I am currently studying engineering. I plan to take GMAT in feb'12. Then I plan to work for about 2-3 years and after that go for my MBA. Am I taking GMAT too early? If my score is roughly 3 years old, will that affect my acceptance in schools? Now I hear that pattern is going to change in Aug'12.
Please advice. Thanks!
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When is the right time to take GMAT?
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anshita_sayal
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essaysnark
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Hi anshita_sayal -- very good questions!
If you're definitely planning on applying for bschool after a few years in the workforce, then many would recommend taking the GMAT now, while you're still in school -- and still in study-mode. The test score is good for 5 years. The one downside is that the percentile rankings do change from year to year. So, if someone scored, say, a 45 on the quant when he tested in 2010, that was in the 74th percentile that year. The same score is only in the 71st percentile this year, because more test-takers have gotten stronger scores on the quant side in the last year. So that's a small risk, but it may not be a big enough risk to forego taking the test now when your skills are probably strongest.
The other issue that you raise is the fact that the GMAT is changing. They are adding a new section to the test, and they're also removing a piece (one of the two AWA essays is going away). So you're right, this could also change how the percentiles might play out among future groups of test-takers. The core quant/verbal are not changing, as far as we know, and the scoring will stay the same overall (we think). Either way, the schools will have guidance in terms of how to evaluate new test results versus old results, so the timing of the test's changes should not really be a factor for anyone in terms of when they decide to test. The advantage to testing now would only be that you have the full history of the existing test on your side; it's more of an unknown in terms of how to prepare for the new version etc., though BTG is certainly the right place to be to learn about these things as they come out!!!
Best of luck!
EssaySnark
If you're definitely planning on applying for bschool after a few years in the workforce, then many would recommend taking the GMAT now, while you're still in school -- and still in study-mode. The test score is good for 5 years. The one downside is that the percentile rankings do change from year to year. So, if someone scored, say, a 45 on the quant when he tested in 2010, that was in the 74th percentile that year. The same score is only in the 71st percentile this year, because more test-takers have gotten stronger scores on the quant side in the last year. So that's a small risk, but it may not be a big enough risk to forego taking the test now when your skills are probably strongest.
The other issue that you raise is the fact that the GMAT is changing. They are adding a new section to the test, and they're also removing a piece (one of the two AWA essays is going away). So you're right, this could also change how the percentiles might play out among future groups of test-takers. The core quant/verbal are not changing, as far as we know, and the scoring will stay the same overall (we think). Either way, the schools will have guidance in terms of how to evaluate new test results versus old results, so the timing of the test's changes should not really be a factor for anyone in terms of when they decide to test. The advantage to testing now would only be that you have the full history of the existing test on your side; it's more of an unknown in terms of how to prepare for the new version etc., though BTG is certainly the right place to be to learn about these things as they come out!!!
Best of luck!
EssaySnark
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Stacy Blackman
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Hi anshita_sayal,
I recommend you take the GMAT while you are still in school. You are still in "study" mode and will have more time now than while you are working.
I also recommend you take the test now before the new version is released.
Here is some free GMAT advice: https://www.stacyblackman.com/tag/gmat/
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
I recommend you take the GMAT while you are still in school. You are still in "study" mode and will have more time now than while you are working.
I also recommend you take the test now before the new version is released.
Here is some free GMAT advice: https://www.stacyblackman.com/tag/gmat/
Cheers,
Conrad and the Stacy Blackman Team
Interested in a free 30 minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Sign up here: https://stacyblackman.com/contact
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323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com
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Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.
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S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
Admissions Strategy
323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com
Read the SBC blog.
Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.
Learn more about me
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essaysnark
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Now *that* is a good answer AbhiJ!
EssaySnark
EssaySnark
EssaySnark has MBA application guides for HBS, Stanford, Booth, Wharton, NYU and pretty much any other school you can name - including a fully revised and expanded 2015 Columbia essay guide!
https://essaysnark.com/bookstore/
* * * * * * *
The Indians' Guide to Getting In maps out everything you need to evaluate your own profile and select your schools. https://essaysnark.com/ssguide/quicksnar ... ans-guide/
* * * * * * *
MILITARY CANDIDATES! We've got some pro bono offers just for you: https://essaysnark.com/military-mba/
* * * * * * *
Follow EssaySnark on Twitter!
https://essaysnark.com/bookstore/
* * * * * * *
The Indians' Guide to Getting In maps out everything you need to evaluate your own profile and select your schools. https://essaysnark.com/ssguide/quicksnar ... ans-guide/
* * * * * * *
MILITARY CANDIDATES! We've got some pro bono offers just for you: https://essaysnark.com/military-mba/
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vaibhavgupta
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