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When should I retake the GMAT?

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When should I retake the GMAT?

by chaosgirl » Sun Nov 07, 2010 12:31 pm
Hi,

I just took the GMAT yesterday and did terribly. I scored 640(47Q, 31V). I have never scored this badly on any practice test. I always scroed 680-690 on most of the practice tests and scored 700,720 and 770 on the last few practice tests. I felt prepared and did not have trouble focussing on test day. I did manage my time poorly in Verbal ( I think I got a little overconfident) and ended up guessing the last few questions. My score was completely shocking. I don't know how I messed up this badly. Now, my problem is: I was planning to make it to Round 2 deadline,which is Jan 1st week. I have not started working on essays, recommendations yet. I was planning on doing that now, provided my GMAT went well. Does it make sense to take the GMAT in 1 month (since I need to wait 31 days) and finish my essays etc before Dec end? Or should I give it more time and apply for 2012? I am so confused. Please help!
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by Tani » Tue Nov 09, 2010 7:44 am
It sounds as though your "overconfidence" cost you points. If you have been consistently scoring much higher you clearly have command of the material. If you have the time to do a sparkling job on your essays I would say go ahead. You probably do not need to spend a lot of time on your GMAT for the next month, simply keep up a modest amount of practice so that you don't lose your edge. Do be aware that six weeks is pretty much a minimum for doing a great job on the application, so if you are stressed and short on time you may not be able to get the application in the shape you would like.

My instinct would be to start on the essays and request the recommendations with the intent of hitting the January dates. If you find that it isn't working you can back off. You will still get your GMAT in several weeks before your applications are due so you have time to retrench.

You should also consider your readiness and the quality of your work experience. If another year on the job would make you more competitive, the delay could be a good idea. If you only have 2 years so far, you would be more attractive to the committee next year when they see you bringing four years with you to the classroom. If you already have 3-4 years, the delay probably wouldn't help unless you got a great new opportunity or a promotion.

Don't panic. The tone of your letter suggest you are flailing around right now. Take a deep breath and look at your options. Ask yourself whether you have time to do a great job by January and whether you feel your experience would be more convincing with another year under your belt.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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by chaosgirl » Tue Nov 09, 2010 11:33 am
Hi Tani,

Thank you so much for getting back to me. You were right when you said I am flailing! I was in complete shock the first two days after the test. I am recovering now.

Although I really wanted to apply this year and start school in Fall 2011, I don't think I have enough time to prepare a great application. Writing essays alone can be really time consuming from what I've read and heard. In addition to that, getting recommendations, transripts etc also requires a lot of time. I don't know whether it is a good idea to split my time between GMAT prep and the application. I want my next shot at this to be a good one and rushing through it in a month seems like a bad idea.

I currently have 3 years of work experience. I may get a promotion next year. So, another year may help my chances.

Tani, I have a question about getting the recommendation letter. Some schools require the recommender to fill out a form online whereas other schools ask for a letter. Is it a wise idea to get the recommendation letters from the people I have spoken to for next year? Or is it too early?

Again, thanks for getting back to me. I was completely depressed after the test and I am still reflecting on it and wondering where I went this wrong. Do you think my decision is wise?
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by Tani » Tue Nov 09, 2010 12:30 pm
I think you have made a good decision. I would hold off on recommendations. If you are going to get a promotion and/or have any great achievements in the next year you will want your recommenders to showcase them.

Good luck,
Tani Wolff
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