I Hate taking the Practice Test! How many do you recommend?

Question

Hey Guys,

I have set the date for Sept 29th, here in NYC to take the GMAT. I really hate taking the long practice test but I know I must. Do you mind discussing the benefits of the practice test, and which do you prefer. Also which are free? Any suggestions are appreciated.

GMATBLACKBELT · Answer

Unfortunetly your going to have to learn to deal with them. Maybe not so far as thinking of CATs as fun, but as a challenge that can be rewarding. Otherwise you will not want to take the real test either... GMATPrep (https://www.mba.com) best representative of your test score. MGMAT- quant is hard, but thats a good thing. Once you get to the GMAT quant, it will be much easier. Verbal is good. Everything else is kinda meh.... I don't reccomend Kaplan.

trahul4 · Answer

Well you have to live with it. If you hate taking the practice test, then how will youtake the real one. You have to overcome that initial inertia which everyone feels. 

I would defintely suggest you GMATPrep, Powerprep and MGMAT CATs for practice.

Nitty · Answer

Thanks, I needed that push

Its just the timing, sitting down that long bothers me. Its mentally draining!

empty_spaces · Answer

you cant be serious about going to a B-school then...are you?

Nitty · Answer

Why would you say I am not serious about Bschool, because I dont want to sit down and take a 3 hr test 10 times and then the official test 2-3 times? I study for 3-4 hrs a day and take extra courses. If it is possible to focus on the books, learn the content and score high, why not question the possibility? The forum is here to ask questions right? If you do not have an answer or suggestion, maybe you shouldn't respond.

CookieMonster · Answer

i also hated taking those practice tests. i took the real test 2 times, and took only 2 practice tests before each (and skipped the AWA on all 4).

It depends on the individual but IMO there is no need to take 10 practice tests. 

good luck

Fig · Answer

Apart opening u the doors of bschool, this test sharpens a lot of skills that are greatly appreciable.... By my side, I feel a before GMAT and after GMAT effect. An example? Your communication will be drastically more efficient

... U will feel that u are "to the point" all time and with a smaller amount of time. This is not only in english but also in your mother tongue, if that is not english of course

... This CAT is a mental capability to resist longlyyyyyyy under pressure and to perform well at the same time

... It trains u by the way for your next steps both in a Bschool environnement and in your career

trahul4 · Answer

Well said. Completly agree

I have realised that GMAT has given me a sense of self confidence. Initially i was lot apprehensive about these competitive exams and i somehow felt i was not upto the level to compete. GMAT has kicked those fears away !

bsd_lover · Answer

Hi Nitty,

The practice tests prepare you mentally for the exam. Solving questions randomly will hone your individual problem solving ability, but sitting through a full practice test will improve your ability to use the problem solving skills under pressure. The test itself is a mental marathon and the overall score is a reflection of your not only your verbal and quantitative ability, but also of your mental stamina and concentration.

Have a read of my debrief on how I used practice tests and which ones I used.
https://www.gmatclub.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=47351

Good luck.

Nitty

Hey Guys,

I have set the date for Sept 29th, here in NYC to take the GMAT. I really hate taking the long practice test but I know I must. Do you mind discussing the benefits of the practice test, and which do you prefer. Also which are free? Any suggestions are appreciated.

sweetness210 · Answer

hey nitty,

dont' be discouraged. I think a lot of ppl have problem with taking the CATs. I wouldn't suggest you take more than 2 a week. But it's important, especially if your'e studying otherwise to take one a week to gauge where you are and how you've improved. good luck!

KLmets · Answer

you've got to keep at it with these tests if you want to improve. it's annoying but true.

emoryhopeful · Answer

Hey nitty, good luck with your studies. I think that taking the practice CAT's helps you realize what the test is all about. The GMATPrep CAT's from mba.com are the exact format you will see on test day. I personally only sat for 4 CAT's. I never did the AWA section either. That way it only took 2 and a half hours. 

If nothing else, they help with timing, pressure, and the feel of the GMAT on Test day. I don't think you need to take 10 or 15, you just need to take enough that you feel comfortable. That's different for each person.

takinggaurd · Answer

@trahul
i am having GMATprep but not other one u mentioned.
had 1st GMATprep its 720 Q48 V42
please tell me more about more practice tests that can obtained..
i have full 1 month before my appointment.. so can give 3-4 tests easily..
pl advice...

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