Nazfat,

The format of the test is exactly the same. The transition that is underway affects the ownership of the "brand" and where the test sites will be. Everything in regards to the number, arrangement and types of questions will remain the same. Your old review books are still very useful and relevant.

Mazhar.

Mazhar and Rami ...THANK YOU so much...I cant thank you guys enough for these golden tips...Ramadan Mubarak to you :) salam

Salam,
I personally studied on my own and faltered initially like you but wound up doing well in the end alhamdulillah. I think in order to perform better you need to figure out why u didn't perform well in the first place. It may have been simply test taking jitters in which case more preparation may not hurt. Try to honestly assess where you need improvement before delving into more work. That being said, I highly recommend the official GMAT study guide available at mba.com. They actually came out w/ several new ones which are probably better than the old one I have. These contain actual GMAT questions so they're helpful in that regard. I found the kaplan math review helpful, and even their verbal study guide help is good. Their questions, however, were not really reflective of the real GMAT.
long story short, figure out where u need improvement, and work on that aspect. whether it's running out of time, probability problems, sentence correction, nervousness, etc. key in on the weaknesses and address them. Finally, I have a host of gmat tests, prep material, etc. that I'd be happy to share if u'd like it. good luck and if u have specific questions feel free to ask
salams,
Rami

W'Salaam and Ramadan Mubarak,

I teach the GMAT for the biggest test prep company and of course have taken the GMAT. Formal test prep has helped millions of people increase their scores. Courses provide a framework for every question type and engrain specific techniques into students' test taking approach. This is especially helpful on difficult questions where it's tough to even figure out where to begin. Qualified teachers feel personally responsible for ensuring student success and hold their students accountable for staying on track.

Full courses are expensive, certainly. But, spending over $1,000 on a class is often the motivation necessary to really pay attention and stay on schedule when preparing for test day. Since your GPA is already set in Registrar's Office ink, the largest factor for admission into an MBA program that YOU CAN change is your GMAT score. The correlation between a school's rank and starting salary post graduation is well demonstrated. For most people, spending a little extra now is a worthwhile investment.

Although there's great value to taking a formalized course, many people rely on self-prep and still excel. Either process is entirely dependent upon remaining focussed and disciplined.

Here are my recommendations if you choose to SELF-PREP. The information below is based on what I did to prepare (scoring in the 99th percentile)

First, sign up for the test. You need to be mentally prepared and begin targeting that date. Make certain you give yourself at least 10 weeks to prepare. There is no hard and fast rule to how much studying is necessary as everyone comes to the table with varied abilities, so a general rule I'd recommend is 12 hours per week (it's your future, invest more time if you can).

Second, go to the bookstore (used bookstores rock) and pick up 2-3 GMAT prep books. I opted for Kaplan, Peterson's, and Princeton Review. Most of them have CD-ROMs with full length practice tests, which you're gonna need. Make sure the software works for your computer.

Third, take a diagnostic or full length exam to assess your skills. It's essential to determine what your strengths are and know where you stand.

Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Et Cetera, STUDY-STUDY-STUDY-STUDY-STUDY.... Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. You MUST be exposed to EVERY ASPECT of the test in EVERY WEEK of your studies. Do NOT neglect any element of any section. It's essential to be comfortable with everything on the test when you ultimately take it.

In the first 4 weeks, Focus on your weaknesses. This is the time to really understand what mistakes you make and embrace them. Determining WHY you choose certain answers, WHAT the test-maker is looking for, and the patterns that are built in to every standardized test, your scores WILL improve on test day.

In weeks 5-10, you should be taking a full length practice test every week. Simulate test day and test taking conditions as much as possible. Download the Free PowerPrep or GMATPrep software from the website where you signed up for the test itself. If you haven't already, purchase a CD-ROM with full length practice tests (used book stores have them for under $10). You want to build your mental stamina and have plenty of test taking experience to build comfort and confidence for test day.

The final 3 weeks should have particular focus placed upon your strengths. Now is not the time to neglect the question types that will invariably yield you most of your points.

Remember to study every question type every week. It's so important and often neglected that I had to repeat it.

On test day, eat a well balanced and relatively light meal. Bring a bottle of water and piece of fruit for your break. Take a walk to increase circulation and clear your mind.

TIP: Getting regular excercise increases the flow of oxygen to the brain. This affords hightened mental acuity, alertness and function. Get active today.

Insha-Allah you will perform exceptionally well. I hope this helps!

Salaam,

Mazhar.