Kaplan vs GMAT Prep test score

Question

I started with GMAT Prep test at 560, 600, then started with Kaplan Mock tests and gradually reached up to 710. 
When I reset GMAT Prep test and gave it again, I got a 650.
To me, it seems like Kaplan tests are easier than GMAT Prep Test (which is most likely the best reflection of actual score), contrary to the discussions on GMAT
Can you suggest if it's a worry and I need to revamp the prep.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi pavag,

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.

Keep in mind that a CAT result is also only as realistic as YOU make the CAT-taking experience. Thus, YOU have to take the CAT in a realistic and test-like fashion, including taking the ENTIRE CAT (with the Essay and IR sections), at the same time of day as your Official GMAT, away from your home, in a test-like environment and NOT do anything unrealistic (pausing the CAT, listening to music, skipping sections, etc.).

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:

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

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?

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

TrevorKleeTutor · Answer

Whether or not Kaplan scores are easier or harder, the important thing is the Kaplan tests are unrealistic. If you took the GMAT tomorrow, your score would be closer to a 650 than a 710, all else being equal. So if you're looking to get above a 700, you need to revamp your prep.

Also Rich at empowerGMAT needs to stop copy-pasting replies. It's not helpful.

Also Rich at empowerGMAT needs to stop copy-pasting replies. It's not helpful.

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hi pavag,

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.

KarishmaB · Answer

I would say that you are not around 700 yet. The reset official prep test gave you a 650 which means your actual score might be between 600 - 650. Note that resets often have a few repeats which might bump up the score. That said, there is nothing to worry. You have enough practice test results - now analyse them to figure out the areas in which you are weak (this is the real value you gain out of practice tests). Work hard in those areas while practicing all others. I would be confident of scoring a 700+ in the real deal if I were scoring 750 consistently in practice tests. Here is a link to our free practice test - it gives quite accurate scores too. https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/free-g ... tice-test/

JenniferAtKaplan · Answer

Hi Pavag,

As has been mentioned above, no test prep company can exactly reproduce the official scoring algorithm of the GMAT. At the same time, we work very closely with our in-house Learning Science team to carefully measure the validity of our exams and continuously update our scoring methods.

One thing that I would like to add to the conversation is to give you some insight into the tools that you can use to make the most of the Kaplan CATs that you have taken. First, when you review all of the questions that you attempted on the CAT, you can see how much time you spent on each question from the item list screen and use that to evaluate your pacing for the different question types. Then if you select a question, you can see what you chose as the answer and a full explanation for the question for Integrated Reasoning, Quant, and Verbal. While you are on the item list screen, you can select Performance Summary in the upper right in order to see a breakdown of your performance on various topics that lists the percent of those questions that you answered correctly. This will help you select areas that would most benefit from additional study.

I wish you the best in your studies, and please let me know if you have any additional questions!

Regards,
Jennifer Kindy

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