Manhattan GMAT Test Simulation Booklet w/ Marker Proprietary Edition

This is basically five long, spiral-bound, double-sided, yellow pages of laminated graph paper (and a marker). It is awkward to use at first, which is exactly why I endorse it here. Speed is an important factor in doing well on the GMAT, and unless you use a dry erase notebook in everyday life, the unfamiliar medium will slow you down if test day is your first encounter with it.I was originally planning to give it four stars, with the -1 because I consider this product to be a nice *supplement* to a broader GMAT prep effort rather than a *required* element of said effort. However, as I think about it more, the product actually does exactly what it is supposed to. It is a VERY close approximation, if not an exact replica, of the actual book provided at the test center. This product is essentially a low-cost option: It is very likely that you will have a smoother testing experience by practicing on this, but even if it doesn't help you at all, it is a low wear and tear item that you can most likely re-sell close to full value after you are done with it (which is exactly what I did).Good luck on the GMAT!

Update: Just as I was told by a classmate, this is nearly identical to those provided in the test center my profession used. The dimensions and texture of the pages, right down to the grid lines is the same. The only difference is the color; this is a brighter yellow, vs. the buff yellow at the test center. I practiced with this a lot when I was getting ready for my exams, and then I loaned it out to other classmates as they prepared. It is nice to have the feel of writing your notes and tables on this before the exam; it helped me to feel more prepared, vs. writing on paper. Since the exams were timed, it was critical for me to have all the mental preparation I could, and this made a difference for me. It has also been durable, still in good shape after being loaned to probably a dozen people over several years.The pen that easily dries up is annoying, but that is exactly what happens at the test center as well. I purchased locally Staedtler Fine Tip Wet Erase pens, since I spent many hours practicing and perfecting my "download". Staedtler was not the brand that came with my booklet, nor was it the brand that was provided at the test center I used - I wish it had been on both counts, since it is much better quality.FYI - I recommend asking permission to check the pen at the test center before you are seated, to ensure it writes, and not cost you precious minutes getting a replacement. One proctor allowed me to check, one did not, and sure enough, that pen went dry.-*-*-*-*-*-*-Original reviewI haven't taken my exams, but I understand this is identical to what will be used by examinees. And as I have heard from classmates, the pen dries out quickly, just as they do in the exam.I need the tactile practice for writing out my reference notes in the exam, so this is exactly what I want.

Preparing for the GMAT with the same test-like conditions is crucial if you want to maximize your score. This is why I purchased this product and most likely the reason that you're considering purchasing this product through reading reviews. I'm sure this pad is perfectly fine, however if you go through all of the other review pictures, you'll see that Manhattan provided the purchasers with the correct permanent marker, which is a Staedtler Lumocolor Wet Erase (fine tip). However, I was supplied with a much cheaper option: an Expo Vis-a-Vis (thicker, sloppier, etc.).Some may say that I'm being petty with a 1 star rating, and I may very well be, but I am also being diligent in how I prepare for the test and so should you. Buying Staedtler markers (which are the same ones that are used on the test is not something that will break my bank, it is however something extra for me to do and requires extra time to wait. I can also argue however that providing users with the correct markers which were advertised will not break Manhattan's bank either. It would just be nice for there to be consistency on the materials that are sent out. Before you order, hope that you get the correct materials, and good luck on your prep!

I didn’t receive a marker, so I did have to purchase those separately. But if you have severe testing anxiety like me, I’m just happy to have the closest thing to the real deal to practice with.

I'm a cheap person. I generally don't like spending money unless absolutely necessary. When I first saw this, I thought it would be stupid to spend ~$15 on a simple pad and marker. After reading other's reviews, I decided to purchase this product, and I'm extremely glad that I did.The pad is almost identical to the pad you will receive at the GMAT testing center, and the wet-erase marker is the exact same. Using this pad and marker is quite different from using traditional pen and paper. It's a relatively inexpensive way to eliminate another variable on test day. After using this pad and marker during GMAT practice, there aren't going to be an pad/marker-related surprises on test day. There is no doubt: this product (along with my Manhattan GMAT books and OG12) helped me get a 770 on the GMAT.My only criticism: It would be nice if they would include a second marker with the pad. My marker ran out of ink after a couple months of doing all my GMAT work / practice using the pad and marker. These markers can be a little hard to come by. After mine ran out, I was unable to find the same marker at any of the art / office supply stores in my city, so I had to order a 4-pack of the markers from an online art-supply site. The 4-pack cost close to $10 after shipping.Buy this, Use it, Eliminate all suprises on test day.