Just about 1 week left..Your advice/help please!!

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Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts
Posts: 39
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:20 pm
Hi Everyone,
I have a question regarding whether to take the GMAT on 12/23 or postpone.

Below are a breakdown of my scores

MGMAT: 600
MGMAT 590
MGMAT: 640
MGMAT 630
GMAt Prep 600
GMAT Prep 590

The average GMAT range for the schools I am applying for are around 580-630. So, I would like my score to be in the 620-630 range. I took another GMAT Prep test yesterday, and scored a 590, similar to the score I received on the first one. I made some really silly, careless mistakes on the Math portion (received a 41 on the math-which I didn't think was awful considering I missed a couple "gimmes" due to careless mistakes). My Verbal this time around was uncharacteristically very low (32). I had trouble focusing on some of the RC passages, started to get a headache from staring at the screen, and panicked. If my verbal score would have been in the normal range I score (40+) then I believe that would have equated to roughly a 630 or so.

I know I am capable of reaching my target score. I have really been stressing myself out lately to the point where it is affecting my mood. My test is scheduled for Wed 12/23, so I only have a couple more days to decide whether to push it back. I am inclined to take the test because (1) I am scoring around my target score (I have scored 640 and 630 on MGMAT tests), (2) if I push it back, will it really help, and (3) part of me just wants to be done and move on to the writing my application essays. The 2nd round deadline (USC part time has 4) for USC part time is Feb 1, so if I push the test back, I would want to take it in time to work on my essays and get the USC app submitted by 2/1, preferably.

Any suggestions people have would be great.

Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 11:44 am

by kellygreen » Wed Dec 16, 2009 12:02 pm
If you think part of your problem is that you're stressing out, then I guess my advice would be to think about whether pushing the test back will give you more time to chill yourself out & go in confident, or if the extra time will just be more time to worry. I know which one it'd be for me (the one that makes me a basketcase, of course!) & I bet you know how it'd work for you.

Good luck whatever you decide!