Ask Stacy Blackman

Lisa-

I have not had much luck with responses on the main forum. Perhaps you could help me out? Would love some feedback with regards to my application.

I am in a little bit of a bind. I have an submitted an application to a good part time program before taking the GMAT exam. I guess I over estimated my GMAT abilities. Now that I have a couple of practice tests under my belt, I am pretty sure I will not make their 80% rule.

Background:

Part-Time program deadline due June 1st
-submitted w/ letter of rec’s, essays, transcripts, resume, etc (6/1/2009)
-application pending
-strong work experience with unique background
-polished resume and essays, very specific with respect to ambition and plans for the degree
-Good undergrad gpa (double in finance & econ) some grad work with strong GPA
-If accepted, my industry will represent a smaller % of the overall student population.

GMAT scores due July 1st

Preparation from May 28th till now... (Self Study)
-Princeton Math & Verbal (Completed)
-OG 12 (Completed)
-Diagnostic Results: avg. to above avg.
-1st Manhattan Exam: 520
-OG Exam: 540
-Saving my GMAT Prep Exams for tomorrow (June 30th)

Target 600-630

Test Date: July 1st

Current State of Mind:

Uncomfortable with results and progress; however, recognize my errors, starting to understand concepts, and just need a little more time to iron out my deficiencies. Not sure if my mistakes are mainly due to not enough practice simulating the test on the computer. 100% confident that once I fuse all elements together I will exceed my target score.

Status:

I canceled my GMAT appointment for today and reschedule for the 11th, hoping that the extra days of studying will help with my overall score. With that being said, I have missed the deadline for scores, which is July 1st (application submitted June 1st) and now need some expert advice on how to proceed. I guess I would rather be late and submit a good score, than meet the deadline and not get accepted because my score is not competitive. I will still have to wait to apply again in the spring either way. Maybe there is a slight chance that space will be still available and by the time I get my scores in to the program, I could be starting in the fall. Or maybe I am delusional...

Should I:

1.) Call the admission office and inquire about the flexibility of the deadline and request to extend the date? Website suggests that missing the deadline puts me in the "whatever is left" pool if submitted after the fact...I am pretty sure I am already in that group regardless this late in the game.

2.) Call the admissions office and let them know I will not make the GMAT deadline and kindly ask to have my application “removed” and try to apply early for the spring?

3.) Just be upfront and let them know I rushed the application in hopes of a good score; however, need more time to prepare? My intentions are obviously genuine.

Lastly, how will these actions be viewed by admissions? What is the best approach so that I can illustrate my motivation behind the rush, without looking to unprepared or unorganized. I am the type of person that pushes and will continue to focus until I reach my goal. This is the only program that I am applying to due to their more specialized offerings.

Any advice, additional suggestions, or more intelligent alternatives on how to handle the situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time in advance.