GMATprep scores vs real GMAT scores

Question

Hi everyone,

So ive been studying for 3 months now and ive written 4 prep tests so far:
31th of august GMATprep 590 (Q42,V27)
10th of september GMATprep 580 (Q36,V34)
18th of september GMATprep 650 (Q44,V36)
20th of september GMATprep 650 (Q44,V36)

I have my exam in 2 days and i my target score is 640. Im nervous beacuse from my prep tests, im ready to take the GMAT, but are these tests really accurate enough so that im sure ill make it? I know there is no 100% guarantee and it depends on external factors on test day as well, but i just wanted to hear your opinion since im really nervous.

Thx in advance

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi fast7,

While we could try to analyze these CAT results in detail, that really would not serve any purpose at this point - your Test is in 2 days regardless. In these last couple of days, you should NOT do too much studying (do NOT take any more CATs and NO 'cramming'). You would be better served by doing a bit of light review and trying to get some extra rest - Test Day will require a great deal of effort and energy, so you don't want to 'burn out' beforehand. From your CAT results, it looks like you have the necessary knowledge and skills to hit your goal score. Remember that the GMAT will give you the score that you EARN, so on Test Day you have to be prepared to do the necessary work and EARN those points. Once you've taken the GMAT, you should post back here with your results and we can go over any questions that you might have.

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

Silviax · Answer

I scored 40 points higher on the actual GMAT than on my best Gmatprep test. 
 
I really think it's hard to say. I took my last GMAT prep test (exam 6) last week and scored a 570 which was a lot lower than on my real exam so I don't think there is a very clear prediction. You hear different stories from different people depending on how each individual experiences their real test. 
That can depend on many different things. Sometimes it can make a huge difference if you are in good spirits on test day and just happen to get the "right" questions, namely the ones covering topics you are really good at.

Everything is possible in your case. You could score lower, or higher or at the same level. Don't stress out too much right now and just try your best.

Good luck and don't forget to report back!

mvictor · Answer

Hi mate,

it is really difficult to get an answer to this question...there are several factors that might have affected the results of the GMATPrep tests, and I have experienced the discrepancy of the scores on myself.
during the prep for my 2nd and 3rd attempt, i was constantly scoring between 640 and 670, yet i got the same result - 560.
same thing happened during prep for my 4th attempt. i was scoring between 640 and 700, and scored 650.
what is most important is to feel relaxed and ready during the test day. Stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on your final score, and nothing is more frustrating than getting an unexpected result...
good luck with your test.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi fast7,

Assuming your last two practice GMAT’s were official MBA.com exams, it’s a positive sign that you were able to score above your GMAT score goal of 640. With that said, because your exam is in 2 days, there is no sense in getting nervous about the correlation between your practice exam scores and your real GMAT score. At this stage, focus on the road ahead, which is test day! Thus, for the next few days, I suggest you not do any more major studying; you want to be fresh for your exam. On the day before your GMAT, use the time to relax. Do something fun, but not overly strenuous. Get some light exercise. See a movie. Go out for dinner. Do anything that makes you feel good – but don’t spend the day immersed in GMAT books or taking a practice test. You’ll need a fresh brain tomorrow. If every bone in your body is telling you to study hard the day before your exam, think of my advice this way: the GMAT is the mental equivalent of a marathon. Would a marathon runner ever run 25 miles the day before the actual race?

I also wrote a great article that has some strategies you should follow the  week leading up to your GMAT .

After your test, reach back out and let us know how things ended up.

Good luck!

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hi fast7,

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.

fast7 · Answer

well, got a 620 sadly (Q43,V32), verbal was more complicated than usual to me

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi fast7,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as hoped. 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 Official Score shows that you essentially performed right in the 'middle' of your score range.

Earlier this month, you stated that your goal score was 700+, but now you've stated that it's 640+. The exact goal score that you're after is important, as it will help to define what you should do next. If your goal is 640+, then you could conceivably retest in 16 days and hit that mark without too much difficulty (you're essentially at that score 'level' right now; you just need to tweak how you go about dealing with the Exam). However, if you really want a 700+, then you're likely going to need another 1-2 months of consistent, guided study to hone your skills and consistently score at that level.

Since you don't appear to have any looming application deadlines, are there any external deadlines that you're facing (that involve other aspects of your life)?

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

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