GMAT Official Practice Test Score Inconsistencies (680-750) Worried?

Question

Hi there,

I have my GMAT Exam on September 15, and I am a bit worried about the inconsistency of my GMAT practice test scores.

PT 1: 08/10/2022:  690  (8 IR, 44Q, 40V)
PT 2: 08/27/2022:  750  (8 IR, 49Q, 42V)
PT 3: 08/31/2022:  680  (8 IR, 45Q, 38V)
PT 4: 09/03/2022:  750  (8 IR, 50Q, 41V)

I know splits like this generally mean fundamentals are off, but I only have 11 days left to prepare. Should I do Practice Tests 5 and 6 to evaluate consistency, or focus on other things? Ideally, my target score is 730.

For reference, in my practice test 4, I felt that the quant questions seemed overly easy relative to the other practice tests.

Thanks for the help!

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi pbjammytime.

Are your scores fluctuating mostly because of knowledge or skill gaps or because of careless errors?

bb · Answer

That’s a pretty wild and somewhat consistent inconsistency. Your Quan scores are jumping from Q 45 to Q 50. As Marty mentioned they could be a few reasons for this and unfortunately only you have to realistically look at your performance and say what’s causing you to make mistakes…

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Posted from my mobile device

pbjammytime · Answer

Hi Marty and bb,

Thank you for your responses! I've analyzed my tests extensively after and it seems to be a 3:2 ratio between careless mistakes/mistakes driven by time pressure, and concept errors. There doesn't appear to be specific topics that pose trouble for me, but rather niche topics. Continuing to go through my error log, and reviewing incorrect questions should help make a difference.

In terms of fluctuations, a lot of it comes down to sequencing (where I get the incorrect answers) -> across my practice tests, I typically get around 7-11 quant questions incorrect, and 6-9 verbal questions. Any tips for maintaining a good test pace, while making sure I minimize incorrect answers on the first 10-15 questions?

bb · Answer

It seems maybe this inconsistency comes from inconsistent time management? Do you have time markers for where are you were supposed to be at question 10, and question 20 for example?

PS I don’t think taking more tests is the answer. Notice until you change things around.

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MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

I agree.

Your first move is to develop consistency in untimed practice.

Then, you can work on maintaining consistency while reducing your time per question to test pace.

Once you have achieved consistency in untimed and timed practice, then it will be time to take more practice tests.

For some tips on how to achieve higher accuracy, see this post.

Improving Your Accuracy on the GMAT

To learn about how to train to achieve consistency, see this one.

The Best GMAT Practice Methods

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

This post on timing could be helpful as well.

Timing Strategies For a Higher GMAT Quant Score

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Analyzing PT 1 and PT2 to see why your Quant dropped compared to your other performances may be worth doing. For Verbal, consider working on your solving approach. May boost your score. Your scores are most V40+. Had a 6-hour student go from a V41 to a V45 in about 10 days (online retake). Perhaps work with a study buddy with strong Verbal skills.

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