Test Score PLUMMET

[NeilWatson]

My exam is at the end of this month. I just took a practice CAT and scored an embarrassingly low 590 after scoring 660, 650 and 720 my previous CATS. I don't know if it is because of a change in software, (my first 3 CATS were using GMAT Prep software and the last one was using Manhattan) but I am starting to worry. I DEFINITELY did not expect that. I thought I might have messed up on the quant and did well on the verbal and I actually did worse on the verbal.

What do I do to prepare in time?? My plan is to review this test this week and take a practice CAT every week until my exam.

[[email protected]]

Hi NeilWatson,

A full review of this CAT is warranted. Based on your prior scores, the drop in score on this CAT is likely due to a bunch of silly mistakes on your part. There might also be some physical factors (taking the CAT at a different time of day, different day of the week, different location, etc.) that factored into this performance.

Since your GMAT is scheduled for the end of May, you have plenty of time to continue to study. This CAT result is useful (although upsetting) because it lets you know that you can't afford to get complacent. The GMAT gives you the score that you EARN. If you don't earn it (re: make too many silly mistakes), then your score will drop.

Assuming that you took the ENTIRE CAT each time, your prior 3 scores show that you have the capacity to score at a high level. Your performance still dictates your score though; scoring 720 on a CAT does not necessarily mean that you'll score 750 on the next one....unless you earn it. This CAT result is probably just a "bad day"; work hard over these next few weeks to make sure that you don't have any more bad days.

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

[Dan@VinciaPrep]

Hi Neil,
Rich is right on with his comments, and I would like to highlight/add a couple things as well. First, did you take the whole practice test on your first three tests ? That is, did you do the writing section and the IR section ? Did you do these sections on your last tests ? A lot of students think that they can skip these sections at the beginning but you would be wise to do them since it improves your stamina and makes your test score more accurate.

Also, as Rich said, you should review this test carefully. Why did you get the questions wrong ? Was it because you didn't know the material, did you make silly mistakes, or did you run out of time ?

In between now and the test I think it would be a good idea to take another couple Manhattan tests and as well as your remaining GMATPREP tests so that you have some variety. The GMATPREP tests are the most accurate in general though so don't worry too much about this last test. Just learn from you mistakes and get better because that's the best that you can do.

Cheers!
Dan

[Dan@VinciaPrep]

Hi Neil,
Rich is right on with his comments, and I would like to highlight/add a couple things as well. First, did you take the whole practice test on your first three tests ? That is, did you do the writing section and the IR section ? Did you do these sections on your last tests ? A lot of students think that they can skip these sections at the beginning but you would be wise to do them since it improves your stamina and makes your test score more accurate.

Also, as Rich said, you should review this test carefully. Why did you get the questions wrong ? Was it because you didn't know the material, did you make silly mistakes, or did you run out of time ?

In between now and the test I think it would be a good idea to take another couple Manhattan tests and as well as your remaining GMATPREP tests so that you have some variety. The GMATPREP tests are the most accurate in general though so don't worry too much about this last test. Just learn from you mistakes and get better because that's the best that you can do.

Cheers!
Dan