Actual GMAT vs GMAT Club timer difficulty comparison

Question

Hi,

Of late, I have been addicted to the GMAT Club timer. It's really a great tool to understand whether or not the problem I am solving is of high standard. I have a question though. (In my defense, I tried searching for it)

For questions that have an n-size of more than 100 (to be on the safer side), how does the difficulty of GMAT Club timer compare to the real GMAT?

This is essentially the grid I am looking for.

%correct GMAT level
85% 500-600 ?
65% 600-700 ?
45% 700-800 ?
25% 800 or beyond the scope ?

Regards,

bb · Answer

The way the timer works (difficulty setting) - it calculates the difficulty level of each question. You can see the parameter in addition to the % wrong. Using % wrong is not the only indicator the timer considers. It is also the time it takes to get a correct and time for incorrect answer choices. I would suggest you use the difficulty indicator instead. That is spread across all questions and all sessions - ranking each question in the order of difficulty.... hope this is somewhat clear

longranger25 · Answer

Thanks big man!

So, the next question is, how do the difficulty levels compare to the actual GMAT? Is this assumption correct? Low (5%) - 500 to 600? Medium (25-35%) - 600 to 700? Hard (45%-75%) - 700+? Hard (95%) - 800?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi longranger25,

From this post, it sounds like you're primarily interested in pacing and the implied-difficulty of certain practice questions. However, you haven't defined any other aspect of your studies, so it's possible that you're focused on the wrong things right now.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) How have you been scoring on your practice CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
3) What is your score goal?

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

longranger25 · Answer

Hi Rich,

This will be my second GMAT attempt. I scored 700 in my first attempt after about 25 days of preparation. Looking back, a huge mistake I made was not practice enough 700-level questions. I took GMAT for granted.

However, I decided to take a month's break so as to let the concepts settle down. It's been 2 weeks since I started again.

My quant has been a strong point (scored a few 51s in MGMAT and a 50 on actual exam). Could have scored a 51, but then I messed up with the timing. I finished the entire section in 35 minutes and got a few questions wrong (MGMAT mentality cost me a point).

My Verbal was consistent at 34-35. I am hopeful it will increase this time around. I am yet to give a mock with my new level of preparation.

My target score is 730, but the aim is for a 750.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi longranger25,

The extra information you've provided is quite helpful - it points out some things that you need to consider IF you're going to keep studying:

1) With a 700/Q50, you have an outstanding GMAT score (right around the 90th percentile overall), so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. As such, retesting is not necessary.

2) If you can finish the entire Quant section in 35 minutes and still score Q50, then you should be able to SLOW DOWN and eliminate any silly mistakes from your work. In this scenario, the 'level' of the question wasn't the problem - you moved too quickly and didn't do enough work to earn the Q51.

3) The bulk of the missing points that you're looking for are going to be found in the Verbal section and they are NOT going to be '700-level' questions. You need a better mastery over Verbal tactics (for RC and CR) and likely a bit more grammar knowledge (and pattern-matching ability) for SCs.

What resources have you studied with?
Why do you think that you need to retest?

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

longranger25 · Answer

I am from the 'over-represented' community (Non-IT Engineer from India). A retest would increase my chances for a top 10 b-school. I have good college name, acads, extra-currics, leadership roles, brands, etc.

This time around, I looked at PowerScore for CR, Advanced concepts in MGMAT SC, and a few free essays on empowergmat and GMATPREPNOW (something like this) for RC. I will give a mock test soon and let you know in case I don't progress...

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi longranger25,

If you're set on retesting, then that's fine.

1) When is your next Test Date?
2) Are you planning on applying to Business School this year (and if so, then when are your application deadlines?)?

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

longranger25 · Answer

I am so sorry I did not realize there was a response. I will give the next exam in another few weeks (or days) if my verbal mock scores are in the late 30s or early 40s. Ideally, I wish to apply this year for R1s. So, I will have 1-2 months of time to write my apps. I have most of my background work done.

maxvijay · Answer

Hi... i have been having problems with my GMAT scores. I have given 4 times and i cant seem to crack the score i want to get into.
My maximum score has been 570 (Q34 V34). I need to give my exam before 30-Aug-15. Any tips guys as to how i can improve my scores??.. I have used Magoosh, Grockit but to no avail in increasing my scores and i just dont want to give it up... I want to crack that 700 barrier and pretty focused and what i lack is some sound advice that can fetch me results. I have been thru prep and given my mocks wherein i scored 670 pretty much, but unable to convert on main day

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi longranger25,

With a V34, you probably do not have a traditional 'weak spot' in the Verbal section (although there is likely one category - SC, RC or CR - that you lose a few more points in). Have you pinpointed any particular areas in Verbal that are causing you trouble?

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

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi maxvijay,

Can you list out your 4 Official Scores (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for each) AND the date that you took each Test?

I ask this because GMAC limits the number of times that you can take the GMAT in a rolling-year period to 5 attempts. So if this next attempt will be your 5th within the last 12 months, then you will be 'locked out' and unable to take the GMAT again until the 'first' of these Tests passes its 1-year anniversary.

Using the 570 for comparison purposes, you need to do a LOT of work to raise your score to a 700+. With an August 30th Test Day, you have just 3 weeks to continue studying and that is really NOT enough time to raise your score 130+ points. As such, you really have to consider pushing back your Test Date.

When are you planning to apply to Business School?
Do you know which Schools you're planning to apply to?
Why do you have to take the GMAT by August 30th?

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

longranger25 · Answer

Rich,

I was just not able to take my preparation to the next level. Last time, I had an accuracy of about 55-65% in the GMATPrep exam. Moreover, I did not even attempt a lot of 700 level questions, thinking they might be out of scope. Now, it's different. I am giving GMATPrep once again tomorrow. I will let you know if I face any difficulties.

Love your tagline! :D

longranger25 · Answer

I just gave my GMAT mock yesterday. Pretty surprised with the results. Scored a 770(Q51, V42). Am giving my actual gmat tomorrow. Don't know what the pressure gets out of me. Fingers crossed.

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