7 Best GMAT Prep Books for Advanced Students: Elevate Your Study Game

If you’re an advanced student preparing for the GMAT, you know that the right study materials can make all the difference. With so many options available, it’s essential to choose books that truly challenge your skills and elevate your performance. In this guide, we’ll explore seven exceptional GMAT prep books tailored for those who are ready to take their study game to the next level. Let’s uncover what sets these resources apart and how they can help you achieve your goals.

Kaplan GMAT 800: Advanced Prep for Advanced Students (Kaplan Test Prep)

If you’re an advanced student aiming for a top GMAT score, “Kaplan GMAT 800: Advanced Prep for Advanced Students” is tailored for you. This book covers essential English and math sections, including 28 critical reasoning and 110 sentence correction questions. While it provides advanced practice questions and detailed explanations, some users find its structure illogical and lacking in rigorous math principles. The math section may feel easy, and it doesn’t include an Integrated Reasoning section. Overall, it’s a decent resource, but you might want to explore other materials for a more challenging preparation experience.

Best For: Advanced students aiming for a top GMAT score who need targeted practice in English and math sections.

Pros:

• Provides a selection of advanced questions for practice with detailed explanations after each question.
• Strong verbal section with valuable reading comprehension practice.
• Quality publishing and layout at a reasonable price.

Cons:

• Assumes familiarity with GMAT basics, making it unsuitable for beginners.
• Questions may not be challenging enough for true 800-level practice.
• Lacks an Integrated Reasoning section and rigorous math principle reviews.

Kaplan GMAT 800: Advanced Prep for Advanced Students (Perfect Score Series)

Kaplan GMAT 800 is designed specifically for ambitious students targeting high GMAT scores of 700 and above. The book offers advanced verbal and math exercises, but many find the questions misleadingly labeled as “800” level, aligning more with a 600-700 difficulty range. While some users successfully improved their scores, others were disappointed by unclear explanations and a lack of advanced problem-solving tips. Additionally, reviewers recommend other prep materials, like Veritas and Manhattan Prep, for deeper understanding. If you’re serious about scoring above 700, consider seeking more thorough resources than Kaplan GMAT 800 for effective preparation.

Best For: Students aiming for high GMAT scores (700+) who are close to their test date and seeking to brush up on verbal and math concepts.

Pros:

• Provides a variety of advanced verbal and math exercises for practice.
• Some users report score improvements after using the book, indicating its potential effectiveness for certain students.
• Can serve as a helpful resource for reviewing basic concepts and formulas.

Cons:

• Many questions are misleadingly labeled as “800” level, more accurately reflecting a 600-700 difficulty range.
• Explanations for some questions lack clarity, making it difficult for students to fully grasp advanced concepts.
• The book is criticized for not offering advanced problem-solving tips and contains duplicate questions, which detracts from its value.

Kaplan GMAT Advanced 2009-2010 Edition: Intensive Prep for Top Students

For high-achieving students targeting a GMAT score of 650 or above, the Kaplan GMAT Advanced 2009-2010 Edition stands out as a focused resource. This book offers an extensive collection of challenging questions across various sections, including 110 on sentence correction and 107 on problem-solving. While it’s praised for its detailed explanations and good quality layout, it lacks a systematic approach and doesn’t review basic math or grammar principles. Mixed reviews indicate that some find it useful, but you should be cautious about outdated content and potential printing errors. Overall, consider it for its advanced question selection but weigh your options carefully.

Best For: High-achieving students targeting a GMAT score of 650 or above looking for advanced practice questions.

Pros:

• Provides a valuable selection of challenging questions across various GMAT sections.
• Detailed explanations for questions enhance understanding and learning.
• Good quality publishing and layout make it user-friendly.

Cons:

• Lacks a review of basic math principles and grammar rules, assuming prior knowledge.
• The structure is illogical and lacks a systematic approach to practice.
• Contains outdated content with potential printing errors reported.

GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle: Books + Online Question Bank

The GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle is an ideal choice for advanced students who want to deepen their understanding of real GMAT questions. This bundle includes three extensive books and an online question bank with over 2,000 practice questions—1,900 in print and 174 online exclusives. Priced at $56, it provides essential practice to familiarize you with the exam format. While it’s highly recommended for new users, be aware that it lacks fresh questions compared to earlier editions. To enhance your preparation, consider combining this resource with additional study aids, especially for the more challenging Verbal section.

Best For: The GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle is best for advanced students who seek to enhance their understanding of real GMAT questions.

Pros:

• Provides access to over 2,000 real GMAT practice questions, helping familiarize users with the exam format.
• The bundle includes both print and online resources, offering flexibility in study methods.
• Highly recommended for new users looking to prepare for the GMAT effectively.

Cons:

• Lacks new questions compared to previous editions, which may be a drawback for some.
• Some users reported issues with redeeming codes for online practice materials and unhelpful customer service.
• Additional resources may be necessary, especially for Verbal preparation, as the official explanations can be unclear.

GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023 (6th Edition)

Designed for advanced students who already have a solid understanding of the GMAT’s foundational concepts, the GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023 (6th Edition) stands out with its focused strategies and breakdowns of question types. It offers concise, actionable information and well-structured practice questions. While many find the explanations helpful, be aware of some typos and unclear answers that may cause confusion. You’ll appreciate the included online learning videos and the supplementary section addressing math anxiety. Overall, this book is a reliable resource for serious test-takers looking to elevate their GMAT prep and tackle the exam with confidence.

Best For: Advanced students who have a solid understanding of foundational GMAT concepts and are looking for focused strategies to enhance their preparation.

Pros:

• Offers concise and actionable information with well-structured practice questions.
• Includes supplementary online learning videos and resources to support different learning styles.
• The section on overcoming math anxiety is particularly beneficial for test-takers.

Cons:

• Several typos and unclear explanations may lead to confusion regarding correct answers.
• May not be suitable for beginners who need foundational learning resources.
• Additional practice exams would enhance the range of preparation opportunities.

GMAT Prep Plus 2022–2023: 6 Practice Tests and Strategies

If you’re an advanced student looking to deepen your GMAT preparation, GMAT Prep Plus 2022–2023 offers a thorough collection of practice tests and strategies tailored to your needs. However, be wary of its significant flaws. Many users report missing answer banks and errors in critical chapters, particularly with interest rate formulas. Problems often misapply formulas, leading to confusion. While some reviewers praise its quality, others recommend seeking alternative resources for more reliable study material. Ultimately, weigh the book’s strengths against its deficiencies before committing to it as a primary prep tool.

Best For: Advanced students seeking a collection of practice tests and strategies for GMAT preparation, but who are aware of potential flaws in the material.

Pros:

• Offers a thorough collection of practice tests tailored to advanced students.
• Contains detailed explanations for answers, which can aid in understanding concepts.
• Some users report positive experiences with the book’s quality and effectiveness.

Cons:

• Significant errors in content, particularly with interest rate formulas, leading to confusion.
• Missing answer bank for practice questions, making it difficult to verify answers.
• Recommendations suggest seeking alternative resources for more reliable study materials.

Advanced Word Problems

For those aiming to elevate their GMAT quant scores to the 80th percentile and beyond, “Advanced Word Problems” stands out as a valuable resource. This book features over 130 word problems, hitting over 90% of GMAT question types. Many users have boosted their scores, with one increasing their quant score from 47 to 49 after two rounds of practice. The author emphasizes algebraic explanations, helping you grasp the math behind the problems. While the layout may feel bulky with one question per page, the detailed solutions can enhance your understanding. However, advanced students might find it lacking in challenge.

Best For: Beginners in GMAT preparation looking to improve their quant scores and gain confidence with word problems.

Pros:

• Provides over 130 word problems covering 90+ percent of GMAT question types.
• Emphasizes algebraic explanations to enhance understanding of math concepts.
• Many users report improved scores and increased confidence after using the book.

Cons:

• Layout features one question per page, making the book bulky and potentially distracting.
• Some users find the questions to be unchallenging, especially for advanced students.
• May not meet the expectations of those seeking more advanced preparation materials.

Factors to Consider When Choosing GMAT Prep Books for Advanced Students

When choosing GMAT prep books for advanced students, you should consider several key factors. Look for content depth and question variety that match your target score. Also, make sure the resources provide clear guidance and ample practice materials to support your study efforts.

Content Depth and Complexity

Choosing the right GMAT prep book is vital, especially if you’re aiming for a score above 700. Look for books that feature complex exercises that truly challenge you, rather than recycled questions from lower-level materials. The content should offer a variety of question types and formats, particularly in verbal and quantitative sections, to guarantee you’re well-prepared. Advanced problem-solving techniques in areas like probability, combinations, and coordinate geometry are essential for success. Additionally, detailed explanations for each question help you grasp the underlying concepts and strategies. Don’t overlook the importance of reviewing fundamental math principles and grammar rules; this strong foundation will support your ability to tackle more complex problems with confidence.

Question Variety and Types

Advanced students should prioritize question variety and types when selecting GMAT prep books. Look for resources that cover all sections of the exam, including critical reasoning, reading comprehension, sentence correction, problem solving, and data sufficiency. A solid prep book should feature over 100 diverse practice questions to help you get comfortable with different styles and formats. It’s crucial to choose materials that challenge you, particularly those that align with the 700-800 score range. Additionally, detailed explanations for each question type can deepen your understanding of the rationale behind correct answers, refining your strategies. Finally, guarantee a balanced mix of quantitative and verbal questions for thorough preparation across the GMAT.

Target Score Alignment

Selecting GMAT prep books that align with your target score is essential for maximizing your study efficiency. If you’re aiming for a score of 700 or above, focus on resources tailored for advanced students; many books cater to a broader audience around the 650/700 range. For those targeting an 800, you need materials with genuinely challenging questions that reflect this elite level—not misleadingly labeled content. Confirm the books cover advanced topics like probability, combinations, and coordinate geometry, as these areas are critical for top scores. Look for resources offering detailed explanations and complex practice questions to deepen your problem-solving techniques. Finally, compare various materials and seek recommendations to find the best fit for your advanced quant preparation.

Practice Resources Availability

When preparing for the GMAT, the availability of practice resources can markedly impact your study effectiveness. Many advanced prep books offer online question banks, giving you access to a broader range of practice problems that mimic the exam format. For instance, the GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle provides over 2,000 real GMAT practice questions, including exclusive online questions. Confirm the practice questions align with the 700+ difficulty level, as some materials mislabel question difficulty. While some books may have numerous questions, they might lack depth in explanations or variety. To optimize your preparation, consider supplementing your primary resources with additional classes or materials, especially in challenging areas like Verbal.

Instructional Clarity and Guidance

While you might already have a solid grasp of GMAT concepts, the clarity of instruction in prep books can make a significant difference in your study experience. Look for books that offer detailed explanations for each question, especially in challenging verbal and quantitative sections. Effective instructional clarity is vital; it should break down problem-solving strategies and provide actionable guidance tailored to the GMAT format. If a book assumes too much prior knowledge, it may not support your review of core concepts like math and grammar. Additionally, make sure the content is organized logically, allowing you to follow and apply strategies without confusion. Resources that include thorough reviews of advanced topics will further enhance your preparation and boost your confidence.

Integrated Reasoning Inclusion

Since Integrated Reasoning (IR) plays a pivotal role in the GMAT, you’ll want to choose prep books that emphasize this section to guarantee a well-rounded study plan. Many advanced prep books overlook IR, which can put you at a disadvantage since this section is essential for achieving your target score. Look for resources that include varied question formats, like multi-source reasoning and graphical interpretation, as these mirror the actual test and sharpen your analytical skills. With business schools increasingly prioritizing IR scores, mastering this area will enhance your profile. Selecting books with strong IR content not only prepares you for the exam but also equips you for complex real-world business scenarios you’ll face in your future career.

Comparative Material Recommendations

Choosing the right GMAT prep book is crucial for advanced students aiming for top scores. Look for books that feature challenging questions targeting the 700+ score range, ensuring they fit your ambitious goals. Clear explanations and strategies for complex question types are essential, as understanding the reasoning behind answers will deepen your comprehension. Consider alternative resources that offer better depth in advanced concepts since some books may fall short in preparing you for the real GMAT experience. Additionally, choose materials with a logical structure and thorough coverage of both verbal and quantitative sections. Finally, prioritize practice questions from official sources to familiarize yourself with the actual exam format, boosting your chances of achieving your desired score improvement.