Why did my overall score go down if I got more questions right?

Question

I just did a 2nd practice test with princeton review. In the quantitative section last time I took the test, it said I answered 19/37 questions correctly, for a score of 30. This time it said I answered 22/37 questions correctly for a score of 28.

Why did my overall score go down if I got more questions right?

egmat · Answer

Since GMAT is a computer adaptive test, there is a weak correlation between accuracy and your end score. For example, in the verbal section, despite answering 30/41 questions correctly, you may score as low as V22 or as high as V40.

In the second test, you probably made more mistakes early on, or answered more easy questions rather than difficult questions correctly.

I hope this helps.

Regards,

Rajat Sadana

bbednar · Answer

Ah yes I was thinking that might have been the issue, thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bbednar,

The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. As such, you shouldn't be spending time trying to figure it all out. You'd be better served working on building up your skills.

A far more useful gauge would be to review each CAT and determine how many questions you SHOULD have gotten correct, but didn't (due to a silly/little mistake). Those mistakes are the things that you have to fix to score at a higher level.

1) How long have you been studying?
2) What is your score goal?
3) How did you score on these 2 CATs overall?
4) When are you planning to take the GMAT?

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

bbednar · Answer

thanks for the advice

1) i've been studying for about 1 month
2) My score goal is between a 600 and a 630
3) my first score on the CAT was a 510, my 2nd was a 540  (I got a 420 on my first practice test a month ago but it was not a CAT )  
4) I am planning on taking the gmat in about 1 more month (unless my practice scores still are no where near where I want them, then I will wait longer)

I also seem to be backwards from most people lol from what i've seen on here it looks like most people do better in the Quant section than the verbal, where I have had the opposite experience so far. my 540 was V36 and Q28. Would it be wise to try and spend more time getting my Verbal score into the the 40's since that seems to be a strength? or should I take a more balanced approach?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bbednar,

Your score goal is reasonable, given the timeline that you've set for yourself. Many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) on their studies before they hit their 'peak' scores though, so you might end up needing some extra study time (but you can decide whether to push back your Test Date or not once you've taken another CAT or two).

Given the Scaled Scores that came with your 540, you have a much greater opportunity to pick up points in the Quant section than in the Verbal section (with a V36, you don't have a big 'weak spot' in Verbal, so your missing points in that section are more 'nitpick-y' and would require a bit more effort to find and earn back).

What practice resources have you used so far?
Do you have a pacing problem in the Quant section (and do you have to rush just to finish it?)?

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

bbednar · Answer

Ok thanks for your advice. No i usually finish the quant with a few minutes to spare, and I usually finish the verbal with between 10 and 15 minutes left, which is concerning... I have been taking a self guided course with the princeton review up to this point.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi bbednar,

Finishing early in either the Quant or Verbal sections is usually NOT a good thing - it implies that you rushed through certain prompts and likely made little mistakes (that you probably could have avoided if you had spent a little more time on your note-taking and work).

If you just took your 2nd CAT, then I suggest that you study as you choose for the next week and then take another FULL-LENGTH CAT. Once you have that score result, you should report back here. Based on those scores, we'll be able to talk through what you'll have to work on in the final few weeks before your Test Date.

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

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Hey bbednar We can't comment for other tests but do note that no test prep company's algorithm will exactly match the real thing. The best we can do is get close. You can always take a free GMAT PILL practice test here complete with detailed performance and timing analytics: https://www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-t ... ctice-test In terms of our scoring, many of our students report scores that are +/- 30 points from their actual GMAT test and so are a relatively good indicator of their performance. That said, no practice test can perfectly replicate the actual score algorithm, but this is quite close. https://gmatpill.com/images/practice-test-sample.jpg

Why did my overall score go down if I got more questions right?

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