Scheduling exam date: Need official report before applying?

[ricecracker]

Hi All,

I asked a similar question in a separate post, but will create a new thread here to ask.

I plan to apply to schools before the R2 deadline, which for most schools is early January. When I submit my application to the schools, obviously I will need to report my GMAT score. I was planning on taking the GMAT in late November/early December, but would really like to postpone it by a couple weeks just to squeeze in as much study time as I possibly can (still not hitting my target score on practice exams).

My question is, even if I take the GMAT before the application deadlines, will I still be too late if I don't have the official report at the time of applying? For example, if my R2 deadline was January 7th and I took the GMAT on January 4th, would I be too late to apply since I would only have a self-reported score for only the math and verbal sections? Or would I be ok with just my self-reported scores on math/verb as long as I have the official report sent to the schools as soon as it becomes available?

I wanted to know since I know it can take up to 2-3 weeks before the official report is sent out.

I feel like even a 2 week difference in prep time could make a huge difference for me and would be very grateful if anybody has any insight about this.

[Jim@StratusPrep]

You are going to submit your unofficial scores. For most schools (including all top programs that I have looked at) you can take the exam up to the day you apply and submit your score. You will not be allowed to matriculate (or sometimes get an admissions decision) until your official scores are delivered to the school.

[ricecracker]

Thanks Jim! That's very good to know. I'll probably schedule it around mid-December which will buy me a couple extra weeks while still allowing a cushion to have the official report sent out.