Solo Cubes - Experience GMAT like test environment

While browsing GMAT club, I happened to check out an advertisement that read "Take 15 GMAT tests in a simulated test environment". After visiting the website , I got to know more about the place. Solo Cubes is a co-working space that also offers simulated GMAT test experience at an hourly price. It was really interesting because I could actually take a practice GMAT test, with accuracy closest to the real one, at a price less than what I spend at a Coffee day or a McDonalds.

Hence, I immediately purchased a test at Solo Cubes. On the practice test day, I had to travel to M.G. Road in Bangalore to take the test. This travel developed the mood of the test day as most of us do have to travel a few miles away from home to take the real GMAT test. On arriving at the test center - Solo Cubes, I was asked the required details by Mr. Ramesh and later handed a sheet containing list of instructions to be followed during the test. After a few minutes, I was asked whether I was ready for the test and later was escorted to the cubicle where I had to take the test. Besides this, I was given Manhattan GMAT Test Simulation Booklet and Marker - similar to those that are provided during the real GMAT test. This was really helpful as I got used to writing/scribbling on the test booklet. So, right from the beginning, Solo Cubes ensures that it simulates a real test like environment. The test environment is just as quiet as that of as the real GMAT test center. During the breaks, I could grab some biscuits and have water that were available in the cafeteria.

I had already taken GMAT last year and scored a 680. Since I am a working professional, who spends most of the time travelling, I knew that it would be difficult to spend lot of time in preparation. So, I wanted to improve my strategies, take more tests and become more familiar with the GMAT exam. Since I was really impressed with the facilities provided at Solo Cubes, I enrolled for more tests. At every test, I became more comfortable at handling myself during the test. Though I could not take big leaps in my GMAT score, taking tests at Solo Cubes ensured that I do not make silly mistakes or screw the test because of unnecessary anxiety.

I had taken a total of 5 tests - GMAT Exam Pack 3,4,5 and 6 and one MGMAT test. Below were my scores -
GMAT Exam 3 - 700
GMAT Exam 4 - 730
MGMAT - 660 (Quant was tough)
GMAT exam 5 - 720
GMAT exam 6 - 700

After taking couple of tests at Solo Cubes, I felt comfortable. Being honest, I was not sure of any particular score such as above-700 or anything else. However, I was definitely not anxious about the ambiguity of the GMAT exam. On the real test day, it was very normal like any other day that I had been to Solo Cubes - the invigilator provided the instruction sheet, handed over the simulation booklet and markers, and later escorted to the test cabin. I stayed calm and gave the test. During the test, I felt that the AWA, IR and quant were easy, but the verbal was a bit tough to me. I had to guess a few CR questions to keep up the pace. After finishing the test, I had got a score of 710, which made me feel good.

Real GMAT score - 710
Quant - 50
Verbal - 34 (SC was tough and I guessed a few CRs to maintain pace)
IR - 5

Finally, for all those in Bangalore, who wish to experience a mock GMAT test, closest to the real one, I would recommend a visit to Solo Cubes.

Thanks.