How accurate are 800 score mocks?

Question

I have been preparing for GMAT for some time now and I am hoping to give an attempt by december first week to meet january deadlines.Gave my first GMAT mock from 800 score and I am satisfied with my Quant(49) score but got a disappointing(26) score in verbal with overall 630. I knew my verbal was on the weaker side coming into the test but I wasn't expecting a score that low. I found RC's way too lengthy (4 Passages each with 3 questions) and questions required way too much analysis and the time just wasn't there. I got 11/13 questions correct in SC but only 4/12 in RC . Any tips on how to improve?. Aiming at v40. Has anybody given 800 score mocks? Are they close to GMAT level?

Mkrishnabdrr · Answer

800 score tests aren’t that reliable. Please give an official gmat prep test to gauge your gmat stamina and plan accordingly working on your weak areas.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Utkarsh KOhli,

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) What is your overall goal score?

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

Mick1005 · Answer

HI EMPOWERgmatRichC
Thanks for your reply

1) I have been studying for about 2 months.
2) Study material used for verbal(Weak )-OG(mostly),Manhatten(2012) for SC and CR and GMAT club Forum.
For Quant- only OG and GMAT club Forum.(Relatively Strong. Familiar with all the basics)
3) Aiming for at least 730.

Thank you again.!!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Utkarsh KOhli,

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 (the 2 free CATs, and each of the 2 that come with Exam Pack 1 and Exam Pack 2), so I suggest that you study as you like for the next week, then take one of those CATs next. Once you have that score result, you should post back here and we can talk through what all of this data means and what you can do to improve on your Verbal Score.

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

Mick1005 · Answer

Hi .
Sorry for not checking back soon.
I had been practising heavily on my Kryptonite aka Verbal section. Gave 1st GMATPREP mock 3 days back (Free one) and scored q48,v38(710).
I was pleasantly surprised at this.But I must confess, most of the questions that came, it seemed I had already done them here on gmatclub .So I am not that happy. Anyways I am aiming q50 and V40. Any inputs will be appreciated.
Thanks

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Utkarsh KOhli,

Test Day is a rather specific 'event' - the details are specific and they matter, so you have to train as best as you can for all of them. The more realistic you can make your CATs, the more likely the score results are to be accurate. The more you deviate, the more "inflated" your practice scores can become - and that's likely what happened here. Seeing even a few 'repeat' questions can completely throw off the Scoring Algorithm - as well as your pacing, energy levels, stress, etc. By extension, we cannot assume that this practice CAT score is accurate. If you've done anything else that is not realistic (such as skipping the sections, taking the CAT at home, pausing the Exam, etc.), then your score could be further 'inflated.' From this point forward, you really must try to take your CATs in a realistic a fashion as possible - otherwise, we won't know exactly what you'll need to work on to improve.

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

Mick1005 · Answer

Hi EMPOWERgmatRichC.
You are absolutely right.
I am not going to take this score seriously. I will take another test next week and will update then.Till then I am going to prepare like I was doing before. Only after a couple of more mocks I will get to know my level correctly. Thanks your for your input. Appreciate it.

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