PR: Cracking the GMAT 2008 - WITH or WITHOUT the DVD???

[luckybrandy]

As a unofficial introduction to the GMAT, I have decided to purchase the Princeton Review: Cracking the GMAT 2008 book. I have read through this forum and it appears that for a background review of the test and the question areas this book is a good first step.

With that being said I'm trying to determine if I should buy the version with the DVD or without. I have heard mixed reviews about the DVD and some conflicting information as well. If anyone could share exactly what resides on the DVD I would be very appreciative.

A few people have commented that there are practice exams on the DVD; however based on reading the cover of each book these practice exams appear to be done on-line. The main difference being that the book/DVD set gives you on-ine access to 4 tests as opposed to 2 tests with book only.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[Spence]

Definitely get the one with the DVD. It's the only way to get access to the tests online, and it has some interactive lessons and tools that are actually pretty useful. I have the 2007 DVD and have had no problems at all with the tests. They usually don't change much between editions, so I'd imagine it would be fine. I hadn't heard of any unusual problems outside of that other discussion.

[luckybrandy]

thanks for the feedback. I'm wondering if they might have changed how the exams are administered, because on the cover of the book without the DVD it says that you still get access to 2 online exams. I have a feeling that both "sets" give you online access to exams; however the one with the DVD allows you to take 4 exams as opposed to only 2.

If this is the case, what other content is on the DVD?

[goatpeople]

I have the one with the DVD. As you said, you get access to four online tests, rather than 2. That, in itself, is a big deal. The DVD does have good content too. There's a section about B-school admissions, there are instructional lessons on the GMAT (format, each question type, essays...) and there are extra practice questions that an instructor walks you through. Pretty cool. The two teachers on the DVD are great.