Answering 'X' questions incorrectly - does it matter which? - The Beat The GMAT Forum

Answering 'X' questions incorrectly - does it matter which?

Expert replies

tomada: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 406; Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:36 amFollowed by: 4 members; Location: Syracuse, NY; Thanked: 23 times; GMAT Score:740

by tomada » Sat Mar 08, 2014 12:39 pm

This has probably been asked, but I can't find it in the archives, so please bear with me if the answer is out there.
Suppose that answer 6 questions incorrectly in the Quant section (I chose '6' arbitrarily), and that each of the 6 questions is considered to be in the 700-800 range.
In terms of converted Quant score, does it matter which six '700 - 800' questions are answered incorrectly?

I'm really old, but I'll never be too old to become more educated.

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — GMAT Strategy | Sat Mar 08, 2014 12:39 pm

GMAT/MBA Expert

[email protected]: Elite Legendary Member; Posts: 10392; Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:38 pmFollowed by: 511 members; Location: Palo Alto, CA; Thanked: 2867 times; GMAT Score:800

by [email protected] » Sat Mar 08, 2014 7:27 pm

Hi tomada,

While it might be tempting to try to boil down the GMAT to "how many" questions do you need to earn a particular score, the GMAT doesn't really work that way. Questions vary in relative value (some don't even count) and even the penalty can vary (an unanswered question at the end of the section is marked as incorrect AND is penalized).

For your own self-analysis, the better question to ask is "how many questions did I get wrong because of a silly mistake?"

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

Contact Rich at [email protected]

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Brent@GMATPrepNow: GMAT Instructor; Posts: 16207; Joined: Mon Dec 08, 2008 6:26 pmFollowed by: 1268 members; Location: Vancouver, BC; Thanked: 5254 times; GMAT Score:770

by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Sun Mar 09, 2014 7:56 am

Hi tomada,

It's not uncommon for students to try to figure out the GMAT scoring algorithm. In fact, some students spend WAY to much time doing this (when they should be preparing). My question to you is: what do you intend to do with this particular information? Will it change the way in which you tackle the test?

Cheers,
Brent

Brent Hanneson - Creator of GMATPrepNow.com

Like this post

tomada: Master | Next Rank: 500 Posts; Posts: 406; Joined: Mon Jan 25, 2010 11:36 amFollowed by: 4 members; Location: Syracuse, NY; Thanked: 23 times; GMAT Score:740

by tomada » Sun Mar 09, 2014 9:27 am

Gentlemen, thank you for your replies. Knowing the algorithm wouldn't affect how I prepare: I'm still going to try to correctly answer every question. I was more curious than anything else.

I'm really old, but I'll never be too old to become more educated.

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review