low GMAT : apply R2 or retake GMAT and apply R3

[notcreative]

Hi,

I took GMAT over the weekend and scored 630.
I would appreciate your feedback in making decision
whether to apply for R2 at UCLA Anderson/ USC Marshall.
or retake GMAT and apply in R3.
I had a bad day, I think I can improve by 20 points without any further prepration, another 20 point if I put some work in to it.
Do you think my chances are better in R2 with 630 score or R3 with 670 score.
My background is as follows:

Indian Male, 10yrs experience, chip design engineer, undergrad gpa(2.8/4) , grad gpa( 3.6/4) from good institue.

Thankyou All !

Sincerely - notcreative

[humblebee]

I would appreciate your feedback in making decision
whether to apply for R2 at UCLA Anderson/ USC Marshall.
or retake GMAT and apply in R3.

Sorry to hear about your GMAT. it can be a hit and miss test sometimes.

I'm pretty sure you missed the R2 deadlines for entry this year.

A higher GMAT score definitely helps.

I probably wouldn't apply R3 given your IIM profile - firstly because R3 is the hardest round to apply and secondly you won't have time to get your visas in order

Your best bet is applying R1 this October to start in 2012.

[wharton750]

I definitely agree with the poster above. International candidates are always advised to apply in the first 2 rounds (even though you can still apply in the third) due to Visa issues. So...retake. Apply next year. Good luck!

[notcreative]

Thanks Humblebee and Wharton750

I am not international student.

R2 for UCLA and Marshall is still open.

I am applying for part time programs.

Thanks,

notcreative

[Scott2010]

Thanks Humblebee and Wharton750

I am not international student.

R2 for UCLA and Marshall is still open.

I am applying for part time programs.

Thanks,

notcreative

I am in a similar position to you, as I scored a 630 as well, though took the exam in December. I submitted by R2 the deadline to USC and UCLA, but am looking to retake to increase my chances. I talked with UCLA, and they won't accept a new score for R2, though if I am waitlisted, I can submit new info including a hopefully improved GMAT score. USC can accept updates, but at a certain point it becomes more difficult to "add" it to your file.

On a retake I am not expecting miracles, but think I could hit 640, 650, and at the highest 660. I think these trying to get one of these scores couldn't hurt, it'll just suck up a lot of my time studying.

Also, I have accepted that while I know I have a strong profile, I can be ok with reapplying next year if dinged. After a class visit to UCLA yesterday, I am a little more optimistic.

If want you read about my profile and advice from Lisa Anderon (Stacy Blackman consulting), read here:
https://www.beatthegmat.com/profile-eval ... tml#331224

Good Luck