Dear sme0928,

Thanks for your post!

You clearly face a touch decision. Here are a few points to consider:

1) How do you feel about your GMAT knowledge today as opposed to when you took the very first exam and scored 530? How many hours of study have you put in? Holding aside the poor result on the recent practice exam, how do you feel about your test-taking skills following all of the reviewing/homework you've done, etc?

2) It's possible that the most recent result was a fluke. One way to find out is to take another practice exam ASAP and see where you end up. If you are in the 600s, then I'd lean towards showing up for your scheduled test on the 21st.

3) Keep in mind that the GMAT is just one variable in the MBA admissions process. As such, while it would be ideal to secure a high score, you need to be careful that you aren't hurting the other aspects of your file (rushing to carft essays, submitting applications very late) by delaying the test. Of course, as I have no idea what schools you are targeting, it's hard for me to offer specific advice in this regard.

In the event that you require assistance with your part-time applications, feel free to send along your resume to [email protected] and request a free initial session with one of our counselors.

Best of luck,

Graham

Hi Graham,
Thanks for your reply. I did take one again right after and scored a bit higher, still not where I want to be.

I think I have decided to go forward with the 21st test date and depending on how I do either apply or take a couple weeks off, analyze my aprproach, and go at it again,.

I will shoot for a start date of sometime in 2010 if 2009 is not an option.

The schools I am applying to take your highest scores ( Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, USC)


What do you think?

Thanks,
-Steve