To Send or Not to Send Reports

[CKelly89]

Hi There,

I'm new to the forum, but I wanted to ask a quick question regarding GMAT scores. I'm taking the exam for the first time in a couple of weeks and I was wondering if I should take advantage of the MBA offer and send my scores immediately at the exam, or wait until I see what I scored and order the report later.

I've heard people suggest to send anyway since the school's will see my score irregardless, but I am concerned that if I don't do as well as I hope the first time then the schools may take one look at my first score that has been sent and see that I am not within the range.

Thoughts?

[CriticalSquareMBA]

Hey there,

A lot of applicants worry, in my opinion, a little too much about submitting their scores and what they mean. Here are a few scenarios and what that'll actually mean:

Firstly, schools don't necessarily see all your scores during the application process. Some ask for how many times you've taken it and what your scores were, others really only care about your highest score. Most don't require an official report either, and say a scanned copy of the unofficial report will suffice.

However, let's say the school you're applying to does require all the scores. Then it doesn't matter if you send the scores because you'll report them anyway. If the schools don't require a complete history but you send it anyway, they're mostly concerned with your highest score. That's the one they report and if your first score was a 550 and then a 700, no adcom will throw your app in the trash. Additionally, if you score really well, it can get their interest too.

Some applicants are concerned with the costs associated with sending their scores but if you aren't and would rather know the score before you broadcast it, then hold off. If, however, you're comfortable sharing it and understand that it really doesn't hurt you, then go for it and send it to your selected programs.

Let me know if you have any questions and good luck on the test!

Bhavik

[money9111]

Send the scores... and move on. It's not a big deal as they'll see your scores anyway (especially if it's your first time applying). I agree with Critical Square... too much time and energy is spent on this. Just send them.. save yourself the extra money of having to do it later.

[josbilou]

I'd say send in your scores immediately - it won't hurt you. Generally speaking, it's not easy to predict a GMAT score and most of us are somewhat surprised for the better or worse. Sometimes you just know you did a lousy job of it but the schools will have access to all your records, as you know. A low score to begin with means nothing to them, it happens all the time. Even a big improvement between tries is not of interest to them. They only care about your highest score.