The More You Deviate From Test-Day Conditions, the Less Accurate Your Results Will Be
The baseline score that you achieve on your first practice test will tell you how far you are from your target GMAT score, thus helping you determine the length and intensity of preparation necessary to reach your goal.
However, that practice test will not be an accurate measure of your current skills unless you adhere closely to actual GMAT testing conditions when taking it. If you pause the exam multiple times, give yourself extra minutes on a section, or use tools that will not be available to you on test day, such as a calculator during the quant section, your score will not reflect your true performance level.
Seasoned test-takers know that it is wise to duplicate the test-day experience whenever you take a practice exam. For the same reason that a band rehearses on the stage where it will perform, and a wedding rehearsal is held before the ceremony, GMAT test-takers should practice in conditions that are as realistic as possible.
The closer your practice exam experience is to the real GMAT, the more reliable your results will be, and the more effective your preparation plan will be. By respecting the structure and limits of the test environment, you give yourself the best chance of building a study strategy that leads to success on test day.
Reach out to me with any questions about your GMAT prep. Happy studying!
Warmest regards,
Scott Woodbury-Stewart
Founder & CEO, Target Test Prep
