test score interpretation

I plan on taking a practice test to see where I stand.
Which test prep is better?
MGMAT or a GMAT test prep?

GMAT prep tests are provided by GMAC (it conducts the actual GMAT) free of cost to everyone taking the GMAT. It is assumed that the algorithm GMAT prep tests use is very similar to the one used in actual GMAT. Hence, they tend to give you a fair idea of your current standing.

All test prep companies use their own algorithms which they develop according of their understanding of the actual GMAT algorithm. The actual GMAT algorithm is not known to anyone outside GMAC.

Karishma, I have my test on 22nd, any suggestions how I can spend the last days before exam?

- MGMAT I - 620 (Q42,V33) -[did not write the essays also dint take a break between the sections
- MGMAT II - 720 (Q44,V45) - [ did not write the essay but took timed breaks]
- MGMAT III - 700 (Q46,V40) - [ wrote the essay and took timed breaks][/quote]
- GMAT Prep 1 - 760 Q48,V40
- MGMAT IV - 690 Q49,V37

I still have GMAT Prep II left also for some reason there are variations in my scores on MGMAT .esp verbal. I am practicing SC and CR everyday. and I do not face a lot of challenges with RC. Can I retry GMAT prep 1 again ?
Please do suggest

- GMAT Prep 1 - 760 Q48,V40
- MGMAT IV - 690 Q49,V37

I still have GMAT Prep II left also for some reason there are variations in my scores on MGMAT .esp verbal. I am practicing SC and CR everyday. and I do not face a lot of challenges with RC. Can I retry GMAT prep 1 again ?
Please do suggest
[/quote]

22nd of March? If yes, then what are you keeping the GMAT prep test 2 for? Take it right away if you haven't taken it and analyze it very properly. Re-do every Quant question where you had a doubt and every Verbal question. It will take 2 days and then you will have just 2 days left. In the last two days, just relax. Try to keep a cool head, get involved in whatever works for you - some sport, yoga, long walks - anything that relaxes your nerves. A cool head will add much more to your score as compared to 2 days of cramming. A couple of hrs before the test, take a quick look at all the formulas you want to remember in Quant. Then just go and take your test - remember, one or two questions will not change the game so don't get stuck and waste precious time, keep moving.

Thanks Karishma,took the gmat prep II got 770 (Q50 V44).. was a little worried about the variation in the score of MGMAT.




22nd of March? If yes, then what are you keeping the GMAT prep test 2 for? Take it right away if you haven't taken it and analyze it very properly. Re-do every Quant question where you had a doubt and every Verbal question. It will take 2 days and then you will have just 2 days left. In the last two days, just relax. Try to keep a cool head, get involved in whatever works for you - some sport, yoga, long walks - anything that relaxes your nerves. A cool head will add much more to your score as compared to 2 days of cramming. A couple of hrs before the test, take a quick look at all the formulas you want to remember in Quant. Then just go and take your test - remember, one or two questions will not change the game so don't get stuck and waste precious time, keep moving.[/quote]

You must have heard numerous times that GMAT prep test is the best indicator of your actual GMAT score. Generally, your GMAT score varies within +-50 points of your GMAT prep test score. I would suggest you to focus only on your GMAT prep test scores. All test prep providers use their own algorithms which may be quite different from the GMAT/GMAT prep test algorithm. We do not know how robust they are and how well they can estimate your ability every time. Hypothetically, if you take GMAT on 7 consecutive days, chances are you will get 7 scores within a range of 20-30 points of each other. If you do the same for tests of any other provider, you will get scores within a range of upto a 100 points, I think.

Tests from prep providers are useful in establishing timing strategies, identifying weaknesses and learning how to handle pressure. Do not take the score you get very seriously. Some people score much more in GMAT prep test than in MGMATs while others score much more in MGMATs as compared to scores in GMAT prep test. Either way, you cannot guess which side your score will tilt on the actual day.

Remember to keep your cool and have faith in yourself. Also, be flexible during the test; don't be stubborn. Do not spend more than 3 mins on any question (until and unless all you need to do is say, solve an equation, and you will get the answer). One or two bombed questions will have almost no noticeable impact on your score.
I say this again and again, "GMAT is a game of wits." You keep yours about you and nothing will go wrong.