Kaplan CAT Reliability

Question

Hi Experts,

I have just taken the Kaplan CAT and scored a 740 (Q51/V37).

I do know that the scoring on Kaplan CATS are little too inflated.

The Last time that I had given Kaplan CATS around a month ago, I scored a 690 and 680 and ended up scoring a 640 on the actual GMAT.

I have now started to prepare once again after my last failed attempt on the GMAT and scored a 740 this time. Can I reliably estimate that my scores at-least at around 680/690 on the actual GMAT test taking into consideration that other factors that could be responsible for the variation in scores are constant.

Looking for feedback from experts as this could help me understand I have really improved or the scores are simply skewed up a lot.

Vijay

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Vijay,

CAT results are only as realistic as YOU choose to make the CAT-taking process. If you take your CATs in a way that does not 'match up' with how you'll take the Official GMAT, then your scores can vary (and that often means the scores will be 'inflated').

Since you've already used some of the Kaplan CATs, was this recent CAT one that you had ALREADY taken? Retaking a CAT will almost certainly lead to an 'inflated' score (since you will almost certainly see some questions that you've already faced).

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

svijayaug12 · Answer

Hi Rich,

I have ensured to take the Kaplan GMAT CAT absolutely according to the way it is taken during the actual GMAT exam.

I have taken an exact 8 min break after the IR and Quant sections.

This CAT is a fresh one. I had only attempted 2 CATS earlier. This one is a fresh. I am not sure if you are even allowed to retake a Kaplan CAT.

Vijay

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Vijay,

If you accounted for the major 'variables' that you'll face on Test Day (the same time of day, taking the CAT away from your home, taking the FULL CAT - including the Essay and IR sections, taking the CAT on a desktop computer, same general amount of sleep the night before, etc.), then this score is reasonably accurate. Again, the more you deviate from the specifics of Test Day, the more your score can 'inflate.'

GMAC has publicly stated that a Test Taker's Official Score is typically within +-30 points of actual ability, so your prior practice CAT scores and Official GMAT score had some 'overlap' (by extension, your actual ability at THAT time was probably around a 670).

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

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hey svijayaug12,

We can't comment for other tests but do note that no test prep company's algorithm will exactly match the real thing. The best we can do is get close.

You can always take a free GMAT PILL practice test here complete with detailed performance and timing analytics: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... ctice-test

In terms of our scoring, many of our students report scores that are +/- 30 points from their actual GMAT test and so are a relatively good indicator of their performance. That said, no practice test can perfectly replicate the actual score algorithm, but this is quite close.

Kaplan CAT Reliability

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards