Advice Needed

[jnoel93]

Hi Stacy,

I was studying for the GMAT for ~3 months and was scored 720-750s on my last four practice tests. I took the test two weeks ago and scored a 680. Unfortunately, the testing center's building was testing its fire alarm for 10 minutes during the test, and I was completely distracted the entire time. I think this significantly impaired my performance, and I was extremely frustrated with the unfair testing conditions. I filed an official complaint with GMAC, and it is letting me take the test again free of charge on Dec. 18th.

This is where I need some advice....

I was originally planning on only taking the test once, and then having the rest of the year to work on 4 to 5 R2 applications for top tier schools. I also originally intended on enlisting your services to help me through the application process (I already had my free consultation). I understand that I would have been in a time crunch anyway, but I felt confident that I could accomplish all of this in a timely fashion.

Now, however, I'm in an entirely different time crunch. I am continuing to study for the GMAT and am confident that I will score >=720. I think it still might be reasonable for me to apply to two schools this year after taking the test on Dec. 18th, but am I crazy and/or underestimating how much of a time commitment applications are? FYI, I have tentatively booked vacation from 12/23 - 1/6 and plan on using all of it to work on applications (I could also extend this through 1/11). I also would hopefully choose two schools with different deadlines, to help spread out the workload. As far as the applications go, I've brainstormed/outlined a few essays, but haven't done much work beyond that.

Here's my profile for your consideration:

-Strong liberal arts school, 3.4 GPA, 2008 graduate
-Investment Analyst with F20 Company, received top 10% performance rating ("Role Model") and several awards
-Promoted within 18 months
-Several good ECs, such as:
-President of fraternity in UG (now sit on Alumni board)
-Lead several volunteer groups with an organization helping individuals with developmental disabilities
-Organized "Adopt-a-Troop" campaign 3 years running sending goods to US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq

1/5/11 Target Schools:
-Columbia
-Ross
-Darden

1/11/11 Target Schools:
-HBS
-Kellogg

So.... With all that, I return to my original question: am I crazy to think that this is possible? Should I just scrap it and apply next year instead (especially considering I'm only 2.5 years out of UG)? Does your firm (or others, for that matter) even take on clients this late in the game, or are all the spots already filled? If you do think that this is possible, should I start the applications now or just focus on studying for the next few weeks? ...or, should I just focus on applications now and retake the GMAT in January after I've already submitted applications?


I probably could have asked a million questions in this post... but wanted to keep it somewhat pointed. Please comment on any of the questions you feel are relevant, and let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you very much in advance!

Jack

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear Jack,

Let me address your questions in (my) priority order for you. First, we are still taking on clients and I encourage you to get signed up with a consultant this week if you plan to work with one. You absolutely do not want to wait as your consultant can help you with your overall strategy, including your time management and allotment to try to hit any deadlines. Second, I have seen applicants, some successful, crank out 5 applications and take the GMAT in 6 weeks. However, it requires the applicant to be very focused and diligent. It is great you have already scheduled time off as you will need it. I also think working with a consultant might be helpful in this regard to get your essays focused and streamlined more efficiently. Third, I don't think you should wait to retake the GMAT--use your free test date. My guess is much of your prep work from the first attempt is still with you, so you should be at a point where you can hopefully review and have time left over to start working on things like essays, resume, etc. If I may be so bold, having a 680 as your "worst case scenario" ain't too shabby--so you should feel somewhat at ease that you have that score going forward. Finally, whether or not to wait at this point until next year depends on you. It will be a BIG challenge to crank these out and they are tough applications to do. It comes down to how ready you feel to go to business school, what new challenges you might have professionally in the next year, and if you feel you are a strong enough writer to get these applications done in time. Should you decide to wait, then I do encourage you to apply R1 for fall 2012 entry and sign on with a consultant (if you plan to use one) by March/April.

Best of luck,
Lisa