Wide discrepancy in practice test scores

Question

Hi guys,
I have GMAT in a week from now and this has been my performance on the tests so far...
A. GMATPrep 1: 730
B. MGMAT: 630
C. GMatPrep2: 760
D. GMATPrep3: 750
E. Veritas Free Practice Test: 650
Now, I am totally confused. On the one hand, I am happy with my performance on the gmatprep tests but I am afraid I might have seen some of the questions previously. On the other hand, my performance on the other practice tests (Veritas and MGMAT) sucks.
I wanted to know your opinion on how I might fare on the real test?
Thanks!

IanStewart · Answer

I'd put a lot more faith in your GMATPrep scores than in any other scores. There are meaningful stylistic differences between company questions and real GMAT questions, and those differences can produce very different test scores for some test takers. I'd be especially confident in your GMATPrep scores because they are so consistent - even if you might have been exposed to questions in advance from the free tests, it's much less likely you knew many questions from GMATPrep3. If you really wanted another data point to confirm your level, you could take GMATPrep4, but I think you can be quite confident you're at least at a 730 level now, and very probably higher than that. At this stage, you just want to be sure you perform to your ability, so be sure to be well-rested and relaxed on test day. Good luck!

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

We can't comment for other tests but do note that no test prep company's algorithm will exactly match the real thing. The best we can do is get close. You can always take a free GMAT PILL practice test here complete with detailed performance and timing analytics: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... ctice-test In terms of our scoring, many of our students report scores that are +/- 30 points from their actual GMAT test and so are a relatively good indicator of their performance. That said, no practice test can perfectly replicate the actual score algorithm, but this is quite close. https://gmatpill.com/images/practice-test-sample.jpg

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi MV23,

Big 'swings' in CAT scores are often the result of differences in how YOU chose to take those CATs. Beyond the differences from CAT to CAT, you also have to consider how these factors compare with what you'll have to deal with on Test Day. Here are some things to consider:

1) Did you take the ENTIRE CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)?
2) Did you take the CAT at the same time of day as your Official GMAT?
3) Did you take the CAT at home?
4) Did you do ANYTHING during a CAT that you won't be allowed to do on Test Day (pause the Test, Skip sections, listen to music, etc.)?
Etc.

All things being equal, it certainly looks like you know the material well-enough to score at a high level on Test Day. The GMAT will give you the score that you EARN, so you have to be willing to do the necessary work on Test Day to get that high score that you're after.

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

MV23 · Answer

Thank You Ian for the reply.
I was skeptical of my gmatprep scores because I have seen a question repeat in one of the tests and by repeat I mean repeat in the same test.
I am indeed planning to take the final GmatPrep test 2 days before the test date, so I would have some real practice close to the test day.
Thanks again!

MV23 · Answer

Thank You GMatPillBill and EmpowerGmatRichC
I did ensure I followed the same set of rules as I would on a test day, like taking the entire test, no emails (very hard to do!).

MV23 · Answer

Just to close the loop here, got a 760 on the final GMATPrep test and a 730 on the actual test. Not a great score, but happy with it

Thanks guys for the all the input

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi MV23,

First off, a 730 is an outstanding score (it's well above the 90th percentile), so you should be pleased (although calling that score "not a great score" is an odd thing to say). With a 730, you can apply to any Business School you like, so you shouldn't hold back when it comes to your applications. What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores?

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

MV23 · Answer

Thank You Rich, I am certainly pleased

. It was in-line with what I was getting in the GmatPrep tests. Score breakdown: IR: 5 50 on Quant: was scoring 50 -53 in practice tests so happy with that. Verbal: 40 on the real test, was scoring around 44 in practice tests. And I am really to be blamed here, Once I reached 30-35 questions on verbal, part of mind was filled with anticipation of the final score, consequently I faltered towards the end. The reason I called it a "non great" score and forgive me if I am wrong, is that I feel it's on the border of good and great. I am basing this on the stats from Stanford GSB (my dream school) site which states the mean score to be 732. You would want to be >= average (especially when it's your dream school) wouldn't you

I don't know if I make much sense, I have just finished my test and am still in the "moment".

IanStewart · Answer

Really well done, MV!

It's a great score, and even if you're probably capable of even better, increasing your score wouldn't likely many any difference to your chances of admission - whether you have a 730 or a 750, you've proven you'll be able to handle the academic component of a course, which is what the test is for. Good luck with your applications!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi MV23,

With a 730/Q50, you are absolutely set - apply to any Program you like. Since you're likely going to be targeting some Top Schools, you'll likely find it beneficial to work with an Admissions Expert on your application(s). There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

Congratulations again on your success.

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

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Congratulations! Best of luck on your future endeavors!

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Wide discrepancy in practice test scores

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