Cracking the GMAT, 2011 Edition (Graduate School Test Preparation)

I felt it was an OK starter book that explained how the GMAT works and logic behind the test, etc but after that it started to fall apart. In particular, I had a few issues with the strategies and expectations this book set - it gave an impression that GMAT was pretty easy and it was a guessing game rather than a test of skill and knowledge (it is definitely not a game).

NEGATIVES:

- Approaches GMAT from high level strategies such as POE, getting into the mind of test writer, backsolving, and others, which are all great strategies but they really belong at the very end of the book, not upfront. Basics such as blocking and tackling need to go first; otherwise it works in a controled practice environment but fails on the test

- Lack of basics coverage for Verbal (very little review of questions, grammar)

- Reading Comprehension strategy needs to be reconsidered. Every other provider such as Kaplan, Manhattan GMAT, Manhattan Review, PowerScore,...Read more

The book is divided into 5 parts: Math review, Verbal review, Analytical writing review, Review GMAT and a Practice GMAT.

Math:

I felt like the Math review section was really good. It covers all the topics with good depth and I found that I felt very well prepared for the Math section after going through this book. It might have had something to do with my Engineering background, but I don't think people without that should have a problem either. Maybe you'd require more time, but this book covers enough material to boost your confidence!

Verbal:

I was a bit disappointed with this section. Not that it wasn't good, but I just thought that it just didn't provide me with enough information to get a great score on this section. Like a previous reviewer said, it doesn't give a good review of grammar. Also, I found their Reading Comprehension strategy really weird. I have never heard anyone doing that (reading sections, jumping to questions) and...Read more

This book is very basic and isn't really necessary other than learning the basics of the GMAT. There are other books that go into more detail. This book is cheap but you get what you pay for.

For the most ROI for your GMAT studying, skip this book.