Struggling with consistency

Question

I have given several Official mock tests and I am struggling with consistency in my scores. My GMAT Official Mock test results were:
1. Official Mock 1 (given on 21st October when I had just started my prep): 535 (Q90, V67, D72)
2. Official Mock 2 (6th December): 455 (Q81, V62, D75)
When I gave both of these tests, I was not very aware of the algorithm and that I would be heavily penalised for not answering the questions (I was not able to finish the Verbal section). I worked on this and the Verbal section score increased after this:
3. Official Mock 1 (re attempt)(19th December): 645 (Q87, V82, D77)
4. Official Mock 2 (re attempt)(21st December):
695 (Q90, V85, D78)
As these were re-attempts, these scores might be inflated. 
5. Official Mock 3 (22nd December): 585 (Q87, V81, D69)
6. Official Mock 4 (24th December): 575 (Q79, V79, D78)
7. Official Mock 5 (24th December): 615 (Q81, V82, D78)
I then also gave 3 free GMAT tests on 25th December-26th December:
8. GMAT Club free test 2(25th December): 635 (Q80, V82, D82)
9. GMAT Club free test 3(25th December): 645 (Q82, V82, D82)
10. GMAT Club free test 4(26th December): 595 (Q81, V81, D77)
11. Official Mock test 6 (27th December): 625 (Q83, V81, D79)

As you can see, I am struggling with consistency. What is even more puzzling is that I got relatively higher score in the GMAT Club tests than in the official mocks even though the GMAT Club tests are said to be a lot more tough. I am a relatively new user to the GMAT Club community so it is not like I had seen a lot of the test questions earlier. The only official mock test that I have a relatively higher score than the others is test 5 and 6 which are said to be easier. Is there some part of the GMAT Algorithm that I am getting wrong? I am feeling quite clueless... I have my first GMAT attempt scheduled in a few days and these results are really making me feel quite under confident.

kingbucky · Answer

Are you anxious when taking the GMAC's mock tests whereas while taking GMATClub's test are you feeling more confident ?

Theeldertwin · Answer

I don't think so... After giving the reattempts of the first two mocks,I was feeling pretty confident. I did feel anxious after the horrible scores in mock test 3 and 4, but I don't think I was feeling very anxious while writing the 2 of them

dhruv23320 · Answer

I am in a similar boat

Theeldertwin · Answer

Please let me know if you figure out the reason or how to basically come out of this

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Theeldertwin,

We should generally avoid comparing scores across providers. And although the algorithm can have a major impact on our scores, it's not under our control.

You've clearly improved, and I recommend continuing to work on your concepts (make sure you analyse each test/practice set you do).

All the best.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Are you taking the time to identify and strengthen areas of weakness between practice tests? If not, I suggest that you do so.

Also, it's worth noting that large score fluctuations in Quant are often caused by silly mistakes. The scoring algorithm for Quant is pretty unforgiving, and one or two silly mistakes can tank your score.

One way to minimize careless mistakes is to adopt a strategy of reading the question, deriving an answer, and then re-reading the question before submitting your response. This strategy can prove useful since, while solving the question, you identify the key components of the prompt, so when you re-read the question later, key information such as *x is an INTEGER* or *y is POSITIVE* will pop out at you if you neglected to consider that information in your solution.

For calculation errors, practice with an error log where you record and review your mistakes to identify patterns or frequent errors. This method not only helps in correcting repeated mistakes but also sharpens your attention to detail.

Also, check out these articles: 
 -  Improving Your Accuracy on the GMAT  
 -  GMAT Error Log: Do I Need One?

hr1212 · Answer

Hi  Theeldertwin ,

Your recent scores appear fairly consistent, and a 50-point fluctuation across mocks is quite normal. The higher spikes you’ve seen are largely driven by stronger Quant performances, and Quant in GMAT Prep mocks tends to be slightly on the easier side. With more disciplined execution in Quant, you’re likely to see your test scores land toward the upper end of your mock range. That said, I would still recommend carefully analyzing your mistakes in the GMAT Club mock and addressing any remaining gaps.

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Struggling with consistency

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