Please help me

Question

Hi All,

I am new to GMAT and really want to clarify few questions. 

1. Compulsory do i need to go for classroom training in some institute? (I am ready to spend 3 hours daily for GMAT preparation.)

2. Is there any negative marking?

johnnyx9 · Answer

I think most people who take classroom preparation take it because they enjoy having the "structure" that it provides. If you're able to motivate yourself to study then I don't think you need to take a class. I didn't take one and did fine, you can learn a lot from the books that are out there.

If you spend some time reading through this forum you will find tons of information on how to prepare, and you will find lots of conversations where people discuss the pros and cons of taking a prep class.

I don't know what negative marking is.

3underscore · Answer

Johnny - negative marking is where you are penalised for an incorrect / blank answer on different values.


kuppusv - no, you do not need to attend a class. For many people it is better to just acquire some of the text books (Official Guide, Kaplan or similar) and learn the concepts and practice. This would be my advice, at least at first. After a while of study, you should be in a good place to judge yourself whether you would benefit from some instruction. Some people do and find it valuable, some people do and don't, many people never bother to pay for the courses available. 

The negative marking question is tricky. You cannot leave a question blank in the GMAT - it must be answered to get the next question. You are penalised for unanswered questions at the end of the test (ie - the ones left at the end), but noone is sure quite how much this is.

Hope this helps to answer your queries.

kuppusv · Answer

Hi johnnyx9 & 3underscore,

Thanks for your valuable reply. My doubt is cleared. I will go ahead and start preparing.

lepium · Answer

my 2 cents: 

Negative scoring: as explained, adaptative test, so can't really move on without answering. Important note, though, incomplete questions substract more points than wrong answers.

Preparation: the only reason why I'd join a course is if you're struggling to commit to your preparation. Having a fix classes schedule may help your study discipline (at least it did help me).

Hope it helps.

nupurgupt · Answer

Also, my friend who took the PR preparatory classes was telling me that their CAT reporting is really good wherein it tells you how long you took on each question and also in the end it gives you the breakdown of your errors in different categories such as exponents, percent questions, etc. which enables you to determine which areas need more attention.

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