~100 Point Difference in Practice Tests (MGMAT vs. GMATPrep)

[RishiG121]

Hi there,

I've been studying for about a month now, and I have the exam scheduled in two weeks. I have taken three MGMAT practice tests and two official practice tests. Here are the scores, in chronological order:

MGMAT 1 = 670 (Q44/V37)
MGMAT 2 = 680 (Q46/V37)
GMATPrep 1 = 770 (Q50/V45)
MGMAT 3 = 680 (Q46/V37)
GMATPrep 2 = 770 (Q50/V46)

These exams were fairly evenly spaced out (taken about a week apart). I have no idea why my official practice test scores are so much higher. I find it strange that I score consistently very high on GMATPrep but consistently lower on MGMAT. I suppose that's a good thing, since I've read in many places that the official tests are the most accurate predictors of score. Any thoughts? Thank you!

[StaceyKoprince]

Hmm. That is puzzling. I can think of a few potential causes.

I agree that the official practice tests are the best ones...but I'd also like to know what's causing the varied performance, in case it's something that could crop up on the real thing. And presumably you want to know that, too. :)

First, were you taking all of the tests under 100% official conditions, including essay and IR, as well as the two 8-minute breaks? Deviating from official conditions - taking a longer break, skipping a section - can result in inflated test scores on Q and V (since you are not using up as much mental energy as you will have to use on the real test).

The second GMATPrep test, for example, uses the same IR questions as the first test, so it's not a good test of the mental stamina you'll need. (That doesn't explain things though, since your first GMATPrep was the same very high score.)

By the same token, were there any reasons why you would have been more mentally fatigued than usual, especially when starting the 3rd MGMAT CAT? (the only one that technically represented a drop in score...)

Next, what timing issues do you have? Notice that I don't ask whether you have timing issues - that's because everybody has at least some minor issues. (Note: you can finish a section on time and still have timing issues.)

Serious timing issues can cause score fluctuations. If so, they can crop up on the real test too.

Use this article to analyze your MGMAT CATs to diagnose your timing issues:
http://tinyurl.com/analyzeyourcats

You don't have the same data for the GMATPrep tests, so you'll have to analyze based on what you remember. Compare the above analysis of MGMAT to your best-guess memories of GMATPrep.

Let me know what you think. Also, if you do discover timing issues, you can start to address them using the following articles:
overall mindset:
https://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/inde ... lly-tests/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -the-gmat/

timing:
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... -to-do-it/
http://www.manhattangmat.com/blog/index ... nt-part-1/

[RishiG121]

Thanks so much for your detailed reply, Stacey.

1.) All tests were taken under the same conditions, and all sections were done for each test.

2.) I was feeling a little sick when I took the third MGMAT test, but I'm not sure it affected my thinking much. I didn't notice anything strange during the test and by the time I finished, I had already started feeling better.

3.) In terms of timing, I usually have some trouble on the quant section. I usually finish with only 2-5 minutes remaining in the section. All other sections are just fine.

Honestly, I don't really think there's anything obvious going on here. I think I'm going to buy the GMATPrep tests 3 and 4 and try those out in the next week, before the real exam. As long as I do similarly well on those tests (770 +/- 30), I feel like I should be confident -- does that sound right? I honestly believe that's my target score range (I had a 2400 SAT). Thanks so much!

[StaceyKoprince]

Go analyze your timing on the quant sections of your most recent CATs. It's great that you have a strong history of standardized test performance, but the GMAT is quite different from the SAT, and I want to make sure you're not losing points (or creating volatility) due to timing issues. You can't hit a 770-ish score on the test with anything but *very* minor timing issues.

But, yes, if you do well on the other two GMATPrep tests (also under official conditions, of course), then that bodes very well for test day!

Note: don't take a practice CAT within 5 days of the real thing. And don't do much in the 2 days before. Analogy: it's like running a practice marathon right before a real marathon. All you do is tire yourself out!

[RishiG121]

Just took GMATPrep test 3 and got another 770 (Q50/V45). I'm feeling pretty confident for the test in 8 days. Thanks Stacey!

[StaceyKoprince]

Good luck - let us know how it goes!

[RishiG121]

Just took the exam today and scored 760 (IR8/Q50/V44). Thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

Amazing!! That's phenomenal - congratulations!!