Is it really a good idea to take the GMAT as a Senior?

[hoyasj]

Hi,

I definitely am interested in going to business school, and I've heard frequently that it might be a good idea to take the GMAT as a senior since the score lasts for 5 years. I'm definitely willing to study for the GMAT over Christmas break and into second semester, but before I do, I want to make sure it's a good idea based upon my future plans.

Next year, I am going to work for a firm where in either 2 (smaller chance) or 4 years (more likely), I'll have a chance to transfer abroad. I figure working abroad not only will be a great life opportunity while I still have the chance (without a family) but will also probably look good on MBA applications. With this in mind, does it still make sense to take the GMAT as a senior? If I do happen to do well on the GMAT, that may influence my work/career decisions significantly. In addition, studying for hours upon hours during my second semester of senior year if it's going to go to waste is certainly a consideration.

How do others justify taking the GMAT as a senior when the average age of MBA students seems to be in their late 20s?

[tpr-becky]

The reason I recommend taking the GMAT as a senior is twofold. First, you are used to studying and even though you are busy now most people who are working have a hard time finding the sustained study time needed to do their best on the GMAT once they are working. You are also used to taking tests and some of the techniques may be easier to someone who is still in an educational environment. The second reason is that once you decide to go to business school having the GMAT done frees you up to work on the applications - which can be neglected by people focusing on the scores of a GMAT.

You need to decide whether this decision is correct for you - maybe take a practice exam and see how well you do - you may not need the level of studying you imagine if you are close to your goals. Another thing to consider is that taking the GMAT may put you on the radar of some business schools and you may get information about opportunities you hadn't considered.

In my personal opinion you should take it now if you have the time to study - I know it doesn't sound fun, but I guarantee it is even less fun when you are going to a full time job every day.

best of Luck

[Brian@VeritasPrep]

Hey hoyasj,

I'll echo Becky's advice and just wanted to chime in since the title of this post grabbed me. I'd argue a resounding "yes"!

Within the couple months of my college graduation I took the LSAT, GMAT, and GRE and especially in retrospect, working as I do with so many young professionals trying to fit test preparation into their busy lives, I found the tests pretty easy to get ready for.

-I was already used to taking tests, so that part of my brain was *on*
-I had "study stamina" and was attuned to lots of reading, logic, and math so it was easier to study and process
-Those tests had enough overlap that I picked things up really quickly
-And also important - I was taking those tests "to keep my options open" and not "because I needed a high score TODAY". So I distinctly remember enjoying my official GMAT. The problems were fun and I had a great matter-of-fact demeanor because I didn't feel pressure. It was kind of a change of pace from other types of study I had been doing and I found the problems to be kind of fun. I never felt stressed for time or intimidated by a question. And at that point, $250 for the test fee toward "academics and school" was a drop in the bucket. I was used to dropping $400 at the bookstore every semester on top of whatever tuition was and I wasn't planning on saving any money, so I didn't even feel pressure of "if I have to retake this it's more money".

And, yeah, there's a chance you don't use the score within the 5-year window, but it's sure nice to know that you have that option for five years without having to worry about taking another test within that window. $250 and a few extra hours of week of study over the next 2-3 months can buy you some nice options and peace of mind...

And while I'm giving this advice I should thank my mother for giving it to me first!