How often should I take the CATs? - One month until exam!

[coolhss]

Hi there -

My exam is on August 29th and I've been studying with MGMAT for only about a month now. I have taken three practice exams (one GMATPrep and two MGMAT). I've gradually been able to improve my score and would like to hit the 700 mark.

GMAT Prep : June 18: 560 (34Q/33V)
MGMAT CAT1: June 29: 610 (41Q/33V)
MGMAT CAT2: Jule 14: 640 (42Q/35V)

I only have a little over a month left until the exam. I have been putting in anywhere between 9 - 14 hours a week with homework and review after every class and will continue to do so until the day of the exam.

How often should I take the remaining CAT exams? Do I do one a week or spread them out until the exam even though I won't take them all?

Thanks in advance!

[StaceyKoprince]

You don't need to take them all.

Practice CATs are really good for (a) figuring out where you're scoring right now, (b) practicing stamina, and (c) analyzing your strengths and weaknesses. The actual act of just taking the exam is NOT so useful for improving. It's what you do with the test results / between tests that helps you to improve.

So don't just take them because they're there. :)

Test is 1 month away, current score is 640, so 60 points to go. 1 month may be enough or you may need a little more time - just FYI / be prepared for that possibility.

It sounds like you're taking the class. Most people need a good 2-3 weeks after the course is over for solid review, and this assumes that you are able to complete the homework each week. If you get behind on that and need to take some time after the course is over to finish the first pass through the materials, then you should still plan for at least 2 weeks after that to review.

If you'd like to get more detailed advice on what to do, give us some data on your strengths and weaknesses. Use the below to analyze your most recent MGMAT CAT(s):

http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ice-tests/

Then come back here and tell us the results of your analysis. (Note: do share an analysis with us, not just the raw data. Part of getting better is developing your ability to analyze your results - figure out what they mean and what you think you should do about them!)