What are the odds of getting the same exam after multiple attempts?

Question

Hi,
Are there any odds to get the same exact GMAT exam after multiple attempts in the same center?

And, are there any odds for some of questions in the past exams to repeat in next exams?

I'm asking about the real exam not the PREP ones.

Silviax · Answer

Great probability question! :lol:

I think one needs more information about the algorithm of GMAC's computer-adaptive tests and the number of questions available to test takers in order to answer this question. I would think the probability is pretty low because you can only take the GMAT 5 times within a 12 month period. They probably switch out entire sets of questions after a certain amount of time and "retire" those questions so they can sell them for a lot of money in the next OG edition.

Silviax · Answer

I meant to say the probability is pretty low to non-existent. :roll:

AjiteshArun · Answer

You won't see any repeat questions. It doesn't matter whether you take the exam at the same center multiple times or at different centers. The GMAT will "remember" which questions it has given you, and will not give them to you again. To ensure that you don't see every question in the item pool(s), the GMAT "caps" the number of tests you can take.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hzirak,

From your post, it's unclear how far you are into your studies (or if you've taken the Official GMAT yet), so it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied?
2) What materials have you used?
3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?

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?

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

hzirak · Answer

Thank y'all for providing your insights. That was really helpful. To answer your questions: I have just recently started studying for GMAT and to be honest, I'm not doing very well. I have used the official GMAT Review materials. I'm planning to take GMAT in about a month no matter how much I will study or how badly I'm failing! I'm just going to jump into the pool no matter what and see if my efforts plus huge luck can help me to somehow get a high score. If, yes, then good, I didn't spend much efforts and I got the score I wanted. If not, then, fine, I will study more and try next times. If I get a good score in about 2 month from now I will apply this year. If not I will apply next year

, so, hopefully, I will end up to be a GMAT assassin either by luck or by hardwork!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hzirak,

If you're hoping to 'luck' your way into a high score, then that isn't a particularly good plan. Based on what you've described, you plan to continue studying and retake the GMAT if your first score isn't 'good enough' - so why rush in to take the GMAT when you're not ready (and spend $250 that you do not need to spend) when you could study for a longer, more consistent period of time and (almost certainly) score higher?

You skipped over a couple of my questions (and the answers to those questions are quite important):

3) How have you scored on each of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores)?
4) What is your goal score?

The GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level. Right now, it sounds like you might need to invest in some new study materials and learn/practice some new Tactics.

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

hzirak · Answer

Thanks a lot EMPOWER. I guess was in a rush to answer so I missed out two of ur questions.

I have never taken CAT, so I don't have any scores for that. I took GRE 5 years ago and I scored 800 for Quant and 450 for verbal. Not so good, but helped me to get a US school admission ( yes, English is my second language).

My goal score is 700+.

I know you might find this stupid, but, I'll go to business school only if I get admission from HBS, Stanford, or Wharton. I really don't have any rush though. So, I'm going to spend my time until I become very good at GMAT.

My Quant is really good and I usually score near to perfect. But verbal is the main issue. 
My success ratio for sentences correction is usually around 50% . 
Reading comprehension: I typically get 1 or 2 answers wrong out of every 4 or 5 questions. And, I am very slow at reading. My native american friend who sits next to me at work is always done in half the time it takes for me reading the same passage and answers %100 correctly! Makes me really jealous!

Critical reasoning is the same story as SC. usually %50 correct answers.

So, my estimation is: if I take the exam right now, I'll answer 99% of the quant questions and about half of the questions in verbal section correctly. I hope!

Yes, I agree I need to study some new material. But first, I want to make sure I have mastered to learn from all my mistakes in the GMAT REVIEW SERIES. And, then, go for new resources.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi hzirak,

By your own admission, you are not in a rush to apply to Business School - and that gives you something of an advantage - you can put in the proper study time and 'lock in' a high GMAT score for when you do decide to apply to School. As such, it does not make sense that you would rush in to take the GMAT, especially when we have NO IDEA how you would score.

All things considered, it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can download 2 for free from www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 4 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have those scores, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

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

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