Inconsistent CAT results

Question

Hi everyone,

During my 2.5 months of prep I have taken 3 CATs. First one without any work (530: 36Q & 27V), second one after finishing the OG (680: 45Q & 39V) and the third one after finishing the OG Verbal and Quant reviews (600: 40Q & 32V). The 3 CATs I have taken so far are from Kaplan. As you can see there is a bit of inconsistency here and I would like to know what you guys think. Was the second CAT just a lucky strike? I am aiming for 700+ and still have 2.5 months before the exam date.

such8 · Answer

Hey there,

So to start off with, I have a few questions:
1.) Did you give all the test in similar test conditions?
2.) I assume there were no repeated questions, correct?

If the answer to the above questions is "Yes", then I would suggest you try the official GMATPrep tests (everyone who signs up on mba.com gets 2 GMAT Tests free - and these are the official tests)... Please take one official GMATPrep test and then reply back, I think we will be able to make a much better judgment!

Hovkial · Answer

The results show that you have to improve in both Q and V. Although Kaplan's materials are good, I would suggest that you do not focus too much on actual score numbers. They will fluctuate. 
 
Rather than taking many mock tests, focus on improvement through untimed problem solving, followed by intensive analyses.

Posted from my mobile device

Kabirr · Answer

I would suggest you to buy the official GMAC test papers and attempt them after some more practice. Since you have 2.5 months left, work on your weak areas, then attempt those tests!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi mlehlali,

The 'swings' in your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores are likely due to the number of 'lucky' and 'unlucky' guesses you take (especially in the Verbal section - when you might often be narrowing the answers down to 2 choices and in DS - in which not doing enough work will make you think that one of the Facts is sufficient/insufficient when it's actually not). Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so there are skills that you can develop that will minimize your need to 'guess' too often.

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 many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far besides the books that you mentioned?
3) On what dates did you take these 3 CATs? Have you taken any of the Official GMAC CATs?

Goals:
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

mlehlali · Answer

Thanks for your prompt response.

I study around 3 hours per day. My accuracy on both the OG and the OG review books is above 80%. As for the GMAC CATs, I think I will take one next week to figure out what my "real" score is. Finally, I will apply to finance PhD programs in December-January (WSU, UCONN, HEC Montréal, Simon Fraser...)

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi mlehlali,

I agree that taking one of the Official GMAC CATs to assess your current 'ability level' would be a good idea. In addition, you should plan to 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 how best to proceed.

The PhD application process tends to be a bit more 'rigorous' than the MBA application process is - since there tends to be a small group of highly qualified applicants competing for a relatively small number of PhD 'slots.' As such, beyond having a strong GMAT Score, you'll need a strong OVERALL profile and you'll need to properly 'market yourself' to each individual Program that you apply to. By extension, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

Since you're interested in Finance Programs, you'll also likely need to score at a really high level in the Quant section of the GMAT (re: Q49 - Q51).

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

TestPrepUnlimited · Answer

Due to the fact that you are getting inconsistent results, I recommend that you try taking the practice exam from GMAC (official test makers). They use past exam questions and the same scoring algorithm as the Official GMAT exam. This will probably give you the closest experience to the real deal.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi mlehlali,

Your inconsistent scores are a sign that you have numerous weak areas that must be strengthened in order for you to hit your GMAT score goal. That said, let’s see how things go on the official practice test, and then we can take things from there.

In the meantime, you may find it helpful to read this article:  How to Score a 700+ on the GMAT — A Mini Guide for Success .

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