The GMAT™ prep space offers a wide range of study materials, from simple books to comprehensive courses and private tutoring sessions. Depending on where you are as a student and what your specific goals are, you likely won't need the majority of available resources. This article will provide you with an overview of all the materials you could use, along with their pros and cons. We'll also highlight the best free resources, such as GMAT exercise databases and explanation videos. Rest assured, our recommendations are unbiased, as we do not partner with any material or course providers.

1. Your Own Notes

Without a doubt, the most important GMAT material consists of your own notes. The GMAT tests a wide range of subjects, and everyone has their own personal blind spots. Throughout your journey, you will encounter numerous problems, some of which you may not know how to solve. This is exactly what you want, as it allows you to make notes. These notes should generalize the problem you encountered and outline a step-by-step plan to solve it in the future. Efficient notetaking is arguably the biggest key to successful GMAT studying. We recommend checking out our article on good note-taking practices for more details: 2.3 | Note taking (for revision)

2. GMAT Exercises

To create your personalized study guide from your notes, you need exercises to practice on. Many students struggle to find quality exercises and may feel compelled to buy GMAT books solely for practice problems. Before spending money, know that there are databases with most of the quality GMAT exercises ever made, freely available! You can find them through this link provided by GMAT Club. Once you create an account, you'll have access to a comprehensive table of contents to filter through the exercise database for free. This allows you to drill down on specific question types at various difficulty levels. Expert explanations accompany these questions, providing valuable insights into the underlying theory without costing you a dime.

3. Mock Tests

While free exercises on GMAT Club are extremely helpful for regular study sessions, they don't simulate the test-taking environment closely enough. Quality mock tests are essential for learning how the adaptive nature of the GMAT works, experiencing real-time pressure, and assessing your score across different subject areas. There are some free options for mock tests, but it's important to be aware of quality and feature differences.

• MBA.com: GMAC, the publisher of the GMAT exam provides two free mock tests. These tests offer exceptional quality but limited analysis features. They are ideal for an initial baseline measure and a final preparatory test before the real exam.

• Manhattan Prep: Their GMAT Focus practice tests are highly recommended, though they come at a cost because the mock tests come with a package deal including GMAT books. These tests offer a realistic test environment, adaptive nature, and comprehensive assessment reports. They provide six mock tests that can be retaken as your level improves.

• Other Sources: Look for free mock tests from course providers, universities, or other organizations. For example, HEC Paris offers a free mock test for potential students.

4. YouTube Videos

YouTube is a treasure trove of free, high-quality GMAT explanation videos. Many channels offer useful content, from live mock test solving to theory explanations and test-taking strategies. If you struggle with a specific issue, a quick YouTube search will likely yield helpful results. Here are some channels to get you started:

• GMAT Ninja: This channel offers playlists on Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights, covering essential basic strategies but also some advanced techniques. We especially recommend their playlists on Quant, Data Insights, Reading Comprehension, and Critical Reasoning.

• Wizako GMAT Prep: Provides a wide range of videos, including real-time problem-solving and test strategies. We especially recommend their playlists on specific topics such as Algebra, Number Properties, Permutation, etc.

• Single Youtube Searches: Try to look for specific videos on specific questions. Simply plug in the specific problem type you are struggling with to see whether there are any specific videos made about it. For instance, type in “Absolute values GMAT”.

5. Books, Courses, and Tutoring

• GMAT Books: These typically include sections on what the GMAT is, fundamental theory, and practice questions. However, GMAT books are often too simple and may not be worth the investment. The GMAT Club database provides similar or better practice questions for free.

• Online Courses: Providers like Magoosh and Target Test Prep offer structured courses that can be helpful but come with significant price tags. While you don't need a course to achieve an excellent score, they can simplify the organization and structuring of your studies.

• Private Tutoring: This is the most premium option and can be very expensive. Tutoring may be worth considering if you're completely stuck, have a lot of time pressure and need results quickly, and/or are willing to invest heavily for personalized guidance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice of study materials depends on your personal needs and preferences. However, it's good to know that you can start your GMAT prep journey with free resources before deciding to purchase additional materials. By focusing on efficient notetaking, utilizing free exercise databases, and leveraging high-quality mock tests and YouTube videos, you can prepare effectively for the GMAT without breaking the bank. We have created an learning bank including material for the quant section. The guide includes 80+ pages, with the following topics covered: Algebra, Number properties, Ratios and proportions. You can get it the CM Guide here.