GMATPrep easier?

[JennyWu06]

Hi Stacey,

I scored 50 points higher on the GMATPrep than I did on my MGMAT Cat Exam. Both tests were taken within 1-2 days. Is the GMAT Prep CD from GMAC significantly easier?

Thank you.

[StaceyKoprince]

I would not say that it is significantly easier in general, no, although it can be at high levels (730+) because the pool of available questions is a bit smaller.

The standard deviation of standardized tests is quite high (compared to what most people would guess). The SD on the official test is about 30 points. The SD on MGMAT tests is about 50 points. I haven't seen an officially published SD for GMATPrep, but I would expect it would be either the same as or somewhat higher than the official test's SD. Call it 30 to 40 points.

So, basically, 50 points is not that unusual a difference.

Also, did you take both tests under official testing conditions, including essays and length of breaks? Did you take both tests at the same time of day, after getting a good night's sleep and not doing anything else that would tire you out? Such details can affect your performance as well.