Is Jan 2011 date too late for getting into Fall 2011 ?

[Dream Weaver]

Hi Experts,
I am devastated right now, and need some solace.
I have written GMAT twice with the scores of 600 and 620. I am ashamed of myself for doing so badly because I know that I am capable of taming this GMAT dragon with a much better score.
My 620 has 47 in Quant and 28 in Verbal, so clearly while maintaining or even raising the Quant score, I need to work hard on the verbal section.

I am determined to write GMAT for the third time in the first week of January 2011, and am hopeful that I will work hard enough to go beyond the 700 threshold, what I really want to know is that if this January date is going to be too late for Fall 2011.
My whole life depends on my starting MBA by Fall 2011. Please guide!!
Regards,
DW

[humblebee]

I can read the emotion in your post. My only comment is, you are placing an insurmountable amount of pressure on yourself by basing the rest of your life over one test. Most people don't take such pressure well, and you would be best served to think about applying the year after or going to a more appropriate school that is open to your GMAT.

Keeping in mind that the GMAT score isn't the be all and end all. It's an unfortunate hygiene factor. You need 650+ to be in the game. There's also your essays and letters of recommendation. How are they coming along? Will you have the time to study for the GMAT and write applications? Getting a decent GMAT score is just the first check mark in your application.

[Dream Weaver]

Hi Humblebee,
Thanks a lot for your response. I understand the point tht you trying to make here, but for me there is no looking back now. I have already scheduled an appointment for the test and am right now workng towards improving my score.

I am also trying to take out time to start my application process for some schools that I am planning to send my scores to.

I have been thinking about taking the help of any consultant(s) to work on my applications. My work schedule is really tight, and I have very little time left after work and studies. Do u hv info on this ?

As far as defering it by an year is concerned, I am not going to do that. I have to start my MBA by 2011. I want to get back to school and to learning ASAP !!

Thanks,
DW

[humblebee]

To provide you with some context about how time intensive writing decent applications are, I will use myself as an example. I'm applying to 5 schools. I started my essays two months ago and finished maybe 50% of what is required with the help of an admissions consultant - who by the way aren't there to write content for you. You still have to write stuff yourself. They're only there to review.

But you seem to be so hell bent on attending. So ok. My advice is then you should focus on no more than 2 schools (ideally one which others with a similar profile as yours have gotten in - forget about anything in the US top 7). You cannot possibly write any decent applications to more than 2 schools with less than a month to go before the deadlines. By the way, I'm assuming here that you're just applying for US schools. The other thing thing, have you told your recommenders to start writing your letters of recommendation? Will the have the time over this holiday period?

[Dream Weaver]

Well, I have couple of good recos already, and I am in process of getting two more.
I know, writing applications take time, and I don't have too much of it up my sleeves..but 2011 it is, and thats is what I am working towards..

Yes, I am only planning to apply to US schools only..

Thanks,
DW