GMATPrep CAT Questions

Question

Hello all, when beginning my preparation for the GMAT, I began by taking one of the two free tests offered by the makers. At the time, I did not realize how valuable of a resource it was and that I probably should have saved it. My initial score was a 710 Q49/V39. I began studying in May and for the majority of that time have focused much more on questions than on taking tests. I have taken 2 other mocks, Manhattan 730 Q51/V38 and Economist 730 Q50/V40.
So my questions:
1. I have heard that you can retake the GMATPrep test. If you retake this test, can you expect an accurate score, or will it be inflated due to repeat questions?

2. In you opinion, is it worth it to buy additional practice tests offered by GMATPrep, or should I exhaust other resources first? I still have not taken the 2nd free practice test yet.

Also, on a somewhat unrelated note, are there any verbal resources that are targeted at native English speakers? (English is my first and only language.) I feel like I should understand the questions better than I do, but I still find that RC and occasional SC questions are incredibly difficult.

AjiteshArun · Answer

1. Yes, you can. However, the scores will most likely be inflated. That's not to say that you shouldn't take those tests again (it depends on what you're trying to achieve).

2. Buying the exam packs makes sense for most test takers. Practice tests 1-6 are easily the best tests in the market. You should keep at least a couple for the last 2-3 weeks, so yes, you should take any non-official tests you have before you finish the GMATPreps.

You could consider getting  Question Pack 1  and the  Verbal Review  (maybe even the earlier OGs) for more practice material. In terms of what is good for native speakers, you should focus less on the marketing that you come across, and more on the actual quality of the material you're thinking of using.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lin11,

Assuming that you've taken these CATs under realistic, test-like conditions, you've now scored above 700 on three consecutive CATs. As such, there's some question as to why you're still studying (why haven't you taken the Official GMAT?).

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you're looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?

3) What is your goal score?
4) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

When taking a CAT, if your goal is to receive a realistic score result, then you really have to do everything in your power to make each CAT 'experience' match up with what you'll face on Test Day. Taking a CAT repeatedly is NOT a realistic choice, since it almost guarantees seeing repeat questions (which is something that will NOT happen on the Official GMAT).

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

lin11 · Answer

Thank you both for the answers. I was thinking that the score will most likely be inflated, but I will probably take again anyways. I am leaning towards buying at least one additional set of exams from GMATPrep.

To address your questions, Rich:
1) How long have you studied? I have studied since May
2) What materials have you used? Most of my materials have focused on actual questions. I used main OG questions, and came to Gmatclub whenever I had issues (time or difficulty) with problems.

3) What is your goal score? My goal score would be a 750, but I am beginning to wonder how realistic that is.
4) When are you planning to take the GMAT? I plan to take the GMAT August 13th
5) When are you planning to apply to Business School? I finish undergrad May 2017 and would like to enroll into a MS Finance program

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lin11,

It's good that you have that August 13th Test Date. Based on these recent CAT performances, you're absolutely ready to take the GMAT. Based on these Verbal Scaled Scores, you don't have a big 'weak spot', so the missing points that you're looking for in that section are going to be based around rarer patterns and question types in RC/CR and rarer grammar rules/style/idioms in SC.

After reviewing each of these CATs, were you able to define WHY you got each question wrong?

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

lin11 · Answer

Rich,
For the most part. On the quant, I am able to get nearly everyone correct when reviewing. On the reading comprehension, I am typically able to see that the correct answer was indeed good. My problem is that I have a tough time differentiating answers that I consider similar. 
Thanks,
lin

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi lin11,

In the Verbal section, it's important to remember that there is just 1 correct answer and the 4 wrong answers are wrong for specific reasons. At your current scoring level, the reasons will sometimes be subtle, so it helps to have a clear understanding of WHY the wrong answers are wrong (reading the explanations for those questions that you got wrong, as well as all of the Verbal questions that you think were challenging, should be beneficial).

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

DmitryFarberMPrep · Answer

If you're taking the real test on 8/13, you should take one or two more full practice tests. (Two if you take the first right away, one if you wait another week or so.) One of those should be the second free GMATPrep exam. The other can be from any source you have available. Buying additional GMATPrep exams isn't a bad idea, but it isn't strictly necessary. The tests are very high-quality and contain official GMAT material, but they are weak on analysis. They don't even track your time usage! For that reason, we usually recommend that you use third-party tests early in your process and use the GMATPrep exams near the end when you are working on cementing the technique you have already developed.

lin11 · Answer

Hi DmitryFarber,
Sorry for not replying earlier, I have been absolutely swamped at work. I went ahead and purchased the exam pack from GMATPrep and took one on July 31 and another today. I scored a 770 Q50/V46 on July 31 and a 760 Q50/V44 today. Given this, I feel that I am close to my goal score. Do you think it would be unswise to take one more practice test before my actual test in 8 days?

Thanks tremendously,
lin

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