Difference between mock score and real GMAT

Hi linuschoudhury,

The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. Since that algorithm is proprietary, no GMAT company has an exact match for it, thus CAT scores can vary a bit based on the 'biases' involved in their respective designs. While the most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC, retaking a CAT that you've already taken is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills - since you will likely see some 'repeat' questions that you have already faced. Unfortunately, seeing even a couple of repeats can 'throw off' the Scoring Algorithm and impact your pacing, energy levels, fatigue, etc. (meaning that they would likely all appear to be better than they actually are). Thankfully, the CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT and Veritas are all 'close enough' to the real thing that they will provide you with a relatively realistic score assessment (assuming that you correctly take the CAT in a realistic fashion that matches the parameters that you will face when you take the Official GMAT) - so you can use any NEW CATs from any of those sources next.

Approximately 2.5 months ago, you noted that you had been consistently scoring in the high-600s. Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied in total? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far? What "brands" of CATs/mocks have you used?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Hi,
1. Been studying for a year, but not being able to dedicate time until recently, so the preparation was not consistent.
2. Used e-gmat, didn't really suit me, my score went down in their mocks. Now just using ExpertsGlobal practice mocks, and hardcover books, I am not really a video tutorial person.
3. I will be taking official test by the month end, consistently scoring 700+ in mocks, recent being 730 (Q47 V43 IR8),
4. Applying IIMs and some one year programs abroad, Round 1.

Hi linuschoudhury,

Since your immediate question/issue is whether the ExpertsGlobal Scores are an accurate reflection of your current 'ability level' or not, we need some other data for comparison purposes - and we might need to consider how you took those Tests (re: how rigorous were you about making that process match-up with how you will take the Official GMAT). Have you taken any of the 6 Official GMAC CATs or any CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT or Veritas? If you did, then when did you take those CATs and how did you score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich