When to take 1st CAT?

[kmccuen3]

I am just now beginning my prep work and have strategy guides 0 - 9 at hand. When should I take my 1st CAT?

- Before any formal type of studying in the strategy guides?
- After reading the road map but before reading the individual strategy guides?
- After reading every guide and practicing problems?

Thanks.

[StaceyKoprince]

Now. Soon. In the next week. You're using the first CAT to set your baseline - to know what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can customize and prioritize your studies accordingly. It doesn't matter what your score is - don't stress about that. What matters is determining your individual strengths and weaknesses.

Read this:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... ould-i-do/

You can read some (or all) of the Roadmap first, if you want. I'd recommend reading The GMAT Uncovered guide (it's in your student center and it's only about 40 pages) first, then taking the test, then hitting the (big) books. :)