Necessity is often the mother of invention. But so too is invention the mother of necessity. This book is a marriage of both processes. Although there was no initial mandate calling for this book’s creation, once created there was little doubt it was needed. My early GMAT workshops in Hong Kong invited students to ask open-ended questions beyond the course script: “What are the different types of distance-rate-time problems found in math Problem Solving? ... Are there any tricks to finding assumptions when writing an argument essay in Analytical Writing? ... How do you pick numbers for Data Sufficiency problems? ... Is there any special technique for solving math mixture problems? ... What are the different kinds of cause-and-effect arguments that appear in Critical Reasoning? Can answer choices in Sentence Correction ever be grammatically correct and still not be the correct answer? ... How are Reading Comprehension passages structured?”

The difficulty posed in answering such an array of questions is obvious. After all, fielding specific questions about the mechanics of a particular problem is not the same thing as being able to compare and contrast problems across a broad spectrum. The latter requires research and reflection. My research included a review of more than a thousand prior-released, official GMAT test questions as well as those materials used by numerous test-prep organizations. In short, my examination encompassed everything that was published and available.

My first discovery was “buckets of problems.” I found that the best way to help students master the GMAT was to group problems by problem types (i.e., create buckets of similar problems). The next task was dividing these larger categories into sub-categories. It was then a matter of finding what specific problem-solving principles or techniques bind a given subcategory. “Buckets of problems” is, upon reflection, exactly how sports are practiced. Athletes, and inspired amateurs, never practice all tasks at the same time, unless they’re trying to simulate competition. The game of golf provides a classic example. When practicing, a golfer practices one type of shot at a time: drives, long irons, chips, and putts. Only by breaking up the shots into “groups” can a golfer analyze what he or she is really doing en route to achieving a shot-making groove.

This book strikes a balance between representing problem categories and choosing thematic problems. A thematic or value-added problem is one which reveals much about how a particular type of problem works. Whereas representing each and every problem category and subcategory would have certainly resulted in a book of some 500 problems, ensuring that all problems are thematic enabled problem selection to be winnowed down to the 200 problems contained in this book. These all-star problems act as a template to represent the underlying math, verbal, writing principles that are likely to reappear on the actual GMAT.

In the same way that a blueprint is prerequisite for building a house, strong theory best precedes rigorous practice. In short, my four-tier recommendation for GMAT study is as follows:

I. Achieve familiarity with the different types of problems on the test.
II. Do a sufficient number of practice problems and/or practice tests.
(pencil-and-paper format is fine at this stage)
III. Complete at least two full-length computer adaptable exams.
IV. Take the real GMAT exam.

In terms of familiarizing yourself with the different types of problems, I recommend a two-pronged approach. First, if possible, sign up for a test-prep course. Second, study this book in conjunction with enrolling in a course. Most test-prep courses do a very good job of surveying the various problem types, but a generalizable criticism is that these courses are a little light in terms of content. The analytical approach embodied by Chili Hot GMAT makes it an excellent complement and companion guide for anyone enrolled in a test-preparation course.

In terms of practicing with a sufficient number of prior-released, official GMAC test questions, I recommend obtaining either a copy of The Official Guide for GMAT Review, 12th ed., or ordering one or more of the nine GMAC paper-and-pencil, full-length tests (available at mba.com). The distinct advantage of the paper-and-pencil tests is that you are able to calculate your 800-score for each math and verbal sections. The disadvantage of these paper tests is that the problems do not come with explanations, just answers. In terms of practicing with computer adaptive tests, you can download two free exams from the mba.com website. These computer-adaptive tests are known as GMATPrep® Test-Preparation software, Forms A & B.

Whether you decide to take a test-prep course or study on your own, test preparation has three elements: content, structure, and strategy. Content is understanding what kinds of problems are on the exam. Structure is about following a specific plan of study in order to complete study, often within a limited time frame. Strategy refers to the need to find optimal ways to solve problems and understanding how, relative to the test, to maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

I’m a fan of test-prep courses and believe that every candidate should take one, notwithstanding availability, wherewithal, and the time required to complete a course. In my opinion, test-prep courses get results first and foremost because they provide structure. This should not be underestimated. We all know how difficult it is to motivate ourselves; any serious undertaking requires a schedule backed by commitment. The “best” test-prep courses typically provide live instruction and rely on “good” instructors. An experienced instructor is able to frame course material and add valuable examples and anecdotal information, which may not be part of the formal course offering. Many times the answer to the question “Which company has the best GMAT course?” may very well be the same as asking “Which company has the best GMAT instructor(s)?”

Mastering any skill-based endeavor translates to having skills, knowledge, and confidence. With respect to GMAT study, knowledge means being able to apply specific skills to new but analogous situations (that is, problems). Strategy is everything other than content — understanding the best approach to use to solve a given problem, choosing among different problem-solving techniques, learning how to eliminate answer choices and/or guess on questions (if necessary), adapting to a mix of questions on the test, dealing with time pressure, and maintaining concentration. One caveat: Although strategy is certainly a sexier word than content or structure, only common sense is needed to recognize that strategy alone is not enough to defeat the GMAT.

This book adheres to the philosophy that mastery of exam content is the only real way to conquer GMAT exam. Chili Hot GMAT is unique in its analytical approach and its ability to reveal how problems work. This “recipe” book is steeped in best practices — those core strategies, techniques, and insights about how to score high on the GMAT, which were discovered, tested, and refined over a multi-year period. It has been my privilege sharing this material with you and an honor knowing that you have invested your time in its review.