Does kaplan prep test give you inflated score?

Question

Hi I recently scored 700 in kaplan prep, and my GMAT is 2 weeks away from now on.
I just want to know whether Im getting closer to the score I want. I want to get 680 at least.
I tried to search some info regarding kaplan prep. but all the info was a bit outdated and insufficient.
Is kaplan prep accurate? does kaplan prep give you inflated score?
Thanks ahead.

Prasannathawait · Answer

Whatever tests you give, try to get at least three scores.
It's more likely that the average of these scores will correctly reflect your current ability. 
Having said that, still, GMAT official mocks are better than others in terms of the scoring algorithm.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Dodododo,

About 3.5 month ago, you posted that you had taken both Kaplan CATs and the Official CATs. 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 correctly take the CAT in a realistic fashion).

Did you take all of the Kaplan CATs previously - and was this recent CAT a 'retake' of a CAT that you had already taken? I ask because retaking a CAT that you've already used is NOT a realistic way to assess your skills. You would likely see some questions that you had already faced - and seeing even a few 'repeat' questions can 'throw off' the Scoring Algorithm and impact your pacing, energy levels, fatigue, etc. (meaning that they would likely all appear to be better than they normally would be).

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

Dodododo · Answer

I took 5 kaplan CAT 3months ago, and there was one-6th one- left .
So I took 6th one this time. But even if I didnt get 700 before, I got once 690 before in 2nd kaplan CAT. So Im not sure whether I can trust this result and just go have a test.
Im under so much pressure now.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Dodododo,

Have you taken any official GMAC practice exams?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Dodododo,

If this is the only CAT that you have taken over the last 3.5 months, then we can't say for sure what your current 'ability level' is right now. Have you taken any other NEW CATs during these last several months (re: CATs that you had NOT taken before)? If you have, then what were your Scores on EACH of those CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

The accuracy of a CAT result depends a great deal on how similarly you took the CAT to the testing conditions that you'll face at the Testing Facility. Did you take the FULL CAT (including the Essay and IR sections)? Did you take it in a test-like environment or did you take it at home? Did you take it at the same time of day as your Official GMAT is scheduled for? Etc.

If you are genuinely uncertain about this result - and you don't feel ready for Test Day yet - then you probably should push back your Test (even if it's just for a couple of weeks). The extra time would allow you to continue to study and hone whatever skills you need to work on so that you can feel more ready for the entire Exam.

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

Hovkial · Answer

I have read that Kaplan uses a similar scoring algorithm as the GMAT. The scores tend to be on the lower side. 
 
Also, Kaplan tests have decently challenging questions. 
 
I would say use K practice tests as means to get ready for the actual test. However, beware of relying on these scores. If you are able to answer the questions and finish in allotted time, then that is good news for test day. 
 
I strongly suggest that you only use the official OG guides in the last few weeks. Don't use anything else as you may get misled.

Posted from my mobile device

lostincr · Answer

No Kaplan scores are inflated - My scores were 630 , 590 , 640 but my real exam score was 500. My quant dropped by 9 points and verbal dropped by 8 points...

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lostincr,

I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day - so we have to consider far more than just the 'brand' of practice CATs that you took.

Before I can offer you any advice for your studies - and before we discuss any of the potential issues in why your Score dropped on Test Day - it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals. As an aside, you would likely receive more responses if you started your own new post-thread (instead of piggy-backing on this old thread):

Studies:
1) When did you take the Official GMAT and what were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores?
2) How long have you studied in total? 
3) What study materials have you used so far?
4) On what dates did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
5) What is your overall goal score?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

If you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you.

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

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Official Mocks are probably the the gold standard in estimating one's score.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Dodododo.

Have you taken any official GMAC practice exams? If not, can you take one and report back with your score breakdown?

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Does kaplan prep test give you inflated score?

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