Low GMAT - Application deadlines coming up - Please help

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gmat_killer
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Topic: Low GMAT - Application deadlines coming up - Please help
PostTue Sep 08, 2009 6:32 am
I took the GMAT the first time and scored a miserable 410. I think my nerves got the better of me and I was determined to study hard again. I was scoring in the upper 600s (660-680) in my practice tests and I was confident that I was ready. I ended up taking the test again and got a 440 - I was devastated. I think I was so nervous that I couldn't perform that day. I'm determined to try again because I am confident that I know the material. I'm trying to apply to Canadian schools and need anything from 580-650 on the GMAT. The application deadline is coming up in 1 month which is around the same time that I am aiming to do my GMAT for a third time. Do you think I should go ahead and apply and hope that I do well on the GMAT or should I ensure that I have a winning score before I apply? If I miss this round of applications (for the winter in-take program), I will have to apply for the September 2010 program which is another year from now.

Thanks for your advice.
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Paxton Helms - Kaplan
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PostFri Sep 11, 2009 12:18 pm
Hi and thanks for your post. It sounds like you're in a bit of a pickle, some of it self-created.

A couple of thoughts:

- I think you're packing a whole lot in to try and get an application in and execute cleanly on the GMAT. I mean, not only is there just the mechanics of it, there is the psychological pressure.

- I know that waiting nine months (especially in this economy) is not your first choice; but, it may help you to breath easier (and actually get in for Jan) if you mentally and emotionally gave yourself that option. Take a deep breath, take some of the pressure off, and let the situation breath a little bit.

The GMAT is a sly creature. It does not respond to brute force and the vibe I'm getting is that you're trying to muscle the darn thing into submission. It's designed to entrap people who try that and then give them lousy scores.

So...my suggestion: re-assess what went wrong with your first two efforts, correct it if you can, don't take it again until your mind and spirit are right, and give yourself a break about matriculating next year.

Paxton
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Keep me in the loop about your thinking and let me know if you have any more questions.

Paxton



Paxton Helms is an MBA admissions consultant for Kaplan Admissions Consulting. He earned his MBA from UCLA and specializes in helping clients that are applying to top twenty and "reach" programs. He can be reached directly at paxton.kaplan@gmail.com.

To begin working with Paxton immediately, follow this link and request him specifically: http://www.kaptest.com/GMAT/Admissions-Consulting/business-school-admissions-consulting.html
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