Scores getting lower?

[timberlake]

I did a minimal amount of studying (maybe learned a few strategies and went over a few math problems the day before) and scored a 156V and a 152Q. These scores are okay, but I felt that with some actual studying I could improve.

 

After a few months of studying, I am scoring significantly lower than my first scores. I'm retaking the test on Saturday and I am panicking. Did this happen to anyone else? Should I just stop studying? Was I just making lucky guesses the first time?

[jujubea]

Oh man.  I am having the same problem!

It is so frustrating!

I put three months of study in, and my practice test scores are now lower than both my GRE scores from five years ago, and lower than my initial practice test during this round of studying.

 

From what I have read on here, practice scores can be pretty different than what one actually scores.  Also, which program are you using to take your practice tests?  Or are you using books?  I noticed my practice test scores were higher in the paper book practice tests than in the Kaplan test prep stuff I'm using on the computer now.

 

It looks like you already took it a couple days ago though - how did it go????!

[timberlake]

I just replied to your other post! My scores actually went up! 160V, but I scored the same in Q (my program doesn't look at this too hard so its okay). I was in a complete panic the week leading up to my test because I was so worried I was going to score lower. 

 

I used the two free practice tests on ETS and the one on Manhattan. I'm guessing the score discrepancy is because the practice tests are not adaptive???

[jujubea]

I saw it, thanks!

 

I don't know, there's that one whole thread here on Practice tests scores vs. Actual scores, and it sounds like discrepancies are pretty common, both ways, and including for the adaptive Kaplan tests (which I'm using).

 

Congrats on being done with that!  Must feel so good.  I can't wait to get it behind me. 

[Monochrome Spring]

The only test which will give you an accurate score is the PowerPrep practice test, because it is an actual GRE exam, which has the appropriate difficulty scaling built in. You should try those, instead of or in addition to whatever test materials you are using now.

[jujubea]

Thanks Monochrome!

[jujubea]

The only test which will give you an accurate score is the PowerPrep practice test, because it is an actual GRE exam, which has the appropriate difficulty scaling built in. You should try those, instead of or in addition to whatever test materials you are using now.

 

Double thanks.  

I took the full PowerPrep practice test today and made the kind of improvements in my score I had more expected to see.

When all's said and done on Friday I'll come by the Practice/Actual thread and post all the different practice scores I've gotten (Barron's, Kaplan, and PowerPrep).

 

If you're perusing here again, Mono - what's your take on taking practice tests close to the exam? I made a thread about this but haven't gotten a response... Real test is Friday, and I don't want to burn my brain out, but I also feel compelled to keep studying like a mad woman!

[Monochrome Spring]

Double thanks.  

I took the full PowerPrep practice test today and made the kind of improvements in my score I had more expected to see.

When all's said and done on Friday I'll come by the Practice/Actual thread and post all the different practice scores I've gotten (Barron's, Kaplan, and PowerPrep).

 

If you're perusing here again, Mono - what's your take on taking practice tests close to the exam? I made a thread about this but haven't gotten a response... Real test is Friday, and I don't want to burn my brain out, but I also feel compelled to keep studying like a mad woman!

 

I studied up until the morning before the exam. Then I let myself have the time beforehand to relax. I looked over my math cheat sheet and a few vocab words I wanted to double check. I don't think it's bad to study up until then, but it'll depend on your own studying and testing style.