GMAT Strategy

Hi lukebowes1234,

A 660 is a strong first CAT score (the average on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). Before I can offer any advice though, I'd like to know a bit more about your studies so far and your overall plans:

1) How long have you been studying?
2) What resources are you using (or plan to use)?
3) When you took this CAT, did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?

4) When are you planning to take the Official GMAT?

In answer to your question, I'd say that you have a very good shot at a 730+ score. You'll likely have to hone your Quant skills a bit (and learn some Quant-Specific tactics), but that shouldn't be too difficult as long as you have the necessary time and resources.

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

Hi lukebowes1234,

With an early August Test Date, you have about 6 weeks of study time - that might seem like a lot, but it will pass by quickly. As such, you have to infuse a bit more 'realism' into your studies so that you can become as familiar with the specifics of Test Day as possible.

When you take your CATs, you must take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections) - this will help to build up your endurance. When it comes to practice problems, some book work is to be expected, but you'll want to put a greater emphasis on computer-based work - since that is what you'll be doing on Test Day.

Using your initial CAT score for reference, it looks like you'll need to spend more time on the Quant section than on the Verbal section. For now, you can study as you see fit, but you should plan to take a FULL CAT every 1-2 weeks. Those CAT results will provide vital information that we can use to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your study plan.

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

Hi lukebowes1234,

With the GMAT, it sometimes takes time for lessons/tactics/etc. that you've just learned to 'sink in.' Since this recent score is essentially identical to your prior score, the approach that you took with this CAT is likely consistent with how you approached your initial CAT.

What did you study over this last week? Have you been working on practice problems or have you been attempting to learn new tactics?

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

Hi lukebowes1234,

After taking each CAT, it's important to do a full review of the CAT. You'll obviously be interested in the questions that you got wrong, but you have to ask WHY you got them wrong - by defining those causes, you then have something that you can work to fix.

How many questions did you get wrong because of a silly/little mistake? What could you have done to keep that little mistake from happening (hint: the answer will usually involve taking more notes)? It's also worthwhile to physically redo those questions, so that you can work on your 'mechanics' - don't just say "I'll do better next time" - train to do better NOW.

You might also find it useful to post any individual questions from your CAT in the Forums here. You'd be amazed how many different ways you can learn to approach prompts.

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

Hi lukebowes1234,

That's great news about your progress. I should warn you that taking CATs on back-to-back days is NOT a good idea, so you'd be better served sticking to 1 FULL-LENGTH CAT per week.

Is there anything that you can describe as being different/better about how you handled these CATs (compared to how you handled the others)?

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