Alexis Kestler
Getting into a top business school for an MBA or other graduate management program is highly competitive. A high GMAT score is one of the most important factors adcoms (admissions committees) consider when making acceptance decisions. Taking practice tests is critical to perform your best on test day.
This guide will provide an in-depth look at 10 of the best GMAT practice tests and prep courses available to help you boost your score. We’ll cover what the GMAT is, format and content overview, and provide actionable tips throughout on how to use these practice resources effectively.
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT, which stands for Graduate Management Admission Test, is a computer adaptive standardized test required for admission into graduate business programs across the world. Over 7,000 programs at approximately 2,300+ institutions use GMAT scores as part of their admissions criteria.
The test is developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). It aims to measure verbal, mathematical, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills that are vital to succeeding in graduate business school.
Eligibility Requirements
To take the GMAT, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a bachelor‘s degree from an accredited institution
- Provide valid ID on test day
There are no restrictions on citizenship, academic major, or number of times you can take the GMAT, as long as you wait 16 days between attempts with a maximum of 8 tests in 12 months.
Why Take the GMAT?
A strong GMAT score can open doors to top MBA programs and other specialized master‘s degrees in areas like finance, accounting, analytics, and management. The exam demonstrates to adcoms that you possess the quantitative, verbal, writing, and analytical reasoning abilities needed to handle graduate-level coursework.
While grades and work experience are important, admissions officers rely heavily on GMAT scores as an objective measure to compare applicants and make data-driven decisions.
A score of 700+ is considered competitive at many top-25 programs, with median scores approaching 730 at elite schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
GMAT Exam Format
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test taken at secure Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam is 3 hours 7 minutes long and consists of the following sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): 1 essay prompt, 30 minutes
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): 12 question types over 4 sets, 30 minutes
- Quantitative Reasoning: 31 questions, 62 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 36 questions, 65 minutes
The quantitative and verbal sections are computer adaptive, meaning the computer pivots to easier or harder questions based on your performance to precisely gauge your abilities.
Getting familiar with the test format and developing strategies for time management and stamina are crucial. That‘s where practice tests come in.
Now let‘s dive into 10 of the best GMAT practice resources available to start honing your skills and improving your score.
1. Udemy GMAT Verbal Prep Course
Udemy offers a comprehensive GMAT Verbal Prep Course to help you master the verbal reasoning section. It provides all the necessary content plus strategies you need to excel in this challenging portion of the exam.
Key components of the course include:
- Techniques to improve reading comprehension
- Tools to master critical reasoning and break down arguments
- Methods for tackling sentence correction and grammar rules
- Strategies for managing time and overcoming anxiety
With comprehensive lessons, practice questions, and mock exams, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle the verbal section with confidence.
2. Varsity Tutors
Brush up your skills with Varsity Tutors’ free practice tests for the GMAT exam. They offer 693 math tests, 230 verbal tests, and 9 integrated reasoning tests—all designed to mimic the real GMAT in format, style, and level of difficulty.
The benefit of their practice questions lies in the detailed answer explanations provided. You can thoroughly review solutions to reinforce concepts and learn from your mistakes. Their tests are an excellent self-diagnostic tool to identify weak areas needing focused review.
3. Udemy GMAT Complete Math
Ace the quant section with Udemy‘s Complete GMAT Math course. It provides in-depth lessons on all tested concepts including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, combinatorics, probability, and more.
The comprehensive curriculum covers every math topic tested on the GMAT in an engaging and structured format. You‘ll master proven problem-solving approaches and train with realistic practice questions. By exam day, you‘ll have developed the skills and confidence to conquer the quantitative section.
4. Udemy GMAT Entrance Exam Math
Getting solid on the intricacies of data sufficiency problems is key to acing the quant section. Udemy‘s GMAT Entrance Exam Math course will equip you to master this challenging question type.
You‘ll gain conceptual clarity on how to analyze data sufficiency through lecture tutorials and get ample opportunity to practice on real exam-style questions. The course also covers time-saving techniques critical for pacing yourself effectively through the quant section. Work through this course, and data sufficiency problems will no longer slow you down on test day.
5. Udemy GMAT Prep Course
For those looking for a comprehensive self-study prep program, Udemy‘s GMAT Prep Course provides an excellent option. It‘s designed to help you score 700+ through over 40 hours of on-demand video instruction.
The course breaks down each section of the GMAT and teaches you specific strategies and techniques to master. Some highlights include:
- Content review for verbal, quant, integrated reasoning, and AWA
- 1200+ practice questions with detailed explanations
- Mock exams to benchmark your progress
- Bonus study guides, formulas sheets, and flashcards
Following this prep course will equip you with all the knowledge and skills necessary to improve your GMAT score significantly.
6. Magoosh GMAT Practice Test
Magoosh offers a free GMAT practice test to help evaluate your skills. It consists of math and verbal sections with answer explanations to all questions.
After taking the test, you‘ll receive a score estimate and summary of strengths/weaknesses. You can then use this analysis to direct further practice toward areas needing improvement.
While just one test, it serves as a valuable diagnostic to reveal the content you have down solid vs. what requires more work. Use results to guide the focus of your study plan.
7. London Business School: GMAT Prep
London Business School offers three types of free GMAT practice tests you can take online:
- Micro Test: 5 quant + 5 verbal questions. 20 minutes.
- Mini Test: Half-length exam. 75 minutes.
- Full Test: Full 3-hour simulation with score report.
The full test provides the most accurate gauge of ability and preparation. It‘s timed and structured identically to the real GMAT, providing a realistic practice experience. Upon completion, you‘ll receive a detailed breakdown of your performance on all sections—highly useful for identifying strengths/weaknesses.
8. Kaplan
Kaplan offers a free full-length online GMAT practice exam. It provides 3 hours and 30 minutes of timed practice across all four test sections.
The benefit of their practice test is the robust analytics you receive. They break down your score into overall, section, and subscore performance. You get insights into proficiency levels for specific topics like arithmetic, algebra, logic, and more. Use results to direct further practice toward any weak spots identified.
9. The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review GMAT practice test helps you evaluate your skills and covers all test sections. Designed to simulate the real exam, it provides realistic practice to build your test-taking stamina and strategies.
Upon completion, you‘ll receive a detailed score report highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Use insights to focus your preparation efforts on concepts or question types you struggled with. Sign up to gain access to this free 3.5 hour practice test.
10. Target Test Prep
Target Test Prep offers a comprehensive GMAT prep course to help you master content and strategies. Over 1,200 video lessons teach the ins and outs of every concept tested. You‘ll also get access to over 4,000 practice questions to reinforce skills.
As you take practice exams, their advanced analytics track your performance down to the sub-topic level. The insights identify exactly where you need work so you can continue strengthening those areas through targeted practice.
Implementing their strategic approach can help boost your GMAT score significantly. Sign up for a 5-day free trial.
How to Use GMAT Practice Tests Effectively
Simply taking practice tests is not enough. To fully benefit, you need to use them strategically. Here are some tips:
- Take tests under timed conditions – Mimic real testing environment.
- Review explanations thoroughly – Learn why answers are right/wrong.
- Analyze your performance – Identify areas of weakness.
- Repeat practice – Retake tests in weak areas.
- Apply lessons – Adjust strategies based on insights gained.
The more diligently you follow this approach, the faster you will improve.
Final Tips
Preparing for the GMAT exam? Use these practice tests and prep courses to master content, develop test-taking strategies, and boost your score. Consistent practice under timed conditions is key to performing your best on test day.
Additional GMAT prep resources to consider include:
- The official GMAT practice exams from GMAC (2 for free)
- Manhattan Prep’s Free GMAT Test Series (9 free tests)
- Veritas Prep‘s free full-length GMAT
Keep pushing yourself through practice tests, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your best GMAT score yet. With focus and preparation, you’ll gain admission to the business school of your dreams. Best of luck!
