GMAT Practice Test vs. Actual Test Difficulty
GMAT practice test vs. actual test difficulty vary due to different reasons. Explore most common factor for differences in GMAT practice test vs. actual test difficulty level.
Shivani Kumari24 Jun, 2024
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GMAT Practice Test vs. Actual Test Difficulty: A GMAT practice test provides an idea of what the actual exam will be like. Candidates attempting the practice test get an approximation of their performance on the actual exam day. However, many people find that practice tests often differ significantly from the GMAT in terms of question difficulty and predicted scores. Additionally, most candidates who take the practice test during GMAT preparation report scoring much lower on the actual test.
Official GMAT Prep Easier vs. Actual GMAT
GMAT aspirants often wonder if the official practice tests, commonly known as "GMAT Prep" tests, are easier than the actual GMAT. Many claim these practice tests are less challenging. However, the actual difference in the difficulty level arises due to factors other than the questions asked in the test. The common factors that make the actual GMAT exam more challenging are test anxiety, issues at the test centre, etc.Also Read: GMAT Syllabus 2024
GMAT Practice Test vs. Actual Test Difficulty
The official GMAT practice tests are similar to actual tests regarding difficulty level. Many test-takers score almost the same marks on the official practice tests and the real GMAT Focus , indicating a high predictive accuracy. GMAT experts also report that the difficulty levels of the practice tests and the real exam are comparable. Besides the official GMAT prep test, candidates can also practise with PW GMAT Adaptive mock tests . These mock tests are based on the actual exam pattern and scoring system. Therefore, candidates' difficulty level of reliable GMAT practice tests is similar to the actual exam.Differences in GMAT Practice Test vs. Actual Test Difficulty
Some test-takers report that the actual GMAT feels more difficult than practice tests. The difference in the difficulty level of the exam can be due to the following reasons:- Differences between each GMAT questions
- Unforeseen issues on test day
- Using third-party practice tests
Differences Between each GMAT Questions
No two GMAT tests are identical, whether they are official practice tests or actual exams. Each test presents a different mix of questions, which can make some tests feel easier or harder depending on a test-taker's strengths and weaknesses. Due to this variation, one test may seem easier to a test taker, while other tests may seem more challenging. Relying solely on specific topics or practice tests can be a significant mistake during GMAT preparation. The most effective preparation strategy is to attempt various types of questions and understand the correct approach to solve them. This way, candidates can improve their problem-solving skills and be ready for any question, rather than attempting to predict the content for the actual exam.Unforeseen Issues on Test Day
Test-takers often face challenges during the actual GMAT that they don't encounter during practice tests. These include, exam day pressure identification checks, etc. These can make it harder to focus or recall information during the real exam. In contrast, practice tests, even when designed to replicate the test-day experience, are inherently less stressful. Additionally, distractions at the test centre or poor sleep the night before can impact performance. Although candidates can try to simulate the actual testing environment during practice, it's impossible to perfectly replicate the conditions of test day. Therefore, various unforeseen events on the GMAT exam day make the actual exam feel more difficult than the practice test.Third-Party Practice Tests
GMAT practice test difficulty levels vary significantly among third-party test providers. Some are much harder than the actual GMAT, while others are much easier. Even those that seem similar in difficulty lack the official scoring algorithm used by GMAC. Therefore, it is essential to select the most credible GMAT practice test. PW GMAT Online Coaching provides computer adaptive tests that are based on the actual exam format. Candidates enrolled to PW GMAT Coaching Classes also get thorough performance analysis that helps them strengthen their preparation and achieve high marks in the actual GMAT.
GMAT Practice Test vs. Actual Test Difficulty FAQs
Are GMAT Adaptive tests harder than actual GMAT?
PW GMAT adaptive tests are similar to the actual GMAT exam when considering their difficulty level and scoring algorithm.
Are GMAT official practice tests adaptive?
Yes, GMAT official practice tests are adaptive and follow the scoring system of the GMAT actual exam.
Is the actual GMAT harder than practice?
The difficulty level of GMAT practice tests varies. Although most third-party GMAT practice tests follow the GMAT Focus exam pattern, the question type and scoring algorithm significantly vary. Therefore, many candidates find the actual GMAT exam harder than the practice test.
Is getting 720 in GMAT difficult?
Yes, Scoring 720 on GMAT is a challenging task. To achieve this score, candidates need to have a thorough grasp of each topic included in the GMAT syllabus. Additionally, candidates must accurately answer tricky questions in the GMAT exam to score 720.
How many GMAT practice tests should you take?
Candidates should take at least 4-5 full-length GMAT practice tests during the preparation phase. After completing each test, candidates analyse their performance and seek expert guidance to improve their weak sections.
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