Mock Tests Suggestions?

Question

Hi Guys,

I'm new to the community but I have been following it for tips and tricks for a while now. I was wondering if you have any suggestions on what resource to use for timed mock tests. I've used the 2 free tests that comes in the GMAT official website, and the free test on the Manhattan GMAT website. Any suggestions on where to go from here?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi quasemsm,

The most realistic CATs on the market are the 6 Official GMAC CATs, although there are other 3rd-party CATs that will provide you with a reasonably accurate score result (assuming that you use the CATs correctly). While it might be tempting to take lots of CATs, doing so is NOT what will make you a better Test Taker. A CAT is just a 'measuring device'; actual improvement comes from study, practice problems and quizzes, review, etc. The CAT is a way to measure your progress.

1) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
2) What is your goal score?
3) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

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

quasemsm · Answer

Hi Rich,

I started studying for the test a couple of weeks ago. I am using the Manhattan GMAT Book Set (2012). Studying 3-4 hours a day, in order of the books, going through the quizzes at the end of the chapters. I started off by taking the first GMAT test using the official software to get my base score.

1) Test 1 (base) - 420(29/19/1), Test 2 550(35/31/4), Test 3 530 (37/26)
2) I want to get above a 650 at least. 700 would be ideal.
3) End of September
4) I am applying for Spring 2017 admission

Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated. I am on a time crunch to meet the deadlines but I am willing to put the work in. If there are some guides on maximizing my score in a short amount of time, that would be great!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi quasemsm,

Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, but the timeline that you're on would give you less than two total months of study. To score 650+, you'll likely need another 2 months of consistent, guided study. It's also worth nothing that many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level, so you'll likely end up needing to invest in some new, non-book resources.

1) Do you have the flexibility to push back your Test Date?

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

irston · Answer

Hi quasemsm,
I feel we are in the same boat.My mock test marks are quite similar to yours, the test date and also the study material.I used the MGMAT material as well but found it too extensive for quants,end of the day once done with them I realised they didn't have much value add to my quant score,I would suggest just start solving problems from the OG and other question sources(Gmat club,GMAT prep etc) keep track of where you falter,a log book may be and try working on those areas,at least that has helped me improve my score.

Regards,
Irston

Sent from my HTC Desire 816 dual sim using  GMAT Club Forum mobile app

quasemsm · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC 
Unfortunately, I don't have that option due to the time needed for admission decisions. What are some non-book resources you would suggest?

irston 
What are your scores recently? I am trying to break into the 600's this weekend. What questions sources are you using?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi quasemsm,

It's important to remember that, generally-speaking, your application plans (and the success of your applications) will depend on your GMAT score.

1) What Schools are you planning to apply to?
2) If you scored below 650 on Test Day (600, for example), then how would your plans change? Would you plan to apply during a later Round so that you could continue studying and retest?

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

quasemsm · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC 
1. Santa Clara U, CSULB, SFSU, CUNY Baruch
2. In that case, yes I would have to do that.

HanoiGMATtutor · Answer

Sounds like you should heed this piece of advice from EMPOWERgmatRichC : https://gmatclub.com/forum/empowergmat-b ... l#p1725631 Posted from my mobile device

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hi quasemsm,

You can always take a free GMAT PILL practice test here complete with detailed performance and timing analytics: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... ctice-test

In terms of our scoring, many of our students report scores that are +/- 30 points from their actual GMAT test and so are a relatively good indicator of their performance. That said, no practice test can perfectly replicate the actual score algorithm, but this is quite close.

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