Question about Kaplan's Ultimate Practice Test....

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mkbigmoz
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Topic: Question about Kaplan's Ultimate Practice Test....
PostThu Apr 23, 2009 4:35 pm
I just went to a Pearson center and took the Ultimate Practice Test. Apparently, the test is administered by Kaplan and through Kaplan's servers. I imagine that Kaplan also created the questions for the test, as they are similar (not the exact same) to the questions on my CAT's.

I scored a 690. My question may seem a bit odd. Im curious as to how similar the questions are from the UPT to those on the actual GMAT. I've noticed that each company (Manhattan, Princeton, Pearson) has a slightly different style to it's questions, and wording. Are the questions on Kaplan's UPT comparable to the actual GMAT? Does Kaplan provide any type of stats that show the SD of students from the UPT to the actual GMAT?


Im happy with my score. Im just worried that once I take the GMAT, the questions will be in a completely different style, and this might throw me off.

I hope this thread is clear. Looking forward to some feedback.
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Paxton Helms - Kaplan
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PostMon Apr 27, 2009 6:36 am
That's a very good question. I'm not an expert on the design of the Ultimate Practice Test (the UPT for short) so will not hazard a guess that may turn out to give you bad information.

So...my suggestion would be to go to the Kaplan GMAT prep section of this website or, alternatively, call 1 800 KAP TEST or call the center where you took the test.

Whatever you find out, I can tell you --from the perspective of somebody who has been in this for a while-- that the practice tests are very good indicators. They're not perfect predictors (for a variety of reasons, including many that have nothing to do with the test: there are variations in energy level, emotional state, etc., that are present in the "real thing" that aren't present in any practice test) but they are very good.

I hope these helps. If you are not finding the answers that you need using the suggestions above, let me know and I'll bird-dog it for you.

Thanks--

Paxton
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Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at paxton.kaplan@gmail.com.

To begin working with Paxton immediately, follow this link and request him specifically: http://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Admissions-Consulting/business-school-admissions-consulting.html
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amitchell
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PostTue Apr 28, 2009 1:16 pm
mkbigmoz wrote:
I just went to a Pearson center and took the Ultimate Practice Test. Apparently, the test is administered by Kaplan and through Kaplan's servers. I imagine that Kaplan also created the questions for the test, as they are similar (not the exact same) to the questions on my CAT's.

I scored a 690. My question may seem a bit odd. Im curious as to how similar the questions are from the UPT to those on the actual GMAT. I've noticed that each company (Manhattan, Princeton, Pearson) has a slightly different style to it's questions, and wording. Are the questions on Kaplan's UPT comparable to the actual GMAT? Does Kaplan provide any type of stats that show the SD of students from the UPT to the actual GMAT?

Im happy with my score. Im just worried that once I take the GMAT, the questions will be in a completely different style, and this might throw me off.

I hope this thread is clear. Looking forward to some feedback.
mkbigmoz,

Great question, and one I've been asked many times. The Ultimate Practice Test that you took at a Pearson Center does in fact consist of questions written by Kaplan, through an exclusive arrangement with Pearson. In that sense, the test is similar to our CATs - what's unique about the UPT is the fact that you get to experience real test conditions.

All GMAT test prep companies are prohibited from publishing actual GMAT questions - the only place you can find such questions is in the GMAC Official Guide (which you should have if you've enrolled with Kaplan). So we have to write our own realistic test questions.

We don't publish data comparing our students' CAT results with test-day GMAT scores, but I personally have seen the results of such analysis internally and I can tell you that CATs and GMAT scores match up quite well. Remember, also, that the test itself has a margin of error, and that as a human you have your own variation in performance.

I'd recommend that your attention (and anyone's) is better spent on identifying the question types to practice additionally, and on how to make sure that you execute at your personal best on test day.

If you have further questions just holler. Laughing
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PostFri Dec 04, 2009 11:15 pm
Does anyone know whether the Ultimate Prep Test can be purchased as a separate product?

I've talked to Kaplan and they told me the only way I can take the test is if (a) I purchase the Kaplan tutoring/class package (because the test is offered for free to their students) or (b) if Pearson allows me to take it. (I don't have time to sign up for a class because my GMAT is coming up soon. Pearson said that they can only let me take it if I'm signed up for it through Kaplan.)

I'd love to get some practice at the actual test center and any help would be greatly appreciated.
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