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10 Best GMAT Prep Books (2024's Recommended Picks)

William Cohen
Published by William Cohen
Last Updated On: January 26, 2022

The Master in Business Administration journey starts from GMAT preparation to internships and jobs. For now, let's focus on your GMAT exam preparation - finding the right study materials, creating a study plan, and ultimately acing the test.

When it comes to GMAT prep books, it will be a challenging feat in itself, considering the number of GMAT books available in the market. The best prep book needs to be comprehensive yet easy to understand.

With this best GMAT prep books review, our goal is to help you find the right study companion as a test-taking strategy.

Table of Contents
Editor's Choice
Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set
Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set
Price
4.0
Scoring Improvement Rating
5.0
Book Accuracy
5.0
Enjoyability
4.0
Overall Score
4.5
Check Current Price
#2nd Best Choice
GMAT Official Guide Bundle
GMAT Official Guide Bundle
Price
5.0
Scoring Improvement Rating
4.5
Book Accuracy
5.0
Enjoyability
4.0
Overall Score
4.6
Check Current Price
#3rd Best Choice
Veritas Prep complete GMAT course-set of 12 books
Veritas Prep complete GMAT course-set of 12 books
Price
4.5
Scoring Improvement Rating
4.0
Book Accuracy
N/A
Enjoyability
4.0
Overall Score
4.2
Check Current Price

10 Best GMAT Prep Books in 2022

1 - Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set (Editor's Choice)

Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set

Manhattan's Complete GMAT Guide is one of the best GMAT prep books today. Based on our review, it's a best seller in the business school guide section. The Manhattan Prep GMAT bundle provides a comprehensive overview of all topics in the GMAT test.

The Manhattan Prep GMAT books set includes eight GMAT Prep books spanning the following topics: number properties, geometry, fractions, decimals and percents, equations, inequalities, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

These Manhattan Prep GMAT books are designed to provide substantial learning for students by developing their knowledge and strategic thinking skills, as each book is covered in detailed answer explanations.

This GMAT prep study material may benefit students who have enough time to prepare for the GMAT exam test day, considering the number of practice tests provided. Each GMAT question is also a bit tougher than the real test, giving you quite a challenge.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
1 - Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set (Editor's Choice) 50 100 30 98%
Pros
  • Includes eight GMAT prep books
  • Questions are more complicated than the actual GMAT
  • Has 6 free GMAT preparation tests
  • In-depth explanation
  • Focuses on concepts
Cons
  • A bit expensive

Conclusion:

The Manhattan GMAT books are some of the best GMAT prep books available, and they will benefit you if you're looking for conceptual learning rather than strategy. If you have a lot of time for preparation and are serious about following a study schedule, these books are a must.

2 - GMAT Books Official Guide Bundle

GMAT Official Guide Bundle

The GMAT Official Guide bundle is an updated study guide written by the actual test-makers of GMAT. It includes tools and GMAT questions from the past GMAT exams, and it is among our top picks of the best GMAT prep books.

We particularly like how the practice questions are classified based on the level of difficulty.

The three GMAT prep course books included in the Official Guide bundle are GMAT Review, GMAT Quantitative Review Guide, and GMAT Verbal Review Guide. It also provides access to exclusive online videos from test-makers sharing tips on how to crack GMAT.

Based on our research, these books have online question banks and customizable practice tests, which can help a beginner.

However, you will need to supplement the practice question banks with full-length tests and answer explanations.

If you are looking for a full prep program for the GMAT, check out our list of best GMAT prep courses.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
2 - GMAT Books Official Guide Bundle 40 90 30 96%
Pros
  • Written by the actual GMAT test-makers
  • Has 700+ GMAT questions from previous exams
  • Provides access to exclusive online videos from test-makers
Cons
  • Only for the beginners
  • No special strategies and tips

3 - Veritas Prep complete GMAT course-set of 12 books

Veritas Prep complete GMAT course-set of 12 books

Based on our research, the Veritas GMAT books are among the top available books for GMAT preparation as it provides both classroom and internet approaches to learning. These features made it stand out among the best GMAT books around.

The package consists of 12 GMAT Prep Books. Each book covers the following topics in detail: foundations of GMAT logic, algebra, geometry, arithmetic, critical reasoning, statistics and combinatorics, advanced verbal strategy, sentence correction, data sufficiency, reading comprehension, advanced word problems, and analytical writing assessment and integrated writing.

It also includes access to an online course, hundreds of free practice questions, and one full-length practice test with answer explanations. The online video tutorials can be downloaded to your computer or IOS device.

We like how the test prep book provides a live chat option that answers your queries in an instant. There's also a progress report where you can compare your scores against the average GMAT scored for business school admission.

Veritas offers a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the course.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
3 - Veritas Prep complete GMAT course-set of 12 books 40 90 20 N/A
Pros
  • Provides 12 GMAT prep books
  • Includes 12 full-length online GMAT practice tests
  • Provides both classroom and internet approach
Cons
  • Spacing of GMAT questions is weird
  • Can be a bit expensive

Veritas Prep Complete is a good companion to the GMAT club official guide and offers a lot of online practice. It’s a good set to buy if the price is not a concern.

4 - GMAT Prep Plus: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Mobile

GMAT Prep Plus 2020: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Mobile

Kaplan is one of the most well-known test book providers for GRE, GMAT, and other tests. Most students find this study guide helpful in building a strong foundation on the subject areas for GMAT preparation.

Kaplan's GMAT Prep Plus 2020 Official Guide contains six full-length GMAT practice tests, five of which are available online. It also provides in-depth explanations of concepts and answers. This study prep book includes numerous strategies and tips to handle different kinds of exam questions and problems. With these features, it's no wonder it landed on our list of the best GMAT books.

We like Kaplan's digitization innovation that provides the GMAT takers with a DVD and an iPad download for the mobile-enabled version of the review materials. This benefits both traditional and online GMAT learners.

However, a couple of drawbacks caught our attention. First, we think that the practice exam questions lack the necessary difficulty found in the actual test; and second, the online GMAT resources expire after a year.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
4 - GMAT Prep Plus: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Mobile 30 100 30 97%
Pros
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Provides 6 full-length GMAT practice tests
  • Includes a free DVD, an iPad download, and a mobile-enabled version
Cons
  • Lacks high-level questions found in the actual GMAT
  • Online resources expire a year after purchase

Conclusion:
This study guide is one of the best GMAT books for beginners. It'll build a strong base, but the online resources will expire a year after purchase.

5 - Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests

Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests

The Princeton Review's Cracking the GMAT book is one of the best GMAT prep books for those who have less time preparing for the GMAT. Based on previous research, Princeton Review's books are useful study materials to start with.

The Princeton Review is famous for providing shortcut formulas and tricks to solve different types of GMAT questions, the reason why it's a popular choice among students who have less time left for preparation.

This good GMAT study guide provides six computer adaptive practice tests and online access to video tutorials. However, we've noticed that the quant section lacks the necessary difficulty level found in the real GMAT questions.

Also, you won't be able to master the verbal section by studying this book alone. Still, it'll help to learn the basics like identifying errors in a sentence, understanding how passages are constructed, and learning how to analyze its outline. Overall, it deserves its place on our list of the best GMAT prep books.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
5 - Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests 50 80 10 98%
Pros
  • Good for those who have a short time left to prepare for the GMAT
  • Provides six computer adaptive practice tests
  • Provides online access to video tutorials
Cons
  • Verbal section is not up to expectations
  • Questions in the quant section lack the difficulty level found in the actual GMAT

Conclusion:
If you have a short time to prepare for the exam, this is one of the best GMAT prep books. But the GMAT verbal section is not up to expectations.

6 - The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible

The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning_Bible

The PowerScore GMAT preparation book is one of the most-popular GMAT critical reasoning prep books. This study guide helps users understand GMAT argumentation, recognize question types, and separate the correct answer from incorrect answers. It provides strategies and approaches to different questions.

The PowerScore GMAT Critical reasoning Bible aims to improve your integrated reasoning skills by providing theory questions and techniques.

You'll find step-by-step explanations that make it easier to understand the solutions and the logic behind solutions.

It also provides a quick strategy to study the most relevant sections like quantitative reasoning if you don’t have enough time for preparation.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
6 - The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible 30 90 10 N/A
Pros
  • Practice questions are realistic
  • Concentrates on the most common mistakes for each question type
Cons
  • No practice tests or online exercises
  • Some explanations are complicated
  • Limited number of questions in the book
  • May be costly

Conclusion:
If you want to improve your verbal score and critical reasoning is your weak point, this GMAT prep book is a great way to sharpen those specific sets of skills.

7 - The PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible

The PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible

The PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible is one of the best GMAT prep books if you want to improve your grammar skills. It's a good companion for the PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible.

The Sentence Correction study guide includes nouns, pronouns, verbs, conjunctions, modifiers, and sentence correction.

It also provides a detailed answer explanation of correct and incorrect answers that are evenly distributed throughout the book.

The book explains the test-taking strategies for identifying errors in parts of the speech, the appropriate approach to correct single and multiple errors, techniques for resolving possible errors, and the art of eliminating answer choices when solving the questions.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
7 - The PowerScore GMAT Sentence Correction Bible 40 100 20 N/A
Pros
  • Aims to improve your grammar skills
  • Explains the GMAT verbal section
  • Provides detailed explanations on the correct and incorrect choices
Cons
  • Standard content
  • Use only as a supplement

8 - The PowerScore GMAT Reading Comprehension Bible

The PowerScore GMAT Reading Comprehension Bible

The PowerScore GMAT Reading Comprehension Bible is one of the best GMAT prep books if you want to improve your reading comprehension skills. Many students find the theory questions and techniques helpful during their review.

The study guide includes topics featuring passages, questions, and concept drills, complete with explanation and analysis. The book provides detailed descriptions of answers on correct and incorrect choices.

Based on our research, the book provides you with a comprehensive system to break down any passage and attack any reading question as efficiently as possible.

The top GMAT Official Guide Bible is supplemented by an exclusive website that provides additional materials, information, and further assistance.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
8 - The PowerScore GMAT Reading Comprehension Bible 20 80 30 N/A
Pros
  • Practice questions are realistic
  • Provides detailed explanations on the correct and incorrect answers
Cons
  • Price is relatively high

9 - The GMAT Roadmap by Manhattan

GMAT Roadmap Expert Advice Through Test Day

The GMAT Roadmap by Manhattan is one of the books that'll help you achieve a high GMAT score. This book doesn’t focus on content.

It focuses on strategy - creating an efficient plan, sticking to it, and making sure it works.

It includes anything and everything from preparing the study plan to dealing with the exam. You'll find several concise and insightful tips and strategies but not too many contents and practice tests to gauge your knowledge and skills.

Based on our research, it offers six online quizzes and a top GMAT navigator.

Hence, this review material is not for those who want to study in-depth.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
9 - The GMAT Roadmap by Manhattan 20 70 20 N/A
Pros
  • Good for GMAT planning
  • Provides tips and strategies
  • Access to six online tests and a GMAT navigator for a year
Cons
  • Doesn't focus on content
  • Not for advanced learners
  • Not for test re-takers

10 - Total GMAT Math

Total GMAT Math

Total GMAT Math only focuses on an overview of GMAT's quantitative section, making it one of the best GMAT books for math. There are no verbal questions or strategies discussed in this book.

The prep book contains tutorials explaining every type of question you may see on the top GMAT quant section.

It provides 300 practice questions and 500 non-GMAT-style questions for those who want an in-depth study.

During our review, we found that it has 40 chapters that cover each subtopic thoroughly. Each quant area is explained in detail, along with methods to solve each problem.

We think this study material can be useful for students who want to develop theoretical knowledge. If your goal is to master the concepts, you can add to your list of the best GMAT prep books.

Student Score Improvement Average Largest Improvement Smallest Improvement Book Accuracy Result
10 - Total GMAT Math 20 80 20 N/A
Pros
  • Good coverage on the quantitative section
  • Provides 300 practice questions and 500 non GMAT style questions
Cons
  • Not a complete package

Choosing the Right Review Book

Which GMAT prep book should you buy? It's important to understand what makes a good GMAT prep book, so you don't waste your time and money on a book that won't help you in your graduate management admission journey. As you're deciding which book to purchase for GMAT preparation, you need to consider if the book will help you get a high score as well as how long should you study for the GMAT.

The best GMAT books need to have real GMAT practice questions. Realistic questions will help you practice what will come in the exam.

Besides building your knowledge base, the best GMAT prep books should include test-taking strategies you can rely on during test day. These strategies are time management, quickly eliminating wrong answers, identifying question types, making educated guesses, and other skills.

Having these skills will help you quickly get to the correct answers on the GMAT exam day.

Taking the Magoosh GMAT Course is also a good choice to make.

Related Articles:

What's the Best GMAT Prep Book?

After more than 50 hours of reading through several books and talking to previous test-takers, we think that the Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set by Manhattan Prep is the best GMAT prep book.

With eight GMAT books and 6 GMAT questions, the Manhattan prep study material can provide you with the in-depth review  you need to build a strong foundation. The questions are seemingly more complicated than the real test, giving you an edge during the examination day.

We also encourage you to join a good GMAT club so you can communicate with fellow test-takers, compare notes, and adopt one another's best practices.

If you're looking for another comprehensive material, we recommend the GMAT Test Prep Plus Official Guide.  If you're pressed for time, you may also check out Princeton Review Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Computer-Adaptive Practice Tests.

Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set

Our #1 Recommendation

Manhattan Prep Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set

  • Includes eight GMAT prep books
  • Questions are more complicated than the actual GMAT
  • Has 6 free GMAT preparation tests
  • In-depth explanation
  • Focuses on concepts
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