Kaplan GMAT 2010-2011 Premier with CD-ROM (Kaplan GMAT Premier Program (w/CD))

This is exactly the same book as not only the previous edition, but also few more previous editions for the last few years. The only difference you'll find will be the cover page and some miniscule changes of a few words. If you have an older edition, there is absolutely no need to buy the new one. Of course, if you are out to buy a test prep book for the first time, it may make sense to buy the latest edition. But, be aware that even the older edition would give you the same stuff. I still don't understand why they have to come up with a new edition when there are no changes in the book.

Anyhow, this is a nice book as it has everything packed in one book. You'll find all sections covered and also practice tests, which are not exactly like the real ones. It will give you a very good overall idea about each and every part of the GMAT, but it doesn't go below the surface of any topic. So, if you want more detailed knowledge about any specific area, you may have to refer to...Read more

I know a bit about GMAT - I scored 750 on the GMAT and started GMAT Club online community.
Actually prepared using an older edition of this book myself and recommend it to everyone as a good starting point: The book gives a good introduction to the GMAT (how scoring works, what sections cover, etc), comes with 6 adaptive tests (4 on a CD and 2 online), and provides a number of valuable test-taking strategies (general but real and valuable). However, it is hard to score 700+ relying just on this book; you will need to get some other materials, and I will cover more of that below.

THE GOOD:
* Solid material with great Math and Verbal strategies as well as background
* Good (not great) structure and layout
* 6 Full Interactive GMAT Tests
* One Full Paper GMAT Test (in the book)
* (new) Monthly Quizes (every month Kaplan will add a quiz). Right now 15 are already available - it would be impressive if Kaplan can keep adding those. Each...Read more

Preparing for a graduate Exam needs good coverage of fundamental aspects and step by step guidance of each area of topic. If the book of 1000 pages cant have even 10 pages of worthwhile explanation,what good is it.

Only due to lack of other publications, in the same price range students have no choice but buy KAPLAN( coz its under 50 bucks). The book has good questions overall but it does not really teach you the fundamentals. Its just a add-on practice(mostly you don't need it).

Definitely NOT A BOOK TO START learning for GMAT.

If you have 6 months time, read and understand Manhattan-GMAT or EZ-Solutions books. They have some decent coverage of maths fundamentals and Verbal exercises.(I am not advertising.But these books cover all aspects step by step.And it takes about 5 months to cover all topics.)

Moreover the CD does not work in Windows 7 due to old version of driver used by the software.

Advise is, (Manhattan GMAT...Read more