GMAT OG13 vs 2016 ?

[savary]

Hi everyone, this is my first post in the forum so I apologize in advance if I'm posting this thread under the wrong section. A friend of mine gave me the official guide (13th edition) and Manhattan Prep GMAT Books 5th ed. Please help me answering the following questions:

1. Do you think I need to buy the 2016 Official Guide? (I have the 13th edition printed books only without CD or online access)?

2. I need to know what what are the features of the CD included with the new official guide and the online access if any.

3. I found the Official Guide bundle (3 books) worth $60 on Manhattan website while it was $77.3 on MBA.com, any idea why the difference in prices?

4. Is it better to continue with the printed old editions I have and invest the money in Manhattan Online Practice CAT Exams & Question Banks ($75)

I'm planning to take the GMAT in Feb-2016. Thanks a lot for your help!

[DavidG@VeritasPrep]

1. Do you think I need to buy the 2016 Official Guide? (I have the 13th edition printed books only without CD or online access)?

Do you need to buy the 2016 guide? No. There is about 75% overlap between the versions. However, that 25% difference represents 200+ questions, so while it wouldn't be unreasonable to use the OG13, there would be a benefit to getting the new guide. Either decision is defensible.

2. I need to know what what are the features of the CD included with the new official guide and the online access if any.

The newer versions of the Official Guide (both 2015 and 2016) allow you to do the questions from the book online, and also grant you access to additional IR questions. No CD. (At least I didn't get one!)

3. I found the Official Guide bundle (3 books) worth $60 on Manhattan website while it was $77.3 on MBA.com, any idea why the difference in prices?

Does anyone truly understand the mysteries and vagaries of capitalism at work? (You can get the books even more cheaply from amazon:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/111910 ... _i=desktop

[Jim@StratusPrep]

Just a general comment on this. I would strongly recommend do the problems on your computer. The exam is computer based, so you want to practice as you would take the exam. This doesn't mean you have to go out and buy a bunch of new stuff - just make sure you get the appropriate practice on the computer --> especially with practice exams.

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

The link in David's post didn't show as clickable. Here's the cheaper Amazon option: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119101816

Cheers,
Brent

[[email protected]]

Hi savary,

If you're not planning to take the GMAT until February, then you have plenty of time to study before then. Planning this far ahead is a smart, proactive choice, so you should make sure to take advantage of this time and focus on doing smart, organized work.

Your initial questions are all about 'book' resources, but many Test Takers end up getting 'stuck' at a particular scoring level when they use a 'book heavy' study approach. You can certainly start off with any books that you choose, but you'll likely need to invest in some additional resources to hit your score goals.

1) What is your score goal?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
3) Do you know which Schools you plan to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[savary]

Thank you all for your feedback, highly appreciated . Sorry for my late reply, the internet was down the whole day.
@ Rich
1) What is your score goal?
- My score goal is 650+ (700 would be very ambitious). The minimum score required for programs I want to join is 500. I took the baseline test with no preparation whatsoever nor a thorough knowledge of the GMAT questions format and I scored 500.

2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
- I'm planning to start my masters in Sep-16. However, some programs I'm applying to require early submission of applications with GMAT scores(end of February).

3) Do you know which Schools you plan to apply to?
- Yes, I've identified 3 programs in international commodities trading/shipping which I hope I will be able to join. I have 3 years international trading operations experience across energy (crude oil& refined products) and minerals (Phosphates & Quartz) including both field experiences with top-tier inspection agency.

Many thanks!

[[email protected]]

Hi savary,

Given your timeframe and the information that you've provided about the score 'requirements', you have a lot of 'wiggle room' to approach your studies in any way that you choose.

Do you have any idea about the 'acceptance rates' at the Schools that you're planning to apply to? If a high percentage of applicants are accepted, then you probably don't need a GMAT score that is that far above a 500. However, if it's a smaller percentage (and/or you're thinking about Scholarship possibilities), then a higher GMAT score might be the goal.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[savary]

Hi Rich, I will try to check again but I read on the university websites that it is quite competitive and students should try to score more than 500 (I think they have to say that anyway )
I need to score higher on GMAT because I come from technical background (Industrial chemistry) which I think is a weak point on my application. Moreover, I want to keep my options open when it comes to scholarships and other programs in case I couldn't secure a position in trading & shipping (few universities offer programs in international trade & shipping)

[mallika hunsur]

Hi all,

I just bought the OG review 2016- the black one. Can anybody please confirm if this comes with a CD? I did get the access code for IR.
Please reply!

Many thanks,
Mallika

[[email protected]]

Hi mallika hunsur,

It looks like your question's already been answered here. For anyone else who's interested though (and the answer is NO - that book does not come with a CD):

https://www.beatthegmat.com/official-gui ... 89309.html

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[mallika hunsur]

Yep! Thanks much Rich!!