Accuracy of GMATPrep Exams - 6 days to go till DDay

Question

Split right now (all taken with IR and AWA):

GMATPrep 1: 730 (48Q,41V)
GMATPrep 2: 730 (48Q, 41V)
GMAT Exam Pack 1: 710 (48Q, 40V)

Taking the last Exam Pack test in 3 or 4 days and then will post the actual result this weekend. Can I reasonably expect a score above 700? Is there anything I can do in the next six days to improve my verbal score?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vatreni,

The 4 GMAC CATs are the most realistic ones on the market, so assuming that you took each of these CATs in a realistic fashion that mirrored what you'll experience on Test Day, then those scores are likely accurate. Since you have less than a week to go before your Official GMAT, taking that 4th CAT really isn't necessary (and if you take it too close to Test Day, then you might run the risk of 'burn out').

Your Quant and Verbal Scale Scores are remarkably consistent across these CATs, and they're all high scores, so you don't have a big 'weak spot' in either section. You could conceivably squeeze out a few more points in either of those sections though - but you would need to really 'nitpick' these CAT results for the types of questions that you're getting wrong and/or WHY you're getting questions wrong.

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

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

GMAT Prep CATs are the closest you can get to the actual CAT as they are made by the creators of the GMAT.
With these CAT scores, you can surely attain your target score. It all depends on the day.
The last few days might not be useful to learn anything new and then apply it on the test however, the following points might help you maximise your score.

1. Do not take a CAT in these days.
2. Make sure you pay attention to the first 10 questions. This will help you in building your score
3. Make sure you take both the breaks and give your mind the much needed break
4. Complete both the sections. There is a huge penalty for not completing the sections. You can make a benchmarking chart to remind you of the approximate question number you should be at a point of time.
5. Belive in yourself and you will be smiling at the end of the 4 hours looking at your score in the screen

Do let us know how did you fare on the test.
All the best!

vatreni · Answer

Thanks for the replies! I guess my personal issue right now is that while my verbal score is a 40, within that, my RC is a 51, SC is a 39, and CR is a 38. Are there any quick guides that I could read over during the week? I feel like SC is probably the easiest place where I could gain back a few points.

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

The best place to look for in the last week is your notes and the error log.
If you do not have them, then you can go through the preparatory course/book that you have used and go through the concepts in which you faced some problems.
Also by paying attention to a few things in the SC, you can ensure accuracy:

1. Pay attention to the S-V agreement
2. Parallelism
3. Usage of certain words: such as vs like, that vs which
4. Modifiers.

All the best!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vatreni,

After reviewing your CATs, do you have a sense of the types of SC and CR prompts that you're getting wrong? How often are you 'narrowing the answers down to 2 choices" but still choosing the wrong answer? If you're not sure what you might be missing when dealing with certain questions, then you should post them in the respective Forums here - you'll likely receive the additional insight that you need to pick up some missing points.

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

AjiteshArun · Answer

I wouldn't make too many changes in verbal, but I would definitely take that last GMATPrep. Make sure that you've got your timing strategy down and try to get a good night's sleep before the exam.

Skadoodle · Answer

I was scoring between 690-710 pretty consistently on practice tests (including ones from GMAC), but walked out of my first GMAT attempt with a 730. I don't know if it necessarily helped but I was having issues with some math questions and used the GMAT Club practice questions and the tag search function to see the exact sort of question I had issues with and how to solve it.

Though if you're like me, the best piece of advice is probably just to take a deep breath. Good luck!

Though if you're like me, the best piece of advice is probably just to take a deep breath. Good luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi Skadoodle,

A 730 is a fantastic Overall Score (it's above the 90th percentile overall), so you can comfortably apply to any Business Schools that interest you. From your profile, you've listed some competitive Schools, and even though you won't be applying for some time, you might end up wanting to work with an Admissions Expert on your applications.

Your 730 isn't actually that surprising though, given the range of your CAT scores. GMAC has publicly stated that a Test Taker's Official Score is within +/- 30 points of actual ability, so your Official score is at the 'upper end' of your range (assuming that your CAT scores were accurate - which they appeared to have been). There is something to be said about being 'calm' on Test Day - the best Test Takers I've ever worked with were all able to stay calm and think through each question as it came their way.

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

Ekland · Answer

Hi Vatreni,
My fellow GMAT preper, smile now bcos GMAT is smiling at you.
Quietly go and take GMAT on your test day.
Then after that you may apply to your school of choice.
You are there!
730 is great unless you want 800/800.
That's a waste of time.
90+ is the GMAT legacy.
it follows you here and hereafter.
Now go and take your test.
You've got it.

vatreni · Answer

I got a 710 (49q, 38v). Little disappointed in verbal. I have a decent GPA in econ at a top-10 non-ivy (Northwestern, Duke, Chicago) and will have 2-3 years of experience in economic consulting when I apply for context.

Is it worth retaking? Ugh lol I'm wondering what % of people feel this way after taking the GMAT lol

Is it worth retaking? Ugh lol I'm wondering what % of people feel this way after taking the GMAT lol

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi vatreni

First off, a 710/Q49 is an outstanding score (it's right around the 90th percentile overall), so you should apply to any Schools that interests you. Depending on the Schools that you plan to apply to, you might find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

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

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