Postpone or not?

Expert replies

sme0928: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 39; Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:20 pm

by sme0928 » Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:37 am

Hello,
A couple weeks ago I took a MGMAT practice test and scored a 620. I felt pretty good considering my first attempt at the actual GMAT was 530. I am applying to a few part time programs in CA where the average score is right around 630ish.

This past weekend I took a GMAT Prep Test and scored 510 Sad

Needless to stay I was shocked, saddened, and disappointed.

My test date is 3/21 so if I indeed reschdedule I would obviously need to do it in the next few days.

My question is whether I should postpone my exam and re-focus on some of my weak areas and brush up on some fundamentals?

Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask an MBA Admissions Consultant | Tue Mar 10, 2009 10:37 am

Graham: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 270; Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2008 2:20 amFollowed by: 17 members; Location: Philadelphia & Paris; Thanked: 35 times; GMAT Score:750

by Graham » Thu Mar 12, 2009 2:14 am

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

Graham Richmond
Clear Admit, LLC
[email protected]
215 568 2590

Stay Informed with Clear Admit!
Read our Blog for daily MBA admissions tips and updates.
Follow us on Twitter for breaking b-school news.
Download our Publications on MBA programs and admissions strategy.
Visit our MBA Admissions Wiki to read and share application insights.

Like this post

sme0928: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 39; Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2009 8:20 pm

by sme0928 » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:52 am

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

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

559 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review