#1 - Manhattan Prep
Manhattan Prep is a great choice if you want live or on-demand classes and prefer learning in a group class. All teachers are 99th-percentile scorers and have excellent training in teaching the tests. You build a strong foundation by learning the STRATEGY for taking the test through the live courses.
Caitlin took the Manhattan GMAT Live course (2.5 months) while applying to Oxford and improved her GMAT score by 60 points. Auxilium students have all achieved 40-100 point increases.
#2 - Target Test Prep
A highly structured, adaptive online platform that’s especially strong for quant prep. Auxilium students love it for its clear video explanations, customizable study plans, and deep question bank. If you’re serious about boosting your GMAT/GRE score, TTP is one of the best options available.
Auxilium students that have used TTP exclusively have achieved GMAT scores of up to 780 (10th) 755 (Focus).
By: GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Made by the makers of the test. Essential for practicing with real exam questions. The explanations are straightforward, and it gives you a feel for how the test is actually written.
By: Manhattan Prep
A must-have for GRE prep. With over 1,800 practice problems, this book is excellent for drilling every topic you’ll see on test day. The detailed explanations make it easy to learn from mistakes, and the sheer volume of practice helps you build speed and confidence.
These books aren’t just great reads—they directly strengthen the skills you need for a successful application. Whether you’re writing essays, preparing for interviews, shaping your personal narrative, or refining your long-term strategy, these resources will give you an edge.
For Essays & narrative (Clarity, Depth, Self-Expression, Personal Story & Big Picture)
Strong essays come from self-awareness and the ability to express growth in a compelling way.
By: James Clear
Helps you reflect on personal growth and discipline—great for showing AdComs how you’ve achieved results.
By: Gay Hendricks
Encourages you to identify your “zone of genius,” which makes for powerful essays about goals and impact.
By: Daniel Kahneman
Insight into decision-making and self-awareness—qualities that shine in reflective writing.
By: James R. Doty, MD
Explores visualization, mindfulness, and the neuroscience of focus—helpful for writing essays that authentically connect your inner motivations to your future vision.
By: Roy H. Williams, Michael R. Drew
Helps you frame your story in the context of generational trends and societal shifts.
By: Tim Marshall
Explains how geography shapes economics and politics—powerful context for global or policy-oriented goals.
By: Jared Diamond
Offers a macro lens on development and inequality, giving you a broad foundation for strategy-driven applications.
By: Eric Ries
A must-read for applicants with entrepreneurial goals. It offers a framework for experimentation, iteration, and building sustainable ventures—excellent material to draw on in goals essays or interviews.
By: Clayton M. Christensen
Essential for framing long-term goals around innovation, entrepreneurship, or leadership.
For Interviews (Presence, Influence & Communication)
In interviews, presence and persuasion matter as much as content.
By: Chris Voss with Tahl Raz
Practical techniques in negotiation and influence, directly useful in admissions and job interviews.
By: Malcolm Gladwell
Explains how intuition and first impressions work, giving you perspective on how interviewers may perceive you.