice exams to hone your test-taking skills
  • Video tutorials with expert advice from leading course instructors
  • Multi-week study plans
  • Examples of successful b-school essays and interviews with admissions officers
  • Get special "GMAT Insider" section packed with information on admissions and financial aid, the MBA and your career, writing winning essays, and more

The Princeton Review’s GMAT Prep Guide stands out as one of the most intensive and practical preparatory guides for GMAT on Amazon.

We love what the Premium Edition offers. Look at other Princeton Review GMAT prep books if this one isn’t the one for you.
Scott A. Hatch, Lisa Zimmer Hatch
There is nothing more reassuring than buying a product made by a brand that understands how simplifying a subject makes it easier for students to understand and excel. Paperback has been doing this with their Dummies series. The GMAT For Dummies guide implements same formula to help you maximize your test score. A less expensive version without the CD is also available.

Scott A. Hatch, Lisa Zimmer Hatch GMAT For Dummies 6th Edition With CD


Features

Lisa Zimmer Hatch, MA, and Scott A. Hatch, JD, teach SAT®, ACT®, LSAT®, GRE®, and GMAT® test preparation through various programs at more than 300 colleges and universities. They are legends and veterans in the field of GMAT prep and have helped thousands of people ace the GMAT examination. They are surely worth reading.

GMAT For Dummies, with CD, Premier 6th Edition (Selling for $29.99USD - Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) simplifies the GMAT preparation process and delivers complex concepts in an easy to understand manner. Whether this will be your first attempt or you are rewriting the GMAT examination, GMAT For Dummies is what you need. Here are some of the astounding features of GMAT For Dummies:

  • A plain-English explanation of the test's format
  • Find out what to bring on exam day
  • Discover how to make educated guesses
  • Learn how to avoid common pitfalls
  • Tips and advice to calm your nerves
  • Discover proven ways to save time and beat the clock
  • See ten writing errors to avoid
  • Receive guidance on how to increase your chances of gaining admission to any business school of your choice

This is about the easiest to understand GMAT prep study guide in the market, developed by people who have taught this subject in over 300 colleges and Universities.

Lisa Zimmer & Scott A. Hatch have other great prep books. See their collection at Amazon.

How Do I Choose the Best GMAT Prep Book?

It can be a real drag growing up, especially when you think about all the tests you have to take to move up the academic mountain. Life would have been such bliss if you could watch TV all day Monday, perch on your gaming chair all day Wednesday, and rock your light up shoes to a party all night Friday. Wake up! Snap back to reality. You’re now done with high school; it’s time to prepare for the test that gets you into the university of your choice. That begs the question, “How do you prepare?” The answer is simple: with a GMAT prep book.

The best GMAT prep book is packed full of realistic questions that are similar to the ones you’re likely to encounter in the real test. They also have detailed answers to those questions to help you understand how they arrived at the answers. They also give you access to a full-length test so you can get a feel of what taking the real test is like. They will also teach you skill sets you will need to perform well on the tests.

Price

The primary factors that affect the pricing of GMAT prep books are the volume of each book and the number of books bundled together. Brands go about packaging their books differently, such that some have more volumes than others. The prep books with more volumes will sell for close to $200, while there are some that sell for less than $30.

It is important to note that the pricing does not have much to do with the quality or value derived from the book. As the saying goes, “content is king.” The cheap GMAT prep books are those you do not want to consider, as they don’t have a sufficient amount of questions in them and most of the questions are not even realistic GMAT questions.

Features

The GMAT is an A-levels test that needs to be taken to get into a higher institution. Of course, you don’t just have to take the test; you have to pass it as well. Your preparation will be easier and more strategic if you use a GMAT prep book. There are several versions out there, but here are the features you should consider when choosing one to buy:

  • Realistic
  • Number of questions
  • Length of practice provided
  • Detailed solutions
  • GMAT best practices
  • Access to additional resources

This list will help you know what to look out for when confronted with the many options out there. As you read on, you will understand the importance of these features.

Construction and Design

The only purpose of taking the GMAT is to pass so that you can obtain admission into your desired higher institution. That is, assuming you’re a good student and you’re not just taking it out of curiosity. You have to practice, of course, and the types of questions you should practice with have to be as realistic as possible. This will give you a good feel of what the real test is like beforehand. If you’re a first-timer, you must have heard that GMAT questions are of a particular style, so your prep book has to replicate that style. This will help you become familiar with its style and let you master the skills you need to perform well on the actual test. Otherwise, you will be wasting your time preparing with questions that aren’t realistic, and that may lead you towards creating strategies that might not help you on the test. This way, the real questions will have you feeling like you skipped all your high school classes.

As with every activity, the more you practice, the better you get. An ideal GMAT prep book should be packed with lots of practice questions, the realistic ones, that is, or at least give you access to a question bank. This will enable you practice these questions repeatedly and master how to answer them the quickest.

One great way you can know if you’re ready to take on the GMAT test is by taking the full-length practice test. The ideal GMAT prep book will give you that kind of opportunity. You probably never took a test in high school that is as rigorous as this. Practicing with the full-length tests will help you get used to the challenges of taking a test as lengthy as the GMAT. A long-distance runner will practice with a similar distance, simulating the actual race as much as possible. That is how you have to prepare for the GMAT test. Since it is computer-based, your GMAT prep book should give you access to carry out full-length tests just like you would on your actual testing day, so that you can build your stamina and mental endurance.

Performance and Ease of Use

Having access to realistic and full-length questions is not always enough. An ideal GMAT prep book will provide succinct answers to those questions, so that you won’t only know the correct answers to those questions, you will know why they are correct. This way, when you come across those questions in a different format, which always happens, you will easily and quickly answer them correctly.

Since the GMAT is a specific style of test, there are best practices when it comes to tackling the questions. It is one thing to know the areas to be covered in the test; it is a different ballgame to have strategies to tackle the entire test. A good GMAT prep book will help you formulate strategies that will help you immensely when faced with the real test. Some of the strategies you will be better off learning concern identifying the different types of questions, isolating wrong answers, time management, using educated guesses, etc. These strategies will empower you to save a lot of time and help you answer a lot of questions; correctly, of course.

The GMAT test covers different skill areas which you should have a good understanding of. The best GMAT prep book ought to have a detailed review of the areas that are covered in the test. This will help you improve in those areas, and consequently, perform well in them. If the live test covers an area, say, sentence correction, a good GMAT prep book will dedicate a chapter explaining how best to tackle questions in this area. It might even provide drill questions too, to test your understanding of these areas.


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Get the Best GMAT Prep Book of 2023!

We know going through all these reviews can be dizzying, but if you are reading this, then it’s because you want to make the best of your GMAT exam. We hope we have helped you in some way to simplify your decision-making process. Go ahead and place that order with confidence.

Our Top Choice
GMAC Basic GMAT® Study Collection
GMAC Basic GMAT® Study Collection
Best Value
Kaplan GMAT Premier 2017 Prep Book
Kaplan GMAT Premier 2017 Prep Book
Manhattan Prep Complete Guide Set
Manhattan Prep Complete Guide Set
Princeton Review GMAT Prep Book
Princeton Review GMAT Prep Book
Scott A. Hatch, Lisa Zimmer Hatch
Scott A. Hatch, Lisa Zimmer Hatch

Go back to the start of the reviews
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