Practice/Mock Test

Question

Hello everyone,
I have been preparing for GMAT for 3 months and have used MGMAT guides as a resource. I tried following tests in the sequence:
GMAT prep test old format and Scored 660
Economist Brightest Mind MBA scholarship test and scored 620
GMAT prep test new format and scored 730
Manhattan Free Mock Test 630 taken today.
I thought that I was doing good in my preparation until the latest Manhattan Exam which is a setback and has made me nervous and under-confident.
I am appearing for my GMAT on 15th November. Please advise whether I should purchase practice tests and if I should, which of them. I am considering to buy GMAT test 3 and 4 or Manhattan Practice Tests.

Salsanousi · Answer

Hi Singh the GMAT official mock are as close as it gets to the real thing.

MGMAT mocks are good for practice, however, some of their quant questions are “devilish”.

Since you have less than a month I would advise on official gmat mocks.

But make sure you use them properly and not to do more than one mock a week.

Good luck!

Posted from my mobile device

souvonik2k · Answer

Hi
I would suggest to buy the Gmatprep tests. These tests are closest to the Gmat. The Gmatprep test scores can vary if you have seen any of the questions earlier, maybe in your previous test or in practice sessions. Regarding the low score in MGMAT test, I would suggest to analyze the test thoroughly and identify your weaknesses. Then you can work on them. After that, you can appear for another Gmatprep test and check your actual level. 
Hope it helps.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Don't give too much importance to that 730. In fact, you should mostly ignore it until you get a few more 700+ scores. While it is definitely a positive sign, your planning should be built around the trend, and not the outliers.

Finally, given that you have taken the old version and the new version of  the same test , you'll need to check whether there were any "repeat" questions (ones that you had already seen) in order to take a call on whether the score that you got on the retake was reliable.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi singh8891,

To start, 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. The most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC, but 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 use the CAT correctly).

From what you describe, it sounds as if you took the first free GMAC CAT twice. Even though the 'format' of the Exam may be different, the pool of questions that the Exam draws from is the SAME. Retaking a CAT that you've already taken is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills. Seeing even a few 'repeat' questions can 'throw off' the Score Algorithm and your pacing, energy levels, fatigue, etc. would likely be better than they would be under normal testing conditions. This is meant to say that the 730 is likely not a realistic Score. 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, your other 3 CAT score results show that you essentially performed the same each time (about 640 +/- a few points).

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:

Studies:
1) What study materials have you used besides the books that you listed?
2) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

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

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi singh8891,

I’m glad you reached out, and I’m happy to help. Certainly, when you take practice tests from companies other than GMAC, you may find some variation in algorithms used and thus variations in your score. So, it’s a good sign that you scored 730 on your practice GMAC exam. As already has been mentioned, you should purchase and use the remaining GMAC practice tests.

You also may find it helpful to read these articles about  how to score a 700+ on the GMAT  and  taking GMAT practice tests .

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

GMATPill · Answer

GMAT Pill offers a free full-length practice test with timing and performance analytics at the end:

Practice CAT test: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... ctice-test

Students generally report scores within +-30 points of what they get on the real test.

The test itself is free but a paid membership is required to access all the video explanations and core framework course.

You can learn more about GMAT Pill at: https://www.gmatpill.com

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