GMAT Strategy

It's a good idea to take an official practice test (https://www.mba.com/the-gmat/download-fr ... tware.aspx) at the beginning of your studies. This will give you a good baseline score and it will give you an idea of the length of time it will take you to reach your target score. For more about the importance of taking a practice test, see my recent article: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2013/05/ ... st-already

Cheers,
Brent

red217 wrote:
i did take a practice test and was overwhelmed with disappointment, i scored a 320!!!..
Yes i know that i wasnt familiar with the pattern as well as my math basics needs review but i feel as if i wouldnt be able to come up to a respectable score. im not aiming for a 750 or above but 600-700 seems very unrealistic to me..

Don't be disheartened, and don't lower your expectations.
The practice test provide baseline scores only. This will undoubtedly be your lowest practice test score. Your next practice test will help you gauge your improvement/trajectory.

red217 wrote: Should i register for the test or take time preparing first?

I find that students who don't set a test date often let their studies wane, so I typically encourage them to register to take the test 2 to 4 months from the day they start preparing (the timeframe depends largely on how much time the student is able to devote to prep work).

At the same time, I typically suggest that students achieve their target score on at least 2 practices tests before they take the official test. So, if your test date is approaching and you haven't reached your target score, you'll probably have to reschedule your test (for a $50 fee)

red217 wrote: Any more suggestions you can me regarding my preparation strategy?

You might consider signing up for BTG's free 60-Day Study Guide (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide).
Each day, you will receive an email with a series of learning activities that guide you, step-by-step, from Day 1 to test day. This will ensure that you will cover everything that the GMAT tests.

Here's an outline of all 60 emails: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-guide-outline

Cheers,
Brent