GMAT prep algorithm

ack wrote:Hi,

Does anyone know if the algorithm in the GMAT prep software is the same as on the actual test. Teh reason I ask is that I took the actual exam a while ago and scored a 650 with a low Quant Score (42). The only reason I could deduce for this was that I had to guess on some of the Quant quesiton because I ran out of time. I did the same thing on the GMAT prep exams but consistently get a higher score on Quant, so I am beginning to wonder if the algorithm on the actual test is more adaptive.

Thanks

ack

GMATPrep is said to be the most accurate simulation of the actual GMAT test. I haven't ever seen any official word or data that indicate that GMATPrep's algorithm is identical to the real test, but it is assumed (and accepted) by most people that GMATPrep's algorithm is the most realistic compared to other GMAT practice tests on the market.

There are a lot of reasons why your quant score on GMATPrep is higher than what you originally scored on your first GMAT. (1) You might be improving, so your score is naturally rising; or (2) perhaps the question bank in GMATPrep isn't very fresh to you anymore, so you are picking up on old questions fairly easily.

At the end of the day I wouldn't put too much effort into trying to figure out scoring algorithms. Practice hard and analyze your errors, and you will get nice results on your actual test.

Best of luck!

GMATPrep does, in fact, use the same algorithm as the official test. However, the pool of questions in the software is shallower than the pool of questions available on real test day (that is, there aren't as many questions available for the software to pick). This has the effect of making GMATPrep feel a bit easier - and the higher you score, the easier GMATPrep will feel compared to the real test.

Arun:

Please keep us updated on your progress! And don't hesitate to ask your questions to the community if you reach any stumbling blocks.

Best of luck!