Best time to write the exam?

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Best time to write the exam?

by Sumon3 » Wed Oct 23, 2013 5:43 am
I have my exam scheduled on Nov 1st.

I have given couple of tests from Manhattan and Gmatprep and my score was around 600 which is far from my aim of 680+.

Most of the second round applications start in Jan, but is it advisable to take time and write the exam in Nov end or Dec 1st week?

Please advice...

Thanks
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by Brent@GMATPrepNow » Wed Oct 23, 2013 7:31 am
You should write the test when you're reasonably certain that you will achieve your target score. I typically suggest that students achieve their target score on at least 2 practices tests before they take the official test.

So, how long will it take for you to improve from 600 to 680+? That depends on how hard you work and how smart you work (identifying weaknesses, reviewing mistakes, etc.).

One way to identify and strengthen your weak areas is to use an Error Log (aka Improvement Chart) while completing questions from the Official Guide (OG). You can find a free downloadable Improvement Chart here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/gmat-error-log

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by [email protected] » Wed Oct 23, 2013 10:28 am
Hi Sumon3,

Personally, I would never want/advise someone to take the GMAT unless he/she felt "ready" (familiar enough with the material, tactics and psychology to perform at a high level). For those people starting "from scratch", I tend to recommend a 3-month study period (although sometimes more or less time is needed).

With a looming test date (on Nov. 1st), you might consider rescheduling your exam and extending your studies a bit. I completely understand the pressure of an application deadline, but if you don't have a competitive GMAT score, then the application deadline is pointless.

What materials have you studying with?

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by Gowri@CrackVerbal » Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:43 pm
Sumon3 wrote:I have my exam scheduled on Nov 1st.

I have given couple of tests from Manhattan and Gmatprep and my score was around 600 which is far from my aim of 680+.

Most of the second round applications start in Jan, but is it advisable to take time and write the exam in Nov end or Dec 1st week?

Please advice...

Thanks
Sumon,
I agree with what Brent and Rich suggested - do not take the test before you are ready! If you do not touch your target score, it may have a demoralizing effect, and preparing for the test once again will feel like an uphill battle. So, take it slow, but give it your best shot.

Now coming to the MBA applications part - most R2 deadlines are in late Dec or early Jan. So if you take your GMAT latest by the 1st week of Dec, you will have at least 2 weeks to work on your MBA applications. To take some of the pressure off, here's what I would suggest: Get all the groundwork done starting now!

Contrary to popular belief, GMAT prep and prep for your MBA application are not necessarily sequential operations. :)
Start thinking about your post-MBA goals, and doing your research on B-schools and programs right away. Look at the essay questions of your target B-schools and see if you can think of possible stories to use. You can also talk to your recommenders and prep them ahead of time. So by the time you take the GMAT, most of the prep work will be in place, and only the actual writing of the essays will be left.

Here are some articles that will help:
How to shortlist the right B-school: https://www.crackverbal.com/how-to-selec ... ss-school/
Standard MBA application questions: https://www.crackverbal.com/mba-applicat ... questions/
Post-MBA career options: https://www.crackverbal.com/category/post-mba-careers/

Hope this helps.
Gowri N Kishore
Verbal Specialist & Mentor
CrackVerbal

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