Taking the GMATPrep Practice Tests Multiple Times
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Brent is a GMAT Instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience. Click here to learn more about GMAT Prep Now's products and services. |
When students begin preparing for the GMAT, I always recommend that they take a GMATPrep practice test early in their studies. I do this for several reasons:
- Students should know, as soon as possible, exactly what they will be preparing for over the coming weeks and months.
- The results of this test help students gauge the amount of work required to reach their target score.
- These practice tests help build confidence, since scores inevitably improve as the student prepares.
Students usually find my recommendation reasonable until they actually download the GMATPrep software and see that it contains only two practice tests (Practice Tests 1 and 2). At this point, some are reluctant to “waste” one of these tests so early in their preparation.
This conclusion is based on the assumption that the GMATPrep software consists of two static tests. The truth of the matter is that the software consists of two considerably large test banks from which questions are drawn to create the practice tests. Since they are drawn from large test banks, the questions that appear on Practice Test 1 will likely be different from the questions that appear when a student takes Practice Test 1 a second or third time. As such, students can and should take each practice test several times to evaluate their level of GMAT readiness.
Now, I’m not suggesting that the questions appearing on later attempts of a test will be completely different from the questions appearing on earlier attempts of the same test; there will be some duplication.
How much duplication?
To answer this question, I decided to take GMATPrep Practice Test 1 multiple times to see what happened. To maintain consistency, I answered all of the odd-numbered questions in the quantitative session correctly and all of the even-numbered questions in the quantitative session incorrectly. For the verbal section, I guessed E for every question.
Here are the results
My three quantitative scores were 19, 23 and 26. The first two tests (Q19 and Q23) had 6 questions in common out of 37. The second and third tests (Q23 and Q26) also had 6 questions in common. I’m assuming that the results would be similar for the verbal section.
So, knowing that there will be some duplicated questions on subsequent attempts, is it worthwhile to take a practice test so early in one’s preparation? In my opinion, the answer is yes for the reasons I gave at the beginning of this article and for the following additional reasons:
- When you do retake the same test, a majority of the questions will be different.
- When you do encounter a duplicate question, it’s possible that you won’t remember the solution, in which case the integrity of the test remains intact.
- The GMATPrep practice tests are, by far, the best way to evaluate your GMAT proficiency.
Of course, seeing duplicate questions can affect your score and yield skewed results that might not necessarily reflect your skills. This is especially true if you answer repeated questions quickly and bank extra time in the process. To mitigate this, I suggest that, when you do see a duplicate question, take the “usual” amount of time (1.5 to 2 minutes) to answer it.
So, although seeing some repeated questions in a practice test is not necessarily the best way to evaluate one’s skills, I believe that the benefits of taking and retaking each of the two GMATPrep tests far outweigh the disadvantages.
49 comments
Subhro Kar on March 18th, 2010 at 7:52 am
I think this is a very good article and lots of people initially starting preparation for GMAT has this concern.
analyst on March 18th, 2010 at 11:29 am
good article indeed.
I initially got 550[test1]. after studying I got 660 [test2]
after studying even more i got 720 , 740 respectively. [2nd try on tests 1 and 2 ]
André Heggli on August 10th, 2010 at 12:26 am
For how long did you study?
jhon on March 19th, 2010 at 3:13 am
Analyst,
do you have the time frame that you took the tests?
DanaJ on March 19th, 2010 at 3:16 am
Couldn't agree more with what Brent said! Take each test at least twice and you'll see only a handful of repeats.
Anirudh on March 20th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Hi,
I heard that if you uninstall and then reinstall the GMATPrep Software, then the chances of questions getting repeated is much lesser. Do you think this is advisable or should we just stick to giving it a few times without doing the above?
Also, How much spacing should there be within 2 tests? I think giving tests is important, but it is also important to understand that you want to ace certain sections or topics that you feel went wrong in the first go.
How many tests do you think are necessary to practice before we give the final GMAT?
Thanks,
Anirudh
Brent Hanneson on March 21st, 2010 at 8:12 am
Hi Anirudh,
I've never heard about the reinstalling trick, but I have a feeling that it won't affect the number of repeated questions. Having said that, I don't see how it could hurt. Perhaps I'll have to conduct another experiment and try that out.
You're right about strengthening any weaknesses before attempting another practice test. Your practice tests should be an opportunity to gauge your GMAT proficiency and to identify weaknesses to work on.
How many tests are necessary? I think you should keep taking practice tests until you are confident that you will reach your target score on test day.
Anirudh on March 21st, 2010 at 9:07 am
Thanks Brent!
Im going to be using 4 tests from Princeton Review, 4 tests from Manhattan Review and 2 tests from GMAT Prep and maybe reinstall it and use it again to check my nearest scores.
Do you think its important to keep gaps between tests? like say if I plan to take it end of April, I take a test every alternate day till the last week and then take a test a day then?
Brent Hanneson on March 21st, 2010 at 11:21 am
Gaps of one or more days between practice tests will allow you to work on weaknesses, while the practice tests will help develop your timing and stamina. So, if you identify several content weaknesses, increase the gap between tests and focus on those content areas. If you're fine with the content, take more practice tests.
Balraj on May 20th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Excellent post Brent.
I have just started my preperation. I am planning to take my first GMATPrep in a couple of days but as of now I am slow in answering the questions. So, should I stick to the rule of not spending much time on a signle question even on my first prep test? Because if I spend much time on few questions, I will not be able to answer all questions which will bring down the score anyways.
Please suggest.
Thanks,
Balraj.
Brent Hanneson on May 23rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Hi Balraj,
Yours is a tough question.
Don't get too caught up with trying to do each question within 2 minutes. Some questions take 1 minute and some take 3 minutes.
If you are finding it impossible to finish each section of the test within 75 minutes, then you need to accept the fact that you will need to guess on some questions to bank some time.
You also need to be very thoughtful with your guesses.
First, be sure to spread your guesses apart. You are severely penalized for strings of incorrect answers.
If you happen to have a hard time with a particular topic (e.g., probability), be prepared to guess almost immediately when you see that question type (perhaps give it a quick read to see if it is an easy one).
Also. some verbal questions are extremely long (especially some CR questions). If you get to a question and it seems to fill the entire page with text, you know that, even if it is an easy question, it will take a long time to read. So, you might want to just pick an answer immediately and be happy with the fact that you just gained 105 seconds (and you may have guessed right OR that question might even be an experimental question and does not count towards your score).
I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Brent
Pankaj on June 27th, 2010 at 12:20 am
Hi Brent,
This is an excellent article. I had downloaded powerprep software too. Do you think it will be good to start with them and then move on to GMATPrep.
Regards,
Pankaj
Brent Hanneson on June 27th, 2010 at 8:03 am
Hi Pankaj,
The powerprep for GMAT is a good tool as well.
All the best,
Brent
Maya on January 16th, 2012 at 7:31 am
I have just began preparing for GMAT, I have the GMATprep software downloaded, where can powerprep software be downloaded from?
Kedar on July 5th, 2010 at 4:15 am
Really nice article. Thanks Brent!
Slavi on July 7th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Thank you Brent for the article.
I was thinking of ways how do you develop my stamina ?
I am going to try this:
after a long day (I am a programmer by the way) I am going to sit and try to do some practice tests for an hour.
Are there other ways ?
I am asking because I wrote GMAT 2 weeks ago.
I didn't get high enough score so I'll retake it in the fall this year.
After the 3rd hour the concentration becomes harder and harder.
I had my test at 3 pm
.... as Jackie Chan says it in Karate Kid "your focus needs more focus"
Brent Hanneson on July 10th, 2010 at 6:30 am
Building your stamina is very important.
1 hour of practice is okay, but the test is nearly 4 hours long.
On some days, try practicing for at least 4 hours. Going beyond the length of the real test will make the real test seem more manageable.
All the best,
Brent
Katrina on July 10th, 2010 at 5:31 am
Hi Brent,
Thanks a lot for a great article. I completed practice test 2 and was wondering whether you know where I need to look to find solutions to the questions.
Thanks,
Katrina
Brent Hanneson on July 10th, 2010 at 6:32 am
Hi Katrina,
There are no full solutions available on the GMATPrep tests. However, you can always check the forums; it's quite likely that all GMATPrep questions have been discussed somewhere.
Cheers,
Brent
Migelito on July 12th, 2010 at 5:25 am
Brent,
thanks for the article.
Good news that the software has several outcomes. I also was afraid of "wasting" the tests.
Migelito
Rakesh on July 13th, 2010 at 10:12 am
Excellent article!!!
Thank you very very much Brent,
Rakesh
von on August 15th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Superb article. I was afraid of waisting the GMATprep tests like the others mentioned but now I think I'm pass the "writer's block" equivelent of being stuck in a mode where all I do is read books but not take practice tests.
Pd on August 20th, 2010 at 3:08 am
i took the GMAT prep Practise test 2 today and scored a 780.
Q50, V48 , 8 answers incorrect in quant and 1 in verbal
but nevertheless since this is my retake at GMAT, i feel that a few questions were repeated ( in my defence, i didnt remember any answers and only felt some 'familiarity' looking at those).
my test date is 16 days away. Pls suggest some methods to keep my focus 'focussed'.
Cheers,
Pdgmat2010
Pd on August 20th, 2010 at 3:12 am
typo: 'defense'
my head is throbbing after a gruelling schedule of 4.5 hours (essays included)!!
Sanka on August 28th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
Hi,
I've uninstalled the GMAT Prep Software 3 times now, but every time I go back in to do Practice Test 1, I can't get a fresh set of questions.
I'm only getting my answers to the last time I took the test. I know there are a few options, to select "No" when GMATPrep asks you if you want it to start anew or save your answers, and I've selected "No" several times now, but I still can't get a fresh set of questions.
I want to re-take Practice Test 1. Has anyone else experienced this issue? Does anyone have any tips or suggestions?
Thanks,
Balraj on August 28th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Sanka,
Complete one test and try taking another test without re-installing the s/w. It worked for me. Another option is to install the s/w on another computer if that is feasible.
Pushkin on August 31st, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi Brent!
I Have my GMAT on 17th Sept.
Took my GmatPrep Test-1 the first time on 15.08.2010 -- 710
Took GMATPrep Test-1 the second time on 28.08.2010 -- 770
Should I take it again or Should I move on with Kaplan papers.?
I plan to take GMATPrep Test-2 Twice in the last week Before GMAT
Please Advise
Thanks
Pushkin
Brent Hanneson on September 1st, 2010 at 6:38 am
I would write the GMATPrep2, two time before Test Day. If you reach your target score on both days, then you're ready. If you don't reach your target score on either sitting, you have some room for retaking either practice tests.
Chand on September 17th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Hi Mate!
how did your test go?
gmatxer on September 22nd, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Is the question bank for GMATprep Practice Test 1 different than the question bank for Gmatprep Practice Test 2.
If this is the case, then I could take GMATPrep Practice test 1 2 - 3 times and never see any duplicate quesitons when I take GMATPrep Practice test 2, correct?
Pls help me understand.
Thanks
Gmatxer
Brent Hanneson on April 1st, 2011 at 7:41 pm
That's correct gmatxer
Cheers,
Brent
Brent Hanneson on September 22nd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
That's right.
In Test 2, you won't see questions from Test 1
Taran on October 8th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I have a question regarding the Diagnostic Test given in OG-12. How closely will this test gauge our skill level, if we complete it within the estimated time?
Brent Hanneson on October 9th, 2010 at 7:56 am
I think the Diagnostic Test is okay, although it doesn't really provide much information (average, above average, below average). The best gauge, of course, are the GMATPrep tests.
John Grossman on November 5th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Downloaded the software and did the quant section. No scores showed up, however. Do I need to complete the verbal section too? Or is it a bug? I called GMAT but they were not at all helpful. Thanks!
Sanka on November 6th, 2010 at 8:29 am
i believe you need to do both sections to get a score. once you do both sections, you can get an individual score for each section. (out of 60)
Jhen on February 21st, 2011 at 7:35 pm
How can I avail the "Official guide fro GMAT Review, 12th edition and Kaplan's GMAT 2010-2011 Premier with CD-ROM"?
Brent Hanneson on April 1st, 2011 at 7:40 pm
Hi Jhen,
Amazon is a good place.
Cheers,
Brent
Prakash on April 13th, 2011 at 11:46 am
Hi Brent,
Thank you so much... Even I had this concern... and now I have decided to take test 1
on coming Sunday...
Brent Hanneson on April 13th, 2011 at 11:48 am
Thanks Prakesh
Kruthika on May 31st, 2011 at 11:28 am
Really good article.. I did not even think of installing the GMATPrep software till today.
I will kick start giving full tests with a GMATPrep test now..!
Genie on June 24th, 2011 at 9:36 am
Thank you so much for sharing... I had no idea on where to start my GMAT Prep.
Because of you, I can peacefully start my battle.
nisanth on August 9th, 2011 at 3:59 am
thanks for the article, it was very helpful...
BLOAVERAGE on August 11th, 2011 at 1:19 am
I WANT TO KNOW IF AWA SECTION IN GMAT PREP TESTS ARE SCORED OR NOT? MY FIRST SCORE IS 410(Q-22,V-24) EVEN AFTER SOME PREPARATION. I DID NOT FINISHIED 12 QUESTIONS IN QUANT SECTION. ALSO I AM BEHIND ON 60 DAY GUIDE HOW CAN I COVER UP?
Brent Hanneson on September 12th, 2011 at 7:49 am
The AWA essays are not scored by the GMATPrep software.
As far as being behind in the 60-Day Study Guide, don't worry. The last 17 days of the guide are devoted to catching up and strengthening any weaknesses you may have.
Cheers,
Brent
munda on August 29th, 2011 at 5:21 am
but the effectiveness of the test lies in gauging how well can you withstand the constand 75 minutes of pressure drummed down by 41 quests . its possible that seeing a question repeated might relent the pressure a bit . i have observed that even a slight decrease in pressure refreshes the mind
Brent Hanneson on September 12th, 2011 at 7:52 am
If that's the case, taking the practice tests multiple times might not be best for you.
That said, the GMATPrep tests provide you with the most accurate evaluation of your skills, so despite any drawbacks there may be, I still recommend them highly.
Cheers,
Brent
Vanshika on February 25th, 2012 at 1:04 am
A very nice article, I was actually perplexed as to if i should retake test 1 and 2 in GMATPrep or not, Now I surely will, never knew these facts
Thanks
Ashish on March 20th, 2012 at 12:31 am
Hi Brent,
Thanks for your awesome material.
Cheers,
Ashish