Study Guide - Stage 1

Orientation, Baseline Score, and All Required Content

You’re now ready to begin your GMAT preparation.  In Stage I of the Study Guide, you'll:

  • Familiarize yourself with the GMAT
  • Establish your baseline score
  • Learn general GMAT strategies
  • Learn all of the Math and Verbal content the GMAT tests
  • Learn the skills needed to tackle the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT
  • Learn how to write great essays in the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section
  • Develop the proper mindset to take the GMAT with confidence

In order to follow this Study Guide, you'll need the resources outlined on the Overview and Resources page.

IMPORTANT: This guide is arranged so that you cover all of the math topics first and then cover all of the verbal topics. You need not complete that learning tasks in that particular order. If, for example, you don't feel like studying math one day, feel free to study verbal topics. Just be sure to complete all of the learning tasks to ensure you've covered everything that the GMAT tests!   

Okay, let’s begin Stage I.

Getting to Know the GMAT

Go to the GMAT page to learn more about the GMAT

For additional information about the GMAT, read pages 3 to 13 in the Official Guide for GMAT Review (all editions)

Register an account on the MBA.com website so you can later take official practice tests, as well as receive information regarding financial aid, recruiting events, and so on

Establishing your Baseline Score

Before you can establish your baseline GMAT score, you will need to familiarize yourself with Data Sufficiency questions.  Since Data Sufficiency questions are unique to the GMAT, you will have not seen this question type anywhere else. 

Go to the Data Sufficiency Module and watch video #1, Introduction to Data Sufficiency

For additional information about Data Sufficiency questions, visit MBA.com

Create a free account with GMAT Club.

Note: Throughout my course (via this Study Guide), I'll be directing you to answer specific official GMAT practice questions posted on the GMAT Club forums (I have personally answered most of those questions, so you can see my strategies in action). GMAT Club also has a nice user dashboard that allows you to review various statistics related to your prep.    

Go to the official GMATPrep practice test page and take practice test #1

Note: If you wish, you can skip the Analytical Writing section and the Integrated Reasoning section. For this activity, what matters most are your Verbal and Quantitative baseline scores.  

Note: This Study Guide directs you to take each GMATPrep practice test up to three times.  Some students worry about taking the test multiple times.  To address this concern, please read the article, Taking the GMATPrep Tests Multiple Times.

If you haven’t already done so, download the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart for the Official Guide for GMAT Review (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, or 2015 edition).  This downloadable Excel file is a convenient way to track your progress and identify weaknesses.

Enter the results from GMATPrep practice test #1 in your GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart

General Strategies Module

In this module, you will learn helpful strategies that can be applied to a wide variety of GMAT questions.

Watch all of the videos in the General Strategies Module.

Data Sufficiency Module

In this module, you will learn key strategies to consider when solving Data Sufficiency questions.

Watch all of the videos in the Data Sufficiency Module

Note: Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with some of the math content in the Data Sufficiency videos.  The sole purpose of these videos is to provide you with a solid foundation before you begin working on the math content.  Later in the Study Guide, you will be directed to revisit most of these videos.

Arithmetic Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Basic operations
  • Signed numbers
  • Decimals
  • Fractions
  • Percent
  • Ratios

The Basics – Integers and Decimals

Go to the Arithmetic Module and watch videos #1 to #8

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

Or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 2, 5, 9, 26, 31, 80, 91, 111, 120, 173
  • Data Sufficiency: 266, 270, 292, 298, 302, 333, 334, 344, 395, 403

Or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 37, 59, 115, 135, 173, 213
  • Data Sufficiency: 246, 258, 262, 288, 292, 314, 326, 333, 334, 344, 395, 403

Or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 52, 98
  • Data Sufficiency: 269, 298, 319, 322, 330, 337, 344, 363, 387, 393, 403

Or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 22, 26, 27, 51, 87, 176     
  • Data Sufficiency: 35, 76, 78, 80, 83, 87, 100, 139, 156, 171

Or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 1, 17, 20, 24, 32, 33, 39, 51, 142, 154     
  • Data Sufficiency: 6, 31, 59, 63, 69, 75, 89, 103, 124, 126, 133, 140, 144, 170

Don’t forget to use the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to the Official Guide (2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 or 2015 edition) questions.   

Fractions

Go to the Arithmetic Module and watch videos #9 to #16

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 8, 13, 55, 62, 94, 132, 139
  • Data Sufficiency: 387

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 4, 45, 63, 82, 124, 131, 139
  • Data Sufficiency:  387

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 3, 25, 41, 55, 69, 107, 113, 135, 189
  • Data Sufficiency: 234, 386

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 2, 19, 36, 46, 49, 95, 100, 119, 167, 175, 203, 227    
  • Data Sufficiency: 1, 5, 34, 58, 113, 141, 146   

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 2, 15, 27, 41, 46, 48, 76, 80, 85, 97, 138, 151, 194, 195, 226    
  • Data Sufficiency: 4, 10, 46, 98, 112, 131, 148   

Percent

Go to the Arithmetic Module and watch videos #17 to #24

Note: if you need some help with basic equation solving, go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and watch videos #15 and #16

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 4, 7, 17, 25, 39, 56, 72, 76, 98, 113, 114, 125, 126, 153, 169, 172, 191, 210
  • Data Sufficiency: 247, 260, 294, 319, 323, 324, 332, 340, 397

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 1, 6, 12, 15, 38, 55, 60, 87, 108, 119, 122, 125, 153, 169, 172, 210
  • Data Sufficiency: 239, 250, 269, 286, 313, 319, 321, 324, 332, 340, 397

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 1, 9, 12, 15, 30, 34, 36, 60, 73, 89, 91, 116, 117, 133, 176, 205
  • Data Sufficiency: 239, 250, 258, 263, 264, 276, 290, 308, 311, 323, 325

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 1, 6, 9, 11, 24, 28, 30, 34, 62, 64, 104, 116, 160, 161, 166, 195
  • Data Sufficiency: 10, 21, 29, 40, 64, 69, 109, 158

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 6, 8, 11, 19, 21, 31, 57, 58, 84, 94, 123, 135, 141, 152, 182
  • Data Sufficiency: 8, 40, 55, 62, 147, 150   

Practice your guessing skills.  If you can’t answer a question, see if you can eliminate some answer choices and then choose the best answer.

Ratios

Go to the Arithmetic Module and watch videos #25 to #30

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving:  11, 12, 44, 53, 99
  • Data Sufficiency: 235, 239, 240, 368, 370

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving:  2, 3, 5, 36, 75, 86, 105, 106, 133
  • Data Sufficiency: 233, 256, 270, 368

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 2, 23, 32, 35, 64, 72, 115, 136, 156, 167
  • Data Sufficiency: 265, 359, 371

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 29, 72, 102, 120, 138, 199, 207    
  • Data Sufficiency: 24, 70, 127, 169

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 22, 23, 59, 63, 66, 82, 98, 115, 125, 179, 188, 200    
  • Data Sufficiency: 23, 43, 47, 77, 81, 114, 168

Reinforcement Questions

Go to the Arithmetic Module and answer video questions #31 to #38

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Arithmetic module page

Developing the Proper Mindset

While developing content knowledge is vital to getting a high score, it’s also important to develop the proper mindset as you prepare for the GMAT.

Read the article, Research Affirms Power of Positive Thinking.

Powers and Roots Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Exponent laws
  • Negative exponents
  • Fractional exponents
  • Equations with exponents
  • Square roots and other roots
  • “Fixing” the denominator

Powers (Exponents)

Go to the Powers and Roots Module and watch videos #1 to #12

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 103, 147, 161, 200, 209, 213, 223
  • Data Sufficiency: 252, 259, 265, 299, 314

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 90, 92, 147, 161, 200, 203, 209, 223
  • Data Sufficiency: 243, 249, 255, 289, 308, 370

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 28, 77, 87, 118, 128, 145, 164, 185, 196, 198, 204, 208, 223
  • Data Sufficiency: 243, 249, 255, 277, 356, 361

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 67, 78, 105, 123, 128, 146, 171, 183, 184, 188, 193, 204, 221      
  • Data Sufficiency: 20, 41, 112, 117, 163, 164, 170

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 65, 100, 106, 111, 122, 146, 163, 170, 180, 196, 217, 227      
  • Data Sufficiency: 101, 157, 159, 169

Don’t forget to use your GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to the Official Guide questions.

Roots

Go to the Powers and Roots Module and watch videos #13 to #25

Note: If you are unfamiliar with the FOIL method mentioned in video lesson #24, you may want to go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and watch video #5, The FOIL Method.

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 58, 81, 87, 117, 189, 203
  • Data Sufficiency: 342, 399

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 66, 68, 74, 112, 189
  • Data Sufficiency: 240, 342, 399

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 10, 58, 95, 178
  • Data Sufficiency: 240, 327

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 7, 52, 57, 85, 163        
  • Data Sufficiency: 11, 173

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 9, 35, 52, 176        
  • Data Sufficiency: 15, 52, 172   

Reinforcement Questions

Go to the Powers and Roots Module and answer video questions #26 to #36

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Powers and Roots module page

Algebra and Equation Solving Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Simplifying expressions
  • Expanding expressions
  • 3 types of factoring
  • Basic equations
  • Equations with fractions
  • Quadratic equations
  • Systems of equations
  • Number of solutions
  • Equations with square roots
  • Equations with exponents
  • Equations with absolute value
  • Strange operations
  • 3 types of inequalities
  • The coordinate plane
  • Equations of lines
  • Graphs of quadratics

Simplifying, Expanding and Factoring

Go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and watch videos #1 to #14

Answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2020):

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2019):

  • Problem Solving: 33, 138, 215, 230
  • Data Sufficiency: 310, 318

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 16, 19, 33, 65, 216, 230

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017):

  • Problem Solving: 63, 121, 143, 188, 211   
  • Data Sufficiency: 404

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016):

  • Problem Solving: 14, 42, 174, 206, 213, 230
  • Data Sufficiency: 172

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015):

  • Problem Solving: 70, 129, 150, 164, 199, 209, 230
  • Data Sufficiency: 171

Don’t forget to use the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to the Official Guide questions.

Equations - Basic, Quadratic, Systems, Roots & Absolute Value

Go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and watch videos #15 to #26

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 43, 46, 47, 52, 85, 95, 102, 104, 116, 155, 168, 180, 222, 226
  • Data Sufficiency: 255, 257, 262, 286, 289, 350, 366, 372, 391, 404

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 27, 31, 35, 51, 67, 72, 83, 91, 93, 110, 127, 138, 155, 168, 180, 222, 226
  • Data Sufficiency: 247, 252, 279, 281, 303, 307, 350, 352, 366, 372, 391, 404

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 22, 27, 31, 46, 57, 70, 76, 78, 93, 104, 137, 152, 163, 222, 227, 230
  • Data Sufficiency: 245, 247, 271, 273, 288, 292, 338, 357, 398

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 17, 21, 25, 47, 53, 54, 66, 68, 83, 92, 107, 121, 126, 145, 179, 187, 220, 225
  • Data Sufficiency: 18, 37, 39, 53, 65, 74, 81, 94, 114, 119

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 37, 42, 45, 47, 54, 55, 72, 99, 102, 120, 157, 169, 187, 191, 216, 220, 223
  • Data Sufficiency: 1, 17, 36, 41, 53, 60, 67, 86, 99, 156

Functions, Formulas, Inequalities and Strange Operations

Go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and watch videos #27 to #42

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 29, 66, 90, 100, 101, 115, 122, 129, 184, 185, 193, 196, 228
  • Data Sufficiency: 256, 278, 281, 282, 301, 313, 322, 355, 359, 361, 364, 365, 373, 376, 377, 401

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 25, 49, 78, 88, 104, 109, 111, 117, 128, 184, 185, 193, 196, 228
  • Data Sufficiency: 274, 275, 291, 306, 315, 318, 320, 355, 359, 361, 364, 365, 376, 377, 401

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 21, 45, 67, 74, 92, 94, 110, 171, 172, 175, 183, 187, 191, 224, 229
  • Data Sufficiency: 246, 268, 272, 278, 279, 293, 301, 305, 307, 345, 349, 352, 355, 374, 399, 401

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 16, 61, 63, 82, 84, 97, 154, 155, 159, 168, 173, 178, 229   
  • Data Sufficiency: 16, 38, 42, 54, 61, 66, 101, 104, 107, 111, 130, 142, 166, 168   

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 14, 50, 73, 130, 134, 143, 149, 156, 192, 229   
  • Data Sufficiency: 13, 48, 50, 82, 85, 92, 96, 97, 104, 118, 136, 160, 162, 164, 167   

Coordinate Geometry (lines and parabolas)

Go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and watch videos #43 to #55

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 6, 14, 54, 67, 73, 89, 183, 218
  • Data Sufficiency: 272, 347, 382, 383

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 50, 56, 77, 101, 183, 218
  • Data Sufficiency: 264, 347, 382, 383

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 8, 33, 49, 59, 66, 84, 170, 217
  • Data Sufficiency: 235, 261, 316, 335, 379, 384

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 5, 44, 60, 75, 153, 210    
  • Data Sufficiency: 6, 27, 91, 136, 144

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 7, 28, 43, 61, 69, 202, 206, 211    
  • Data Sufficiency: 11, 74, 129, 155

Reinforcement Questions

Go to the Algebra and Equation Solving Module and answer video questions #56 to #73

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Algebra and Equation Solving module

Developing the Proper Mindset

So, how are you feeling about the GMAT these days? If you’re losing momentum, the following activity may help. 

Read the article, Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking, and Positive Thinking

Word Problems Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Assigning variables
  • Writing equations
  • Testing the answer choices
  • Age questions
  • Motion questions
    (distance-rate-time)
  • Work questions
  • Double-Matrix & Venn diagrams
  • General sequences
  • Recursive sequences
  • Sums of sequences
  • Growth tables
  • Mixture/solution questions
  • Variables in the answer choices (2 techniques)

Basic Word Problems - Ages, Systems, Ratios, etc.

Go to the Word Problems Module and watch videos #1 to #10

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 10, 19, 21, 22, 24, 30, 34, 40, 41, 48, 60, 69, 70, 74, 79, 83, 97, 112, 128, 135, 150, 157, 160, 179, 188, 219, 225
  • Data Sufficiency: 232, 233, 236, 238, 243, 244, 248, 249, 254, 263, 267, 276, 279, 288, 296, 300, 304, 315, 316, 321, 325, 328, 336, 337, 338, 339, 345, 349, 351, 352, 360, 388, 393, 402

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 7, 13, 20, 24, 30, 42, 53, 70, 79, 85, 97, 100, 103, 134, 143, 150, 157, 160, 188, 190, 219, 225
  • Data Sufficiency: 232, 234, 245, 253, 259, 268, 272, 283, 284, 290, 294, 296, 309, 310, 312, 322, 323, 325, 327, 336, 337, 338, 339, 345, 349, 351, 360, 388, 393, 402

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 4, 13, 19, 81, 83, 86, 100, 102, 109, 124, 131, 140, 144, 153, 162, 165, 218
  • Data Sufficiency: 233, 252, 253, 256, 267, 274, 280, 282, 294, 295, 297, 303, 306, 310, 312, 313, 318, 324, 332, 333, 339, 340, 341, 351, 364, 382, 391, 395, 402

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 3, 55, 58, 71, 74, 77, 90, 103, 109, 115, 127, 135, 147, 169, 197, 208, 216
  • Data Sufficiency: 4, 15, 23, 28, 30, 32, 43, 46, 52, 55, 57, 63, 67, 68, 71, 75, 77, 82, 89, 93, 95, 96, 97, 106, 147, 153, 154, 160, 165

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 29, 56, 60, 64, 71, 83, 88, 90, 93, 105, 113, 114, 119, 140, 144, 153, 167, 185, 203, 212
  • Data Sufficiency: 9, 25, 26, 28, 33, 34, 44, 45, 51, 54, 57, 61, 65, 71, 76, 78, 88, 91, 127, 132, 141, 142, 151, 153, 158, 161, 163, 174   

Don’t forget to use the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to the Official Guide questions.   

Distance-Rate-Time, Work and Other Rates

Go to the Word Problems Module and watch videos #11 to #19

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 20, 38, 50, 51, 82, 88, 110, 118, 130, 143, 192
  • Data Sufficiency: 251, 280, 287, 306, 341, 374, 380

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 8, 10, 23, 28, 64, 69, 76, 102, 113, 129, 179, 192
  • Data Sufficiency: 238, 251, 273, 280, 299, 341, 373, 374, 380

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 5, 7, 56, 65, 85, 96, 111, 177, 179, 182, 213
  • Data Sufficiency: 238, 251, 285, 299, 309, 326, 328, 350, 366, 377

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 50, 59, 76, 98, 144, 162, 164, 186, 211
  • Data Sufficiency: 8, 22, 48, 59, 84, 85, 105, 122, 134

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 49, 79, 81, 86, 103, 137, 139, 162, 168, 207
  • Data Sufficiency: 12, 16, 22, 68, 90, 106, 107, 108, 115   

Double Matrix and 3-Set Venn Diagrams

Go to the Word Problems Module and watch videos #20 to #23

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 123, 124, 152, 208, 229
  • Data Sufficiency: 258, 264, 274, 275, 283, 312, 362, 389

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 118, 120, 152, 208, 229
  • Data Sufficiency: 248, 254, 266, 267, 276, 305, 316, 362, 389

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 101, 103, 132, 203, 226
  • Data Sufficiency: 232, 248, 254, 291, 302, 321, 353, 372, 388

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 37, 89, 91, 192, 198, 200, 224
  • Data Sufficiency: 2, 17, 19, 33, 62, 79, 108, 128, 148, 150, 151

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 25, 96, 136, 178, 186, 189, 201, 222
  • Data Sufficiency: 2, 5, 21, 29, 49, 66, 93, 94, 116, 134, 137, 138

Sequences, Sums, Mixtures and Growth Tables

Go to the Word Problems Module and watch videos #24 to #33

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 64, 84, 149, 163, 197, 198, 204, 206, 212
  • Data Sufficiency: 250

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 47, 71, 89, 149, 163, 191, 197, 198, 204, 206, 212, 227
  • Data Sufficiency: 241, 242, 257

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 43, 61, 75, 130, 139, 147, 181, 192, 193, 199, 201, 207, 228
  • Data Sufficiency: 241, 242, 257

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 39, 56, 65, 114, 130, 150, 180, 181, 189, 201, 226
  • Data Sufficiency: 12, 13, 25, 120

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 108, 126, 158, 160, 171, 172, 190, 224
  • Data Sufficiency: 18, 24, 64, 105   

Variables in the Answer Choices

Go to the Word Problems Module and watch videos #34 to #37

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 65, 78, 92, 105, 121, 131, 133, 167, 186, 190, 199, 207, 216, 220

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 9, 48, 57, 61, 80, 94, 130, 132, 167, 186, 199, 207, 215, 220

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 6, 18, 44, 50, 53, 68, 79, 112, 114, 151, 173, 180, 195, 202, 210, 215, 220

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 4, 40, 69, 99, 101, 110, 134, 156, 165, 182, 191, 194, 205, 218

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 4, 34, 38, 89, 131, 177, 181, 184, 198, 205, 214

Reinforcement questions

Go to the Word Problems Module and answer video questions #38 to #48

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Word Problems module page

Geometry Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Lines and angles
  • Isosceles and equilateral triangles
  • Right triangles
  • Special triangles
    (30-60-90 & 45-45-90)
  • Similar triangles
  • Quadrilaterals
  • Circles: area & circumference
  • Circles: sectors & arcs
  • Circles: inscribed angles
  • Circles: tangent lines
  • Circles: inscribed angles
  • 3-dimensional objects

Lines and Triangles

Go to the Geometry Module and watch videos #1 to #16

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 36, 37, 42, 45, 61, 145, 156
  • Data Sufficiency: 237, 268, 269, 330, 335, 346, 384, 386, 400

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 22, 26, 29, 39, 43, 123, 145
  • Data Sufficiency: 231, 235, 237, 260, 261, 330, 335, 346, 353, 384, 386, 400

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 24, 39, 106, 126, 138, 212, 216
  • Data Sufficiency: 231, 237, 259, 320, 334, 342, 370, 380, 383, 400

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 18, 33, 94, 113, 122, 214, 215    
  • Data Sufficiency: 90, 98, 126, 137, 143, 159, 161, 167

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 3, 75, 92, 104, 161, 165, 197, 210    
  • Data Sufficiency: 19, 56, 73, 79, 113, 128, 145, 149, 166

Practice your guessing skills. If you can’t answer a question, see if you can eliminate some answer choices and then choose the best answer.   

Quadrilateral, Polygons, Circles and Volume

Go to the Geometry Module and watch videos #17 to #28

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 1, 28, 32, 49, 57, 75, 77, 106, 109, 119, 146, 159, 174, 177, 202, 224
  • Data Sufficiency: 246, 261, 271, 273, 297, 308, 311, 317, 343, 353, 367, 369, 371, 379, 398

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 17, 18, 32, 34, 58, 95, 99, 107, 114, 146, 156, 159, 174, 177, 202, 224
  • Data Sufficiency: 263, 265, 287, 301, 304, 311, 343, 367, 369, 371, 379, 398

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 16, 17, 29, 37, 51, 80, 82, 90, 97, 127, 142, 157, 160, 197, 219
  • Data Sufficiency: 260, 262, 286, 289, 296, 329, 358, 360, 362, 373, 376, 385, 396

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 12, 13, 23, 31, 41, 45, 70, 73, 81, 86, 125, 139, 142, 149, 185, 217   
  • Data Sufficiency: 26, 44, 49, 51, 56, 86, 115, 116, 118, 129, 131, 133, 145

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 3, 13, 18, 36, 62, 78, 121, 147, 159, 166, 175, 213   
  • Data Sufficiency: 30, 35, 42, 100, 102, 117, 119, 122, 130, 152, 165   

Reinforcement Questions

Go to the Geometry Module and answer video questions #29 to #42

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Geometry module page

Integer Properties Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Divisibility and divisors
  • Prime numbers
  • Squares of integers
  • Rules of divisors
  • Odd/even numbers
  • Greatest common divisor (GCD)
  • Least common multiple (LCM)
  • The GCD-LCM formula
  • Consecutive integers
  • Remainders

Divisibility and Factors

Go to the Integer Properties Module and watch videos #1 to #13

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 63, 86, 127, 141, 165, 175, 176, 181, 195, 205
  • Data Sufficiency: 295, 303, 329, 354, 357, 390

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 46, 73, 126, 141, 165, 175, 176, 181, 195, 205
  • Data Sufficiency: 285, 293, 329, 354, 357, 390

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 42, 108, 119, 122, 149, 158, 159, 168, 190, 200, 225
  • Data Sufficiency: 275, 315, 343, 347, 365, 389

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 38, 96, 106, 108, 132, 140, 141, 143, 151, 177, 190, 209, 223   
  • Data Sufficiency: 99, 149

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 5, 40, 77, 110, 116, 117, 127, 155, 174, 219   
  • Data Sufficiency: 80, 135   

GCD, LCM, Evens and Odds

Go to the Integer Properties Module and watch videos #14 to #21

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 15
  • Data Sufficiency: 284, 285, 293

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 62, 121
  • Data Sufficiency: 271, 277, 278, 317

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 54, 62, 105
  • Data Sufficiency: 266, 270, 369

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 48, 93, 222
  • Data Sufficiency: 3, 9, 31, 36, 60, 121, 125, 174

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 44, 74, 204, 218, 225
  • Data Sufficiency: 7, 14, 27, 32, 72, 111

Consecutive Integers and Remainders

Go to the Integer Properties Module and watch videos #22 to #26

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 71, 93, 108, 154, 178
  • Data Sufficiency: 320, 356

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 44, 54, 81, 98, 136, 154, 178
  • Data Sufficiency: 328, 356

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 40, 48, 134, 161
  • Data Sufficiency: 300, 304, 314, 346

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 35, 43, 118   
  • Data Sufficiency: 72, 102

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 26, 87, 95, 118, 221   
  • Data Sufficiency: 58, 83, 173

Reinforcement Questions

Go to the Integer Properties Module and answer video questions #27 to #38

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Integer Properties module page

Statistics Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Mean, median, & mode
  • Range
  • Weighted averages
  • Standard deviation

 

Go to the Statistics Module and watch all of the videos

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 3, 16, 18, 23, 35, 59, 68, 96, 107, 134, 136, 137, 144, 151, 158, 164, 166, 171, 194, 211, 214, 217, 227
  • Data Sufficiency: 231, 234, 241, 242, 253, 290, 291, 307, 326, 327, 348, 358, 363, 375, 378, 381, 385, 392, 394, 396

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 14, 21, 40, 41, 52, 84, 96, 116, 137, 144, 151, 158, 164, 166, 171, 194, 211, 217
  • Data Sufficiency: 244, 282, 295, 298, 300, 348, 358, 363, 375, 378, 381, 385, 392, 394, 396

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 14, 20, 26, 38, 47, 71, 88, 99, 120, 125, 141, 148, 150, 155, 184, 206, 214
  • Data Sufficiency: 244, 281, 284, 331, 336, 348, 354, 367, 368, 375, 378, 381, 390, 392, 394, 397

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 10, 15, 20, 32, 79, 88, 111, 112, 124, 131, 133, 137, 157, 170, 196, 212 
  • Data Sufficiency: 14, 45, 47, 88, 92, 103, 110, 123, 124, 132, 135, 138, 152, 155, 157, 162

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 12, 16, 30, 53, 67, 91, 101, 109, 112, 132, 145, 183, 208   
  • Data Sufficiency: 20, 37, 38, 70, 84, 87, 95, 109, 110, 120, 121, 123, 139, 143, 146, 154   

Don’t forget to use the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to the Official Guide questions.

Reinforcement Questions

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Statistics module page

Counting Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • The Fundamental Counting Principle
  • Factorial notation
  • Handling restrictions
  • “At least” & “at most” questions
  • The MISSISSIPPI rule
  • Combination questions
  • Permutation-type questions

 

Go to the Counting Module and watch all of the videos

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 140, 148, 182, 187, 201
  • Data Sufficiency: 331

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 140, 148, 182, 187, 201, 214
  • Data Sufficiency: 331

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 129, 166, 169, 174, 186, 209
  • Data Sufficiency: 317

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 117, 148, 152, 158, 172, 228
  • Data Sufficiency: 73  

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 124, 128, 133, 148, 228   

Reinforcement Questions

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Counting module page

Probability Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Finding probabilities by counting
  • Complements
  • “At least” & “at most” questions
  • “Or” probabilities
  • “And” probabilities
  • Mutually exclusive events
  • Independent events

 

Go to the Probability Module and watch all of the videos

Answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2020 edition):

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2019 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 27, 142, 162, 170, 221
  • Data Sufficiency: 245, 277, 305, 309

or answer the following questions from the Official Guide (2018 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 11, 142, 162, 170, 221
  • Data Sufficiency: 236, 297, 302

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2017 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 11, 123, 146, 154, 194, 221
  • Data Sufficiency: 236, 283, 287

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2016 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 8, 80, 129, 136, 202, 219   
  • Data Sufficiency: 7, 50, 140

or answer the following questions in the Official Guide (2015 edition):

  • Problem Solving: 10, 68, 107, 173, 193, 215   
  • Data Sufficiency: 3, 39, 125

Reinforcement Questions

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Probability module page

Reading Comprehension Module

In this module, you will learn strategies for effectively answering Reading Comprehension (RC) questions.

For an overview of RC questions, read pages 388-397 in the 2020 Official Guide

  • or read pages 359-363 in the 2019 Official Guide
  • or read pages 357-361 in the 2018 Official Guide
  • or read pages 362-367 in the 2017 Official Guide
  • or read pages 361-365 In the 2016 Official Guide
  • or read pages 359-363 In the 2015 Official Guide

Go to the Reading Comprehension module, and watch all of the videos

In the 2020 Official Guide, answer questions #461 to 514 (pages 398 to 421)

  • or, in the 2019 Official Guide, answer questions #405 to 450 (pages 364 to 391)
  • or, in the 2018 Official Guide, answer questions #405 to 450 (pages 362 to 389)
  • or, in the 2017 Official Guide, answer questions #405 to 459 (pages 368 to 393)
  • or, in the 2016 Official Guide, answer questions #1 to 54 (pages 366 to 389)
  • or, in the 2015 Official Guide, answer questions #1 to 51 (pages 364 to 387)

As you work through the Reading Comprehension questions in the Official Guide, you will notice that the number of questions per passage varies from 3 to 9.  The reason for this is that the test-makers create several questions (of varying difficulty) for each passage.  If you are working on your timing, just keep track of the time it takes you to complete the standard number of questions for long and short passages (3 questions for short passages and 4 questions for long passages).

In the 2020 Official Guide, answer questions #515 to 569 (pages 422 to 445)

  • or, in the 2019 Official Guide, answer questions #461 to 503 (pages 392 to 409)
  • or, in the 2018 Official Guide, answer questions #461 to 503 (pages 390 to 407)
  • or, in the 2017 Official Guide, answer questions #460 to 505 (pages 394 to 411)
  • or, in the 2016 Official Guide, answer questions #55 to 101 (pages 390 to 405)
  • or, in the 2015 Official Guide, answer questions #52 to 98 (pages 388 to 403)

In the 2020 Official Guide, answer questions #570 to 609 (pages 446 to 460)

  • or in the 2019 Official Guide, answer questions #504 to 543 (pages 410 to 424)
  • or in the 2018 Official Guide, answer questions #504 to 543 (pages 408 to 422)
  • or in the 2017 Official Guide, answer questions #506 to 543 (pages 412 to 424)
  • or, in the 2016 Official Guide, answer questions #102 to 139 (pages 406 to 418)
  • or, in the 2015 Official Guide, answer questions #99 to 139 (pages 404 to 417)

Reinforcement Questions

Answer the questions labeled "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Reading Comprehension module page

Critical Reasoning Module

In this module, you will learn how to identify various types of Critical Reasoning (CR) questions, and you will learn strategies for solving each type.

In the 2020 Official Guide, read pages 551 to 561 (an overview of CR questions)

  • or read pages 507 to 509 in the 2019 Official Guide
  • or read pages 505 to 507 in the 2018 Official Guide
  • or read pages 506 to 509 in the 2017 Official Guide
  • or read pages 499 to 501 in the 2016 Official Guide
  • or read pages 497 to 499 in the 2015 Official Guide

Go to the Critical Reasoning module and watch videos #1 to #6

Go to the Critical Reasoning module and download the list of categorized questions for the Official Guide (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 or 2015 edition). The download link is located between video #6 and video #7. 

Using the list of categorized questions as your guide, watch the CR videos and answer Official Guide questions in the recommended order (for more information, watch the video titled Official GMAT Questions in the Critical Reasoning module)  

Reinforcement Questions

Answer the questions labeled as "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Critical Reasoning module.

Don’t forget to use the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to questions from the Official Guide for GMAT Review.

Congratulate yourself for completing what many students believe to be the most challenging topic on the GMAT :-) 

Sentence Correction Module

In this module, you will learn the grammatical principles required to effectively answer Sentence Correction (SC) questions on the GMAT.

Please note that, since Sentence Correction questions typically test more than one grammatical concept at a time, you will learn all of the concepts before tackling question from the Official Guide.

In the 2020 Official Guide, read pages 761-784 (an overview of SC questions)

  • or read pages 675-698 in the 2019 Official Guide
  • or read pages 673-679 in the 2018 Official Guide
  • or read pages 674-681 in the 2017 Official Guide
  • or read pages 667-673 in the 2016 Official Guide 
  • or read pages 665-671 in the 2015 Official Guide 

Go to the Sentence Correction module, and watch all of the videos

Download the GMAT Idiom List on the Sentence Correction module page (between lessons #34 and #35)

In the 2020 Official Guide, answer Sentence Correction questions #759 to 810

  • or, in the Official Guide (2019, 2018, or 2017 edition), answer Sentence Correction questions #668 to 717
  • or, in the Official Guide (2016 or 2015 edition), answer Sentence Correction questions #1 to 50

Don’t forget to use the GMAT Prep Now Improvement Chart to record your answers to questions from the Official Guide for GMAT Review.

In the 2020 Official Guide, answer Sentence Correction questions #811 to 860

  • or, in the Official Guide (2019, 2018, or 2017 edition), answer Sentence Correction questions #718 to 767
  • or, in the Official Guide (2016 or 2015 edition), answer Sentence Correction questions #51 to 100

In the 2020 Official Guide, answer Sentence Correction questions #861 to 907

  • or, in the Official Guide (2019, 2018, or 2017 edition), answer Sentence Correction questions #768 to 807
  • or, in the Official Guide (2016 edition or 2015 edition), answer Sentence Correction questions #101 to 140 

Reinforcement Questions

Answer 20 to 40 practice questions under "Additional Practice" at the bottom of the Word Problems module page

Integrated Reasoning Module

In this module, you will learn the core content and GMAT-specific strategies related to:

  • Graphic Intepretation
  • Two-Part Analysis
  • Table Analysis
  • Multi-Source Reasoning
  • Onscreen Calculator
  • Scatter Plots
  • Venn Diagrams

 

In the 2020 Official Guide, read pages 903-911 (overview of the Integrated Reasoning section)

  • or read pages 809-819 in the 2019 Official Guide
  • or read pages 789-799 in the 2018 Official Guide
  • or read pages 788-799 in the 2017 Official Guide
  • or read pages 779-789 in the 2016 Official Guide
  • or read pages 777-787 in the 2015 Official Guide

Go to the Integrated Reasoning Module and watch all of the videos

Use the access code found at the back of your Official Guide for GMAT Review to set up your online account.   

(note: Once you register, your account will expire in 6 months)

Answer all 50 Integrated Reasoning online practice questions

Answer the 19 free Integrated Reasoning questions at mba.com

Answer the 14 free Veritas Prep Integrated Reasoning practice questions

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)

In this module, you will learn how to write well-developed essays that yield high scores.

In the 2020 Official Guide, read pages 913-920 (overview of the AWA section and essay samples)

  • or read pages 821-828 in the Official Guide (2019 edition)
  • or read pages 801-808 in the Official Guide (2018 edition)
  • or read pages 800-808 in the Official Guide (2017 edition)
  • or read pages 790-798 in the Official Guide (2016 edition)
  • or read pages 789-796 in the Official Guide (2015 edition)

Go to the Analytical Writing Assessment Module and watch all of the videos

Download the Official AWA Argument Questions (from the MBA.com website)

Take argument topics and practice finding 4 or 5 flaws in each argument

Write essays and submit them to the Beat The GMAT’s AWA forum

(Optional) Use the GMAC's for-pay GMAT Write service to have your essays scored by GMAC's official essay-scoring engine

Congratulations, you’re ready for Stage 2 of the Study Guide!

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