I've taken two practice tests on the GMAT Prep Software and the scoring didn't make sense:
Test 1
Q49, V36 = Score 710
Test 2
Q49, V37 = Score 700
How is it that my score on the second practice test is lower than the first one?
Discrepancy in GMAT Prep Scoring
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Hi asn27,
GMAC has publicly stated that a Test Taker's score on the Official GMAT is within +-30 points of actual ability. Thus, these two scores are essentially identical. The difference likely comes down to the minor 'curve' that exists in the GMAT scoring algorithm (and it adjusts based on the scores of the overall pool of Test Takers). Since these two CATs were likely 'calibrated' from different groups of Test Takers, the built-in curve might be a little different.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
GMAC has publicly stated that a Test Taker's score on the Official GMAT is within +-30 points of actual ability. Thus, these two scores are essentially identical. The difference likely comes down to the minor 'curve' that exists in the GMAT scoring algorithm (and it adjusts based on the scores of the overall pool of Test Takers). Since these two CATs were likely 'calibrated' from different groups of Test Takers, the built-in curve might be a little different.
GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich
- DavidG@VeritasPrep
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Apparently, the raw scores are a little more fine-grained than what we see on score reports. Not all 49's are created equal - you could have a "high 49" or a "low 49." It stands to reason that this is why your composite score dropped a bit despite your raw scores seeming to have improved. But for all intents and purposes, you got the same score both times. I can't imagine that schools would treat an applicant with a 710 any differently than they'd great an applicant with a 700.Test 1
Q49, V36 = Score 710
Test 2
Q49, V37 = Score 700
How is it that my score on the second practice test is lower than the first one?
- DavidG@VeritasPrep
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Glad to hear! (That is the beauty of this community.)I've used both your programs and I've improved my practice scores quite a bit. Hoping this translates to actual test day!
My advice going forward: thoroughly review those practice tests, particularly the verbal, and write down 4-5 strategic adjustments you can make before the next practice test. Do some additional drilling. (Feel free to use our free q-bank, if you haven't already: https://www.veritasprep.com/gmat-question-bank/)
When you're ready to take another practice test, pick up the two additional tests from mba.com: https://www.mba.com/us/store/store-catal ... ack-1.aspx
Keep us posted!
- Rich@EconomistGMAT
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Hi asn27,
As a bit of encouragement, you should actually be pleased with only a 10 point difference between attempts, especially since you're in the 700 range. Although it might have been initially disappointing to see the slight dip, this does confirm that you're currently in that range. Continue doing what you've been doing and you should be in good shape on test day.
Best,
Rich
As a bit of encouragement, you should actually be pleased with only a 10 point difference between attempts, especially since you're in the 700 range. Although it might have been initially disappointing to see the slight dip, this does confirm that you're currently in that range. Continue doing what you've been doing and you should be in good shape on test day.
Best,
Rich
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- ceilidh.erickson
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The GMAT scoring algorithm can be very confusing!
Your 200-800 score is actually based on the RAW scores, not the rounded SCALED scores. So, a Q "high 49" + V "high 36" might track to something higher overall than a "low 49" + "low 37."
Make sense?
Just keep in mind - business schools know that there is a margin of error of +/- 30pts, so the difference between a 700 and a 710 won't hurt you.
Here's the simple answer: your 49 on quant isn't really a "49." It's rounded from a raw score: think about the range from 48.5 to 49.49999.... So there is a such thing as a "high 49" and a "low 49," although you'd never know which one you had.asn27 wrote:I've taken two practice tests on the GMAT Prep Software and the scoring didn't make sense:
Test 1
Q49, V36 = Score 710
Test 2
Q49, V37 = Score 700
How is it that my score on the second practice test is lower than the first one?
Your 200-800 score is actually based on the RAW scores, not the rounded SCALED scores. So, a Q "high 49" + V "high 36" might track to something higher overall than a "low 49" + "low 37."
Make sense?
Just keep in mind - business schools know that there is a margin of error of +/- 30pts, so the difference between a 700 and a 710 won't hurt you.
Ceilidh Erickson
EdM in Mind, Brain, and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education
EdM in Mind, Brain, and Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education