Stuck in a tricky situation. Please advice!!

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papgust: Community Manager; Posts: 1537; Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 6:10 pmFollowed by: 252 members; Thanked: 653 times

by papgust » Thu Sep 16, 2010 2:34 am

Hi,

I'm applying for Management Information Systems course in US for next Fall. I need to send GMAT/GRE score alongwith TOEFL. I don't have a good GMAT score. So, I decided to send GRE score. But the problem is I gave my GRE in March 2006 and my score will expire by March 2011.

I came to know from my consutant that although I will be able to send GRE scores and get an admit before the score expires, my visa will be rejected (because my GRE scores will have expired by then) and I would not be able to join the program even if I have the admit.

I seem to be in a tricky situation now. My consultant advices me to take GRE again in order to avoid such precarious situation. Honestly, I don't want to take the books and prepare for yet another standardized test. However, I will take it
only there is no other alternative.

My questions are:-

1. Does my consultant makes sense reg the situation where my visa will be in jeopardy when GRE scores expire?

2. If he makes sense, Is there any other way to handle the situation better rather than re-taking GRE?

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Source: Beat The GMAT — Ask Stacy Blackman | Thu Sep 16, 2010 2:34 am

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Sat Sep 18, 2010 1:51 pm

Dear papgust,

I honestly don't know if your consultant is right. I have never heard of anyone having to present their standardized test scores at the US Consulate/Embassy during the visa interview--only the letter of admission and other relevant documents. If the letter states you are admitted for the fall 2011 term, then that should be all that matters. But then, that seems pretty logical and I know the visa process is often times NOT logical. I encourage you to research this a bit further before you go through the hassle of retaking the GRE. Perhaps contact the US Embassy or Consulate and ask them what documents you need to bring for a student visa interview? That information might also be on the website, but you might contact the local Embassy or Consulate where you would go just to get the best information. If it turns out your consultant is right, then I think you have two options: 1) retake the GRE or 2) go with your GMAT scores.

Curious to know what you find out on the test scores. Best of luck!
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
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Stacy Blackman Consulting

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papgust: Community Manager; Posts: 1537; Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 6:10 pmFollowed by: 252 members; Thanked: 653 times

by papgust » Sat Sep 18, 2010 6:39 pm

Hi Lisa,

Thank you very much for your response!

I checked out in US consulate website. And here it is,
https://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

Refer under "Required Documentation".

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

* Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
* Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
* Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

I did some research in the internet. Normally, students will not be asked to give the test score reports. But if a student is unlucky that day to be asked for a score report when his score has already expired, then the result is quite evident - Visa Rejected!

But here is my question -

1. Can I show my GMAT score in the visa interview when I have applied to a university with my GRE score? Or do I need to avoid using my GRE score and use GMAT score during my entire application process?

As i mentioned earlier, I don't have a good GMAT score (570) and I may not even qualify for their first-screening process.

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Tue Sep 21, 2010 6:31 pm

Thanks for the follow up. Interesting.....

Generally speaking, your admissions letter would not divulge what standardized test was submitted, but what the school puts on your I-20 form is another question. The I-20 is the document you need from the school to get the visa and that is one where I don't know if it will list what test you applied with. If it does, then you will need your test scores you present to match, meaning GRE if you apply with GRE. Perhaps you can determine if the I-20 will note the test? If it does not specify GRE/GMAT, then I guess you could take that risk (if you choose to do so) in taking your other test scores with you to your visa interview. You might get lucky that day or you might end up with a rejected visa and be starting over. See if you can find out what is on the I-20. Curious to hear what happens...

Good luck,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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papgust: Community Manager; Posts: 1537; Joined: Mon Aug 10, 2009 6:10 pmFollowed by: 252 members; Thanked: 653 times

by papgust » Sat Sep 25, 2010 6:24 pm

Hi Lisa,

I'm not able to find what the form I-20 will be filled in by the universities. Any suggestions on how I could find them? I'm really eager too to find out.

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Lisa Anderson: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 3845; Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2008 8:57 pmFollowed by: 148 members; Location: Houston, TX; Thanked: 442 times

by Lisa Anderson » Thu Sep 30, 2010 10:47 am

Contact the International Student Services office at a school you are applying to as the I-20 is generated from that office. The name might be a little different, but essentially it will be something along the lines of International Student Services. You can also ask them about the date on the standardized test scores as they would have the most knowledge on if that will be a problem outside someone at the Consulate or Embassy.

Regards,
Lisa

Lisa Anderson
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting

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