Understanding GMAT Prep Test Score

Question

Hi, I understand the scale for both Verbal and Quant, but I'm just a bit confused as to the algorithm used. I know that your score depends on the difficulty of questions asked, and how you answer them. But, on the GMAT Prep Test I just took I was asked 41 Verbal questions and answered only 7 incorrectly. They were questions #8, 15, 20, 29, 30, 36, and 38. When I got the score report back I was given a 38 on the Verbal section. Could someone who has taken the test, or have more knowledge about the scoring tell me what a 38 really means? Is that a high score?

Overall I scored a 640. 40Q (which I assume isn't very good, but could also use help understanding that as well), and 38V. I know my math is weak and relying on my Verbal score to boost me up. I aiming for anything north of 650. How far off would I be? Just simply have to buckle down and improve my math or do I have more leeway with my Verbal?

As a comparison I've taken 5 MGMAT tests and scored between 620-660 on all of them with my highest Verbal being 40V and Quant 39Q.

anstance5 · Answer

Probably the closest you'll come to a complete answer: gmat-scores-83890.html

BM · Answer

A 38V can be good enough or insufficient, depending on which schools you apply to and your competition's scores. I would say, though, that a 42V or above is quite nice. But keep in mind that verbal is relatively more difficult to improve once you enter the 40-plus range. An improvement in math is generally considered less of an issue. And with a 40Q, it might be time to invest in the GMATClub tests. Those will improve your score quite a bit.

seoulite · Answer

I just bought the set yesterday and have been working on the first couple. They are quite difficult, especially the data sufficiency problems. What I've noticed is that they tend to focus on number properties whereas the MGMAT seemed to concentrate more on word translations and rate problems. What does the actual GMAT tend to lean towards?

seoulite · Answer

Also, I guess what I was surprised about was I scored higher on the Verbal with the MGMAT even though I was getting about 11 or so questions incorrect. I just assumed getting 7 incorrect would land me a higher score than 38V.

BM · Answer

I found that the verbal section can be rough, in terms of scoring well. Another problem is fatigue, which sets in at this point in the test (toward the end). As for the GMATClub tests, don't treat them as a standard CAT. These go way beyond those. Treat them as a learning experience. Read all of the explanations and completely understand each question.

hopalong · Answer

Good point with fatigue. I just finished my first GMAT, and while I did good on the verbal section, by the time verbal came i was in a hurry and my brain was hurting!

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Understanding GMAT Prep Test Score

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards