mock test - should I take the time or not?

Hi p3po,

If you're taking a CAT exam, then there should be a countdown clock that you can use for reference. Since this is your first CAT, you shouldn't be too worried about your pacing skills (because you're going to screw up the pacing on your first few CATs anyway). Try to answer the questions that you can and get through the Test as efficiently as possible. You probably won't be happy with the score, but since it's your first practice CAT, that result is okay. You'll improve from there.

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

I suggest that you keep the clock running. The primary purpose of this test is to determine your baseline score. In the future, you will take more practice tests, which you can compare to your baseline score to help gauge your trajectory. If you don't have turn the clock on now, but turn it on later, it will be hard to compare results.

Don't get too hung up about the score you receive here. Unless you have a remarkable history of mastering every activity (skiing, tennis, golf, guitar, piano, etc.) on your first attempt, you're probably familiar with the less-than-perfect outcomes that most mortals experience at the beginning of ANY new endeavor. The GMAT is no different.

Cheers,
Brent