GMAT Strategy

BTGMAT,

I am on my third crack at the GMAT, the first time I scored a 460 the second time I scored a 580. Now I am pushing for a 700+. I took a break from studying for 90 days and will rewrite in late March 2012. My applications are in and my schools are just waiting for my official GMAT score.

My strategy this time around will be to work on the actual test taking portion of the exam. My content knowledge is fairly strong; however I'd never sat down and practiced as if I was really taking the test. I've never done the whole thing all the way through.

This time, I plan to purchase the Manhattan GMAT practice tests and take them over, and over and over. Then go back and take the Official GMAT CAT over and over. I want to feel totally comfortable with my pacing and "in test" strategy.

Any other advice?

GB

Hey GB - first of all, congrats on the very impressive improvement from test #1 to #2! We don't have much GMAT advice to offer except continue hanging out and participating here at BTG - there's so much invaluable help to be had. You could even go for the 60 Day GMAT Study Plan here: https://www.beatthegmat.com/the-60-day-g ... e-f60.html

The reason we're replying to your post though is about your application strategy. We don't quite understand what your plan is. If you've already submitted applications, did you include your existing 580 score on them? Did you have the scores sent to the schools? If so, most schools will be processing your application based on the existing score. I you have not provided official scores, and are planning to do so in March, then unfortunately you'll be placing yourself at a disadvantage (possibly a big one) because the later rounds at most schools are much more difficult to gain admission through. How have you communicated to the schools that you're testing again? And why is your next test date so far in the future?

Just curious about your plans - probably you've got it all figured out but we wanted to doublecheck, in case you aren't aware of some of the intricacies of the application process.

EssaySnark

ES,

Thanks for the reply.

I will need funding to go to B-school and with the 580 I am not eligible for any scholarship money. So i didn't include it.

I have communicated my intent to retake the GMAT with these schools, and at this juncture I just want that GMAT score that will put me in the ball park for scholarship eligibility.

GB

Hi GB - OK, we see your strategy now.

The problem though - and maybe you already know this, but just for the benefit of others reading: Most schools won't even start evaluating an application until all components are submitted. It's very likely that if there's no GMAT score yet, the schools will keep bumping your application to the next round until it's provided. If you don't have a new score until March, then not only are you at a disadvantage at many schools because it will be their final application round (when many of the seats are already taken) -- but also, many schools have very little, if any, scholarship money left at that stage of the cycle.

Is there a reason you are pushing the GMAT out till the Spring? If you can, you might think about getting it out of the way in the next 4-6 weeks, which would put you in line for a Round 2 consideration at most schools.

If you can't make that work due to personal reasons, and you are unable to take the GMAT until Spring, then our strong recommendation is that you consider applying next year instead of in Round 3 - here's some reasons why:

https://essaysnark.blocked/2011/02/ ... l-now.html
https://essaysnark.blocked/2011/03/ ... und-3.html

Hope we didn't just throw a wrench in the works for you! But we often see people who suffer terribly through a disappointing Round 3 application and then end up in a worse position just due to this timing.

EssaySnark

Hey,

That is really good advice, thank you for your input. I will move my appointment up a to late January.

Thanks Again.

GB