RJ

Prometric is a nation-wide test center. I know several places in Manhattan, and one in Brooklyn. There should be several in NJ too. When you register and pick a test center, check "New York (or New York City) besides NJ. It lists test centers in NJ as well. Based on my experience, seats at Prometric centers in NYC will be gone quickly. It's better to register very early.

Did you took the exam in Jersey City?? Then, it must be the same test center where I had the worst test experience in my entire life!!! I have to say Prometric test center is the safest place to take exams. During the speaking section, you would have some distructions at any center. But, at Prometric, you are promised to seat in a cubicle and have enough space. And, people there work very professionally. There is some colleges and language schools providing spaces for test in Manhattan, but why do you need to take a risk?? Go to Prometric (but try to register early, especially for the center in Manhattan).

I recommend EZ Solution's GMAT Advanced Workbook. Questions are hard, but its answer section shows every calcurations you need to solve questions. I just took the test today, and actually had very similer questions from this book.

Thanks, Lady Jane. I was so anxious because post office was slow lately & my test center (a part of collge) was to close for weeks for holidays. But, now I can relax and focus on my study and holiday. Thanks again & Happy holidays!

Hello, Could you pleas let me know how long Ielts' administration usually takes to send a confirmation for register? I registered over the internet on 5th (Fri), and mailed a payment & required documents on 9th (Tue). Since my test center is located in my town, it must have received my mail next day. I emailed the test center to see whether it received my mail, but I have neither received a confirmation nor a response yet. Do you think my registration wasn't successful & I have to register again? Or, I just need to be patient?? Please let me know. Thank you.

I hear you. I had exactly the same experience before. Since then, I've been very careful about which test center I register and what time I show up. Many people suggest to go early on the test day. But, if I start exam early, I'm distracted by other test takers speaking during my writing section. If I start late, then other people start speaking section while I'm still doing listening. Since I leanrned that I would be distracted at some point during the exam anyway, I decided to show up late and to have distractions during the listening section, which is my strongest part of the exam. And, you're right, getting used to perform in a distractive environment is one of the most important skills for toelf. I still don't think toefl is a reliable english proficiency exam. But, I do know it requires more than english skills. I hope your result is better than what you think:). Good luck.

Thank you, Paul E! For ielts newbby like me, this Economist's page is really helpful to get familier with statisticl compositions.

After my 1st horrible exam, I did OG11 again, and started OG10. Now I’m getting more correct answers and feeling better. BUT, I realized a flip side. I’m actually doing well just because I remember questions from OG11 when the same questions show up in OG10! My targeted score is 600. So, I’m looking for something challenging, but not too hard. And, something similar to actual gmat questions. What do you recommend? I would appreciate your advice:)

Thank you, bavananth!

Hi Lady Jane, I feel exactly the same way about toefl. I understand almost 100% about what I hear and read in speaking section, but watching a clock counting gets me in panic. I checked a bit of ielt's writing topics. I though they are more interesting to write than toelf's topics. Now I'm planning to take the exam in January. Hope I can get familiarize with questions by then. Wish me luck and Godd luck to you too.

Thank you, Bavananth. I was a bit hesitating to start my preparation from scrach again, but sounds like that's not nessesary. For speasking section, can I assume that it's more like an interactive chat with a real person face to face? I like that. That's better than TOELF's speaking section which is nonsense to me. I definetely give a shot. Thanks again.:)

Anyone who has experienced both TOELF and IELTS, cold you please let me know how they are different from each other? Which do you think better/reasonable to measure your ability? I've been struggling with my TOELF score, and now am thinking about to try IELTS. In toelf, my reading and listening score are good (usually 25+), but writing and speaking are low (around 20). My problems are a limited preparation & response time for speaking and boring writing topics. These lose my focus or make me nervous. What IELTS's writing and speaking section would like? Similar to TOELF? Any though about Toefl vs Ielts? I really appreciate your advice.:)

Have you tried this one? English1on1 - Learn to speak English Online with Native English Speakers This site has many questions with samplple responce and transcripts. Some of questions are not so toelf-like topic, but I find this very helpful to practice and develop my strategy.

Thank you, bhar rohit!!! Your advice totally make sense. I have to have more concret foudation. I will go through OG again (but more carefully) and focus on quality more than quantity. Thanks again!

I gave my 1st GMAT today, and it was very bad (400: V16 Q32). It was no surprise because I knew I was not yet ready. But, after postponing twice, I decided to give a shot (and now I know the reality!). I'm aiming to start MBA in Sep '09. But, because my work is busy like a hell from the end of the year to the end of tax season, I only have two more months that I can fully concentrate. Schools I am considering require only 550-600 minimum. It shouldn't be so hard, comparing to many of you looking for 700. But, still... Could you give me some tips to improve my score in a short time?? For my preparation, I went through most of OG11, Powerscore CR & SC bible, and 800Score. I only did a few prep test, which I should have done more. For Quant., Date Sufficiency is the weakest. Verbal... problems all over, but especially critical reasoning. Any recommendation for practice material, or methods? I really appreciate your advice. Thank you.