Official Mock Tests vs. Manhattan CATs

Question

Hey everyone,

I am planning to take the GMAT on December 16th. Throughout the last weeks, I have mainly tracked my study progress by taking the Official Practice Exams. On the first four tests, I have scored 600 (Right at the beginning of my studies, so not really relevant), 730 (Q48,V42), 730 (Q49, V40), 740 (Q50, V41). I have taken each test exactly once, meaning that I have not come across previously known questions yet.

However, I took a Manhattan Prep CAT today (the first, free one) and only scored 670 (Q44, V37) which is obviously way different from the scores on the official mock tests and leaves me scared for the actual GMAT...
I know that this has probably been asked previously, but can anyone explain why my scores in the official test were way higher? I have taken all tests under realistic conditions... Aiming for 700 on the actual exam!

Thanks in advance for any answers!

AndrewN · Answer

Hello,  dasailton . You should not worry about the Manhattan result. Not only is the general consensus that Manhattan Prep tests run slightly harder than the official mocks, but the material, from what I have seen in more than five years of full-time tutoring, has a different feel to it. You might be accustomed to the phrasing of official questions or passages, while the Manhattan Prep material just appears slightly off. Those kinks typically take a few practice tests to iron out, but in any case, you should prioritize official material and place stock in those results more than any others. If you take the test in the next ten days or so, the best course of study is probably to review your past errors and see if you can understand what makes the incorrect answers incorrect. If you feel the need to try your hand at a few fresh questions, you can always find some odd ones in the forum. Simply search by a different tag (perhaps "GMAT Advanced").

Good luck.

- Andrew

gurvindersgmat · Answer

The real gmat has changed a lot over the years and the gmat prep tests offered by gmac don’t match the intensity of the real gmat anymore.

Posted from my mobile device

MariaAntony · Answer

Do you have any suggestion on how to prepare for the rigour of the actual test that has become more difficult and nuanced in the last few years? Can the Advanced OG and Question Pack 2 be relied on as a better option than the official mocks?

gurvindersgmat · Answer

Mgmat cats. I have not been able to crack the new gmat. Someone else can give you better advice.

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plaverbach · Answer

I had similar results, MGMAT is harder

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bb · Answer

Mgmat quant is meaningfully more time consuming and thus harder... just FYI. Verbal can go a few ways.

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EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi dasailton,

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. While the most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC, retaking a CAT that you've already taken is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills - since you will likely see some 'repeat' questions that you have already faced. Unfortunately, seeing even a couple of repeats can 'throw off' the Scoring Algorithm and impact your pacing, energy levels, fatigue, etc. (meaning that they would likely all appear to be better than they actually are). Thankfully, the CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT and Veritas are all 'close enough' to the real thing that they will provide you with a relatively realistic score assessment (assuming that you correctly take the CAT in a realistic fashion that matches the parameters that you will face when you take the Official GMAT).

The MGMAT CATs are generally regarded as being a little tougher than the Official GMAT, but you have to be careful about assuming that that was the 'only' reason why you scored lower on this CAT. Have you had a chance to review this recent CAT in detail? How many questions did you get wrong because of a silly/little mistake?

Since your Official GMAT is now less than 2 weeks away, it's worth noting that the the process of taking (and reviewing) a CAT requires a significant amount of energy and effort - and takes time to 'recover' from. This is one of the reasons why you typically shouldn't take more than 1 CAT per week - and your last CAT should be taken about 1 week before Test Day.

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?

Goals:
3) Are you planning to take the At-home GMAT or are you planning to take your GMAT at a Test Facility?
4) 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

GMATinsight · Answer

Hi dasailton FInd comparison among various tests on this thread. https://gmatclub.com/forum/18-online-fr ... 57862.html

dasailton · Answer

thanks everyone!

EMPOWERgmatRichC  typically studying for 3-4 hours everyday for the last 2 months, planning to take the home edition as centers are closed...

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi dasailton,

Here is the good news. You scored VERY WELL on the official practice exams, so I don't' think you have anything to worry about. If you need any advice on how to tackle the final 9 days, feel free to reach out.

Good luck!

plaverbach · Answer

Do you have any article that is ready?

Posted from my mobile device

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hey dasailton, I suggest you to stick with the official mocks as they are the best reflection of the actual GMAT. And as your scores are consistent in the official mocks, I think you are in a very good position to score 700+ on the actual test. As you just have a week left, I suggest you to not stress yourself and not to do anything different. Try to work on your weak areas for a couple of days if possible and after that just do the basic practice as you always do. If you wish to give a mock, you can just give one on 12th or 13th. All the best for your prep. Do not over think. Just focus on the process

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

An article regarding how to study for the next 9 days?

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