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Dec 30, 2015
GMAT Prep for Free
Do you like free stuff? Of course you do, who in their right mind does not? One of the most amazing things about the internet is that so much of it comes to you at absolutely no cost and websites like WYZprep provide materials and information that you can use to prepare for the GMAT free of charge. Still, between any prep books, classes, or other study supplies that you use, things can get expensive fast. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to kick your prep time off that will keep your wallet fat and happy. Here are my three favorite free GMAT test prep options.
Mobile Applications
If you are anything like me, your smart phone has essentially become an extra appendage. It is with you all the time and you should take advantage of this. Using mobile apps to study allows you to squeeze in quick study sessions between your regular activities. Your schedule is busy, but if you have a few free minutes at lunch, on the bus, or the subway you can easily take GMAT prep with you.
There are a number of apps out there, and to be honest not all of them are free. Sometimes it may be worth it to pay for an app, but search around and you can find free (or really cheap) ones as well. In the very least, most paid apps have a free “lite” version which will give you access to most of the features so you can try before you buy.
One category of overlooked GMAT apps are flashcard apps. I am a firm believer that flashcards are an essential tool in your study arsenal. While I do typically prefer physical flashcards to their digital counterparts, I cannot deny the convenience of flashcard apps for many people. There are several good flashcard apps to choose from. I personally like Anki, but others work just fine too. Make sure whatever app you choose has an option to create custom cards so that you can tailor the deck to meet your needs.
Take a Practice Test
If you have been studying for the GMAT for any length of time then you probably already have a few practice tests under your belt. Even if you have not yet begun to study, I still believe that practice tests can help you to understand the GMAT’s structure, time limits, and overall feel. Book based practice tests are still fine, if a little old school, but computer-based ones are even better. There are several places to find free adaptive computer-based GMAT practice tests which will very accurately simulate the real testing process. Take advantage of them, they are very useful.
Audit a GMAT Class
Online prep materials work great! Still, for some types of people there is no replacing the physical classroom setting. If you have the time, it may not be a bad idea to check out a class or two. Just to be clear, physical GMAT prep classes are not free and depending on the specific program can be pretty pricy. Fortunately, most classes will allow you to sit in on a free class or two before you make a commitment. Just to be safe, call ahead and ask if it is possible for you to take a class on a trial basis to see if it is for you.
Do you have a favorite free or low cost GMAT prep option? If you do, drop us a note in the comments section!
Mobile Applications
If you are anything like me, your smart phone has essentially become an extra appendage. It is with you all the time and you should take advantage of this. Using mobile apps to study allows you to squeeze in quick study sessions between your regular activities. Your schedule is busy, but if you have a few free minutes at lunch, on the bus, or the subway you can easily take GMAT prep with you.
There are a number of apps out there, and to be honest not all of them are free. Sometimes it may be worth it to pay for an app, but search around and you can find free (or really cheap) ones as well. In the very least, most paid apps have a free “lite” version which will give you access to most of the features so you can try before you buy.
One category of overlooked GMAT apps are flashcard apps. I am a firm believer that flashcards are an essential tool in your study arsenal. While I do typically prefer physical flashcards to their digital counterparts, I cannot deny the convenience of flashcard apps for many people. There are several good flashcard apps to choose from. I personally like Anki, but others work just fine too. Make sure whatever app you choose has an option to create custom cards so that you can tailor the deck to meet your needs.
Take a Practice Test
If you have been studying for the GMAT for any length of time then you probably already have a few practice tests under your belt. Even if you have not yet begun to study, I still believe that practice tests can help you to understand the GMAT’s structure, time limits, and overall feel. Book based practice tests are still fine, if a little old school, but computer-based ones are even better. There are several places to find free adaptive computer-based GMAT practice tests which will very accurately simulate the real testing process. Take advantage of them, they are very useful.
Audit a GMAT Class
Online prep materials work great! Still, for some types of people there is no replacing the physical classroom setting. If you have the time, it may not be a bad idea to check out a class or two. Just to be clear, physical GMAT prep classes are not free and depending on the specific program can be pretty pricy. Fortunately, most classes will allow you to sit in on a free class or two before you make a commitment. Just to be safe, call ahead and ask if it is possible for you to take a class on a trial basis to see if it is for you.
Do you have a favorite free or low cost GMAT prep option? If you do, drop us a note in the comments section!
