GRE Practice Tests & Actual Scores: Well Correlated?

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Hello everyone,

I'm taking the GRE in just 4 days and have done practice tests through Princeton Review, Kaplan, and ETS's own Power Prep CD. I'm wondering how well correlated these practice tests are with actual GRE scores.

Have any of you who have taken practice tests and then the real GRE give me an idea of how the two correlated for you?

Thanks in advance,

Adonai

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

Yeah,

My practice tests were always better. I think its because once I had done them sooooo many times that I started repeating questions and recognized them and knew the answer without the thought process.

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For inquiring minds...

I took the GRE today and received my verbal and math scores immediately after the test:

I found them extremely well correlated with the GRE Powerprep software practice tests from ETS and with Princeton Reviews Practice Tests from Cracking the GRE. The Powerprep was a near perfect predictor for how I performed on the real GRE.

I didn't find that my scores were as well correlated with Kaplan's practice tests.

Have a nice day!

Adonai

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Specializes in Trauma/Surgical ICU, L&D.

I scored 1400s all day long on the ets tests......not so hot on the actual test. The math on the real test was MUCH harder...although it is adaptive, so it really depends on how you are doing. Piece of advice....watch your time if you are getting tough questions. It turned off when I still had 8 questions unanswered (freak out!!!) I thought I blew it...but still scored 610 in math. Go figure...I guess I learned that what worked for me was doing well (or guessing well) on the tough ones...and make sure you leave time to guess if you can't finish on time. Either way...be cool...don't freak...you'll be fine!!! Good luck!!!

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Specializes in ER/ICU, CCRN, SRNA (class of 2010).

First off you need to compare apples to apples...make sure you are taking CATs for estimated scores....I recoomend at least 5 full length CATs with essays....This will allow you to get a handle on your timing...I found with the last two practice tests I finished with a couple of minutes to spare on each section...Also, Kaplan's CATs were right on the money with my score. I took my average for all 5 CATs and that is pretty much where I scored. I hope that helps

-Smiley

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Specializes in ER, OR, MICU.

My actual score was 20 points off from the GRE Powerprep post-test so I think it's pretty accurate. The math did seem a bit harder, but I think I was playing jedi-mind tricks with myself from being nervous.

Good luck!

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