After many years in the workforce, I decided to pursue a graduate degree. The most significant hurdle was the GMAT. Writing and language are strengths for me, but for the past 18 years, I've let computers take care of quantitative issues. So, in short order I had to become reacquainted with math concepts long forgotten, and learn how to take a CAT exam and score reasonably well. All of my research led me to one conclusion: it takes more than one study guide to adequately prepare for the GMAT. The course I followed, with an evaluation of each guide, is outlined in the following paragraphs. For my math review, I selected Peterson's Math Review for GRE, GMAT, and MCAT, 2nd edition. There have been some comments about errors in previous editions, but I found this guide quite helpful, and an excellent refresher on math topics I have not seen in years, but need to know for the GMAT. 4 out of 5. The GMAT Advantage with Professor Dave was selected because of its readability and the questions. The material is challenging, and the more difficult questions in each category provide a good idea of the difficult questions faced on the GMAT. The verbal chapters are very strong and have excellent examples. The math problems are also very good, but the text assumes that the reader already is familiar with most math topics. This is why I recommend Peterson's MAth Review to compliment this guide. Overall 4 out of 5, with a solid 5 for the verbal sections. The Official Guide for GMAT is the best resource for practice questions. 1400 questions are in this guide, and the last 1/3 in each section represent some difficult concepts that will be tested. This book gets the reader prepared for the real questions that will be seen on the exam. In addition, the question writers provide excellent explanations for the solutions, and reveal some elegantly simple ways to solve math problems that at first appear to be very labor intensive. 4 out of 5. (Also, be sure to take the 2 free CAT tests available online from GMAC. These prepare the user well for the GMAT experience.) Finally, I also used the Princeton Review Crash Course for GMAT. I used this as a final review and to gain some additional pointers and time savers. While brief, this book does provide excellent quick reference tips for all question types that will be seen on the test. The idiom list and formulas are worth the price alone. 4 out of 5. I prepared over an 8 week period, with at least 1 hour of review per day, and more often it was 2 to 4 hours. Regular, consistent preparation, using different references that fit your style of learning will prepare you for this rigorous test. Prepare thoroughly with relentless repetition, and take the test. After 18 years out of school, I scored a 690. Good luck.
Wonderful summary
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This is the most succinct book written on GMAT but you can find here everything to grade high. Perfectly complement the Kaplan, Baron's and ETS softwares. I recommend it without hesitation. Real value for money.
Good book for quick, last minute preparation
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
If you are running out of time to prepare for your GMAT, this book is really good. It tells you what general types of questions there are and the best way to answer them under a time constraint. (Most of us probably can get it right, but we may not do that well when the time is against us..)Also includes general reminders for math and english which we may have forgetten since high school. (E.g., Use singular verb for 'The number of' but plural verb for 'A number of'; prime numbers, factoring..)
CRASH COURSE IN GMAT
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
One of the many books needed for a high score .
Excellent last minute coverage
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This is a great book for as crash course, as the name suggests. The coverage is extensive and goes over each strategy very carefully and with an example. Concise too. Worth your money. Note that this is a shorter, more crisp version of the Princeton review - crack the GMAT.
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