OG, GMATPrep, and resources

Hi michaelm.allison,

Each of the 4 GMATPrep CATs (the 2 free ones that came with the software download and the 2 additional ones that you can purchase) are all computer-adaptive. If you're looking to purchase additional full-length computer-adaptive CATs, then you can find "blocks" of CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT and Veritas.

Have you taken any FULL-length CATs yet? If so, then how have you scored?
What is your goal score?

With an early February Test Date, you still have the better part of 2 months to study, so you can make some big improvements. You might end up having to invest in some additional resources though, since "book-heavy" study can sometimes be limiting.

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

Hi michaelm.allison,

If you're looking for free practice tests, many of the test prep companies on this forum offer a free test.
I should also mention that the official GMATPrep test is a fantastic resource, but when students see that it contains two practice tests, they assume that they can take each test only once, and if they do take them a second time, the questions will be the same.
This is not true. The GMAT is computer adaptive and questions are drawn from a large pool of questions. So, while you may see the occasional duplicate question, the majority of questions will be new to you.

If anyone is interested, I wrote an article for BTG on this topic: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/03/ ... iple-times

Cheers,
Brent

Hi Mike,

Since you've put in this latest "chunk" of study time working with a tutor, I think that it would be interesting to see how well you perform on this next CAT - thus, I'm not going to offer any recommendations until we see your scores. I will advise that you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections) since that's what you'll have to do on the Official GMAT and there's no other way to test your endurance, fatigue and overall pacing.

As to your other questions and concerns:

1) You shouldn't worry about burning through the 4 GMATPrep CATs. While they are arguably the most accurate and realistic of all the available CATs (and you shouldn't waste them) they are not the only useful CATs that you can use during your studies. There are plenty of other reputable CATs that are close enough to the real thing to provide you with a realistic experience and set of scores.

2) Can you cite the source (or sources) that say that Kaplan, PR and/or MGMAT can "get away" from the style of the GMAT? And under what context is this evaluation offered? Is it in regards to occasional practice questions or is in regards to many (or most) practice questions.

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