Dear Mahwish,

You need to take the exams at least 3 weeks before the deadline to ensure your scores arrive by the deadline. If you want to allow for time to retake the exams, then I would suggest taking the first test at least 8-10 weeks before the deadline. You can only take the GMAT once every 31 days, so you need to allow for that if you think you will want to take it more than once.

The best GMAT range to shoot for is at or above the average GMAT for your target schools. For example, the average GMAT for your first choice is a 700. You will want to shoot for a score at or above a 700. To be competitive, you need to have a score within the mid-50% range of your target schools. Please note: achieving a high GMAT score will not guarantee you admission to any school. It is the overall application package that results in an offer of admission. There are many folks walking around with a 780 GMAT and 4.0 GPA that have been rejected from at least one top 10 MBA program.

Good luck,
Lisa

Dear Mahwish,

I guess I am a little confused by your last post. You already have your MBA and are applying to PhD programs?? PhD programs have a different application process from MBA programs and focus on different things. Please clarify what you are asking so I can best answer your question.

Regards,
Lisa

Dear Mahwish,

I wish I could guide you, but the application process for PhD programs is not my expertise. As I mentioned, the PhD admissions criteria and process is usually different from MBA. If you are unsure of what your education is equivalent to, then I would suggest getting your transcripts evaluated by a credentialing service such as World Evaluation Services (www.wes.org).

Best of luck,
Lisa