More than one practice test/day?

[andrewhargrove]

I was wondering what the general consensus is regarding taking more than one practice test in one day...basically is it a big no-no? Thanks

[nishantarora.ldce]

I think its a big NO clearly. You should spend an equal amount of time you gave on the CAT, to do analysis of your score. also no CAT is complete till you have attempted the AWA along with it. Test yourself in real GMAT like conditions and if possible stick to the timings of the exams you prepare at home too as it would on the real test.

[StaceyKoprince]

NO NO NO. Definitely not. Never. No way.

Is my point coming across clearly? :)

There's really no good reason ever to take a test more than once a WEEK, let alone more than once a day. (And even once a week is reserved for only the last 2 to 3 weeks before the real test. Most of the time, tests should be taken only once every 2 to 4 weeks.)

CAT exams 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.

And you can take WEEKS to get better based on the results of just one test. I just went through a test with one of my students yesterday and we came out with enough stuff for her to study every day for 3-4 weeks.

It's not a good use of your time to take another test until you've actually improved based on the results of your previous test. Otherwise, the new test is giving you mostly the same data. If you're worried about timing, there are exercises you can do that don't require you to take an entire test. If you're worried about stamina, ditto.