Practice Tests vs. Real GMAT

[Heyhowsitgoin]

I am posting here because I felt better when I read some of the other threads, especially about differences in Kaplan's scores and the score people got on the real deal. I think Kaplan has questions that are a bit harder and they give you a lower score overall, or they grade tougher than GMAC does, not sure. But anyway, I tried the tests I got with my Kaplan book, and also the official practice tests from GMAC.

Kaplan 1 Q38 V30 550
Kaplan 2 Q41 V30 560
Kaplan 3 Q48 V35 640
Kaplan Paper Test Q49 V46 690
Kaplan Online Q43 V40 660
GMAC Test Q49 V36 700
Kaplan 4 Q32 V35 560
GMAT Q48 V37 690

I couldn't get the timing right, so I had to guess my last 5-6 math questions...

Good luck to everyone else taking the test..

[cnriley]

From what I see here the Kaplan practice tests are far more demanding. That's a relief. I am fast tracking my GMAT because I just learned about a good MBA school with a VERY fast approaching application deadline. It's been literally 6 days since I decided to apply, and I have to write my GMAT tomorrow. Eeek.

After perusing the book for 5 days I did a practice test yesterday and scored 530. Tonight I did another and scored 550. I am in a tired state though, as I work full time, and I'm only doing this in the evenings. I definitely feel rushed! I'll do one more practice test tomorrow, get a good sleep, and then do the real thing the day after (a saturday - I'll be rested).

I'd be pretty unsatisfied with anything less than about 620, but I'd like to get over 650. I think that's substantial enough given 1 week of prep.

Would you guys recommend another Kaplan test or something different?

[grumppee17]

Manhattan GMAT is the best tool out there to conquer the GMAT. Over a year period, I've had a 200+ increase in my score. I would highly recommend going some of their materials (Depending on your weaknesses) and taking some of their exams. hope this helps.

[bcaswell_uf]

I'm going to do a full debrief sometime late next week, but here are my practice test scores at least. I found this thread extremely helpful in building my confidence in the face of some mediocre 3rd party test scores so I figured that I would contribute. Now that I am done, I do firmly believe that most 3rd party tests are designed to produce lower scores than the actual tests. Hence, the 'guarantees' from test prep companies that they can improve your score. Use these tests as practice for pacing yourself but don't give too much credit to their score reports.

Listed in the order that they were attempted:

GMATPrep 1: 730 (Q48 V42)
Kaplan "Diagnostic": 680
PR Free Online: 640 (Q39 V40)
Manhattan Free Online: 720
GMATPrep 2: 740 (Q47 V44)
Actual GMAT: 760 (Q48 V46)

Interestingly, I spent most of my time trying to improve my Q, but ultimately it was an exceptionally strong V that carried the score.

[Brutzel1]

Just one question:
How is it possible that so many people here score 720+?
From what I know, only schools like harvard require such a high score, so is everyone here harvard-material?
Im trying to improve my score from like 550 now to about 650, but it feels like the average test taker here scores a lot more ...
Hows that possible?

[cnriley]

People with lower scores probably don't look for forums to post them on.

Well, I had one week to study and now the test is done. After a rushed week, with Kaplan scores of 530 & 550, I wrote the real test on saturday and scored 630. I'm fairly pleased with that considering the minimal prep time!

Good luck everyone.

[anit]

what is the difference in power prep and Gmat prep?

[Ana28]

hi
por favor, El Señor help me in how to preper for g-mat on just 1month sitting at home..

[ssang]

hello,

i'm in the midst of preparing my gmat and i don't think its going too well..
The last time i scored a 550 on PR and 540 on Kaplan Q35 V 26. Kaplan's test supposed to be harder isn't it? Both my scores are quite close and I don't really know which one to "believe" in. Any idea?

Thanks

[jadugar]

Originally Posted by ssang

hello,

i'm in the midst of preparing my gmat and i don't think its going too well..
The last time i scored a 550 on PR and 540 on Kaplan Q35 V 26. Kaplan's test supposed to be harder isn't it? Both my scores are quite close and I don't really know which one to "believe" in. Any idea?

Thanks

Don't assume any score other than GMAT Prep to represent your expected score.