Retook GMAT Prep test after resetting...did I screw up?

Question

Hi everyone,

In the official GMAT Prep software, I took Exam 1 2.5 years ago and got a 520 (didn't take Exam 2). I "reset" the software today and got a 640. I couldn't recognize the Math/Verbal questions but some of the IR questions seemed familiar.

When I took the test 2.5 years ago, I didn't check my answers so I wouldn't know the "right" answers anyway.

Wondering if the reset did anything...is 640 my "real score" or should I take Exam 2 to figure out my true baseline? I don't want to waste an official practice test hence the post here...

Thank you

AjiteshArun · Answer

You should be fine. A long gap is a good reason to reset the GMATPrep tests, and IR doesn't affect the 640 estimate. As for taking more tests, stick to your original schedule. Discount outlier scores and focus on the "trend".

arijit2 · Answer

Hi,

What you did was perfectly fine. 
As Ajitesh mentioned above, IR doesn't impact your GMAT Score.

The probability of you remembering any of the questions/answers after such a long gap is almost 0.
So the score you received is your actual score. Use your 2nd test wisely when you need to.

-Arijit

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Morgan15,

Since you're asking about the 'accuracy' of this CAT Score, I would have to assume that you find it a bit 'questionable.' Thus, you might try thinking about this result in a different way: Can you come up with a reasonable explanation for WHY you would score 120 points higher after retaking this CAT? Have you studied to the point that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to earn this score?

Beyond those questions, 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?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)?

Goals:
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?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

Morgan15 · Answer

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Rich, I just wanted to make sure this is my true baseline and not unduly influenced by my past score. I "retook" Exam 1 after resetting. So I wanted to make sure this is the true score. When I last took it, I had no context for what the GMAT tests and was massively hungover while taking.

Studies:
1) How long have you studied? Not very long. Just some studying on and off for the past month.
2) What study materials have you used so far? A third of the way through the Manhattan guides. A third of the way through Magoosh
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each)? Pretty even in both Quant and Verbal (raw scores not percentiles)

Goals:
4) What is your goal score? 700+
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT? Don't have a date. I want to apply R1 2019 so preferably in the next few months
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School? 2019
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to? M7 schools

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Morgan15,

Based on just 1 month of 'off and on' studying, I would be suspicious of this score (a 120 point improvement might be an 'inflated' result since you did take this CAT before). That having been said, you have LOTS of time before Round 1 in 2019, so you can proceed with your studies however you like. I would suggest that you take your next CAT in a more rearealistic fashion (take a NEW FULL CAT - with the Essay and IR sections, take it away from your home, at the same time of day as when you'll take the Official GMAT, etc.). Once you have that score, you should report back here and we can discuss how best to proceed.

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

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