Understanding Kaplan Percentiles

Question

Hi Guys,

I have taken 2 Kaplan Test, and both gave me 74 in Verbal plus 48 and 66 in Quant, with total 580 and 630 scores.

First, just to be sure, this means 74 percentile? Because Kaplan dosen't use that expresion, instead they talk about "percentage below", so I'm not 100% sure it's the same.

Then I gave real GMAt yesterday, with Percentile 50 in both, scores Q40/V28 so I'm a little dissapointed and specially with Verbal.

Any comments about the first question of Kaplan expression?
What you think about the difference?

Finnaly, this are "unoffcial scores" They can change?

Thanks

KapTeacherEli · Answer

Hi ewallach,

"percent below" and "percentile" are the same statistic. Sorry that your real test wasn't quite up to the scores you saw on the CATs--it's very hard to make a CAT that's a perfect predictor, simply because no mock test can accurately capture the stresses and challenges of the real exam.

To answer your other question, your "unofficial scores" will be your final scores in the overwhelming majority of cases. Basically, the only way your score could change is if a question is found to have an error, and is discounted from your score--I've never personally seen this happen to one of my students.

Hope this helps, and thanks for choosing Kaplan!

ewallach · Answer

Hi Eli, thanks for the fast answer.

Actually I understand that, my real concern is how I could get in the Kaplan Diagnostic test for example, a 580 score with percentiles 48Q and 74V and then get the same 580 points in the real test but with percentile 50 in both.

In adition, how can I see scores in Kaplan reports and not only percentile?

Thanks

KapTeacherEli · Answer

Hi ewallach,

There have been some issues with our percentile scores recently--I apologize for any confusion they may have caused, and we're looking into the best way to get them straightened out as quickly as possible. We don't currently offer sectional scores, only sectional percentiles, as well. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Best,

Eli

ewallach · Answer

Hi Eli,

With some problems you mean that I may get a percentile 74 por something that really is a 50? Sounds pretty serious to me, specially if Kaplan is not warning the users. How can I now my real status in each section?

Thanks

KapTeacherEli · Answer

Hi ewallach,

Try using official practice tests. Also, since your overall scores are accurate, you can focus on those--and use Kaplan percentiles to track relative improvement on each section as you go!

Best,

Understanding Kaplan Percentiles

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