Timing issues. UNTIMED Gmat Prep test 740. Need suggestion.

Question

To access my accuracy and learnings from the mistakes I thought to try the GMAT official prep test with multiple pauses.

I took a lot more than available time to solve the questions but to my surprise, the score popped up 740 (Q50, V40).

I have guessed 2 to 3 questions in the overall test. But now I want some suggestions about how to proceed further with my prep?

Thanks It will not be over until I win.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Prasannathawait,

Clearly, pausing or taking an untimed GMAT practice exam will greatly skew the results. At the same time, it is interesting to see that, with sufficient time, you can consistently arrive at correct answers. Accuracy is key, and I often say that, if you can correctly answer questions untimed, you can learn to answer them in under two minutes each.

That said, before we seek to determine how to move forward with your prep, would you take a fresh MBA.com practice exam (following realistic testing conditions) and then report back with your score breakdown? Once you have a more accurate score, I can provide some detailed advice.

Also, what is your GMAT score goal and when is your scheduled GMAT?

Lastly, you may find it helpful to read the following articles about  Taking GMAT Practice Tests  and  How to Score a 700+ on the GMAT — A Mini Guide for Success .

Good luck!

m1033512 · Answer

Hi,

start practicing first without timing and learn the basics , build skill set and then start practicing in time bound manner .

Practice is the only key in your case .

You need to reduce the time you take to answer the question, and the only possible way is via building skills, apply those skills to questions in practice

all the best

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Prasannathawait,

A little over a month ago, you were scheduled to take the GMAT? Did you end up taking the Exam as planned (and how did you Score - including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores?)? At that time, you also noted that you were "stuck" around 590 on your CATs. Given the relatively short period of time between then and now, and the fact that you kept pausing this recent CAT, I assume that you understand that this recent result is almost certainly NOT accurate.

Have you taken any other CATs over the last 1.5 months? How did you Score on those CATs?

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

Prasannathawait · Answer

Hi Rich. Thanks a lot for answering.

Yes, I took the exam and score 560(q42 v25). It was really bad.

Since my last attempt, I have focussed on building up subject knowledge. I have done hundreds of questions from both verbal and quant section to understand the pattern. One of my friends suggested me to try an untimed test so that I can know, whether there is a concept issue or the application issue. I haven't taken any realistic CAT till now but will do tomorrow. My next exam is scheduled in the last week of May and I am planning to give many CAT's in the following days.

Prasannathawait · Answer

Thanks a lot for the suggestion.

I will practice more as you said and get over the GMAT.

Prasannathawait · Answer

Hi Scott. Thanks for answering.
I'll work more on getting the questions right fast, and on practicing more by giving realistic CAT's.
Score goal is 700, and I am planning to take the GMAT in the last week of May.

blueshores · Answer

Hello All,

I am planning to take GMAT this year . Currently i am preparing for CAT as well. Can you give me suggesstions/ advise as to what extras I need to cover for GMAT and what study materials I can get to crack a descent score in GMAT. Moreover Approximately how much time will it take to score good in GMAT.

Eagerly waiting for your reply.

Thanks in advance!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Prasannathawait,

To start, it's important to remember that taking lots of CATs will NOT make you a better Test Taker. A CAT is really a 'measuring device' - when used correctly, it will give you a realistic score and help define your strengths and weaknesses, but it will NOT help you to fix any of those weaknesses. To raise your scores, you have to learn the necessary Tactics and put in the proper practice and repetitions. The CAT will show you whether your studies are helping you to improve or not. As such, you really shouldn't take more than 1 FULL CAT per week.

Pacing problems do not exist on their own though - they're the results of OTHER problems. If you can't hit your Score Goal under properly-timed conditions, then you have to take a good look at HOW you're approaching questions (your Tactics, note-taking, how many times you read each prompt before getting to work, etc.).

A Test Date at the end of May gives you a little over 4 weeks of potential study time. If your general 'ability level' is still in the high-500s or low-600s, then you would likely need at least another 2-3 months of consistent, guided study before you could consistently score 700+. There's no harm in taking the GMAT in a month's time, but if you're going to keep studying until you hit 700+ (or get close to it), then you could save some money - and aggravation - by pushing back this next Test Date.

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

Prasannathawait · Answer

Thanks, Rich.

You're correct. I have to look at my approach towards the problems. I'll schedule the test when I'll start to get consistent 700's in my mocks. Till that time I have to work on my weak areas. Thanks.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi blueshores,

I’m glad you reached out, and I’m happy to help. Since you are just starting out with your GMAT prep, you should start by  familiarizing yourself with the GMAT  and then taking an  official GMAT practice exam . Once you take the practice exam, feel free to report back here with your score breakdown, and I can provide some further advice.

Also, you may find it helpful to read the following articles about  How to Score a 700+ on the GMAT — A Mini Guide for Success  and  How Long Should I Study for the GMAT? .

Good luck!

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Timing issues. UNTIMED Gmat Prep test 740. Need suggestion.

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards