GMAT Strategy

My goal is to score 45+ in Quant this Friday on my actual GMAT. Do I have a pretty good chance (see below)? I hear that GMATPREP Quant is pretty close to the actual GMAT--let me know if that is true to your experience. Finally, any suggestions for my final days before G-Day?

Background: My Verbal is a consistent 44-48; Quant is my weakness. My first GMAT practice test (GMATPREP1) score was Q27/V41. I'm at the point now where I'm scoring 49-51 in Quant on the two GMATPREP tests and 44-49 on MGMAT tests. I've taken the GMATPREP tests more than four times each and I'm seeing a lot of repeats, so I know my score is skewed. However, I force myself to work through each problem, even when I occasionally remember an answer. So, having taken the GMATPREP tests so many times, how badly skewed is my Quant score? Should I expect a big drop on the actual GMAT?

Other Quant prep: I've worked through the five MGMAT math books and OG12.

I really appreciate your feedback.

Desmond

This was a serious question. Are there no replies because the answer is obvious? As in, yes, you have a great chance of scoring 45+ in Quant.

Perhaps my question is better worded as follows:

If I know how to solve all of the Quant questions in GMATPREP tests 1 and 2 within the allotted time, and if my average Quant score is 49-51, then do I have a good chance of scoring similarly on the actual GMAT?

I sit for the test in three days!

Thanks.

I think there are no answers because no one really has any way of answering that for you. People have scored upwards of 45 on all their practice tests and scored lower on the exam. Similarly, people have scored lower than 45 on all their practice exams and scored higher on the exam. It's impossible to tell you how likely it is you'll do one way or the other.

I wouldn't trust your GMATPrep scores at this point. While it's great that you're doing them and seeing the questions, doing so many repeats really invalidates the score, though the practice questions you're accessing are invaluable. The fact that you're doing well on MGMAT quant speaks well of you, since it's a bit harder (I felt) than the actual exam. I think you've done what you can and are scoring where you need to to get a 45+ on the Q section, but I can't tell you what your chances are -- no one can.

Desmond wrote:This was a serious question. Are there no replies because the answer is obvious? As in, yes, you have a great chance of scoring 45+ in Quant.

Perhaps my question is better worded as follows:

If I know how to solve all of the Quant questions in GMATPREP tests 1 and 2 within the allotted time, and if my average Quant score is 49-51, then do I have a good chance of scoring similarly on the actual GMAT?

I sit for the test in three days!

Thanks.

I think myohmy summed it up pretty well but i will add this.

It takes only one good day or one bad day. The questions are a mix. I've heard a million things of what prep is like compared to real thing. Most people say prep math is easier than real thing but you've got adrenaline on your side for real thing.

If you're a combinatorics bad ass but suck at absolute value - then on test day comes all combinatorics for your 46+ questions - then your golden. If its the other way around - its not.

I think all you can do is be as prepared as possible. Know your weaknesses and throw those away to bank some time.

You seem to be in really good shape. Scoring above 40+ in verbal means you're awesome in verbal.

Go see friends, go to church, eat good food, "imagine" what your day will be prior to game day, and then have faith in the system. you've done your best and it is what it is.

I think my MGMAT instructor gave me a good point.

"what's the worst thing that could possibly happen? - you delay your application by a year.

While this would devastate me it is the worst possible thing.

The next thing would be to apply Round 2 for schools as opposed to round 1.

Not sure if this helps but have faith.

Cheers

Thanks for the replies. I sat for the GMAT this morning and scored a 710 (92%) 44Q/44V. I'll post a full debrief in the "I just Beat The GMAT!" thread sometime this weekend.