Kaplan vs GMAT Prep Scores

Question

Strange things are happening with my scores. I took some Kaplan practice exams and got a low score (lower on Q than on V as V is supposed to be my stronger area). I then took a GMAT Prep test and scored about 100 points higher than on Kaplan (with Q much higher than V). While I was bored during both and had a hard time maintaining my focus by the time I reached the verbal section on GMAT Prep, I wonder how I can improve from here. I am reviewing my GMAT Prep answers but don't know whether to continue with Kaplan tests if they don't give an accurate understanding of my performance.

How should I approach this feedback?

How should I approach this feedback?

akaydee · Answer

Rila,

Have a look at some of the reviews before you decide which one is for you. As you will see some swear by a particular provider others are disgusted!

gmat-prep-course-reviews-discount-codes-78451.html

Rila · Answer

I've already read the reviews and I am not talking about prep courses. I am just disappointed in Kaplan's scoring and am curious what others have thought of it here. I am particularly interested in the scoring of the Premier tests, as there seems to be no correlation between their scores and my GMAT Prep score?

BM · Answer

A number of members found the Kaplan CAT's too difficult and not very representative of the actual test. However, Kaplan recently changed its CAT's. Apparently, they are easier now. I don't know, however, whether this necessarily means that they are now more similar to the GMAT or not.

It's better to trust the GMATPrep score, as it is the best indicator of how you will perform on the GMAT. A distant second are the Manhattan tests.

The best way to strengthen one's test endurance and concentration is to fully learn the fundamental concepts, practice with GMAT-like questions under timed conditions, and use CAT's. For your CAT sessions, make sure to simulate real test conditions as much as possible. That means taking the test under timed conditions and doing the AWA. Also, take the alloted breaks in between sections.

Concerning the breaks, read this discussion. Food should help increase your energy and concentration.

And, just in case you haven't seen this yet, here's a helpful link on CAT practice: all-gmat-cat-practice-tests-links-prices-reviews-77460.html

Rila · Answer

Thank you for your reply. I hope that I can still use my Kaplan materials, even though they have such a great scoring disparity in comparison to Gmat Prep...

BM · Answer

Kaplan is an overall decent company, and its tests are probably just fine. Just don't worry about the scores. :wink:

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