by Rich Cohen, EMPOWERgmat Rich.C@empowergmat.com
This series of emails and PMs focuses on situations that many Test Takers face during their studies. The names of the original posters have been changed to protect their identities.
Scaled Scores Usually (But Not Always) Lead to the Same Overall Score
Hi Rich,
I have a question. My friend took GMAT last month and got 700 (Q 48; V 37)
Is it always true that if I can get Q 48 and V 37 then my final score will be 700?
I know the percentile changes over time, but I’m gonna take GMAT next month and if I score Q 48, V 37 will my score be the same?
Jaxon
Hi Jaxon,
Scaled Scores tend to lead to a consistent result although there is a slight bell curve that can occasionally throw the overall result ‘off ‘ a bit (usually not more than 10 points in either direction though). This is meant to say that if you earn a Quant Scaled Score of 48 and a Verbal Scaled Score of 37, then you’ll likely get a 700, but it could be a 690 or 710.
DS “Design” Shortcuts
Dear Rich,
I am unable to comprehend the second statement in this DS question.
What is the value of n?
1. n is between 0 and 1
2. 7/16 is 3/8 more than n
Kedzie
Hi Kedzie,
DS questions are often built around certain patterns (Number Property Rules, etc.) that are useful to know. In that same way, there are ‘design’ patterns that can help you to avoid doing certain calculations. Here’s one particular rule that you'll find useful on DS questions:
"One simple variable, one equation… I can solve it"
For example, X + 4 = 10
Here, we have one simple variable and one equation, which means that we CAN solve it. In a DS question, we don't have to solve it to know that there is ONLY ONE ANSWER. By definition, with ONLY ONE answer, a Fact is considered SUFFICIENT, regardless of what the answer actually is.
In Fact 2, we're told that 7/16 = 3/8 + N
While this is a bit more complex-looking than normal, it is still just "one simple variable, one equation…", so you CAN solve it and answer the question. This is a SUFFICIENT piece of data.
Exam Pack CATs Provide Accurate Results When Used Correctly
Rich,
My question may sound weird but here it goes.
Over the last 2.5 months, I had consistently been getting scores in the range of 640 to 670 in the gmat prep and Mgmat exams since starting my prep 1 month ago. But last week I bought the exam pack 1 and have scored 710 and 700.. I don't understand this sudden increase in score. I have taken the exam under strict test conditions along with the AWA. So my question is "Is the difficulty level of the pack very less? or has my preparation really started to bring in the results?" My gmat is in 8 days.
Louis
Hi Louis,
It's possible (even likely) that you're starting to get comfortable with the "GMAT mindset" needed to score at a high level. You've seen enough material to know what to expect and your skills have improved/adapted to handle the rigors of a full GMAT CAT. As long as you've been taking the ENTIRE practice CAT each time (and not skipping any sections or doing anything else "unrealistic", then we can use those results as a reliable indicator of your ability.
Since you're scoring better now, you should stick to your routine. Don't try to do too much and don't take any full CATs too close to Test Day.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
