All over the place test score wise

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All over the place test score wise

by parkman » Mon Apr 25, 2011 9:00 pm
I took the Princeton Review test when I decided to take the GMAT and before any serious study.

550
33Q 33V

Studied Quant exclusively for several weeks and took the GMAT Prep test #1

730

47Q 44V

I read a post where someone said not doing the essay can inflate a score due to less fatigue, so I took test two and did the essays as well.

680

I didnt have time to finish either section, and had a couple beers several hours earlier so maybe I wasnt in the right frame of mind. Waited several house, watched some basketball, then did the Manhattan GMAT

640

I noticed these questions seemed considerably harder. I also got that feeling of I had no clue, just guess and move on, much more frequently than with either GMAT prep test.

I decided to take the power prep test and use that as an indicator for which test was more accurate of my true ability.

Power Prep #1

640

Well, to my disappointment, it seemed manhattan was right after all and my 730 was a fluke.

Drank some coffee and did PowerPrep #2

710
48Q 40V

I don't believe I got any repeats, but definitely felt more comfortable the second time around.

Ok here is why I am even writing this.

I have to take the GMAT within 2 weeks. I would prefer to take it sooner to get it out of the way, but my scores seem all over the place and I'm not getting a good feel for what to actually expect on the real thing. I know everyone has a peak, and I have accepted I'm no Twinspinner or Stuart K. But if I get a 650 on the real thing should I be disappointed or expecting it?

Are there fluke scores, or is that something the CAT is designed to specifically eliminate?
Suggestions? Test Preperation direction from here on?
Thanks in advance and sorry to all those reading this for wasting your time :D
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by Dan@VinciaPrep » Tue Apr 26, 2011 3:56 am
Hello,
What other preparation have you done? Have you analyzed the sections that are giving you trouble on the tests? In general, the GMATPrep tests are the most accurate.
If my post helped you- let me know by pushing the thanks button ;)

I'm a private tutor in Paris, I provide online and in person consulting for the GMAT and MBA application essays.
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