Question about the free CAT exams

by **stelian_mavrodiev** Wed Feb 23, 2011 10:14 am

Hello everyone

I got the GMAT books from a friend and started to study some time ago. On one of the books I saw this amazing website, registered and even finished one of the free CAT exams. The result was promising for me - 640 points (but without time limit and doing it from my work place) so now I want to start 2nd free CAT exam but don't have the option... Is it a bug or have I misunderstand something when I read 6 free exams?

by **StaceyKoprince** Wed Feb 23, 2011 2:01 pm

There's only 1 free CAT exam, not 6. You get access to 6 exams when you buy the books, but the code given in the books can be used only once. Since you got your books from a friend, presumably your friend already used the code.

You can buy access to the exams by themselves. You can also buy one of the books again to get access. (FYI - Last I checked, it was actually cheaper to buy a book - buying the exams by themselves cost more! So look into that.)

Also, you said you took that test untimed. Don't do that again. Taking a test untimed tells you NOTHING about your actual current scoring ability. Timing is a HUGE component of the test. I don't want to bring you down, but I also don't want you to be too shocked - don't expect a huge increase from where you were before. You may even have a decrease, depending upon how much extra time you spent before, and how prepared or unprepared you are for the timing aspects of this test now.

I strongly recommend that you read your copy of our free e-book The GMAT Uncovered. It's in your student center.

by **stelian_mavrodiev** Thu Feb 24, 2011 4:09 am

Thank you for the quick answer!

The thing is I only need over 500 points for the school I want to apply and can't afford to buy books or try exams at the moment... I think it will be possible to make 500+ with the material I managed to get (7 different books). Guess I'll just need to look in the web for another free test and do a time run.

And yes the e-book is very helpfull I'm reading it now.

Thanks again for your help!

by **StaceyKoprince** Fri Feb 25, 2011 3:04 pm

You're welcome!

When you create an account at www.mba.com (where you sign up for the test), you can then download 2 free GMATPrep practice tests. And most companies let you take one free test - that's how we get people to like our materials. :)

So you should be able to find enough to give you the practice you need!

by **noor.fz** Sat Apr 02, 2011 8:04 am

Hello there
i had the free cat and wondered if the result reflecting my abilities?
i had it timed!
second; i had a very bad score on the verbal and wondered if i can increase my percentage over 50 %?
we'll be happy to hear from you
thanx

by **StaceyKoprince** Tue Apr 05, 2011 11:26 am

Assuming that you took it under official conditions (or close to it), then yes, your score should reflect your current test-taking abilities. (Note that it does not necessarily reflect your current full knowledge - you may know more but still get a lower score if, for example, you mess up the timing.)

There are lots of ways to increase your score. You will need to develop a study plan based upon the strengths and weaknesses you identify; this article can help:

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/02/ ... study-plan

by **thevishz** Mon Aug 01, 2011 5:19 pm

Hi,

I registered for free CAT Manhattan CAT and didnt take up yet. However i bought a book from manhattan store , that gave me access to 6 CAT'S and OG Archer. However when i login to student center page , i could see OG Archer but not 6 CAT's. All i could see is just access to one free CAT. Should i complete it first to reveal the access to remaining CAT's ?

by **jnelson0612** Fri Aug 05, 2011 1:55 am

Hi thevishz,
When you log into the account did you enter in the access code for the six practice tests? I'm wondering if the system is still perceiving you as someone who just has one free test, instead of someone who has purchased materials that allow access to the six CAT tests.