Last visit was: 28 Apr 2026, 14:42 It is currently 28 Apr 2026, 14:42
Home
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Events & Promotions
avatar
Emilio95
avatar
Joined: 22 Dec 2017
Last visit: 06 Dec 2018
Posts: 56
Own Kudos:
9
Given Kudos: 18
Location: Canada
Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
GMAT 1: 650 Q47 V33
GMAT 1: 650 Q47 V33
Posts: 56
Kudos: 9
Taking Practice CATs outside of the home 09 Jan 2018, 12:20
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi I always took my practice CATs at home. Some people have mentioned that its important to take them outside of your home while others have told me it is not a huge deal. I would like to at least try taking one CAT outside of the home and I have two options, 1) Local library with very small computer lab and relatively quiet if I choose to take the CAT in the morning, 2) school library: computer stations are in massive computer labs, usually very busy and there is usually some noise. During my first sitting I did not really have any issue concentrating, I had headphones on and the despite being seated close to two people the cubicle blocked everything out. Despite this I still want to take a practice exam outside my home. I'm leaning towards taking one at the school library as it will be more of a challenge. If anybody has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Worst case scenario I will take one at each but I have a limited number of good CATs remaining.
User avatar
AjiteshArun
User avatar
Major Poster
Joined: 15 Jul 2015
Last visit: 27 Apr 2026
Posts: 6,079
Own Kudos:
5,140
Given Kudos: 744
Location: India
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Expert
Expert reply
GMAT Focus 1: 715 Q83 V90 DI83
GMAT 1: 780 Q50 V51
GRE 1: Q170 V169
Posts: 6,079
Kudos: 5,140
Taking Practice CATs outside of the home 09 Jan 2018, 21:14
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Emilio95
Hi I always took my practice CATs at home. Some people have mentioned that its important to take them outside of your home while others have told me it is not a huge deal. I would like to at least try taking one CAT outside of the home and I have two options, 1) Local library with very small computer lab and relatively quiet if I choose to take the CAT in the morning, 2) school library: computer stations are in massive computer labs, usually very busy and there is usually some noise. During my first sitting I did not really have any issue concentrating, I had headphones on and the despite being seated close to two people the cubicle blocked everything out. Despite this I still want to take a practice exam outside my home. I'm leaning towards taking one at the school library as it will be more of a challenge. If anybody has any suggestions I would appreciate it. Worst case scenario I will take one at each but I have a limited number of good CATs remaining.
Show more
I think it's more a question of ticking the boxes. Taking a test outside home helps you get a better idea of what test day could be like. Is it absolutely necessary? Almost certainly not.

Most (good) test centers have low noise levels, so I suggest that you use the smaller lab. That said, you mentioned something about taking a practice test in the morning. Try to make sure that your practice tests are taken at the same time of day as your GMAT appointment.