Discrepancies in my GMATPrep Exam 1 and Exam 2

Question

I took the GMATPrep Exam 1 and received a 530 31V 32Q. I was disappointed in this score, so I immediately took Exam 2. For Exam 2, I received a 680 36V 47Q. Upon review of Exam 1, I noticed that in the quant section I did make some careless mistakes, did not answer the very last question, and missed 5 questions in a row. Also, for Exam 2 I took a different approach for SC questions. I took them both in the library under normal testing conditions. What could explain the large discrepancy between the scores and what score would be a be a better representation of what I can do?

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

Arro44 · Answer

The main difference seems to have been your concentration.
People often underestimate the impact of "focus" on the GMAT.

If both test were given under realistic circumstances, you are probably closer to the second result (given you a fresh and focused)

All the best,
Chris

AjiteshArun · Answer

As long as you were not already familiar with any of the questions on your GMATPreps, the second is a better estimate of what you  can  do. But we don't want to use that score to say what is likely to happen on the actual exam. For that you should take more practice tests. Remember to ignore the outliers, especially the highest score. It would be nice to score at or above the high end of the range we established in our practice tests, but it is better to plan keeping the rest of the data in mind. For example, if your scores are 650, 670, 680, 720, and 690, the 720 is not the one that should drive your planning.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi AMPICC01,

Just to clarify, did you actually take BOTH of the free practice CATs or did you take the first practice CAT a second time? Had you seen any of the questions on the second Test BEFORE (on a prior CAT, or as part of a practice set)?

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) Have you taken any other practice CATs - and if you have, then how did you score (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

HanoiGMATtutor · Answer

Obviously the higher score represents what you CAN do better. If you've hit 680, you can do that again. The question is whether you will actually convert potential to result. At this point, start your preparation confidently knowing that you can score at least a 680 given adequate studying. As  AjiteshArun  alluded to, there are many things that will determine your actual score, beyond what your current practice score is. Good luck studying!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi AMPICC01,

Wow, what a difference between those two scores! So, as Arro44 said, your lack of focus could have been the cause of your lower score. That being said, it may be worth taking another practice exam to see how that score compares to your scores on the first two GMATPrep tests.

Also, are you just starting to study for the GMAT? When is your actual GMAT? What is your score goal? You may find it helpful to read this article about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT .

Discrepancies in my GMATPrep Exam 1 and Exam 2

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