MGMAT VS GMAT Prep

Question

Hey Guys,

I have recently taken 3 MGMAT tests and have scored (530,540,520), vs the one GMAT Prep test I have taken which was a (420). I see that most people on this site usually have the opposite results and was wondering how this happened to me. I mainly study with the Manhattan guides and was thinking that I got use to the type of questions the MGMAT gives me. Any thoughts on how this happened?

Russ19 · Answer

Hi,

No test prep company's CATs are as reliable and good as official ones. Though Mprep has a great team, it does not invest as much money per question as does GMAC. Mprep quant questions are a bit harder, whereas verbal ones are not as up to the mark as official questions, so official CAT's results should be consistent in every way.

Best wishes!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Adamscotthughes,

While the MGMAT CATs are generally regarded as being a bit tougher than the Official GMAT, there are a variety of factors that can impact your performance during an Exam, including the type of Type that you're using, the time of day that you start the Exam, the testing conditions, the section-order, how well-rested you are, etc. Since that 420 result is considerably lower than your other 3 CAT results, the more relevant question might be: how many questions did you get wrong on that one CAT because of a silly/little mistake?

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, 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? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your overall goal score?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
 
 760+: What GMAT Assassins Do to Score at the Highest Levels

GMATinsight · Answer

Adamscotthughes WHile your MGMAT scores have hinted to a pattern, your GMAT Prep attempts is a much smaller sample space to be judgemental. Other stories are generally true because candidates with MGMAT score in 530 should get about 600 score in GMAT prep. Probably you were not at your best the dat you took GMAT Prep. Practice more and I am sure the same pattern of scores will be visible in your attempts as well. Two MUST join YouTube channels for GMAT aspirant GMATinsight (1000+ FREE Videos) and GMATclub

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Gmatisking · Answer

Give another official mock and see ho much you score.
Although official mocks are the reliable mocks.

ravigupta2912 · Answer

MGMAT is tougher than GMAT Prep and actual gmat. Never scored a 650 on MGMAT and best I managed was 640 (rest were 590 to 620) and I scored 650 on the real one last year (prep had me at 650 and 680).

GMAT Prep is by far the most reliable among all CATs available on the market.

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

There are two official Mocks on mba.com you might want to try out.

Adamscotthughes · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC  I just completed another Gmat prep practice test and got a 480 (30Q and 27V). I study at least 2 hours a day on week days and around 4 hours a day on weekends. I have been studying since the beginning of March and I take the GMAT on April 15th. I have mainly been using Manhattan study guides and I have used the OG a few times. I try to take a Mock exam once a week.

Mock exam scores:
1. GMAT Prep 390 (19Q,24V) This was my first exam and it was before I started to study. 
2. MGMAT 530 (39Q,25V)
3. MGMAT 540 (37Q,28V)
4. MGMAT 520 (30Q,32V)
5. GMAT Prep 420 (27Q,21V)
6. GMAT Prep 480 (30Q,27V)

My overall goal score is around a 570. I am planning to get my MBA online while I work. I am applying to Oklahoma State University, University of South Florida and The University of Southern Mississippi. OSU is my first choice and while they don't have an official gmat score average to get in, some websites are saying the unofficial average is around a 570. My undergrad GPA is a 3.60 which I assume is above OSUs gpa requirement. So the only two things I am concerned about are my GMAT score and the lack of work experience I have. I have only been out of undergraduate school for one year.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Adamscotthughes,

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so if you've been studying for less than 1 month, you should not expect to have mastered any of the content or Tactics of the Exam just yet. By extension, if your studies are going to be limited to about 1.5 months in total, then there will likely be a limit to how high you will be able to Score. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. In addition, with a Score Goal of 570, you do NOT need to correctly answer any questions that you think are too hard or too weird, but you will have to keep the little mistakes to a minimum on everything else.

As an aside, many MBA Programs expect that Applicants will have at least a couple of years of quality Work Experience when they apply. Since you have a first-choice School in mind, I highly recommend that you reach out to that Program directly to ask any application-related questions that you might have (regarding average GMAT Score, Work Experience, etc.). The Program's Admissions Office will likely be happy to answer your questions - and that additional information would likely make the entire application process go smoother.

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, 4 of your last 5 CAT score results show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 510 +/- a few points). You handle certain aspects of the GMAT consistently well, but you also make certain consistent mistakes. You could potentially pick up all of the points that you are looking for in just the Quant, just the Verbal or a 'mix' of the two. Statistically-speaking though, raising a 510 to the point that you could consistently score 570+ would likely require that you commit to at least another month of consistent, guided study. By extension, you might need to consider pushing back your Test Date.

1) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
2) What are the exact application deadlines that you are facing?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Adamscotthughes,

Based on these details here, I think the issue you are facing is the fact that you have been studying for only one month. I realize you do not need 700+ on your GMAT; however, you may need more time than just a month to hit your 570 score goal. Out of curiosity, are you taking the GMAT so soon because of application deadlines?

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi Adamscotthughes,

Did you see any repeated questions on MGMAT mocks? Most importantly, did you solve the questions using the right methods or did you get lucky with a few questions?

I personally would suggest you to stick with the official mocks as they are the most reliable ones.

Ekland · Answer

You took mgmat after taking the official's. Now you also did a little prep in between. So u know the reason.
take a new official test after the mgmat test and tell us the score.

Hatakekakashi · Answer

did you prepare for the MGMAT vs the official exam

MGMAT is tougher than the GMAT so after the GMAT if you have prepared to take the MGMAT maybe that's why you got better scores and if not then there is no reason that I know for the discrepancy

either way you need to start from the basics to target 600+ for b schools

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Adamscotthughes,

I think the bigger question is, what is your score goal? Also, when do you plan to take your next official practice exam?

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