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Best Self-Study GMAT Math Books/Resources???

Problem Solving — algebra and arithmetic (GMAT Focus Edition)
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Best Self-Study GMAT Math Books/Resources???

by zjkingsley » Tue Feb 14, 2017 8:27 am
Hi all,

I am just getting started with prepping for the GMAT. I wanted to do some GMAT Math-only prep work prior to starting a full course. I feel like I may be a little behind and need a refresher/get reacquainted with the material that will be on the test.

Can anyone recommend the best math resources to study with to get acquainted with the math on the test?

Thank you!
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by [email protected] » Tue Feb 14, 2017 10:42 am
Hi zjkingsley,

Most of the math that you'll work through in the Quant section is based on basic arithmetic, algebra I and geometry (along with a variety of math rules, formulas, number properties, etc.). To get a sense of how the GMAT presents that material, you could work through practice questions from a variety of different sources (including the Official Guide). To work specifically on your 'math skills' though, I recommend that you set up an account at Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org). The site is completely free and makes the learning a bit more fun and 'game-like' (as opposed to the dry academic approach taken by most books).

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
3) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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Rich
Contact Rich at [email protected]
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Tue Feb 14, 2017 11:19 am
There are a lot of great websites out there to learn basic mathematical concepts (like Khan Academy). However, none of them address GMAT-specific concepts and strategies (data sufficiency strategies for one). Also, users are often exposed to concepts that are not tested on the GMAT. For example, if you look at the Basic Geometry module on Khan Academy, you'll find that many of the concepts covered are not tested on the GMAT. Finally, many of Khan's modules assume that you have a calculator available, but you don't get to use a calculator for the quant section of the GMAT.

If possible, I suggest that you stick with resources that were specifically created for the GMAT. Our course starts with the most basic concepts and works up to 800-level concepts. I'm sure there are other courses that do the same.

NOTE: Throughout our videos, we often direct students to reinforce learning via very specific Khan Academy videos and quizzes, but the goal is to first present concepts in the context of preparing for the GMAT.

Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com
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by ceilidh.erickson » Wed Feb 15, 2017 11:35 am
zjkingsley wrote:Hi all,

I am just getting started with prepping for the GMAT. I wanted to do some GMAT Math-only prep work prior to starting a full course. I feel like I may be a little behind and need a refresher/get reacquainted with the material that will be on the test.

Can anyone recommend the best math resources to study with to get acquainted with the math on the test?

Thank you!
If you want a refresher on math basics before starting a course, Manhattan Prep offers a Foundations of Math suite of resources. There's a book that will walk you through the basics, and online drill sets to build your arithmetic muscles back up. https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/stor ... gmat-math/

If you have any questions about it, email our Student Services team: [email protected]
Ceilidh Erickson
EdM in Mind, Brain, and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education
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by Matt@VeritasPrep » Wed Feb 15, 2017 5:36 pm
I recommend this book a lot, but if you need a refresher on basic math (which most people used to know, but have forgotten) and an introduction to the basics of mathematical thinking (which most people have never learned), my first choice is Art of Problem Solving's Prealgebra. Everything in it is relevant to the GMAT (or any other standardized math test), and the instruction is absolutely superb.
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