The GMAT- or Graduate Management Admissions Test – is a tricky exam standardized test that is used by many business schools to screen applicants for admission into their MBA programs.
It’s also the most important part of your application process, and if you want to get accepted into an elite program like Wharton or Kellogg, it’s crucial that you prepare well for this test.
The good news is that there are plenty of resources available online to help you prepare for the GMAT.
In fact, we have compiled a list of some of the best GMAT prep courses on the web, so you can choose one based on what works best for you.
We’ve included both free and paid options, as well as those that focus more on verbal reasoning than quantitative skills.
Read on for all you need to know about the best GMAT prep courses on the market and give yourself the best chance of success.
What Is The GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-based multiple-choice test designed to measure how well you perform analytical thinking under time pressure.
It was first administered in 1991 and has been given every year since then at over 1,000 testing centers around the world.
GMAT scores range from 200 – 800 with a mean score of about 500. Most business school admissions committees will consider candidates who score between 480 and 700 as “strong” applicants.
The exam consists of four sections:
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning consists of two subtests: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning. Each section lasts approximately 30 minutes and contains 50 questions.
Quantitative Skills
The Quantitative Skills section measures your ability to solve problems using algebra, geometry, statistics, and data analysis.
There are three subtest types: Data Sufficiency, Integrated Reasoning, and Sentence Equivalence.
These tests last approximately 40 minutes each and contain 60 questions.
Analytical Writing Assessment
This section requires you to write an essay that analyzes a topic provided by the test maker.
You must use specific language and structure to support your argument. This section takes approximately 35 minutes to complete.
Integrated Reasoning
Integrated reasoning is a combination of reading comprehension and critical reasoning. It consists of five passages, each containing 10 questions.
The passages cover topics such as economics, history, politics, law, medicine, science, technology, and social studies.
How To Prepare For The GMAT
There are several ways to prepare for the GMAT, including taking practice exams, reading books, watching videos, and practicing problem-solving strategies.
However, the best way to improve your score is to take a GMAT class.
If you decide to enroll in a GMAT course, make sure you find one that offers a combination of instruction and practice.
A good option would be a hybrid course where you attend lectures and work through practice problems at home.
Why Choose A GMAT Prep Course?
Choosing a GMAT prep course is a big decision. You need to consider a number of factors, including price, quality, and convenience.
Here are three reasons why choosing a GMAT prep course makes sense.
Convenience
GMAT prep courses provide convenient access to expert tutors who can answer any question you have regarding the GMAT.
They also give you the opportunity to ask questions as you go along. This means that you won’t have to wait until after the exam to get answers to your questions.
Quality
Most GMAT prep courses use experienced instructors who have taught thousands of students over the years.
They understand how important it is to teach their students effectively.
Price
Many GMAT prep courses cost less than $100 per month. That’s much cheaper than paying someone else to tutor you.
You can save money by signing up for multiple months at once.
Which GMAT Prep Course Should I Take?
When deciding on a GMAT prep course, there are two main things you should look for:
Experience
Look for a GMAT prep course that has plenty of experience teaching the test.
This will ensure that you receive the most effective training possible.
Instructors
Look for a GMAT prep school that uses qualified instructors. Qualified instructors will know what works well on the GMAT and what doesn’t.
What Are The Advantages of Choosing A GMAT Prep Course?
There are many advantages to taking a GMAT prep course. Some of these include:
Expert Tutoring
A GMAT prep course gives you access to expert tutors.
These tutors can answer any question you might have about the GMAT, and this can be an invaluable part of your study and preparation; having access to experienced, qualified tutors allows you to focus more time on learning the material, and means that you have the support and encouragement you need to succeed.
Practice Tests
Practice tests are one of the best ways to prepare for the GMAT. They allow you to practice answering questions under timed conditions.
Practice tests also help you identify areas where you may be weak, and this can help you improve your score.
Personalized Attention
The instructors at a GMAT prep course (see also ‘Best ACT Prep Courses‘) work with each student individually.
They take into account your strengths and weaknesses, and tailor their instruction accordingly., and this can be incredibly valuable when preparing for the GMAT.
Online Access
GMAT prep courses (see also ‘Best SAT Prep Courses Online’) offer online access so that you can continue studying even if you don’t live near a campus, and this can be extremely useful if you find yourself in a situation where you need to travel frequently or if you simply prefer to study from home.
What Is The Best GMAT Prep Course?
Gmat prep courses can help you get ready for the GMAT. They usually consist of lectures, homework assignments, and practice tests.
Here are the top GMAT prep courses available online.
Magoosh GMAT Prep
The first GMAT prep course on our list is the Magoosh GMAT Prep course, and this is because it is designed specifically for students who want to learn how to approach the GMAT.
We took a closer look at this course in greater detail below
Magoosh GMAT Prep is a complete GMAT course that will teach you everything you need to know to ace the test.
This course consists of over 20 hours of video content, and it is taught by a team of highly skilled teachers.
This course is ideal for anyone looking to learn how to approach and tackle the GMAT. It teaches you how to use logic to solve problems, and it helps you understand what types of questions you should expect on the test.
This course is perfect for:
- Students who want to learn how the GMAT works.
- Students who want to improve their logical reasoning skills.
- Students who want a full overview of the GMAT.
- Students who want advice on how to approach the GMAC.
The cost of the Magoosh GMAT prep course is $249 for a year, and the program offers a 50-point score increase guarantee, which makes it one of the most popular GMAT prep courses.
Pros of the Magoosh course include
- Over 20 hours of video lessons
- Access to mock tests
- Delivered by experienced tutors
Cons of the Magoosh prep program include
- Some users have complained about issues with the site, especially when using mobile devices
Princeton Review GMAT Prep
Princeton Review’s GMAT prep course is a well-designed course that has been created specifically to help you prepare for the GMAT exam.
We reviewed both the individual course and the bundle version of the program here, so we’ll start with our review of the individual course.
Princeton Review‘s GMAT prep course comes with 30+ hours of video lessons, plus access to several helpful resources such as problem sets and sample essays.
Since there are many different topics covered within the program, the video lessons cover a wide range of different areas.
For example, some of them focus on verbal reasoning, while others discuss critical thinking and time management.
In addition to the videos, each lesson includes an accompanying PDF document that provides detailed explanations and examples.
Each lesson also includes practice exercises that allow you to test your knowledge and gain confidence in your answers.
These exercises include multiple choice questions (the same ones used in actual exams), essay questions, and even sample questions from real GMAT exams.
While these practice questions don’t exactly match up with what you’ll see on the actual exam – although they do a great job of coming very close -, they do provide insight into how the graders think and what kind of questions you might encounter.
There are three main sections within the course: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing and Critical Thinking.
Each section contains around 10–12 lessons, and there are typically four or five videos per lesson.
The Princeton Review’s GMAT prep course is available via its website, and using this option will allow you to enjoy a discount compared to purchasing directly through the other platforms – it should be noted that this offer appears to be seasonal, and is not always in place to take full advantage of.
This program includes all of the following features:
- 30+ hours of video lessons
- Free online book
- Sample essay
- PDF study guide
- Practice tests
- A tutor who helps you throughout the whole process
GMAT Official Starter Kit
GMAT Official Starter Kit is another great option for students who want to prepare themselves for the GMAT using a step-by-step approach – and it has the added bonus of being totally free for users.
This course is particularly helpful for people who lack confidence when taking the GMAT, as well as those who are just getting started with GMAT prep, and includes two full-length practice exams, as well as 90 totally free practice questions.
It contains all the information needed to succeed in the GMAT and comes directly from the company that created and administers the test.
Kaplan GMAT Prep
Kaplan GMAT Prep Course is the best choice for students who want to get a deep understanding of the GMAT format, the structure of each section, tips on improving their time management, and more.
One of the main advantages of the Kaplan prep course is that users can choose from one of two options – a self-paced option, or a course of live instruction.
Live instruction is available in multiple cities around the world, so you can find the perfect location based on your needs.
Each week of the course is packed with videos and lessons to help you master concepts faster and more effectively.
Unlike some other GMAT prep courses, Kaplan’s course also includes a series of mock tests.
These allow you to see exactly where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and how much work you still have left before you take the real thing.
The Kaplan Test Prep Course has a great reputation, and its instructors have years of experience teaching the GMAT.
Veritas Prep
Veritas Prep is another good resource for students who want to excel at the GMAT and offers a wide range of features including:
- An easy-to-use interface, making it ideal for beginners.
- Access to over 100 hours of video content, covering topics such as logic, math, verbal, reading comprehension, and data sufficiency.
- Mock exams, allowing you to preview the questions and answers used on the real exam.
- The ability to track your progress gives you insight into exactly what areas need improvement.
- The option for in-person tuition and teaching for the best tailored, personalized results.
This course provides users with detailed explanations of the different sections of the exam, as well as lots of useful resources like sample questions and answers keys.
Users can also benefit from personalized feedback sessions, expert advice, and access to a variety of online tools and resources
How To Boost Your Chances of Success In The GMAT
Now that we’ve covered some of the best ways to improve your GMAT scores, let’s look at some ways you can boost your chances of success in this test.
Get Some Sleep
It may seem obvious, but getting enough sleep will play a key role in helping you perform well on the GMAT.
While there are many factors contributing to sleep deprivation, one of the most common ones is stress caused by cramming for the GMAT.
This type of stress can lead to a lack of restful sleep, which can make it difficult to focus during the test itself.
As mentioned earlier, the fact that the GMAT asks questions in short bursts makes it essential that you give yourself enough time to relax between the challenges.
Practice With A Partner
If you’re having difficulty scoring high on the GMAT, practicing with someone else might help you overcome those stumbling blocks.
Practicing with a partner not only helps you develop a sense of comfort when answering specific types of questions but allows you to discuss any issues that come up while trying to solve problems together.
Have a Plan Beforehand
You should spend a significant amount of time planning out how you’re going to approach each section of the GMAT before sitting down to take it.
By doing so, you’ll know exactly what to expect and therefore be able to better plan out a strategy for tackling the sections.
You’ll also be able to identify any potential weaknesses or areas where you feel you could stand to work on improving your score.
Start Early
Many students find that they do better on the GMAT after taking practice exams several times before the actual test date (see also ‘Best GRE Practice Test‘) (see also ‘Best GRE Practice Test‘).
Practice Makes Perfect
Take a few practice tests before the real thing. Doing so will allow you to identify areas where you may be weak and make necessary adjustments to your study plan.
Pace Yourself
You should not spend hours upon hours studying for the GMAT. Instead, take breaks throughout the day to relax and refresh your brain.
Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses
It’s always helpful to know which parts of the test you excel at and which ones you struggle with.
If you feel confident in your abilities in certain areas, but lack confidence in others, it might be worth spending extra time honing your weaker skills.
Final Thoughts
The GMAT has become increasingly popular among MBA applicants looking to gain admission to top business schools around the world – but it can be a challenge.
With one of the top courses discussed above, however, you increase your chances of success and can enjoy a victory in the final exam.
