First Practice Test Strategy

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First Practice Test Strategy

by wongee » Tue Oct 16, 2007 1:13 pm
Some of you have probably seen me posting on this website from time to time. I have been studying off and on, trying to put in time everyday after work..Anyways, today was my first practice test. GMATPrep 1.

Some background: I took Kaplan classes two yrs ago, scoring from 630 to a highest of 680 in my practice tests. I didnt think much or rather didnt know that the Kaplan scores skew on the lower side at that time. Anyways, I was confidently shooting for a 700+. Didnt happen. I screwed up BIG time! (cannot reveal my score...reallly embarrassed by it and it has followed me all this while).

Anyways, I stayed away from the work GMAT for so long as i couldn't make myself believe I could do soo badly. Now, finally when i decided to get back on it, I was feeling better. But as soon as i started this practice test today, I dont know what happened, I started by taking about 5 mins for the first one!!!!! 5 mins...That sealed the deal...i woudl look at a qtn and not know what to do with it...when on paper i could solve tougher ones too!! I think i had the same experience on the last test day too.

I guess I am looking for some thoughts;
- Practicing on computer makes a huge difference, yes?
- Need to overcome past bad encounter and suck it up!, yes?
- Need to take some classes where I have more access to online material, Yes?
- Work on timing/speed, yes?

In case you are wondering, well after the first ten qtns, i decided to forget about the time, and just did it at my own pace knowing fulling well i was wrong. I completed 25 qtns and havent yet attempted the Verbal! Am too scared and honestly disappointed. Need to start cracking again....ugh the test... FYI Aiming for 700+, and i know i can do it...am fine on paper....why do i lose it on the computer???
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Re: First Practice Test Strategy

by beatthegmat » Tue Oct 16, 2007 8:33 pm
It takes time to get used to the computer. I felt really uncomfortable as well during my first practice test, but after taking more and more practice tests I was able to adapt to the format.

Pacing is going to be critical for you. I suggest doing some searches on past pacing strategies on this forum as well as looking at the resource wiki.

If you do have some money to invest in your prep, a prep course might be a good option. I would recommend Manhattan GMAT (classroom or vitual course)--be sure to use the 10% discount available to BTG members, https://www.beatthegmat.com/discounts.html

Before you go the route of buying a class, I recommend taking the next few days or weeks continuing your self prep with a solid study strategy. It seems like you are pretty disciplined about your studies, so you may do fine just preparing on your own.

And of course, if you have questions, ask the community! We're here to help!

All the best!
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by wongee » Fri Oct 26, 2007 4:41 pm
Thank you for the advice! I will let you know how I progress.

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by beatthegmat » Fri Oct 26, 2007 9:37 pm
wongee wrote:Thank you for the advice! I will let you know how I progress.
Yes, please keep us updated! Good luck!
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