So i have been lurking around in the forums for quite a while now. Decided that time is running out so might as well give it a shot. I know everyone recommends taking a full CAT test and then going from there. But i couldn't get myself to sit down and focus on an exam. My only indicator of preparation was
GMAT Club test score (640). So i booked my exam 10 days ago and took the exam today. I got 660 (Q 44, V38).
Quant -Its way easier than
GMAT Club tests. If you are preparing using these tests and scoring well, you're set. I knew going in i had lots of weaknesses. I couldn't or wouldnt learn anything about xy plane and slopes (spent less than 30 mins altogether). And i felt that |X| absolute value questions were also my weakness. I am really happy with 44, i skipped all slope and line questions (3 or 4) of them. So that could've boosted my score quite a bit.
Verbal -I felt i was better prepared and i bought
e-GMAT verbal online course but didn't finish even half of it. I felt that
OG questions are just structured differently.
Things to note :I did not keep an
error log. I still feel i can score 700+ without an
error log. But i'll be tracking silly mistakes from now on. Hopefully higher score will get me full ride somewhere.
Timing - I finished quant with 10 mins to spare and Verbal - 15 mins to spare. I did not rush through quant, i even double checked quite a few of my answers. I see 48-50 next time for sure.
Verbal - I went with the mindset that its a prep exam, so half way through exam i was humming songs.
Stress - I was so relaxed that it kinda helped. Now that i know the full experience, i'll be even more relaxed next time. Anxiety won't be an issue.
Material Used -Magoosh - It's great, i love the layout and concept. They can use more practice questions but other than that its great tool.
e-GMAT - It's hit n miss. I like the concept but layout is sub-par. I'll give it a shot again.
GMAT Club tests - Quant is above n beyond. I practised 40 questions everyday and was averaging 50% right. If i spend a month on it everyday, ill be able to get really high score. Verbal questions are few but more in line with GMAT than any other prep course out there.
Strategy -Now that i have gone through one full CAT or actual test. I know how much and where exactly to put my focus on. I am planning another take in a month, i have already ordered ESR. So hopefully i'll get it tomorrow. But any suggestions are welcome.