simulator / util vs. actual results

[Anonymous]

I started this program yesterday just to try to maximize my score, as I'm going to be looking to buy a home next spring, as well as a new vehicle. And I searched for util points increases and how they compare to the simulator and came up with pretty spotty results. I figured I'd at least give some exact numbers to the increase, as well as total util.

current:

util: 80%

EQ: 618

TUL: 628

paid 80% util down to 28% today. closing dates / reporting dates for cards are the 6th, 15th, and 26th.

Simulator shows a potential increase to 648-698. I'll give my exact numbers on the day following each reporting. as it should step 80 -> 65 ->48 -> 28

The following month I'll do the same, from 28 -> 9% util. and see what the simulator shows vs. actual results.

(bear in mind, my numbers may be different from anothers actual results, as I have a collection falling off my record next month as well, potentially skewing the results)

[RobertEG]

Excellent progress in paying down utilization!

Dont expect short-term accurate projections from the simulator.  It is set up for longer-term projections.

The reason is basically that the simulator is based on proprietary scoring algorithms.  Giving accurate short term projections based on one change would enable fairly easy reverse enginnering ot its workings, and that would not be to FICO's benefit.  Use it for what it is.... a longer term projection that does not take into account just % util changes.  Other things, such as account aging and aging of any derogs, are also plugged in.