GMATPrep Default vs Exam Packs

Question

Here are my scores:
Default:
1) 730
2) 720

Exam pack 1:
1) 690
2) 680

Exam pack 2:
1) 680

I haven't done the last of exam pack 2 yet, but I feel like there is a big divide between my default scores and my exam pack scores. Quant scores dropped roughly 1 point and Verbal scores dropped a few.

I wrote the tests in the order that I listed them.

Just wondering if anyone has thoughts on the tests ( I did notice a typo in a question today where the answer choice should have been '36' but was instead marked as '32') T.T

Anyone else care to share?

akela · Answer

Hi grumpygrandpa , I think you should do well on the actual test. What are you section scores? Generally, GMATprep scores vary +/- 30 points from the actual score. This thread might also help you: https://gmatclub.com/forum/high-variati ... 64955.html Good luck on the D day! I hope you'll get the score you want

grumpygrandpa · Answer

Akela

For the GmatPreps, I'm usually at Q50s usually (sometimes 49, and today 48).
Verbal ranging from 32 - 38 (usuallly about V34)... it's just crazy with the swings (read MGMAT SC twice and did many OG questions + tons of Veritas Questions).

MGMAT sitting at 660.
Veritas had me all over the place too (650-700).

I've been working hard, trying to improve (after I saw the 730 and 720 from GMATPREP 1 and 2), but after several weeks of studying, I still have not seen any great progress. I'm really curious how the final test would go. I've seen the score predictor on gmat club as well. I'm just working on trying to improve (but my verbal refuses to go up in a consistent way).

ColumbiaEMBA · Answer

What I've found through posts here (haven't taken actual yet so can't comment) is that the official GMAT will very closely reflect your official GMAT prep exam scores. MGMAT tends to be 50-80 points lower than most official scores. No clue about v-prep. What are you aiming for? If 700, you're already there...

grumpygrandpa · Answer

strivingFor800

I really wanted 750 or higher. It seems no matter how hard I try to learn the lesson behind each question, I've hit a long 1-2 month plateau.

I guess if I see myself as 700 in skill, my range is 670 to 730... and most probably I'm going to score between 680 - 710.

I'm just totally farting out numbers at this point though.. =)

I've read cases where actual was much lower than gmatprep, and I've read just one case where it was the other way around.

ColumbiaEMBA · Answer

TBH, 500-600 is an easy 100 jump, but 670-770 is not. You need to really hone in on what you're getting wrong and why. This is the tine when you need to make error loggers and be super accurate and honest with yourself. i.e. Don't say everything is a stupid mistake if there is even 1% lack in comprehension. What's the breakout between quant and verbal? If you're lagging behind in Quant, there are some very nice posts on here which show you how to jump from Q49 to Q51. Also, some companies have courses for this purpose.

AjiteshArun · Answer

The tests in the default pack should be better than those in the exam packs. However, that is if you haven't seen those questions before. Working through copies made by test prep companies can also reduce the reliability of the official tests, and the default pack questions have been out a lot longer than those in the exam packs. If those (default pack) questions were "fresh" for you, you should absolutely back yourself to get a 700+ score.

grumpygrandpa · Answer

ty  AjiteshArun

Those were indeed fresh, and I always stayed away from any gmatprep questions on gmatclub. I did study from veritas and mgmat books but I don't think they use the default pack to publish in their books (might be wrong).

I didn't remember any question while doing those tests in any case.

I'll be trying a retake of Default GmatPrep 1, today. It has been about 1.5 months since I first wrote that, and I imagine that even if I see repeats, I won't quite remember them very well.

Just curious how many repeats a person usually gets? ( I guess it depends on if he improved a lot or if his skill level is around the same).

I read a long debrief yesterday about how a person was told to slow down on the verbal and try to really get the earlier part of the test right, instead of rushing through all questions. This person was told to do this from a 1-on-1 tutor who said that it would be better to do this slowing down method and guess at the end (with no more time left), than to rush through each question equally.

I wanted to try this new approach... I'm hovering around Q49-50, and V32-35. I just wanted to hear your thoughts on this approach?

AjiteshArun · Answer

I guess it depends on what kind of score you're looking for. For example, if you're looking for a score like 720 or 730 (your scores on the default pack tests), I think that the margin for error is rather small and that you'd have to be able to finish the test within the time given to you (without guessing on more than 2-3 questions in either section).

grumpygrandpa · Answer

AjiteshArun

Took actual test today. Got 640. I am totally shocked.

Q49 v28.

Lowest verbal in 15 different practice test was 32.. highest was 40.

No exam pressure, no exhuastion, no time pressure.

In fact I thought I was doing extremely well all along.

AjiteshArun · Answer

(a) I strongly believe that most test takers need at least two attempts to perform to their potential.
and 
(b) Differences between GMATPrep scores and GMAT scores usually come down to things like luck, exam pressure, and "recycled" (or "known") questions.

While it's unfortunate that you didn't get your target score, the important thing to remember at this point is that this happens to (in my opinion) most test takers and that you should continue to back yourself to do well. Consider your GMATPrep scores as a range of scores, with low probabilities at or outside both the high and low ends. I'd recommend that you work on shifting that range closer to your target score and then take the exam again.

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