Whether you’ve just started studying for the GMAT or have been studying for a while, we’re confident you’ve taken at least one GMAT mock test offered by your GMAT test prep firm or from the plethora of tests available online. Now you must be wondering how to assess or analyze your GMAT mock test performance, or what are the dos and don’ts while planning the mock test strategy.
If you have similar questions, this is the right article for you. We are going to talk more about the mock test and how you should create a test strategy.
To have a proper strategy, lets first understand:
What is the Purpose of Mock Test?
Mock exams have four main objectives when it comes to the GMAT.
- It exposes your strengths and weakness.
- Expose gaps in test taking strategies
- It will help you determine how much prepare you are for the exam
- It will also build your stamina and concentration for GMAT
Now, these purposes will of course apply to you depending on where you are in your preparation.
Another fact that you should consider, that is going to help you with your strategies is
When to take GMAT Mock Tests?
As we have discussed earlier about the 4 different purposes of a mock test and how they will differ depending on your preparation level, but have ever wondered, when is the best time to begin taking mock tests? Or should you start preparing by taking as many mock tests as possible?
The right answer is that you should start by taking a GMAT practice test at the start of your preparation to determine how close you are to your target score and how you should improve your preparation. This way you can diagnose your problem areas at the earliest stage of your GMAT preparation.
In the refine phase of your GMAT preparation, you may take the next mock. One can also take many mock tests at this time.
Now let’s discuss the important part, which is:
How many GMAT mocks should you take and how often?
Apart from the first mock test, that you took right in the beginning you should schedule at least two mock tests at the end of your preparation. If time allows, you should definitely go for more and have 3 days minimum in between 2 tests. This was you can work on your previous mistakes and not repeat the same mistake on your next GMAT mock test, which ideally you should not. These tests should be full-length from a reputable source so that you can acquire genuine information to work with.
You should always look for best books for GMAT preparation to understand effective test-taking tactics, frequent question types they’ll see on the exam, and best practices for maximizing your study time. These books will also give a better insight and understanding of GMAT paper pattern.
Now, let us quickly take a look over basic dos and don’ts to assist you in getting the most out of your GMAT mock test.
Do’s
- Take the test with utmost seriousness, and be honest in your evaluation. The main goal of the examination is to determine your strengths and weaknesses so that you can make your strategies accordingly.
- Try to time your practice exams to coincide with when you have or planning to take your GMAT exam. Schedule your test days in advance so that you can clear up that particular time slot beforehand. Sticking to a plan like this has been shown to help your mind recall and perform better.
- If you plan to take AWA and IR before Quant and Verbal on test day, then practice with the mock tests in the same order. Maintain the order that works best for you.
Don’ts
- Don’t take longer breaks than the ones you’ll get on your actual GMAT exam, and don’t interrupt the tests in the middle if you are weary or for any other reason. Take the mocks all at once. It’s a time bound test, so pausing won’t help you improve your time management skill. When you sit down to take your GMAT practice test, double-check that you have completed all other tasks and that you do not have any predictable reasons to pause. To avoid distractions, turn off your phone if necessary.
- Don’t take extra time in answering one question. Stick to the time limit you’ll be given on your actual GMAT exam. If you are unable to respond within the time limit, continue with the next question. It may be challenging to find time in your early practice sessions, but you should make an effort to stick to the given GMAT test time.
- Don’t be concerned about your blunders. Instead, use them as a learning opportunity so that you don’t make the same mistakes on exam day. With more knowledge, time, and practice, you will get better at each test.
So, in all GMAT Mock test gives a preview of what you should except during your exam, or more like it serves as a mirror of your actual GMAT paper pattern and you should try to recreate the authentic GMAT as much as possible.!
And these mock tests will indeed help you in boosting your scores, hence one should not underestimate the important role that they play in planning your GMAT prep.
As they assist you in creating study plans, develop a way to target your weak areas, and will help you in managing your time in a better way. Based on your mock test scores you can look for GMAT online coaching and have a customized plan to start at your own pace so that you can give your best during your main exam.