Kaplan - Free Online Test

Question

bb,

I know you have commented on this a lot, but I want to make sure that I'm clear regarding the Kaplan scoring system. Do these lower scores from Kaplan (as compared to the real thing) also apply to their free online diagnostic test? I took it back in May ('09) and scored in the mid 600s while I was at work and constantly worried that someone would walk in, so that would be pretty encouraging if it were the case.

Thank you.

bb · Answer

You know, it's been a long time since I've taken that test. I believe it is still off by as much as 50-100 points, but somebody else will have to validate it. My suggestion as usual - take another test such as GMATPrep.

blevi1mw · Answer

Understood. Thanks for the quick response.

iheartiheartmath · Answer

I just took the Kaplan diagnostic and scored a 660 (Q43, V43) vs. a 760 on GMATPrep1 (Q48, V47) a week ago. The Kaplan diagnostic wasn't a CAT. Hope bb's right that the GMATPrep1 is a more accurate score than Kaplan.

bb · Answer

It is. We have statistically proven it in the GMAT Score Estimator/Calculator.

keys · Answer

Its strange. I got 610 in Kaplan CAT 1 but 560 on GMAT prep1. I have been studying for 3-4 weeks by now.

iheartiheartmath · Answer

Thanks bb. The funny part was that I got a lot less questions wrong on Kaplan (6 on Q, 6 on V) than on GMATPrep (14 on Q, 3 on V), and still got a lot lower score. I know Kaplan isn't CAT but the discrepancy still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

bb · Answer

You have me baffled too! What score do you have on Kaplan with only 6 wrong in each section 660? That's too low for such high rate. Again, there has been rumor that Kaplan has changed the scoring but I have not been able to verify yet.... I am really not in the mood to waste 2.5 hrs on their Test :roll:

I know somebody who works for them. let me check.

blevi1mw · Answer

Just to close the loop on my original post from back in September, Kaplan's free test was much lower. I can't remember what my exact score was when I took the Kaplan version (mid 600's), but it was definitely 75-100 points light, thankfully. D

bb · Answer

Thanks for revisiting the topic. How are you doing these days? Are you done with GMAT now or still working on it?

blevi1mw · Answer

Unfortunately, I am yet to take the actual exam. I have taken several of Manhattan GMAT's exams, as well as GMAC's free test, and scored 700+ on all, so I am confident of a 700+ score. My issue, however, is that I have put in very little study time due to work obligations (private equity), and I would much prefer to do some actual studying and get a 750/760 as opposed to a 720. I know everyone says it makes no difference, but I feel like a white male in finance from NYC needs all the help he can get this year. Also, I've now stuck myself with the dilemna of facing the terrible Round 3 odds, or waiting for Round 1 in the fall. I'd prefer to matriculate this year as I'll be 28 in April and feel like I'd be on the 'old' side if I waited for Fall 2011 admissions. I've also contemplated applying to NYU's part-time program - my employer would prefer I stay on - but, I'd much prefer to attend a Top 5 program. Anyway, that's where I'm at!

bb · Answer

It is interesting but I see many folks in a very similar situation (part time vs full time and R1 vs R3). I have been in the R3 vs R1 pickle and pursued R3 as I did not want to stay on my job another year. Good luck with the GMAT. I'd say shoot for R3 and do your apps. In case everything fails - it is a fantastic practice run and will be worth every minute spent in the Fall next year.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Kaplan - Free Online Test

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