Lost in different tests scores

Question

Hi everyone, longtime lurker, first time poster.

So I decided to start studying for the gmat two months ago.

Test scheduled for the end of may.(hopefully)

First gmat preptest beginning of March 580(Q44,V27) Without preparation.

Second gmat preptest mid April 640(Q48,V31)

Last Friday, tried the gmat club free cats, and scored 610(Q36,V37).

No need to say, I was devastated, spend most of my lockdown studying for the gmat( Manprep guides + OG quant and verbal review, as I’m keeping the Og2020 for the last straight line+ Long series of 700+ Questions on targeted topics in which I’m weak on gmat club(quant/verbal)

I took my Third gmat prep test today and scored 720(Q49,v40).

Honestly I’m really confused by the difference of score, and I’m wondering if luck was not a big part of it.

Is it the same for other people ? Having such inconsistency between two close tests ?

Also, how do you train to increase your long term focus capacity?
Every tests I feel like my brain is fried after quant+1/3 of verbal, and need to reread multiple times to really grasp the meaning...

(Sorry for my bad English, non native)

ankban · Answer

I am not sure about how to increase your long term focus but you do need to practice more on the test side. Try giving atleast 3-4 full length mocks that'll help your brain get settled with the exam duration.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi CaptnBArbecue,

Based on your practice CAT Scores, you appear to have made some big improvements to how you handle the Quant and Verbal sections - which is great. There are a variety of factors that can impact your practice Scores, including the type of Exam that you're using, the time of day that you start the Exam, the testing conditions, how well-rested you are, etc.

Since you're planning to take the Official GMAT in about 4 weeks, then you will almost certainly be taking the At-home Exam. Have you been taking your practice CATs under those testing conditions? Either way, going forward you should plan to take your practice CATs under the same parameters (use an online notepad - not handheld notes, take the sections Q/V/IR in that order with no 'break' until after the Verbal section, etc.).

The process of taking (and reviewing) a CAT requires a significant amount of energy and effort - and takes time to 'recover' from. This is one of the reasons why you typically shouldn't take more than 1 CAT per week - and your last CAT should be taken about 1 week before Test Day. Based on your timeframe, you could potentially take 3 more CATs - but you should not take any more than that.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) What is your overall goal score?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

globaldesi · Answer

were most of the questions you attempted in your 720 tests already seen by you?
It is generally possible only if you have already attempted those question.
Give one more test within a week to see your real progress

freedom128 · Answer

Just rely on score from gmatprep tests and do the tests under same testing time (no pause) and environment.

Another thing is that some gmatprep tests have appeared in this forum. That significantly inflates your score.

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi CaptnBArbecue,

First off, when you take practice tests from companies other than GMAC, you may find some variation in algorithms used and thus variations in your score. Looking at your GMAC practice exams, your score progression is really great, so I would not say that luck was the reason you scored 720 on your latest practice exam. When do you plan to take your next GMAC practice exam?

Regarding your issue with focus, I think that HOW you study plays a pretty significant role in your ability to get through a GMAT without getting burned out. To improve your mental stamina, I think that you need to gradually increase your study sessions to the point at which you can easily get through a 3-hour study session. I know that may sound like a lot of time, so start off slow. Perhaps do a study session for 1 hour and gradually increase the time by 20-minute intervals each day, until you can hit the 3-hour mark. Then, by the time you get to your GMAT, you should have no issue sitting through an entire exam. You also may find it helpful to read the following article:

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