GMAT Strategy

After taking the GMAT, I thought I'd post my opinion on the practice exams that I took.

GMATprep is obviously the most accurate and effective indicator of how well you will do. I would SAVE these 2 tests until the last week before your exam. Not only does the exam look identical to the GMATprep software, the questions are much more similar in style than Kaplan or MGMAT.

Kaplan practice tests:
I thought these tests were great because they pushed you hard with difficult math and ridiculously boring RC questions. The CR and SC weren't noticeably diffucult, but overall, you are very challenged by these tests. Furthermore, severely under-score you, which I think is better than over-scoring because you won't get too cocky. I would add about 30-50 points to your kaplan score.

Manhattan GMAT:
These tests have some great math concepts and challenging SC. My biggest issue was with their scoring. Personally, i would rather be under-scored on my practice exams, but MGMAT is a little too generous. The week of my test, I took 2 MGMAT practice exams and scored a 790 and
800 respectively. I think the practice and explanations are EXCELLENT, but whatever score you get, subtract 30-50 points for a more accurate gauge of your true score.

I ended up getting a 710 because I struggled with CR and RC.

Overall, I think that all Kaplan and MGMAT are great sources for practice exams, but my advice is to not worry so much about the score you get with these practice exams and worry more about the concepts and approach to getting the questions right.

Nice score!

I would agree on the GMATPrep tests. Best ones out there. I also used Princeton Review's and would highly recommend them as well.