GMAT question

[utgolfer]

Stacy or anyone in the know,

I have been studying for the GMAT for 4 months and I am pretty nervous about taking the test. I am still around 50 points off from my target score and know that I have not been putting in the time/effort that is needed for improvement. The last month my work schedule has been very hectic and I just couldn't commit.

My question is, should I reschedule my test or should I just go and see what happens? My GPA was a 3.0 from UT Austin and my resume is probably slightly above average with 5 years work experience. I am looking to apply R2 at Rice (Jones school) and I really think that doing well on the GMAT is essential for me because of my low GPA.

Also, how bad does it look if I go and take it but decide not to accept my score?

[Lisa Anderson]

Dear utgolfer,

I still think you should take the test. You don't have to send the scores to any schools but it will give you an idea of where you really are and where to devote your preparation time. Most folks take the test at least twice, so it will not be a negative to take it more than once. If you end up scoring over a 660, then you can always send the score later and choose whether or not to take it again.

Good luck,
Lisa

[utgolfer]

Thanks for the response. I have read on the forum that AdComm will see that I took the test and that I didn't send the score and this could send a red flag. Do you think that it would be a better decision to just reschedule and take it when I know I am prepared? I have a ton of free time over the next month and I am pretty sure that I will be a lot more prepared. I would hate to get a score in the low 500's when I know I can get a score close to 650.

[Lisa Anderson]

Why would not sending your first test scores be a red flag? I don't agree with that at all. What matters is the school receives the official score report for your highest test score as that is the one used in your evaluation.

Good luck,
Lisa