Wait another year to apply for 1st round?

[ketnet1]

Hi,

I took my gmat end of September, but did not get at least a 550. I wanted to apply to schools such as Santa Clara U, Boston U, and University of San Francisco. My plan was to get at least a 560 and start the application process and essays during the last week of September and October in order to send out the applications by the school's deadline, which are in November. But just by GMAT standards, my gmat score is not even close to the mean, in addition, it is not even in their 80% range. Despite the fact that I was determined to apply this year (becasue I don't want to wait another 2 years to physically go), it seems like I have to face reality- 1) Take a break 2) Start studying for GMAT again 3) Retake test next year. Please advise if my decision is a good one and whether I should even try applying for University of SF this year? (Assuming I can put application package together all within 1.5 months). Thank you very much for the input.

[Paxton Helms - Kaplan]

Hmmm...tough question. My guess is that it wouldn't be a bad idea to think through what went wrong w/ the GMAT this time and try to retake it.

You're right that waiting another two years for your MBA is a long wait.

Do you have any thoughts on what went wrong w/ your GMAT this time? Are there some easy points that you left on the table?

[ketnet1]

Hi Paxton,

I studied for 2-3 months for the 2nd time. (I felt rushed and pressured, since I was planning to meet R1). I reviewed the concepts and practiced a lot on the OG and other test prep books. There were just family issues I had to deal with a few days and on the day of the exam. I had trouble focusing and didn't feel like I was completely ready for the test due to family issues. I know I should just blame myself for not being able to focus, but it was easier said than done at that time. Do you have any tips on how to prep for the 3rd time and how to activley focus in case I have to deal with any matters as such in the future?

Thanks for your input.

[Paxton Helms - Kaplan]

I know I should just blame myself for not being able to focus, but it was easier said than done at that time. Do you have any tips on how to prep for the 3rd time and how to activley focus in case I have to deal with any matters as such in the future?

Well...for starters, I don't think that blaming yourself for not being able to focus is going to help you very much. Something was obviously holding you back and you need to respect that. Focus is a funny thing: you can't force yourself to do it. You can make it more likely but you can't force it. And, if you ask me, family issues are a pretty good reason to have a hard time focusing.

In terms of how to actively focus going forward, I would suggest:

- Doing everything that you can to have things settled before you take the test;

- Recognize that things vary independently; so, just b/c you have a family issue doesn't mean that it has to totally wreck your test taking. Let them be separate and don't try to control things that are out of your control.

- Remember that, even if the test doesn't go well, you still have options. You can take the test again; you can get more work experience and strengthen your candidacy that way; you can take classes instead of getting an MBA...something interesting and enriching will take the place of what you had planned for an MBA.

It's an examination of a pretty narrow set of factoids and skills. Don't make it more than that. Create a space for the focus to come and it will come.