Why is GMAT Diagnostic Test Crucial For Your Success?

Let me get straight the point:

As we all know GMAT comprises of 3 broad sections: Quantitative, Verbal and Analytical Writing Assessment.

The quantitative section in turn consists of "Problem Solving" and "Data Sufficiency". This section is considered easy to score when compared to the Verbal section. The reason for this is that most of the questions appearing in the quantitative section are very basic and are based on basic principles of Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry: which are subjects taught at school. Many aspirants taking the GMAT test have on average about 2-3 years work experience and it is very easy for them to forget the basics of what have been taught at school. This is where the diagnostic tests come to help.

Giving the correct direction:

Diagnostic tests can help you in measuring your current preparedness for the test. Sample questions corresponding to all sections of the GMAT are included, which will aid you to pinpoint your strong points and weakness both in your basic understanding of concepts and your aptitude levels. In the case of quant and specially problem solving, the diagnostic test gives you in black and white, what you need to focus on and which are the basic concepts that you are missing. This is basically telling you to get back to the reference book of your choice and start from the basics.

To prepare and score well, it is better to do a thorough preparation for approximately 2 months, of which, a month should go into preparing, understanding and recollecting the basic principles of all the areas of the test. The unconsumed one calendar month should be entirely dedicated to giving as many GMAT practice tests as possible.

In order for your preparation to be competent and streamlined, you need to be absolutely careful of which areas to stress more on and which areas to just scan through without wasting much time. The GMAT assessment test gives you an accurate picture of your current preparation levels and therefore, points you in the right direction. This is to ensure that you first month of preparation time is spent on the right areas.

Setting Appropriate Targets:

Setting a target score right before you begin your preparation is absolutely imperative. Without a aim, there is a high possibility of wandering aimlessly and not achieving a truly good score that you deserve.

These diagnostic tests also present you with a potential GMAT score (out of 800) and with this score as a benchmark, you can set yourself an appropriate target score. With proper planning and preparation, there is a high possibility of getting an improvement of about 13%-18% over your initial levels. So if in your initial assessment test you get 600, you can set yourself a target of 700 and start preparing for that score.

Considering the importance of the above mentioned points, whether or not you take a GMAT diagnostic test can make or break your overall score. Having said that, you need to choose the right assessment tools. There are plenty of free GMAT practice tests available online. All you need to do is choose the one which can provide you with those details accurately and thoroughly.

Author is a GMAT Educator for over 8years. He is instrumental in training and educating several thousand students for the GMAT exam. He writes regularly on GMAT related topics, discussion and is now the force behind GMATLive, an online educational portal dedicated to GMAT online education.

visit the site at http://www.gmatlive.com

Distance Learning - Education Created Around Your Child's Learning Style

One of the limitations of traditional schooling is the classroom setting. Most traditional school classrooms are run by one teacher who has a particular teaching style. Good teachers try to vary their teaching styles and try to incorporate as many different learning styles as they can into their daily lessons. But often, students who have particular learning styles can be left out in a traditional school classroom and can be frustrated by an inability to engage in the learning process.

Discovering your child's particular learning style might take some time, but after some assessment and observation, you will discover much about the way your child learns. Most children fall into learning categories. Auditory learners will respond well to oral instructions and will learn well in classes where the teacher gives information orally. These students learn best by listening and talking. Visual learners prefer written instructions and are best able to recall something if they've seen it written down. These learners will learn by watching, so video presentations are a good way to match their preferences. Tactile learners learn best through touching so manipulatives are an important teaching tool for them. They learn best through drawing and creating, using projects like dioramas and models. Kinesthetic learners also learn best through touching, but they also need to involve their whole body in the learning process. They remember material if they act it out. Global learners are intuitive and apt to be spontaneous. They like information to be given in a lively and entertaining manner and they get bored easily. Global learners learn best with attractive materials and they work well in groups.

Once you have a strong sense of your child's learning style, you can then search out a distance learning program in which your child will find success. Remember that simply because your child has a particular learning style, that doesn't mean that he can only learn though those methods. Learning styles are simply ways that students learn best. In order to maximize your child's learning, that learning style can be utilized the most. But other learning styles can be used as well, and children should be encouraged to learn using a variety of styles.

When searching for distance learning programs to meet your child's learning style, take a look at the method of instructional delivery. Often, in an online course, a student is responsible for reading a lesson. The online environment is very strong for visual learners. If your child is an auditory learner, look for a more interactive environment where information may be delivered orally. Perhaps your student will be able to listen to lectures or to watch a video presentation of a class. Video classes are a good option for both auditory as well as global learners.

Look at the way the students are assessed. Many auditory learners are best at giving information orally. See if you can find a distance learning program where this is an option. Find out of presentations are an option for assessment. Portfolios of projects are a good way of assessing a tactile or kinesthetic learner. Speak with the distance learning school to see how flexible they are in terms of meeting many different learning styles.

To learn more about a quality, distance learning school please visit Customized Learning at Laurel Springs School. Laurel Springs School is an accredited, college prep private school offering distance learning programs and teacher services for students in grades K-12. Laurel Springs uses web-based communication tools, a standards-based curriculum, and personalized instruction to offer students the highest quality home education experience based on your child's learning style.