Q44 Before Moving On? Agree or Disagree?

Question

I just started studying for the GMAT with MGMAT materials a few weeks ago while working full time. I've completed reading almost all the quant books in the series including Math Foundations and also MGMAT roadmap. I take this forum as gold and came across the study plan where BB posts "If you are looking for high 600's and 700's, I would not move past Quant unless I was able to score around Q44 and possibly higher."

I'm going to take his advice before starting the verbal series. Question is, how do I know I'm scoring Q44 without taking an entire practice exam? Or where would I take a diagnostic to see if I'm hitting Q44 before starting to move onto the verbal series. My goal is 700-720, thank you all!

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hi BornAgain,

Since you have been studying for long, I recommend you to take the practise test ASAP.
This will help you identify your current standings and will enable you to work on your shortcomings.
Remember: You cannot manage what you cannot measure. So you DO need to identify your current standing by taking the mock CAT.

Make sure you give the GMAT Prep CAT along with both the AWA and the IR sections.

BornAgain · Answer

Should I at least finish the MGMAT quant series? I don't remember any of this geometry stuff/word problem stuff as it has been over 10 years since I've done any of this. A CAT exam would probably put me in the 400's...not sure how accurate the CAT would be? Either way, I'm receptive to your advice and how you feel I should proceed. I just wanted to disclose all the facts, thank you!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi BornAgain,

Since it sounds like you're just beginning your studies, then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

It's smart to take practice tests throughout your preparation. Most of our course students take a CAT by week 2! After all, testing is actually part of the learning process.

In any case, I have to object to the idea of "moving past" quant. That's not really how learning works. You ought to keep studying and practicing both quant and verbal all the way up through your official test. There's no benefit in "binge studying." On the contrary, you are better off doing a bit of study followed by some application (on official problems) and then leaving some material in each area to come back to (either for the first time or as a repeat).

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Sorry for the late reply. It would be better if you take the mock CAT first if you have not already done so. This will give you an understanding of where you stand and how much and in which direction do you need to prepare.
Also, I would not recommend you to prepare for one section at a time. You should try to take both your Verbal and quants section along in your preparation.
This will help you keep in touch with both the sections.

Q44 Before Moving On? Agree or Disagree?

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