Should I take the GMAT now or wait? Urgent, please help.

[mustang97v6]

I am currently scheduled to take the GMAT on Thursday 10/30/08 and I have been scoring very poorly on my practice tests (My Mean is a 550). I figure that I need to score around a 650 to 680 to get into my School of Choice, which is the Rady School at UCSD.

My question is should I take the exam on Thursday to see where I am or should I push out my test and study another 3-4 weeks? Will taking the exam twice hurt me overall? Also what would happen if I elected not to send my scores automatically to potential Schools on this attempt but then sent my follow up exam scores? Would they still see my first exam scores if I don't send them in?

I can't get a refund of any nature by rescheduling because they refuse if you are within 7 days of your exam date. I'd hate to waste the $250 but if it will be detrimental to my application then I'll take the hit.

Any input would be appreciated.

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear mustang97v6,

Most applicants take the GMAT at least twice, sometimes 3 or 4 times. So that will not hurt you. You can go in and take the test without sending your scores. In the event you do well, then you can always have them sent later. I would suggest taking your exam as you have already paid for it. Then you will know where you stand and probably what sections give you the most trouble. When you send your second test scores to schools, they will see the first attempt but it will not count in your evaluation if the second score is higher.

Good luck,
Lisa