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To take a practice test first, or focus on fundamentals?

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by LiquidFireAK » Tue Oct 29, 2013 7:30 am
Hi All,

I've been studying GMAT for about 3 weeks now. I've been reading the OG, and ManhattenGMAT.

My question is: Should I take a CAT test first to gauge how I do?
Or should I learn all the fundamentals, and do questions that improve my fundamentals before taking CAT?
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by [email protected] » Tue Oct 29, 2013 11:25 am
LiquidFireAK,

Since you've done some reading/practice already, it would be a good idea to "measure" your current ability with a full-length CAT. You will probably end up with a score that does not make you happy, BUT training to endure a CAT is part of the process. You'll also get a sense of your pacing skills and what areas you need to spend some extra time on.

You can't learn to ride a bicycle by reading about it; at some point, you have to get on one, fall over and get on again. Taking CATs is no different. So, set aside a 4-hour block of time to take the entire CAT and try to take it under test-like conditions. Once you have your scores, report back here and I'm sure that there will be plenty of people who will offer additional advice (myself included).

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by David@VeritasPrep » Tue Oct 29, 2013 6:30 pm
Have you taken a CAT at all? If you have never taken one you need to do so in order to have some idea of where you are (do you score a 400 or a 700?)

If you have already taken a good practice test, and you have an idea of where you stand, then you might want to wait a little longer than three weeks of studying to take another test. In my opinion, learning the fundamentals and the strategies for the various questions is necessary before you can really work on things like pacing and endurance. You have to know how to run before you can begin to time yourself.
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Wed Oct 30, 2013 6:59 am
If you're interested, I recently wrote an article called Take a Practice Test Already (https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2013/05/ ... st-already), in which I examine several reasons to take a practice test early in one's preparations.

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by VivianKerr » Fri Nov 01, 2013 6:26 pm
I have to agree, take a practice test at the beginning of your studies can be a great baseline by which to measure your progress, and help tell you WHAT to focus on next. After you take the practice test, I'd suggest doing a thorough error log to help you pinpoint your weaknesses and build out your study plan!
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