Which Diagnostic Test to Start With?

Question

Hey,

I'm just beginning to study from the GMAT and purchased the Kaplan Premier book and the OG. Both of them have diagnostic tests. Does it matter which one I do? Does anyone have a suggestion with which one to start with?

I was thinking of doing the Kaplan one first and then studying from the Kaplan book. Once I felt comfortable I would move onto the OG and start with the Diagnostic test there to see where I'm at again.

My question is probably pretty trivial, but I don't want to waste any test type materials that help predict where I stand with the GMAT at different points in time.

Thanks!

alwynjoseph · Answer

best way to assess your current level is to take a gmat prep test once.

bipolarbear · Answer

I would disagree with that since there are only 2 official tests. better to save them for when you are close to the test date.
Your diagnostic's main purpose should be to determine which areas you need to focus on most. i think mgmat's free cat achieves that purpose because it breaks down the types of questions you're getting wrong. 
I've never taken kaplan but i hear it's a lot more difficult than the actual gmat and can be very misleading, so i'd stay away.

g00mbs · Answer

Do I have to purchase a mgmat book? Or are you talking about this test: https://www.manhattangmat.com/free-gmat.cfm ? The diagnostic tests I'm talking about are: OG - is a paper test at the start of the guide. Kaplan - is an online diagnostic (I have the 2010 edition). This edition comes with 6 full length practice tests online, but I don't think the diagnostic test is one of them (I could be wrong...).

bipolarbear · Answer

Yeah, it's the link you're referring to. You'll more than likely purchase MGMAT SC at some point, but for now do the free diagnostic. Their quant is pretty tough so be prepared...

superman · Answer

out of the two paper tests in kaplan and OG , OG will give a better pic of where you are

Or if you want it online take Kaplan free test or Princeton

save the gmatprep and mgmat for the last they are like near to actual gmat

bb · Answer

Usually GMATPrep is the best to start with as it gives you the exact GMAT score - most agree that "burning" one of the 2 GMATPrep tests is a good use of the test. Many are able to re-take the same test at the end of their prep and not encounter any repeat questions. See this post for a bit more info: gmat-study-plan-for-gmat-novices-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html

g00mbs · Answer

So basically there is no easy decision here.

Does the gmat prep give you a breakdown of what kinds of questions you got wrong?

bb · Answer

No - that's one of the weaknesses of GMATPrep, but this is irrelevant if you are just starting out - you will get a little bit of everything wrong and you can count yourself how many CR's, SC's, and RC's you will get wrong.

The advantage of GMATPrep - it gives your real GMAT Score.

smashingpumpkins · Answer

You can download Barrons or Cambridge ET prep plus and start with it..but i think OG test gives a fair picture

alwynjoseph · Answer

Hi

My friend took MGMAT sample and scored only 43 in quants ( screwed around 19 questions out of 37), but he got 48 in GMAT prep. Is MGMAT's quants are tough, do they reflect actual GMAT

bigoyal · Answer

I agree, MGMAT quants are very tough as compared to GMATPrep

topher · Answer

In my opinion you should just use a GMAT Prep. Just don't review anything. If your prep time is going to be long, you won't remember the questions at the end of your prep when you take the GMAT Prep tests for real. Also, if you improve over your prep, you will not see the same questions.

highhopes · Answer

Exactly what I was going to say. If you get a repeat question - who cares, if you've improved maybe you'll get it right and if you get it wrong a second time, you can review it and know that you're really bad at those types of questions.

alwynjoseph · Answer

Hi

Any one have any idea on teh crack GMAT free test. is it a CAT, what is the difficulty level compared to GMAT Prep.
I am completing my maths study and planning to start verbal preparation

fopllowing are my quants score

MGMAT 46
Crack gmat 40
GMAT club test , got 25 questions correct out of 37
GMAT Prep 48.

Please advise shall i move. my areas of weaknesss is inequality in specific where my mistakes are careless ones & combinations.

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