GMAT Score Estimate

Question

Hello! I am looking to shed more light on the GMAT Score Estimate in my workbook. I'd like to better understand how it works and what factors are driving it -- for instance -- over the past 7 days I am getting 91% accuracy on my verbal questions but my estimate remains at 37. Any and all clarity is very helpful! Thanks.

Kelzie01 · Answer

Well, the type of questions you're doing are going to have an impact. Are they a mix of 500-700 level?

Also, I wanted to add I don't think it's super accurate for a variety of reasons. Suffice it to say that I routinely score 730+ on full length CATs, but my score estimator is often in the low 600s. It's a tool, but not one you should rely on overmuch.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lpetroski,

The Scoring Algorithm for the Official GMAT is proprietary; as such, nobody else has an exact match for it. Certain CATs, when used correctly, will give you a reasonably accurate score assessment, but even they have their own inherent 'biases.' Other practice resources can provide practice questions that are fairly similar to what you'll face on Test Day, but those sources cannot truly provide an accurate score equivalent to what you'll earn on Test Day.

1) How have you been scoring on your FULL-LENGTH CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
2) What is your score goal?
3) When are you planning to take the GMAT?

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

lpetroski · Answer

Hi Kelzie01 - thanks for your reply! Most of the verbal questions I have done are 700+ -- fair enough that it's just a tool! I wanted to understand better so that I don't waste my CATs trying to get an idea of where I'll land on test day :D

lpetroski · Answer

Hi Rich,

thanks for the reply. I re-started on my study strategy 2 weeks ago and have been going through manhattan prep books and then doing drills here. My last score was a 650 but my range was pointing me towards a 620-630 and I want to be in the 650-700 range so I decided to reassess my strategy -- I haven't taken another CAT since -- planing to finish the books first. I have my exam 6 weeks from now.

lpetroski · Answer

Hi Rich,

thanks for the reply. I re-started on my study strategy 2 weeks ago and have been going through manhattan prep books and then doing drills here. My last score was a 650 but my range was pointing me towards a 620-630 and I want to be in the 650-700 range so I decided to reassess my strategy -- I haven't taken another CAT since -- planing to finish the books first. I have my exam 6 weeks from now.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lpetroski,

Assuming that you took your CATs in a realistic fashion, and that the 650 is accurate, you're remarkably close to a 700+ right now. However, we really have to define the details of those score results and how you're currently training for the GMAT.

1) What were the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores when you scored 650?
2) Did you take the FULL CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?

3) When reviewing that CAT, how many questions did you get wrong because of a silly/little mistake? How many did you get wrong because the question was too hard?

Going forward, you should plan to take a FULL-LENGTH CAT every week or so.

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

lpetroski · Answer

Hi Rich

Well, a 700+ would be amazing!

my past 3 scaled scores (last score was a 630...)

3/1/16 Q39 V41 Overall: 650 
9/1/16 Q42 V31 Overall: 610 
10/1/16 Q37 V39 Overall: 630

I always took the full exam! And honestly, the last time 1/2 were silly mistakes on math and 1/4 easy fixes on verbal.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lpetroski,

To start, taking 3 CATs in 8 days was NOT a good idea - and you should NOT do that again. The general rule should be no more than 1 FULL-LENGTH CAT per week. There's some serious fluctuations in the Scaled Scores on these 3 Exams - which means that either you took these CATs under varying 'parameters' (time of day, location, state of mind, etc.) OR your knowledge/skills are not strong enough yet to be considered consistent.

By your own definition, if many of the wrong answers were due to little mistakes or 'fixable issues', then THAT is what you really need to focus on. The precision in your work (or the lack of it on certain questions) requires a greater focus on your part. Work to take more/better notes and proceed through questions efficiently. You might just be able to fix all of these issues on your own.

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

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