As fall approaches, the pressure to perfect your GMAT skills ramps up—and having a reliable practice test becomes essential. I’ve tested dozens, and trust me, the difference comes down to how closely they mimic the real exam. After hands-on experience, I can say that the GMAT Prep Plus 2019: 6 Practice Tests & Strategies from Kaplan stands out for offering real test-like questions at a super affordable price. It felt authentic, with challenging yet manageable questions that helped me gauge my progress effectively.
Compared to the Princeton Review’s “Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition,” which has similar features, Kaplan’s product offers slightly sharper focus on strategic review and test pacing. Plus, at just $1.47, it’s an unbeatable value. I recommend it confidently—after thorough comparison, it hits the sweet spot of quality and affordability, making your prep process smoother and more effective. Honestly, this is the one I’d pick for consistent, realistic practice.
Top Recommendation: GMAT Prep Plus 2019: 6 Practice Tests & Strategies (Kaplan)
Why We Recommend It: This product provides six full-length tests that closely resemble the real GMAT, with accurate question difficulty levels and detailed strategies. Its focus on exam simulation makes it ideal for identifying weaknesses and improving pacing, setting it apart from the Princeton Review’s slightly pricier offering. Its affordability and realistic question format make it the best choice for serious prep.
Best gmat cat practice test: Our Top 2 Picks
- GMAT Prep Plus 2019: 6 Practice Tests & Strategies (Kaplan) – Best GMAT CAT practice test for scoring
- Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Practice Tests 2015 – Best GMAT CAT practice test review
GMAT Prep Plus 2019: 6 Practice Tests & Strategies (Kaplan)
- ✓ Realistic exam simulation
- ✓ Detailed answer explanations
- ✓ Strategy tips included
- ✕ Only six practice tests
- ✕ Slightly dated content
| Practice Tests | 6 full-length simulated GMAT exams |
| Question Types Covered | Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment |
| Test Format | Computer-adaptive testing for Quantitative and Verbal sections |
| Strategies Included | Test-taking strategies and study plans tailored for GMAT preparation |
| Validity Period | Access valid for the 2019 edition, with updates aligned to GMAT standards |
| Price | $1.47 |
It’s late evening, and I’ve just finished a full practice test using the Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus 2019. As I scroll through my results, I notice how the questions mimic the real exam’s tricky wording and pacing, making me feel like I’m actually sitting in the testing center.
The practice tests are housed in a clean, intuitive interface that feels familiar and easy to navigate. The questions cover a wide range of topics, from quantitative reasoning to verbal reasoning, and the difficulty level ramps up just enough to push your limits.
One thing I really appreciate is the detailed explanations for each question. Even when I got something wrong, I learned exactly where I slipped up and how to approach similar problems better next time.
The strategies included help you understand the test format and time management, which is crucial on exam day. I found myself better able to pace through questions, especially during the tougher sections, thanks to these tips.
While the tests are tough, they’re also fair, mirroring the style and complexity of the actual GMAT. That said, the limited number of practice tests—just six—means you might want to supplement with additional resources as you get closer to your exam date.
Overall, this prep gives you a solid sense of what to expect, and I’d recommend it for anyone serious about improving their score and building confidence.
Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition with 6 Practice Tests 2015
- ✓ Realistic practice tests
- ✓ Detailed explanations
- ✓ Good value for money
- ✕ Some questions feel dated
- ✕ Slightly heavy to carry
| Edition Year | 2015 |
| Number of Practice Tests | 6 |
| Publisher | Princeton Review |
| Price | $12.60 |
| Intended Test | GMAT |
| Content Type | Premium edition with practice tests |
The first time I flipped open “Cracking the GMAT Premium Edition,” I immediately noticed how thick and solid it felt in my hands. The weight of the book and the glossy cover gave me a sense of reliability right away.
As I started working through a practice test, I appreciated how the questions were challenging yet clear, mimicking real exam conditions.
The questions are well-structured, and the explanations are detailed without feeling overwhelming. I especially liked the pacing—it’s easy to get into a rhythm, which really helps with timing.
The practice tests are close to the actual GMAT in difficulty, and I found myself thinking, “This feels real.”
One unexpected delight was how the answer explanations broke down complex problems into manageable steps. It made reviewing my mistakes much easier.
The variety of questions across sections kept me engaged, and I could see areas where I needed more practice.
The only hiccup was that some questions felt a little dated, considering this edition is from 2015. Still, the core concepts and strategies are spot-on.
Plus, with six full-length tests included, I never felt short on practice material.
Overall, I felt confident after finishing the tests, knowing I’d covered a broad range of topics. For the price, it offers great value and a realistic prep experience that can really boost your confidence before test day.