GMAT Strategy

In India, getting a GMAT date at desired center and time is really difficult. You need to book the date almost 3 months before. I have already taken the GMAT, but didn't get the expect score(https://www.beatthegmat.com/640-4-months ... 31744.html). For second attempt, I am planning to book the date by tomorrow.

There are only three dates available, after three months, at my desired center and time: July/03, July/08 and Aug/03. I am confused which date to book. While July/03 and 08 are Friday, Aug/03 is Monday, and taking 10 days leave will not be a problem. However, I feel that Aug will be too late from preparation duration and application point of view. Considering my current preparation level, I am worried that Aug might be a too long duration, and I might lose focus and energy. I want to apply for fall of 2010, so will Aug be too late for apply in First round of most of the colleges?

Please suggest.

If I were you I'd take the earliest date possible, which happens to be July/03 in your case. Aug would be a complete No if you have dates available for July, for the same reasons you've suggested. You'll get sick and tired of preparing for the GMAT and your excessive preparation will start showing negative result. Also July/03 falls on a friday. You get the weekend to unwind. So according to me July/03 looks like the perfect date.

Btw you can keep checking the mba.com website to see if you can get a date earlier than that. Sometimes people happen to pull out on the last moment so you might find some empty seats.

Karmayogi,

I have this opinion about all exams - the sooner the better. Unless there is some solid reason, i'd take the earliest date. Historically 2-3 months of prep is ideal for a dedicated candidate (atleast thats what experts have suggested.) Considering you have already taken your GMAT and have got a decent score of 640 i think even june is a far off day, forget about august.

One thing that doesn't work for me is long prep time. It has and will never work for me. If you and i think alike then book at the earliest available day. And yes keep looking for possible dates, many people postpone their dates..

Good luck..

btw my date with the GMAT is on 2nd of May!!!!

yes, have a time frame in mind and keep checking on the website or call the test centers about available dates. many people chicken out at the last moment or cancel for whatever reason-so you might get lucky

Thanks alot Mals24, scoobydooby, and hk.

After going through your replies, I have realized that I should not procrastinate. However, I have decided to give some more time for introspection. I am going through the Resources on BTW, and trying to understand where I stand and how much time will be sufficient. First of all, I need to understand my weaknesses and strengths properly. That will help me in estimating the time I need to work on my weaknesses.

Soon I will send the update...