Underprepared, not sure if I should take the GMAT?

Hi,

I think it pretty much depends on:

A - Preparation: How ready do you think you are to get to your score?
B - Target: What are your target scores, what will you be satisfied with?
C - Precedents/Historial: Have you taken enough practice tests in timed conditions because those are most likely to indicate the range of your score in your actual GMAT unless you are divinely inspired the day of.
D - Timing: How urgent is it and say you manage a 600 - how does this fall in the range of your school. Does this score coupled with your application make you still strong?

I might be overlooking things but perhaps an expert or someone with more knowledge can give you more accurate and precise info. This is what I would personally consider.

All the best,
Jas

geokid wrote:Hello All,
I have a test scheduled for this Wednesday, however, I am not totally sure that I would be able to score what I'm aiming for (650+, yes pretty low). I've taken several practice tests and all are indicating I will flunk it. I decided to take the test anyway to get the experience.

Now, I am wondering If getting low score on GMAT and improving it later on a second attempt has any affect on school application i.e does the ad com consider previous low scores? If so, would it be best for me to just reschedule the test. A friend of mine just told me that I should consider rescheduling it as it will have a negative impact.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Hey Geokid,

I am no expert in this matter, but unless I am pressed for time to meet the application deadlines, I would have rescheduled the test.
If you know that you will not be able to reach the score you have been targeting and this feeling is eating up your confidence, taking the GMAT just for the experience wouldn't be that great an idea.

Hope you will take a wise decision.
All the best.

JasLamba and VivekJaiswal, thank you both for the suggestions and feedback.

I am certain that I'm not prepared to reach my target score (670). All the tests I have taken have indicated that I lie somehwre around 570 / 600. So, I was under teh impression that I will just take the test for the sake of experience, and even if I score a 600 + I can go forward with my applications.

One of my friends indicated that ad coms look your score history and say I do end up at 300 something, they may take it nagatively even though you improve it on a second attempt. I was not sure if this is the case as I've seen many people improve scores on second attempt, any thoughts on this aspect?

@ geokid

Admissions will be able to view your entire score history. However, the majority of MBA programs only take the highest GMAT score into consideration.

Nevertheless, it may raise a bit of a red flag if they see that you've taken the test numerous times. I'd recommend making sure you are thoroughly prepared before sitting down for a real exam.