brian2426 wrote:
Since the official GMAT Prep is suppose to be the most accurate are those scores the only ones that indicate what I will score on the real exam?
Pretty much but then, except for a couple of outliers (the
MGMAT test and the 3rd 800 score), your score range has been 550 - 620. Anyone with a current level of 580-590 is bound to get scores in this range. 20-30 point here and there is normal. The big concern here should be that you did not see consistent improvement.
A practice test has two main purposes:
1. It helps you train your mind to perform under stress (read timed conditions) for 4 hrs at a stretch.
2. It helps you identify your weak areas so that you can improve upon them.
There are many things a pratice test does not do: it doesn't help you understand the concepts you do not know, it doesn't give you time to think harder on the problems you do not comprehend easily, it doesn't make you capable of achieving a higher score in the next test etc. In addition, it eats up a lot of your time so until and unless you are devoting 8 hrs a day to your test prep, it is highly inadvisable to take many practice tests.
Ideally, you should take one diagnostic before you start your prep, then you should take a test after going through most of the theory and low and medium level practice questions from the material of your choice, and then after reviewing your weak areas again, you can take one practice test every week for 3-4 weeks (depending on your test date).
brian2426 wrote:
Should I keep taking any more practice exams with only a week left? What would you guys and gals do if in my position?
Definitely a 'no'. If your aim is to get around 600, try to relax and work on your weak areas. Your last GMAT prep tests scores were 570 and 590 (if the scores are listed in the order in which the tests were taken) so with some effort, you should touch 600. On the other hand, if you are aiming for something higher, you might want to postpone your test. I don't think you have been approaching the preparation in the right way. You need to put in effort to learn and apply the concepts. You need to practice a lot of questions un-timed before you decide that you are ready to give yourself the stress of a ticking clock. When you do take a practice test, you need to analyze each and every question thereafter to understand exactly what the question wanted, what you did, where you are lacking and how you can do better the next time around. Taking the test takes 4 hrs but analyzing it takes 8 hrs at least.
Honestly, at this point, I wouldn't expect a miraculous result (though I would hope for one). But with some effort, you could see miraculous improvement if you use the right approach.