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First CAT score analysis

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First CAT score analysis

by MarkPaul » Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:14 am
Last night I took the GMATPrep exam and got a 550. My goal is to break 700 so I was disappointed but whatever this is just the first step I guess. With that being said, I had very little time this week to orient myself with the exam and time was a major issue causing me to guess on the last 4 or 5 for each section. I feel that these things might have hurt me a little but I'm realistic and know it shows me I have a ton of work to do before I am ready to take the exam. Do you think this score is representative of how I should do or should I take a couple of weeks to do a full review and take another CAT?

Thanks

Mark
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by cans » Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:19 am
I think this is representative and you should start working accordingly.
When are you thinking of taking the exam???
Also you can take another test in a week and review again.. :)
If my post helped you- let me know by pushing the thanks button ;)

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Cans!!
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by MarkPaul » Fri Jun 10, 2011 6:40 am
Thanks, I'm planning on taking it in late August
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by arun@crackverbal » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:46 am
I didn't quite get the question:
"Do you think this score is representative of how I should do or should I take a couple of weeks to do a full review and take another CAT? "

My take is 550 is a decent score since you still have not learned a lot about taking the GMAT test (it has nothing to do with knowledge - I am just talking about strategy here). Once you brush up on the basics of test-taking AND revise your concepts take another GMATPrep. That should be a better indicator of your performance. I reckon you should see atleast a 50 point increase if you manage your time well.

All the best and let us know how you did!

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by havok » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:51 am
I think you're definitely on the way to a 700 if you are willing to put the time in. 550 with 8-10 guessed questions in not indicative of what your score COULD be. Studying the topics you felt weak on during the test, reviewing what you got wrong, and putting pressure on yourself to finish in time are all important factors. I would study for two weeks, and take another CAT to more accurate gauge your potential.
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by MarkPaul » Mon Jun 13, 2011 8:14 am
Thanks everyone for your helpful responses. I will plan on brushing up on the topic areas and taking another CAT in a few weeks. Any suggestions on self study routines for the short and long term? As far as resources go, what has worked well for you guys? I will not be able to afford a private GMAT class but am more that willing to but in the hours and take on a demanding self study program for the next few months.

Thanks,

Mark
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by Brian@VeritasPrep » Mon Jun 13, 2011 9:58 am
Hey MarkPaul,

Saw your username and had to comment, if only in the hope that I'm talking to Mark-Paul Gosselaar, TV's Zack Morris of Saved by the Bell fame...

As far as whether your score is representative - I'd say it's about as representative as would be your time for a mile run today if your goal is to run a 20-minute 5K in September. It's an indication of where you need to improve, but you also have to take into account the fact that you WILL improve. So really you should take it as an encouraging sign (I'm starting above average and I know that I wasn't prepared nearly to the extent that I will be) and also use it to determine where you need the most work.

I'd do this - go back to the test and ask yourself:

-Which question types did I really struggle to understand or complete (for many people Data Sufficiency jumps to the top of this list...)?

-Which topic areas (e.g. algebra or geometry) felt most rusty?

-Which question types / subject areas took me the most time?

-Which "silly" or "careless" mistakes did I make?

And then use the above as a guide for where to start and focus your studies. Hit the biggest-need-for-improvement stuff first. Don't let "that was a silly mistake" lull you into a false sense of security - make a plan for catching and fixing those mistakes in the future, since they'll tend to reoccur in high-pressure, pressed-for-time situations. Then check yourself each week or so for improvement - do you feel more comfortable with these topics? Are you making fewer mistakes? Are you managing your time better?

I've never been a huge fan of using an initial practice test score (or really any practice test score, to be honest) as an assessment of "where you are" or even "how good you are" - I think the greatest value in the practice tests is the fact that you can learn a lot from the experience and point yourself toward areas of improvement. The tests are great scouting reports, but this far out I don't think it's a great predictor of your score.
Brian Galvin
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Veritas Prep

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by MarkPaul » Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:52 am
Thanks Brian, good advice and love the MPG reference who by the way has a new TV show out. Sorry to admit it but I'm just a fan who happens to share a name with a great actor. Thanks again for your perspective on the initial exam.

The other MPG
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