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Hi,

The percentile you get is separate from the score. Basically, while the score is stable, the percent you get compares you to how everybody else did on the exam. Therefore, in math, when you scored a 36, that means that 61% of the population scored lower than you, and 39% of the population scored higher than you. These percentages vary as the test taking population does. So, for example, a few years ago if you got a 750 on the GMAT you were in the 99th percentile, but now to be in the 99th percentile you need a 760 or above.

In terms of your goal score, if you are aiming for the high 600's, a 630 isn't a bad start. I would suggest making sure you are studying through more than just practice tests though. Make sure you learn the content and practice strategies rather than rushing through too many practice tests. Only take the tests once you know you have improved your overall knowledge.

Also, our exams come with analysis, so make sure you use that. Run the analysis on your exams and see where your weaknesses are. Are you answering a lot or the critical reasoning questions wrong? If so, focus on strategies for them, and practice critical reasoning problems before taking your next practice test. This type of focused studying should allow you to push your score higher.

In terms of our 50 point SD, this means that if you got a 630 on our test, your true ability level could be between 605 and 655. On the actual GMAT, the SD is around 30 points, which means that if you took the GMAT one day and got a 630, you could take it again the next day and get anywhere from a 645 to a 615.

Let me know if you have any further questions!

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Caitlin Clay
Student Services, Manhattan GMAT

Hi.

All of the questions on the exam come from a single large question bank and when you answer a question it gets frozen out of the bank so you don't see it again. After you've taken six exams, you have the opportunity to reset the exams. This means all the questions that were frozen out of the bank go back into the bank.

Our question bank is large enough that you should be able to take your 7th and 8th tests without too many repeats, especially if your score is improving (which would mean it would give you harder questions!) After that, you will probably start to see some repeats.

If you're scoring consistently in the mid 600's I'd say the chances are pretty good that your actual GMAT score will reflect your practice test scores. However, I would suggest taking the two free tests at mba.com as those use questions that previously appeared on the GMAT and so are a good indicators of your score. Also, as you said, there are a lot of factors on the test day that can throw you off. In the practice tests, make sure you're following the timing correctly (75 min each for quant and verbal and 8 minute breaks in between)and doing the essays. Also try to take the tests at the same time of day that your exam is scheduled.

This article has some good tips about being prepared for the GMAT: http://https.admin.manhattangmat.com/strategy-series-stress.cfm

Good luck with your studying!

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Caitlin Clay
Student Services, Manhattan GMAT