Kaplan tests

Question

Hi,

I took kaplan free practice test. Got 660(Q45, V35).

Could some one please tell how accurate kaplan tests are?

What will be +/- of real gmat tests?

Is free practice tests different from paid tests?

Thanks

AjiteshArun · Answer

Generally, the scores that non-official practice tests generate are less reliable than those that official practice tests generate. You will not be able to get an accurate figure for the "+/-" question you asked, so you should probably not worry about that. The score that you got (660, Q45 V35) is positive. Continue working, and take a GMATPrep (official) practice test when you can.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi PavanChebolu,

The scoring algorithm on the Official GMAT is far more complicated than most people realize. Since that algorithm is proprietary, no GMAT company has an exact match for it, thus CAT scores can vary a bit based on the 'biases' involved in their respective designs. The most realistic CATs available are the 6 from GMAC, but the CATs from Kaplan, MGMAT and Veritas are all 'close enough' to the real thing that they will provide you with a relatively realistic score assessment (assuming that you use the CAT correctly).

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:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
5) When are you planning to take the GMAT?
6) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
7) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

PavanChebolu · Answer

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi PavanChebolu,

From your last post, there are a couple of different issues to discuss.

First, many Test Takers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores. From what you describe, you have been studying for no more than 1.5 months, so there's a fairly good chance that you will continue to improve over time as you become more familiar with the Test content, patterns and Tactics needed to score at a high level. A mid-March Test Date would only give you about another 4 weeks of study time though - and that might not be enough time for you to consistently perform at the level needed to hit your Score Goal of 730+. As such, you might need to consider pushing back your Test Date

Second, many Test Takers who use a 'book heavy' study approach end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level. Your CAT Scores have continued to improve, so there's no way to know whether you're currently 'stuck' in the mid-600s or not - and it's possible that you might not get stuck at all. Since there are specific areas (RC and Quant) that you still need to work on, you might end up needing to invest in some new, non-book resources that focus on the patterns, Tactics and little 'secrets' of the GMAT.

1) When you say that you are planning to apply to Business School 'this year', do you mean an upcoming Round (such as Round 3) or later in the year (re: Round 1)? 
2) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi PavanChebolu,

I don’t think that you are going to get a concrete answer to your question. Remember, when you take practice tests from companies other than GMAC, you may find some variation in algorithms used and thus variations in your score. That said, why don’t you take an official GMAC practice exam?

If you do decide to take an official practice test, feel free to report back here with your score breakdown, and I can provide some further advice.

Also, you may find it helpful to read this article about  how to increase your GMAT quant score .

Good luck!

PavanChebolu · Answer

Posted from my mobile device

PavanChebolu · Answer

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi PavanChebolu,

Since you do not appear to be facing any immediate application deadlines, you're not 'locked in' to taking the GMAT in 4 weeks, so you should have the freedom to push back your Test Date. Even a few weeks of additional study time will almost certainly be valuable to your overall improvement - and you'll have a better opportunity to learn and practice the proper Tactics as well as learn more about the patterns and little 'secrets' of the GMAT. If you're interested in some new study materials that would help you to build on your current skills, then just let me know.

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

wajahatmehdi · Answer

If you want to have a better idea of where you stand, try taking the official GMAT tests on mba com. They are the most reliable tests with +/- 30 point standard deviation

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

HI PavanChebolu,

Did you end up taking an official practice exam?

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