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mcdo
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Joined: 09 Jun 2017
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Location: United States (CA)
Schools: Anderson '20 (M$) Marshall '20 (WD)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
GPA: 3.43
WE:Analyst (Real Estate)
Schools: Anderson '20 (M$) Marshall '20 (WD)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
Posts: 27
Kudos: 17
Kaplan CAT: 680 to Manhattan CAT: 640 in one week 01 Oct 2017, 15:35
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I just started taking practice CATs and I can't help but feel a bit disappointed in the 40 pt drop from last weekend to this weekend. Anyone else experience similar scores? I plan on taking the exam in about 2 months, so I have plenty of time to bolster my score, but I'm having a hard time determining where I stand after these two scores.

Thanks in advance!
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,091
Kaplan CAT: 680 to Manhattan CAT: 640 in one week 01 Oct 2017, 20:12
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Hi mcdo,

These two CAT Scores are closer to one another than you might realize. GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, these 2 CAT score results show that you essentially performed roughly the same each time (about 660 +/- a few points).

With 2 months of study time, you could significantly improve on these results, but 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) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?

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

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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mcdo
avatar
Joined: 09 Jun 2017
Last visit: 02 Jan 2020
Posts: 27
Own Kudos:
17
Given Kudos: 4
Location: United States (CA)
Schools: Anderson '20 (M$) Marshall '20 (WD)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
GPA: 3.43
WE:Analyst (Real Estate)
Schools: Anderson '20 (M$) Marshall '20 (WD)
GMAT 1: 730 Q49 V41
Posts: 27
Kudos: 17
Kaplan CAT: 680 to Manhattan CAT: 640 in one week 02 Oct 2017, 09:01
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
Hi mcdo,

These two CAT Scores are closer to one another than you might realize. GMAC has publicly stated that the Official Score that you earn on Test Day is within +/- 30 points of actual ability. Assuming a similar 'swing' in how your CATs function, these 2 CAT score results show that you essentially performed roughly the same each time (about 660 +/- a few points).

With 2 months of study time, you could significantly improve on these results, but 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) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?

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

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
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I appreciate the reply, Rich.

1) I've been studying for about 2 months so far. I work full time, so this consists of an hour or two in the evenings along with longer days on the weekends.
2) So far, I've gone through the 2017 Official GMAT Guide problems and the Manhattan Prep materials.
3) Kaplan: Q40 V44 - 680
Manhattan #1: Q41 V:36 - 640

4) Goal score is at least ~720
5) I'll be taking the GMAT on December 2nd most likely
6) Planning to apply in Early January 2018
7) Planning to apply to UCLA and USC
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EMPOWERgmatRichC
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Joined: 19 Dec 2014
Last visit: 31 Dec 2023
Posts: 21,777
Own Kudos:
13,091
Given Kudos: 450
Status:GMAT Assassin/Co-Founder
Affiliations: EMPOWERgmat
Location: United States (CA)
GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
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GMAT 1: 800 Q51 V49
GRE 1: Q170 V170
Posts: 21,777
Kudos: 13,091
Kaplan CAT: 680 to Manhattan CAT: 640 in one week 02 Oct 2017, 15:03
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Hi mcdo,

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 you should plan to take one of those CATs next.

Your Score Goal is absolutely achievable in the timeframe that you've described - and to that end I would suggest that you focus on the Quant section. Many Business Schools view an Applicant's Quant Scaled Score as an indicator of how that Applicant might handle the 'academic side' of the Program, so raising that score will help you in a couple of different ways. The study materials that you've used so far have been 'book heavy', but many Test Takers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. Thus, you might want to invest in some new, non-book resources that will keep you focused on the Tactics, patterns and little 'secrets' to the GMAT.

When it comes to studying for the GMAT, there are a variety of different options. Most GMAT Companies offer some type of free materials (practice problems, Trial Accounts, videos, etc.) that you can use to 'test out' a product before you buy it. We have a variety of those resources at our website (www.empowergmat.com). I suggest that you take advantage of all of them then choose the one that best matches your personality, timeline and budget.

If you have any additional questions, then just let me know.

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