Seeni wrote:
Hi,
I have started preparing for GMAT from October'10. I was able spend 2-3 hours everyday for my study until mid of Nov'10. After that I could not spend enough time until last Friday because of my busy work and other reasons. My exam date is scheduled on Dec-23 (next Friday). At this point of time, I’m not 100% confident to take the exam, because my preparation is not yet completed fully.
I have thorough understanding of basic concepts and studied for PS, DS, SC, CR and RC. But the confidence level is not enough high on RC, SC and PS topics. Now I’m on vacation for next 2 weeks, so I can utilize 7-8 hours per day to get ready for GMAT. In practice tests my scores range is from 540 to 580.
Can I go-ahead and take the test next week. ? or Do I need to postpone to later date and prepare well.? I’m not really sure what could be the best option. What most of our people would do in such a case. ?
Please share your thoughts and suggestions.
Thanks, Vasu.
Hi Vasu,
You have not mentioned your target score. If you are targeting below 700 then please go ahead and take the exam. Anything above that, and I would ask you to give a serious thought about taking it on Friday. Improving from 550-700 is easier than going from 700-750, trust me.
Having said that, I would like to inform you that contrary to what most people might tell you, I have seen from practical experiences that a serious improvement is possible in the last 2 weeks. You say that you have a THOROUGH understanding of the concepts? If it is indeed so then start practicing questions from the end of each chapter in
the Official Guide. Particularly, go through the explanations given after you solve 10-15 questions. Also, get used to the option elimination process, especially for DS. For SC, Go through the site called 800score.com. If you start from today, then take a mock test on Friday and see where you stand. Again, take another test on Sunday. Please remember that the GMAT gives you ample time for each question so please evaluate each option very carefully before selecting the right one. If you are -30 or so from your target score, then it is fine. Otherwise, think seriously about postponing your exam.
Also, as you know the GMAT starts with the AWA section. How comfortable are you with this section? I am asking this because being comfortable with this section calms your nerves to a great extent on the actual test day.
All the best!