10 Best GMAT Prep Books With Online Access to Boost Your Study Game

If you’re gearing up for the GMAT, choosing the right prep materials is essential. The best GMAT prep books with online access can transform your study routine, offering flexibility and interactive features. From thorough guides to targeted practice, these resources cater to various learning styles. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones truly stand out? Let’s explore the top contenders that can enhance your preparation strategy.

Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set (Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides)

If you’re new to GMAT prep and looking for an extensive resource, the Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set from Manhattan Prep is an excellent choice. This 6th edition offers a well-structured approach, especially in quantitative and verbal sections. Priced around $150, it’s more affordable than buying each guide separately. The bundle includes essential books like the GMAT Roadmap and guides on Number Properties, Sentence Correction, and Critical Reasoning, covering 80-90% of GMAT content. Pair these with the Official Guides for practice, and you’ll enhance your prep considerably. Users report impressive score improvements, making this set a solid investment for your future.

Best For: Individuals who are new to GMAT preparation and seek a comprehensive, structured resource to enhance their understanding of the exam content.

Pros:

• Provides a thorough coverage of 80-90% of GMAT topics with detailed explanations and effective strategies.
• More affordable than purchasing each guide separately, making it a cost-effective choice for students.
• Users have reported significant score improvements, with many achieving scores above 700, highlighting its effectiveness.

Cons:

• Requires a commitment to studying methodically, which may be challenging for those with limited time.
• The online test access can be expensive, potentially adding to the overall cost of preparation.
• If already owning the 5th edition, only specific books from the 6th edition may be necessary, leading to redundancy for some users.

GMAT Advanced Quant: 250+ Practice Problems & Online Resources

Designed specifically for test-takers scoring 45 or higher in the quantitative section, “GMAT Advanced Quant: 250+ Practice Problems & Online Resources” offers an essential toolkit for those aiming to elevate their scores into the competitive 700-800 range. This book introduces advanced strategies for tackling inequalities, absolute values, and data sufficiency. By encouraging you to rethink problems and utilize techniques like Smart Numbers and Working Backwards, it sharpens your problem-solving skills. Users report significant score improvements, but be mindful of a few errors. It’s best suited for those familiar with Manhattan Prep guides and targeting the 90th percentile.

Best For: Individuals consistently scoring 45+ in the quantitative section of the GMAT who aim to break into the 700-800 score range.

Pros:

• Provides advanced strategies and techniques to tackle complex GMAT quant problems effectively.
• Users report significant score improvements after utilizing the book’s resources and practice problems.
• Includes a variety of challenging practice questions that differ from other prep materials, enhancing preparation.

Cons:

• Some users have noted errors in the book that could lead to confusion during practice.
• The first chapter may lack clarity and effectiveness compared to subsequent sections.
• The content is too advanced for individuals scoring below 700, limiting its accessibility.

GMAT Prep Plus 2022–2023: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online

For those aiming to ace the GMAT, “GMAT Prep Plus 2022–2023: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online” offers an extensive resource with its six practice tests and proven strategies. However, many users report significant flaws, like missing answer banks and errors in content, particularly in interest rate formulas. Problems 4 & 5 and 16 & 17 misapply the compound interest formula, leading to confusion. While some praise the book’s effectiveness, others suggest seeking alternative study materials for a more thorough preparation experience. Be cautious and consider your options carefully before committing to this resource.

Best For: Individuals looking for a resource with practice tests and strategies for GMAT preparation, but who are also able to supplement their study materials due to identified flaws in the book.

Pros:

• Offers six practice tests to simulate the exam experience.
• Includes proven strategies which may help in improving test-taking skills.
• Some users have reported positive results and effectiveness from the book.

Cons:

• Contains significant errors, particularly in interest rate formulas, leading to potential confusion.
• Lacks a complete answer bank for practice questions, complicating self-assessment.
• Many users recommend seeking alternative study materials due to instructional flaws.

GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023 (6th Edition)

The GMAT Prep Book 2022-2023 (6th Edition) stands out as an excellent choice for test-takers who already have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts in both Quant and Verbal sections. It effectively breaks down question types and provides targeted strategies. You’ll find concise information, summaries, and well-crafted practice questions, although some explanations may be unclear due to typos. The included online videos and free DVD cater to different learning styles, while the section on overcoming math anxiety is especially helpful. Overall, it’s a reliable resource that enhances your GMAT preparation experience.

Best For: Test-takers who have a solid understanding of basic concepts in Quant and Verbal sections and are looking for targeted strategies to enhance their GMAT preparation.

Pros:

• Provides concise and actionable information, including summaries and well-crafted practice questions.
• Includes supplementary online videos and a free DVD to cater to various learning styles.
• Features a helpful section on overcoming math anxiety, which can benefit many test-takers.

Cons:

• Contains multiple typos and some unclear explanations, potentially leading to confusion.
• Additional practice exams would enhance the preparation experience by offering more variety.
• May not be suitable for those who require foundational learning in GMAT concepts.

Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep, 2022

If you’re seeking a thorough study resource packed with practice tests, the Princeton Review GMAT Premium Prep, 2022, might catch your eye. However, many users found it disappointing. With six computer-adaptive tests and online tools, it promises a lot, but the content quality is standard at best. You may struggle with poorly written questions riddled with typos, leading to unreliable practice test scores. Users reported significant score drops, which can be frustrating. If this resource doesn’t align with your learning style, consider focusing on Official Guides instead to avoid wasting valuable preparation time.

Best For: Those who prefer a variety of practice tests but may not prioritize high-quality content or accurate representations of the GMAT exam.

Pros:

• Offers six computer-adaptive practice tests to simulate the testing experience.
• Includes online tools for additional study support.
• Provides immediate access to tests with a genuine access code.

Cons:

• Content quality is standard and often poorly written, leading to confusion.
• Practice questions are not representative of actual exam difficulty and contain typos.
• Users reported significant score drops and unreliable practice test results.

The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2016

Ideal for serious GMAT test-takers, the Official Guide for GMAT Review 2016 offers a thorough resource with retired real GMAT questions that reflect the actual test experience. This edition includes 907 questions, with 201 being new, ensuring you face fresh challenges. Organized by difficulty, you’ll find a balanced mix in Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency, Sentence Correction, Critical Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension. Each section’s questions help you gauge your progress and tackle various levels of difficulty. With this guide, you’ll sharpen your skills and enhance your readiness for test day, making it an essential part of your prep.

Best For: Serious GMAT test-takers looking for a comprehensive resource with real retired questions to enhance their preparation and test readiness.

Pros:

• Contains 907 questions, including 201 new ones, providing a wide range of practice.
• Organized by difficulty, allowing users to progressively challenge themselves.
• Includes retired real GMAT questions that reflect the actual test experience.

Cons:

• May not provide sufficient practice for those seeking additional resources beyond the official guide.
• Difficulty assessments can be subjective, leading to potential mismatches in user expectations.
• The guide may not cover all the concepts in depth, focusing instead on question practice.

GMAT 2016 Official Guide Bundle

For those seeking an extensive and updated study resource, the GMAT 2016 Official Guide Bundle stands out with its inclusion of 1,508 retired real GMAT questions, ensuring a robust preparation experience. This bundle features 352 new questions, with no overlap from prior editions. You’ll tackle 430 Problem Solving questions, 322 Data Sufficiency questions, and 271 Sentence Correction questions, alongside Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension sections. While the Math Review section is brief, you can benefit from 12 months of online access. Use Exam Mode for realistic practice and improve your test-taking skills effectively.

Best For: Those preparing for the GMAT who seek a comprehensive and updated resource with a wide range of retired questions for effective practice.

Pros:

• Includes 1,508 retired real GMAT questions, ensuring a practical and authentic preparation experience.
• Features 352 new questions not found in previous editions, enhancing the variety of practice material.
• Provides 12 months of online access, allowing for flexible study options and the use of Exam Mode for realistic practice.

Cons:

• The Math Review section is brief and may not meet the needs of all students requiring more in-depth explanations.
• Explanations for some questions are reported as unclear, which may hinder understanding for certain test-takers.
• Some students may find the distribution of question difficulty classifications not aligned with their preparation needs.

The Official Guide for GMAT Review

The Official Guide for GMAT Review stands out as the go-to resource for serious test-takers who want access to real, past GMAT questions. Compiled by the GMAT Council, it offers hundreds of actual questions organized by difficulty, making it invaluable for focused practice. While the answer explanations are accurate, they can be time-consuming, so consider supplementing your study with additional resources for effective strategies. Avoid the Diagnostic Test early on; tackle it after completing the practice questions to boost your confidence. For best results, combine this guide with other materials and official prep tests to enhance your performance.

Best For: Serious GMAT test-takers seeking access to real past questions for effective preparation.

Pros:

• Comprehensive collection of hundreds of actual GMAT questions organized by difficulty.
• Compiled by the GMAT Council, ensuring the quality and relevance of the material.
• Recommended for focused practice, particularly useful for those with a structured study schedule.

Cons:

• Answer explanations can be time-consuming and may not offer efficient problem-solving strategies.
• The Diagnostic Test is challenging and may discourage new test-takers if attempted too early.
• Limited in-depth explanations compared to some third-party resources, necessitating supplementary materials for optimal preparation.

Kaplan GMAT Premier 2014 with 6 Practice Tests

Kaplan GMAT Premier 2014 with 6 Practice Tests stands out for those just starting their GMAT preparation, as it provides a thorough introduction to the exam’s structure and strategies. With 1,100 pages, this book includes solid Math and Verbal strategies, plus Integrated Reasoning coverage. You’ll appreciate the six full practice tests, five adaptive online and one in paper format, which help you assess your progress. Users report score improvements, with some raising their scores by 50 points in just three weeks. However, for scores above 700, consider supplementing with advanced materials for a more robust preparation.

Best For: Those just starting their GMAT preparation who need a comprehensive introduction to the exam’s structure and strategies.

Pros:

• Provides a thorough introduction to GMAT mechanics and strategies.
• Includes six full practice tests that accurately reflect the real test layout.
• Users have reported significant score improvements, some by as much as 50 points in a short study period.

Cons:

• Not deep enough for students aiming for scores above 700; additional resources are recommended.
• Errors noted in explanations and online content access expires after 6 months.
• Lacks sufficient practice problems for thorough preparation, necessitating supplementary materials.

GMAT Official Guide 2018 Quantitative Review: Book/Online

A standout feature of the GMAT Official Guide 2018 Quantitative Review is its extensive collection of real GMAT questions, making it an ideal resource for those who want to practice with authentic material. With 300 questions, including 45 new ones, this guide covers various topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. The online access enhances your study experience with both Exam and Practice modes, allowing you to track your progress. While the 40-page Math Review may be too high-level for some, the guide remains essential for serious GMAT prep, especially when purchased as part of the GMAT Official Guide 2018 Bundle.

Best For: The GMAT Official Guide 2018 Quantitative Review is best for serious GMAT aspirants looking for authentic practice questions and a structured study approach.

Pros:

• Extensive collection of 300 real GMAT questions, including 45 new ones, covering key topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
• Online access with both Exam and Practice modes to help track progress and enhance the study experience.
• Essential resource for GMAT preparation, particularly valuable when purchased as part of the GMAT Official Guide 2018 Bundle.

Cons:

• The 40-page Math Review may be too high-level for some students, lacking in-depth explanations of concepts.
• Answer explanations are often brief and can be convoluted, potentially leading to confusion.
• The guide may not be sufficient for learners who need more foundational understanding of the underlying math concepts.

Factors to Consider When Choosing GMAT Prep Books With Online Access

When you’re choosing GMAT prep books with online access, consider the quality and accuracy of the content first. You’ll also want to check the availability of online resources and the variety of practice tests offered. Finally, a user-friendly interface and supplementary learning materials can enhance your study experience.

Content Quality and Accuracy

Choosing the right GMAT prep book hinges on content quality and accuracy, as these factors directly impact your study effectiveness. You should prioritize books that feature accurate practice questions, since errors or misleading phrasing can confuse you and derail your preparation. Look for high-quality materials that include real GMAT questions, vetted by the test creators, ensuring a reliable representation of exam content. Detailed answer explanations are essential, as they clarify the reasoning behind correct answers and enhance your problem-solving skills. Additionally, a well-organized book that categorizes questions by difficulty allows for targeted practice, helping you build confidence. Remember, supplemental online resources should complement the book, providing extra practice and interactive features that align with the material.

Online Resources Availability

While high-quality content is essential for GMAT prep, the availability of online resources can greatly enhance your study experience. Many GMAT prep books offer online features like practice tests, question banks, and instructional videos, catering to different learning styles. Engaging with interactive practice modes simulates the testing environment, allowing you to track your performance over time. However, keep an eye on the duration of access, as some resources are available only for a limited time, which could impact your study plans. Additionally, online platforms often provide extra practice questions not found in the physical book, giving you a wider range of materials. Features like progress tracking and personalized feedback help you identify your strengths and weaknesses effectively.

Practice Test Variety

To effectively prepare for the GMAT, you should prioritize prep books that offer a diverse range of practice tests. Look for resources that include computer-adaptive practice tests, as these closely mimic the real exam’s format and help you gauge your performance accurately. It’s essential to have practice problems across various difficulty levels, enhancing your problem-solving skills for the full spectrum of questions. Additionally, opt for books that provide online access to extra practice tests, giving you the flexibility to study at your own pace and track your progress. A good prep resource should also feature both full-length tests and shorter quizzes, catering to different study preferences and time constraints, ensuring a thorough preparation experience.

User-Friendly Interface

When selecting GMAT prep books with online access, a user-friendly interface can greatly enhance your study experience. You’ll want a platform that allows easy navigation between practice questions, explanations, and resources. Look for customizable options like timed tests and review modes, catering to your unique learning style and goals. An intuitive dashboard that tracks your progress and performance metrics helps you pinpoint strengths and weaknesses effectively. Accessibility features, such as mobile compatibility and downloadable content, guarantee you can study anytime, fitting into your busy schedule. Finally, clear organization of content—like categorizing questions by difficulty or topic—facilitates targeted practice, making your study sessions more efficient and focused.

Supplementary Learning Materials

Supplementary learning materials play a crucial role in your GMAT preparation, so it’s important to choose resources that enhance your study experience. Look for online resources that offer additional practice questions and video explanations to clarify complex concepts. Study guides with diagnostic tests and performance tracking can help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses. Engaging with interactive elements like online quizzes and timed practice tests will better simulate the actual exam environment, keeping you motivated. Ascertain these materials align with official GMAT guidelines to familiarize yourself with the question types and formats you’ll face. Finally, platforms that present a variety of question types, including advanced challenges, will greatly boost your problem-solving skills and readiness for higher scores.

Study Plan Flexibility

Choosing GMAT prep books with online access involves considering how flexible your study plan can be. Look for materials that allow personalized pacing, enhancing your retention and understanding. Extensive guides often offer structured study plans that adapt to your strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted learning. Access to online resources like practice tests and video explanations makes your study experience interactive, letting you adjust your plan as needed.

To maximize benefits, opt for books that provide progress tracking and tailored recommendations based on your performance. This helps refine your strategies over time. Finally, confirm the online components are accessible for a sufficient duration that matches your study timeline, giving you ample time for thorough preparation without feeling rushed.