GMAT Club test accuracy/ need advice (score decreased by 100)!!!

Question

Hi,

I'm fairly new to GMAT club and I've been studying gmat for few months.
Before studying gmat, I took official practice test just to check where I am, and got 610 (44 quant 28 verbal)
I took gmat club test today to see how much I've improved and I was utterly shocked;
I scored 510. 40 quant, 21 verbal.
I was expecting at least 650 since I've been studying at least 2 hours a day. I just don't understand how my score decreased, not even stayed same, and now I'm doubting the accuracy of gmat club test & my ability.
Did this happened to anyone else? Like your scored decreased after you studied for months? I'm currently in college so I wanna finish taking gmat in 2 months (the semester starts in August). I would love to get ANY advice from anyone who experienced something like this.

Thank you!

DisciplinedPrep · Answer

hammypancakey - Welcome to GMAT Club!

First, I do not want to sound difficult but the GMAT Club questions are similar to the ones on the real GMAT in terms of flavor and pattern. Also, the scoring algorithm is great. Therefore your practices test score is more or less perfect.

That said, you need a strong plan to prepare for a test such as the GMAT. The number of hours does not necessarily translate to score improvement. For now, I would recommend that you start with the basics. Please review the GMAT Club study plan. Also, I would highly recommend that you enroll in a structured online course rather free tutorial videos available online. With the right resources, you can easily improve your overall score. All the best.

GMAT Club Study Plan: https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-study-plan-217827.html

mangamma · Answer

Hi, Welcome to GMATClub. Score difference will happen sometimes. So don't worry about the score. Check the wronly answered questions concepts and approch, took one more test in one week, and then check your accurancy.

MidhilaMohan · Answer

hammypancakey I went through a similar phase so lemme try and tell you what worked for me

1. GMAT test quant is extremely similar to the official GMAT and thereby the scores would more or less replicate what you might end up scoring in GMAT

2. The no. of hours spent studying can never translate to your GMAT score. Understand, GMAT is a test of intelligence than a test of mere Knowledge. A simple concept will be presented but it will test your concept to the core

3. What I would suggest is attack each topic individually and try and expert the syllabus topic by topic

4. Don't get demotivated by these scores, review each test until you know and understand where you went wrong.

5.Trust me by 5-6 tests and constant review and practice you would start seeing a good difference in your scores and these score have a high chance of replicating into your official scores

All the best!!!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hammypancakey,

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. The most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC, but retaking a CAT that you've already taken is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills. Seeing even a few 'repeat' questions 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 normally would be). 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), so you can use CATs from any of those sources during your studies.

For your next CAT, I suggest that you take a FULL CAT from one of the above sources and take it in a realistic fashion (take the FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections, take it away from your home, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, etc.). Once you have that score, you should report back here and we can discuss the results and how best to proceed.

Beyond that data, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) When did you begin your studies? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?

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

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

bb · Answer

I will just post this link so I do t repeat myself: https://gmatclub.com/forum/why-do-gmat- ... 85544.html Posted from my mobile device

hammypancakey · Answer

Ahhh, thank you so much everyone! I guess I'll focus more on the concept I don't grasp and follow a study schedule that fits me

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi hammypancakey,

As many have stated, studying for the GMAT does not automatically translate to a score improvement. For example, if you are just studying random questions from a GMAT book, your score likely won’t increase. That said, I am happy to provide some advice but first would like to know more about your situation with the GMAT. Once you respond to the questions already asked, I can provide further advice.

Good luck!

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