Hi there,
I know this has been discussed before...but I am really freaking out.
I have my GMAT in 2 days and am getting huge variations in my CAT scores 640, 590, 690, 590). And strangely I am getting scores 50 points lower than when I started the Knewton course - although I have found it super helpful. Before the course I did a 2 weeks using manhattan books and their exams in which I was getting 640-650 consistently but then I felt so much less well prepared.
I am really freaking out as I need to get a good score (my aim 680-700) and can't retake!!
Any advice or explanations?!
Thank you
Knewton CATS - variance in scores - GMAT in 2 days
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- Jen@VeritasPrep
- GMAT Instructor
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Hi omg,
It looks like you may have already taken the test (I hope it went well!), so this might be a moot point, but I can still try to offer some insight. That kind of score variance isn't actually that uncommon on the practice tests taken throughout the course -- as you learn new strategies, your score can fluctuate fairly significantly until you really internalize your approach. For example, maybe you try plugging in numbers on a question that you would have formerly tried to solve with complicated algebra; you get the question right (yay!) but because it's a new strategy, it takes you longer and negatively affects your timing. The more you practice, the more efficient you become, and your score will hopefully level out.
While full-length tests are a hugely important part of studying, I like to think of them more as resources for practice and review than as score predictors. Ultimately, the important thing is how you feel about the material -- are you confident? Are you working quickly but carefully? Do you understand your mistakes? After all, the only score that REALLY matters is the official one!
I'm glad you found Knewton helpful, and I hope this provides a bit of reassurance.
Thanks,
Jen
It looks like you may have already taken the test (I hope it went well!), so this might be a moot point, but I can still try to offer some insight. That kind of score variance isn't actually that uncommon on the practice tests taken throughout the course -- as you learn new strategies, your score can fluctuate fairly significantly until you really internalize your approach. For example, maybe you try plugging in numbers on a question that you would have formerly tried to solve with complicated algebra; you get the question right (yay!) but because it's a new strategy, it takes you longer and negatively affects your timing. The more you practice, the more efficient you become, and your score will hopefully level out.
While full-length tests are a hugely important part of studying, I like to think of them more as resources for practice and review than as score predictors. Ultimately, the important thing is how you feel about the material -- are you confident? Are you working quickly but carefully? Do you understand your mistakes? After all, the only score that REALLY matters is the official one!
I'm glad you found Knewton helpful, and I hope this provides a bit of reassurance.
Thanks,
Jen