GMATPREP Inflated Score

[JCSantiago2012]

I took the real gmat exam on June 13 and I score a 460 26q 27v. I took a couple days off, and started to go through the 60 day again. I went through the math portion of the guide almost twice now, three times if you include the first I took the exam. But what I did differently this time is I reviewed my errors and looked for other ways to solve the problems. Since June 13 I've spent 3:1 working on the math going through the 60 day guide. Before I took my first attempt I scored a 550 40q 26v on the GMATPREP just a few days before. This was my target area so I was confident after the practice exam, but I think some test anxiety may have effected my 460 score.


When taking the GMATPREP exam I read an AWA make an outline and do the IR section (even though this section will not be counted by the schools im applying for) I still want a good IR score.Then continue to Quant and Verbal.

July 18- 540 34q 30v
July 23- 570 37q 32v

I reviewed those two practice exams. I did not review my practice exams during my 1st attempt prep. I saw I was making mistakes on the easier problems and getting the 600+ type problems right on Quant. On the verbal section I have been practicing 700+ CR questions. This helped scoring the 570, I only got 2 CR wrong out of 11, 9/11. A couple RC wrong, but most of my errors were on SC, so I reviewed the SC section videos and explanations.

July 25- 670 46q 36v


My exam day is on July 30. How inflated is the 670 score? I have about 4 more days to study, so should I study my weak areas Quant and SC? And I was planning on taking more more practice exam and review on July 28 with the 29 as a day off. My target score was 550.

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

It's hard to say just how inflated your score was.

I'm assuming that the 670 was a result of taking a GMATPrep practice test a second (or perhaps third) time. Were there many repeated questions? If so, what did you do when you encountered a question that you already knew the answer to? If you quickly selected the correct answer (in a matter of seconds) and then used that extra time to answer more difficult questions, then your score will certainly be inflated. Whenever you retake a practice test, you need to spend about 2 minutes on repeated questions (even though you may already know the correct answer). Otherwise your score will not reflect your abilities.
I suggest that you take another practice test to see how accurate your 670 score is. Keep in mind that many of the test prep companies on BTG offer a free practice test. So, you might try one of those.

Cheers,
Brent

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

I realized that I didn't fully answered your question(s).
Since your July 18th and July 23rd practice tests were so close to your target score, I think it's a good idea to spend a little more time honing your test-taking skills.
I suggest at least 1 more GMATPrep test, but be sure to let 2 minutes elapse before answering any repeated questions.
Also, SC is an subject where you can experience significant gains in your score, so it might be a good idea to work on this as well.

Cheers,
Brent

[JCSantiago2012]

I will implement the 2 minute rule for the next practice exam.

Today and tomorrow- Review and SC

7/27- GMATPREP exam -2 minute rule for repeat questions

7/28- Review practice exams, notes, and SC.

7/29- Off day 60 day guide advises to rest for the real exam on the 30th.

7/30- Test day I plan on doing 10 total easy warm up problems

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Good plan!
Let us know how the test goes on July 30th.

Cheers,
Brent

[JCSantiago2012]

Final practice exam score today 630 44q 33q, IR 3 and used the 2 minute lapse time on repeat questions. 460, 540,580, 670 (did not use 2 minute rule for repeat questions, today 630. I am taking my exam on July 30 and hoping to repeat the scores of my last two practice exams.

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Great work - 630 is well above your target score.
Good luck tomorrow! Stay positive!!

Cheers,
Brent

[JCSantiago2012]

I needed a 500 or better today. 2nd attempt on real gmat today and received 490 35q 22v. I receuved a 27 verbal on my first attempt and I thought verbal would be my stronger area, but somehow managed to drop 5 points. If you put together my two strongest score on the real GMAT 35Q and 27V this gives me a score of 530. I received a 540 on my first GMATPREP practice exam attemp, which is closer to what it looks like I am capable of scoring. In the future if I have to retake the exam or anyone planning to take the gmat, exhaust all the other practice tests before taking the GMATPREP exams. By your 3rd attempt your score will most likely be a lot higher.