Self study or take coaching?

Hi prep123,

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; that 8-question mini-test is NOT a valid way to measure your current skills. If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. 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.

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

Hi prep123,

Since you have not taken an actual CAT, you may consider taking a full practice exam from MBA.com. When taking the exam, try to replicate the test day experience as much as possible. Go to the library instead of taking the test in your house or apartment. Be sure to complete all sections (AWA, IR, Quant, and Verbal). Only take the allotted breaks. The results of that exam will provide an accurate depiction of what to expect on the GMAT as well as a baseline GMAT score.

I also welcome you to take my free 37-question quant diagnostic. After completing the diagnostic, you’ll be provided with a detailed analysis of your proficiency level on all GMAT quant topics as well as an opportunity to discuss your diagnostic results and GMAT plan with me or another TTP instructor/coach.

Since you have been feeling a bit lost, you might consider using a self-study course for your prep. Self-study courses typically provide detailed study plans and have granular analytics, so you can easily track your progress as you move through the course. By being able to track your progress, you will remain more engaged, and you’ll be able to forecast when you are truly ready to take your real GMAT.

Feel free to reach out with any further questions, and we’d be happy to help. Good luck!

Hi, I took a proper CAT from The Economist & scored 500. My IR section was the weakest as I scored the least in that section & I hardly had any time. In quant my weakest area was problem solving. In verbal my weakest area was critical reasoning.

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Hi prep123,

I'd like to know a bit more about how you took this CAT:

1) What were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on this CAT?
2) Did you complete the Essay portion?
3) What time did you begin this Exam?
4) Did you have to rush to finish any of the sections? Did you finish any sections early?

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

Hi,
1) I scored in 30's in my quant & high 20's in verbal.
2) the test didn't have an essay
3) I started this test yesterday afternoon
4) I had to rush in the IR section & I finished both quant & verbal pretty early as I didn't know the answers of few of the questions.


Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Hi prep123,

Test Day is a rather specific 'event', which you CAN train for. To do so, you're going to have to take realistic CATs (with an Essay and IR section) and do so in a realistic, test-like fashion. If a CAT doesn't 'match up' with what you'll face on Test Day, then the results will likely be inaccurate (and in most cases, that means an 'inflated' score that doesn't correctly point out your weak spots).

From what you've described, it sounds like you guessed on a bunch of questions because you didn't know how to answer them. While that might make you feel a bit concerned right now, you seem comfortable moving past a tough question without wasting too much time on it - and that is a GOOD skill to have on Test Day. What we now have to do it hone your skills so that you can properly face all of the questions - and if you decide that a question is just too difficult, THEN you'll dump it.

Are you looking for a GMAT Course right now or do you want to work through some of the materials that you already have?

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

Since I plan on giving GMAT in 2.5-3 months I want to seriously prepare for it. I believe I have all the required material so I would like to know how should i prepare for it.
Where should I start from? Should I take any online course side by side?
How will I assess my progress? Should I be giving a CAT every week?

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Hi prep123,

Many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. While it's too early to say for sure whether that will happen to you or not, you could potentially side-step the whole issue entirely by investing in a GMAT Course of some type (either Guided Self-Study or instructor-led). The Course would likely provide you the structure and guidance that you're looking for to maximize your studies.

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

Hi,
Which course would you recommend given my score & time I have in hand.
What kind of preparation should I be doing?

Thanks

Sent from my Redmi Note 3 using GMAT Club Forum mobile app

Hi prep123,

When it comes to studying for the GMAT, there are a variety of different options. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional question, then just let me know.

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