Bombed the GMAT - Could use advice/encouragement/perscpectiv

[soupermba]

I just completed the GMAT and scored a 570. My goal was a 650. I have been studying for 3 months. Obviously I'm very disappointed and upset and I know I can do better. The middle 80% GMAT score range for the two schools I'm applying to are 580-710. One of these applications is due today for the Round 2 deadline. I was planning on entering my score to complete my application and submitting it today. But now I'm wondering if I should wait until the 3rd deadline (January 18), in hopes that I can take the GMAT 30 days from now and score much better. I chose to have my scores reported to the schools to which I'm applying. Can anyone point me in the right direction here? How does it look to an MBA program to take the GMAT twice within 30 days or so?

Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

[humblebee]

Tough break on the GMAT. It's one of those tests that takes a while to master. My scoring history was 650-600-740.

How are you essays and letters of recommendation looking? If you haven't started them, I'd recommend applying next year (not R3, but R1 next year) while you get your GMAT sorted. It's too hard to study for GMAT and prepare applications at the same time.

I don't think the MBA programs really care if you have taken the GMAT twice within the space of 30 days. They only look at your higher score. It'll only raise an eye brow if you take it every month and score within a 50 point range each time - shows that you are perhaps not concentrating on the right part of your application.

[Kaneisha Grayson]

I agree with humblebee's advice. It's extremely difficult to try and prepare for the GMAT as well as write your essays. I'm not sure what your two-tests-in-30-days looks like to the AdCom, but I know what it looks like to me: You are rushing to turn in your applications and applying in a state of panic.

That, my friend, is a recipe for disaster.

If you must apply this year, get thee to a consultant you can trust or a good friend with experience helping people get into school asap.

Kaneisha