Actual is 150 Points Lower Than GMATPrep

[gtg279v]

I must admit: I did not put much time into preparation for the GMAT exam. I found out-roughly 2-1/2 weeks ago-that the GMAT was about to change. So I hit the books in an attempt to get in there before it change. Couldn't hurt, eh?

Background:
BSME, Graduated with Honors
Manufacturing Manager of a Small Operation: ~$50 Million / year at my location

Study Materials:
-Kaplan Premier 12-13
-Manhattan Verbal

Practice Exams, In Order:
-Kaplan CAT: 630
-Kaplan CAT: 620
-GMATPrep: 660
-Kaplan CAT: 600
-GMATPrep: 680

Actual Exam Score (This morning):
-520

If I would have hit average between my GMATPrep exam scores, I would have been satisfied. However, I didn't even come close!

I simulated the testing environment as close as possible in every case. Each one of the exams above were different exams, so I should not have had a chance to memorize anything.

Time did not seem to be an issue and my timing is correct.

Any idea what happened here? Why the discrepancy between scores?!

I will probably take a course and hop on a 3 month track toward retaking the exam.

Thanks for all help and suggestions.

[Jim@StratusPrep]

It is common amongst people who have not done a lot of prep work. I will say, you might want to look into tutoring over a course with the amount of work you have done already - it might be very redundant.

[gtg279v]

Jim,

10-4.

I will say that I have learned a lot since I began studying the material. I am actually surprised that I was able to get a 630, with little to no studying, on an exam that is supposedly more difficult than the actual GMAT. Naturally, I now question the validity of these practice exam scores especially since I do not feel like nerves had any measurable effect exam performance.

My peers in the quest toward MBA admissions were surprised to learn that I did not purchase the "OG" for my studies. Many of them also had negative comments about Kaplan Premier, but did recommend the Kaplan GMAT800 (after sufficient preparation).