7 Graduate School Guide Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Lawrence A. Machi’s decades of experience in organizational leadership and curriculum development culminate in this methodical guide to mastering the literature review process. This book walks you through six distinct steps—from narrowing your research topic to composing a coherent review—providing practical frameworks like enhanced graphics and reflection sections to sharpen your analytical skills. Whether you're a graduate student or researcher, you gain a clearer understanding of how to sift through extensive sources and write with focus, especially in the early stages of your project. Its straightforward approach makes it a solid companion for those seeking structure in navigating academic research.

Omari Bouknight brings his Harvard Business School experience and years of admissions insight to this guide, offering a clear look at what top MBA programs really want. You’ll learn how to critically assess your own profile from an admissions officer’s perspective, craft essays and resumes that highlight your unique strengths, and navigate tricky decisions like choosing between the GMAT and GRE. The book also dives into school selection and interview preparation, with updated examples and advice tailored for international candidates. If you’re aiming for competitive MBA programs and want to understand the admissions process inside out, this book provides a detailed blueprint without fluff.

This personalized book explores the key phases of graduate school success, covering admissions, test preparation, and academic achievement tailored to your unique background and goals. It examines the complex landscape of graduate education, weaving together essential knowledge on application processes, exam readiness, and effective academic habits. By focusing on your specific interests and strengths, it reveals a customized pathway through the challenges of graduate school, helping you engage deeply with the material that matters most for your journey. The tailored content bridges expert insights with your personal objectives, delivering a focused learning experience that addresses your precise needs. This approach ensures you gain relevant, actionable guidance to confidently navigate admissions hurdles, excel in tests, and thrive academically.

Unlike most graduate school guides that offer generic test tips, this set by The Princeton Review dives deep into every MCAT subject with seven dedicated volumes plus three online practice tests. You get thorough reviews in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and critical reasoning, complete with thousands of practice questions and colorful diagrams that clarify complex concepts. The carefully structured chapter summaries and glossaries make it easier to consolidate knowledge, while the included test-taking strategies sharpen your exam approach. This box set suits anyone seriously preparing for the MCAT, especially those who want a focused, subject-by-subject mastery rather than broad overviews.

The Princeton Review leverages decades of experience helping students navigate challenging admissions tests to deliver this detailed LSAT prep guide. You’ll find three official, full-length LSAT practice tests alongside targeted strategies for tackling each section, including Logic Games and Reading Comprehension. The book goes beyond test questions, offering multi-week study plans, common pitfalls, and law school admission tips that sharpen your approach. If you're aiming for law school and want a resource that's both thorough in content and grounded in expert guidance, this book covers the essentials without fluff or gimmicks.

Jessica McCrory Calarco’s background as a sociology professor deeply informs this guide’s exploration of grad school’s unspoken rules. You’ll learn critical skills often left out of formal curricula, such as selecting the right advisor, securing funding, handling publication rejections, and balancing academic roles with personal life. The book’s thorough chapters cover everything from application decisions to navigating the job market, offering concrete examples like deciphering peer review processes and conference strategies. This is a straightforward, no-frills manual for anyone currently in or considering graduate school who wants to understand the hidden dynamics that affect success beyond coursework.

This tailored book explores focused daily actions and tips designed to boost your graduate school test scores and improve application success within 30 days. It examines practical steps aligned with your academic background and test experience, providing a personalized pathway to efficiently accelerate your readiness. By concentrating on the areas most relevant to your goals, this book reveals how targeted preparation can make complex admissions processes more manageable. It covers essential test-taking techniques, application essentials, and time management practices that empower you to progress confidently each day. This approach matches your interests and learning style, helping you build momentum toward graduate school success with a clear, customized plan.

Kaplan Test Prep has built this extensive 3-book set from decades of experience helping students tackle standardized tests. You’ll find detailed content review that sharpens both your verbal and math skills, along with over 2,500 practice questions complete with explanations that clarify tricky concepts. The set’s online resources include six full-length practice tests mimicking the actual GRE’s computer format, plus a customizable question bank to target your weak spots. This isn’t just theory; it’s a toolkit designed to build confidence and pacing strategies for the real exam. If you’re preparing for the GRE, especially with limited prep time, this collection offers a structured path to improve your score.

What happens when decades of test-preparation expertise meet the specialized demands of the GRE Psychology Subject Test? The Princeton Review, known for helping millions improve their scores, delivers a guide focused on targeted strategies and thorough content reviews. You’ll explore chapters on sensation and perception, behavioral neuroscience, and psychological disorders, learning not just facts but methods to retain and apply them. This book benefits psychology students aiming to boost their GRE scores with practical practice tests and diagnostic tools that identify your weak spots. It’s a straightforward resource for anyone serious about mastering GRE Psychology topics without fluff or unnecessary complexity.