Official Mock Tests vs. Manhattan CATs

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?

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

Posted from my mobile device

I had similar results, MGMAT is harder

Posted from my mobile device

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

Posted from my mobile device

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

Hi dasailton

FInd comparison among various tests on this thread.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/18-online-fr ... 57862.html

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...

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!

Do you have any article that is ready?

Posted from my mobile device

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

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