Having aspirations for studying in top business schools abroad? Your first step is to give a GMAT or Graduate Management Admissions Test. The GMAT is a standardized test that is required for admission in any top business university across the world. A good GMAT score is an indication of your strong analytical and reasoning skills.
Table of Contents
- Why Do Students Fail in their GMAT Preparation?
- 40 Free Resources For GMAT Preparation
- 10 Best GMAT Apps
- 10 Free GMAT Mock Tests
- 10 Online GMAT Video Resources
- 10 Essential GMAT Resources
- 1. Interactive GMAT Exam Tutorial
- 2. The Definitive GMAT Study Plan - 2023 Edition
- 3. GMAT™ Official Starter Kit
- 4. 60-Days GMAT Study Guide
- 5. GMAT Prep Flashcards
- 6. The GMAT Mini Quiz
- 7. Manhattan Prep Free Classes
- 8. Bayes Business School GMAT Mini Quiz
- 9. TargetTestPrep GMAT Quant Cheat Sheet
- 10. Magoosh's Complete Guide to the GMAT
If you think that the GMAT scores are only accepted by top MBA programs, that’s not the case. GMAT is also required in early career degrees like Masters in Management (Mim), Masters in Engineering Management (MEM), Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA), and Masters in Finance (M.Fin). For the M.Fin program, the GMAT plays a significant role, as for this degree, you require a good quant score to showcase your strong inclination towards the field of finance.
Why Do Students Fail in their GMAT Preparation?
Have you ever wondered what separates those who get high GMAT scores and those who don’t? Here are a few reasons why people fail the GMAT:
1. Inconsistent in preparation
If you have planned to give the GMAT, you need to be consistent with your preparation! You might be busy with your other exams or office work but make sure at least keep an hour free each day for GMAT preparation. In case you take a break for a longer span, it can break your productivity and thus hamper your scores. Avoid it at every cost! During weekends, you can put in longer chunks of study time but again do study daily.
2. Not clear on why you are taking GMAT
You need to be clear about why you want to give GMAT! There are a lot of students who give this test just for the sake of it. That should be avoided since all it does is lead you to procrastination. Research your dream colleges and courses that align with your future prospects and then choose your target score for the GMAT.
3. Lack of a plan
There is a popular quote, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!” There are so many students who take an arbitrary approach in terms of studying for the GMAT, and it’s no doubt why they fail. Just buying a few GMAT books and practising mocks doesn’t count as a plan. You need to have a structured approach for this. If you are serious about getting into your dream college, make a detailed step-by-step plan to prepare for the test. Have a full-fledged content knowledge of what is going to be asked in the test, learn about the strategies, and last but not least practice and practice till you don’t get the hang of it.
40 Free Resources For GMAT Preparation
We have compiled a list of 40 free resources, including online courses, practice tests, study guides, video tutorials, blogs, and forums, to help you ace the exam. Get expert advice, official materials, and personalized study plans to boost your confidence and chances of success, whether you're a beginner or an advanced test-taker.
10 Best GMAT Apps
1. Ready4GMAT
Download: iOS
Average Rating: 4.6 stars (iOS)
The Ready4 GMAT app features over 2000 free verbal and quantitative questions, practice tests, flashcards, and in-app score analysis. Critical GMAT concepts, such as reading comprehension and data sufficiency, are taught through the Vocabulary master. If you have trouble understanding particular concepts in the app, it also offers one-on-one online tutoring. With an improved AI the app will track your performance and highlight your strengths and weaknesses on the test and help you zero in on what you need to study in order to boost your GMAT score through their adaptive algorithms.
2. Manhattan Prep GMAT
Cost: Free to download with in-app purchases
Average Rating: 4 stars (Android), 4.7 stars (iOS)
The Manhattan Prep GMAT app has lots of quality, varied content, including 1,110 practice questions, 16 practice quizzes 1,500+ terminology flashcards, 300+ vocabulary items, idioms, and sentence correction drills and quizzes; strategies for each question type; mathematics and verbal glossaries; and a section that tracks your progress, including in-depth statistics that display your strengths and weaknesses. Manhattan Prep is one of the most comprehensive apps out there.
3. Magoosh GMAT Prep & Practice:
Average Rating: 4.3 stars ( Android), 4.7 stars (iOS)
The maths flashcard app teaches users the formulae necessary for solving most GMAT quantitative problems, using content written by tutors from Magoosh an online GMAT prep company. This app has 425 math cards that include practice questions of all difficulty levels. The set contains 19 algebra practice questions; 38 questions on fractions, ratios, and percents; 51 geometry questions; two sections of 33 and 32 questions, respectively on number properties; six sets of miscellaneous practice and 24 statistics and probability questions, containing 36-37 questions each.
The Idiom flashcard app’s 160 flashcards are written by their in-house tutors and cover all difficulty levels. It gives you two versions of a sentence with a variation in the idiom used; you select the correct one. After flipping the card, you’ll see the correct answer. The cards are segregated into two basic and two advanced sections. This app uses a “smart algorithm” to target specific focus areas to help your GMAT Preparation.
4. Bloomberg GMAT Tutor
Average Rating: 4.3 stars ( Android), 4.7 stars (iOS)
The Bloomberg GMAT Tutor is meant as a companion to the Economist’s online GMAT course. This app uses adaptive learning technology so that you can focus on areas where you need to improve. In addition to practice questions and exams, the app provides feedback via tutors trained by The economist and gives you feedback on your writing samples. This app offers a feature of the Ask-a-Tutor messaging tool that allows you to get in touch with accredited tutors.
5. GMAT ToolKit 2
Download: iOS
Average Rating: 4.8 stars (iOS)
GMAT ToolKit 2 app developed by the GMAT Club Forum features content from five test prep companies: Kaplan, Princeton Review, Manhattan GMAT, Knewton, and Manhattan Review. 103 questions from Knewton, 63 questions from Kaplan, 77 challenge questions from Manhattan GMAT, 236 questions from Manhattan Review, and 202 questions from Princeton Review. It also provides over 18,000 questions from the GMAT Club Forum, quant and idiom flashcards as well as tips and tricks from people who have scored between 700-800 on the GMAT. The app also provides you with GMAT and MBA News to keep you updated on the latest GMAT tips and Business School application trends.
6. GMAT™ Test Pro 2022
Download: Android
Average Rating: 4.6 stars (Android)
GMAT Test Pro is a perfect choice to help you practice with a set of manifold GMAT questions with meticulous explanations covering various topics to better your performance on your GMAT exam.
7. Varsity GMAT Prep
Download: Android
Average Rating: 4.6 stars (Android)
The first step toward a Master’s degree in business is to do well on the Graduate Management Admission Test. A high GMAT score can open doors to your dream graduate program, and a low score can just as easily close those doors.
8. Exam Proctor by TestMax
Download: iOS
Average Rating: 4.3 stars (iOS)
Exam Proctor by TestMax gives you a proper exam day experience for eight of the most popular standardized exams: LSAT, SAT, GRE, ACT, GMAT, MCAT, Bar Exam, and TOEFL. It recreates the exact timing for a whole exam and also for one specific section. It simulates a realistic test room experience by providing Exam Proctor play background noise and conditions by providing the section instructions before you are taking your exam by consistently practising these sections under real exam conditions. With this, you can easily and conveniently optimize your score.
9. GMAT Exam Prep App
Average Rating: 4.5 stars ( Android), 4.7 stars (iOS)
GMAT MBA Exam Prep Tests Papers App includes Practice Quizzes, Video Lectures, Mock Tests for the 2023 examination, Previous Year Questions with Solutions, MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), Test series shortcuts and tricks (including all math tricks and all shortcut tricks) for the preparation of exam.
10. Mangoosh- GMAT Math Flashcards
Average Rating: 4.5 stars ( Android), 4.7 stars (iOS)
The Mangoosh Math Flashcards app provides a comprehensive, fundamental GMAT review–one fact at a time–to prepare students to take practice GMAT exams. Each course in the GMAT Prep App provides a quick and easy, focused review. It uses quizzes and jumbles to test your skills. The app has over 450 questions in algebra and geometry each and fundamental GMAT flashcards which include definitions, formulas, and sample problems – concepts you need to know to test well.
10 Free GMAT Mock Tests
1. Kaplan
Kaplan’s free GMAT practice test is one of the top platforms that offer a realistic format and high-quality practice questions. Not only does its test series closely resemble the real GMAT, but also it comes with easy and meticulous video answer explanations.
Also, you can take the test online at any time and even sign up for a live, instructor-proctored test. If you select the proctored tests, then you will get the live explanations from Kaplan faculty, which is a mini-lesson from an instructor. Apart from that, you also get access to a live chat window where you can ask related queries.
2. Veritas
It is also one of the best free GMAT practice test platforms. It provides exams that are realistic and presents high-quality practice questions. You can also take the exam in one go or just choose to give a test of certain sections.
Similar to the official GMAT practice tests, you can pause these mock tests at any time. However, it is recommended that you take the test in one go and follow the real GMAT timing to build up your stamina for the test day. To access these tests, head to VeritasPrep.com, and create your account. This company also offers six additional computer-adaptive GMAT practice tests for only $49.
3. INSEAD Full GMAT Practice Test
NSEAD offers a variety of MBA, Executive MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education and customized corporate programs. Its MBA program consistently ranks highly in various global rankings and attracts students from around the world. INSEAD's faculty is diverse and internationally renowned, with a focus on delivering cutting-edge research and teaching. You can test your GMAT knowledge with INSEAD free GMAT Practice Test, or just familiarize yourself with the GMAT.
4. Princeton Review
After creating an account on Princeton Review, you can access one free GMAT practice test. It can be either self-proctored or you can take it online. If you do not avail of any of the options for taking the exam, then you can sign up for their one-practice test event.
These events are organized in the Boston area, for example, at local colleges, such as Northeastern and Brandeis University. These events give a realistic testing centre experience. Also, the questions in the mock tests match the format of the GMAT. However, you must make sure that any ad-blocking software is turned off.
5. 800 Score Test
To take the 800 Score free GMAT test, you just have to enter a username and password and start testing. You will get five practice tests, but only the first one is free. You can avail of the remaining four tests for $24.95. Again, the format and visuals of these practice tests do not mirror the actual GMAT exam. All being said, the questions are relatively realistic and both the verbal & maths sections have an adaptive format. After completing your 800 Score free GMAT test, you can look over your answers, read answer explanations, and check how much time you spent on each question.
6. McGraw-Hill
At McGraw Hill Education, you will avail yourself of six free GMAT tests, each with three of the four GMAT sections. The tests do not contain the AWA section, but otherwise include all of the question types you will encounter on the GMAT. The visuals also do not closely resemble the real GMAT exam, but the questions are relevant. The Verbal and Integrated Reasoning questions are especially relevant, while the Quantitative questions are easier than what you will encounter on the real test. You can take both McGraw-Hill’s free GMAT tests, timed or untimed. You can also log out and save your progress at any time.
7. Babson (or London Business School) Practice Test
Both London Business School and Babson’s FW Olin Graduate School of Business offer GMAT practice resources on their websites. These tests include realistic, timed verbal and math sections. However, these tests do not include the AWA and Integrated Reasoning Sections. You can also take a mini-test/ micro-test for shorter experiences of GMAT testing. You need to create an account to access these tests.
You should also note a discrepancy in the LBS instructions. It says you are only entitled to a 10-minute break between the Verbal and Quantitative sections, but on the actual GMAT, your break can only go up to 8 minutes.
8. GMAT Club Test Practice
GMAT Club offers two GMAT sections, one computer-adaptive Verbal section, and one computer-adaptive Quantitative section. Both are 75 minutes and include realistic questions and visuals. You can also have access to independent sets of reading comprehension, critical reasoning, math, and sentence correction questions.
To access these free GMAT practice questions, you need to create an account and respond to the activation email. When you sign up, you will also get to choose a few benefits, such as one month of free trial access to a Magoosh GMAT lesson or access to two free practice tests from Veritas Prep.
9. Prep Adviser Test
The Prep Advisor Test contains Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections but does not have the AWA segment. It also added the IR segment, so you just have to take this separately and then head to the Quantitative and Verbal sections, instead of all sections being together. Though it includes proper free GMAT questions, in general, they are easier as compared to the real GMAT. Also, during the test, you will have a question tracker and a timer.
10. Test Prep Practice
Test Prep Practice offers practice segments using question types for the Quantitative and Verbal sections. It also contains GMAT questions on reading comprehension, data sufficiency, critical reasoning, sentence correction, and problem-solving questions. These tests are best for drilling skills and having more practice in answering GMAT questions. However, they will not give you a proper practical experience with the GMAT.
10 Online GMAT Video Resources
1. Khan Academy
Experience a world-class education without any cost at Khan Academy, where you can explore free GMAT video lessons, master problem-solving and data sufficiency with ease, and get ahead in your academic and professional pursuits.
2. Perfect Scores
This is one of the popular channels to prepare for scoring high in the GMAT. It also provides videos on GRE and any other SAT exams. Mostly detailed videos are uploaded on the channel which is simple and easy to understand.
3. Manhattan Prep GMAT
Get industry-leading GMAT test prep from Manhattan Prep. With expert instructors who have scored in the 99th percentile, we offer online and in-person courses, free resources, and personalized tutoring to help you achieve your highest score.
4. Wizako GMAT Prep
This channel is all about GMAT preparation, offering online resources such as quant lesson videos, practice questions, and test-taking tips to help you ace the exam
5. GMAT Club
GMAT Club is an online community and forum for GMAT test takers and MBA applicants. It provides a wealth of information, resources, and support to help users prepare for the GMAT exam and navigate the business school admissions process.
6. Magoosh GMAT
Magoosh, literal meaning – one who is a highly-learned and wise person in Persian. It has a great channel if you’re concentrating more on the GMAT. The company is a brainchild of Pejman Pour-Moezzi and Vikram Shenoy and provides effective tips on GMAT.
7. Official GMAT
The official GMAT YouTube Channel has the best quality videos on GMAT that can help you in the initial stages of the GMAT Preparation.
8. Dominate the GMAT
GMAT Guru Brett Ethridge from the US runs this YouTube Channel. The content of GMAT Preparation videos is really helpful but there are not a lot of videos on this channel. Also, the videos do not get regularly uploaded but the existing videos will be really helpful in your GMAT Preparation.
9. GMAT Prep Now
With around 398+ videos, this is one of the useful channels for GMAT and CAT entrance exams.
10. Veritas Prep GMAT
It was started by Yale graduates Chad Troutwine and Markus Moberg, which will make it more credible. VeritasPrepGMAT has supreme-quality videos that will help you prepare for scoring high in the GMAT.
10 Essential GMAT Resources
1. Interactive GMAT Exam Tutorial
Preview the look and feel of the GMAT test screens, navigation, and layouts, find out what to expect at the test centre, and learn about the structure of the exam.
2. The Definitive GMAT Study Plan - 2023 Edition
Get on the path to GMAT success with our comprehensive step-by-step study plan. Designed to cater to your unique learning style and preferences, our study plan offers a structured approach to help you achieve your highest potential on the GMAT. Whether you're starting from scratch or aiming to improve your current score,
3. GMAT™ Official Starter Kit
Maximize your chances of GMAT success with our exclusive sampler that includes 90 past exam questions, along with the first two full-length Free GMAT practice exams. Designed to simulate the real exam format, our practice exams gradually increase in difficulty and provide a comprehensive assessment of your skills and knowledge.
4. 60-Days GMAT Study Guide
Sign up for this free 60-Days GMAT Study Guide and receive a daily e-mail explaining how to study for your GMAT over 60 days.
5. GMAT Prep Flashcards
Career Launcher was started 20 years back by experienced professionals under the guidance of IIT and IIM alumni across 86 cities in India. The program is quite quick and aggressive while touching upon the basics and teaching you how to crack GMAT questions. The institute often conducts practice drills and Mock tests to check the preparation level of the candidates.
6. The GMAT Mini Quiz
The mini quiz consists of 8 real questions 4 Verbal Reasoning and 4 Quantitative from past exams
7. Manhattan Prep Free Classes
The institute was founded in 2000. Talking about its course features, one can opt for Interact Gmat, Private tutoring, and Live GMAT. It is usually a two-month course online as well as in-person classes. Also, the institute’s faculty is equally impressive.
8. Bayes Business School GMAT Mini Quiz
you will have the opportunity to see your estimated GMAT score. Analyze your results by reviewing answer explanations, so you can learn how to approach these types of questions. Once you complete the quiz, enter your email address to show your score and access your answer explanations.
9. TargetTestPrep GMAT Quant Cheat Sheet
Target Test Prep is an online test preparation company that focuses on helping students achieve high scores on standardized tests such as the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and GRE (Graduate Record Examination). They offer comprehensive study plans, adaptive practice tests, and personalized coaching to help students improve their skills and confidence in taking these exams.
10. Magoosh's Complete Guide to the GMAT
Magoosh Complete Guide on GMAT is a comprehensive study guide designed to help students prepare for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test). The guide covers all sections of the exam, including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing.
