Should I take GMAT now?

Expert replies

Olgaz: Newbie | Next Rank: 10 Posts; Posts: 1; Joined: Mon Aug 02, 2010 10:34 am

by Olgaz » Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:50 am

I've been studying for GMAT for the last 3 months. I have GMAT scheduled in 2 weeks from now, but when I took official GMAT practice test this weekend I got 540. I have never taken the real GMAT before. The highest score I got on practice tests was 580. I would really want to apply to NYU or Columbia. My undergrad GPA is 3.95. But I understand that I shouldn't even bother applying to those schools with my GMAT scores, but I don't want to apply anywhere else. So, should I even take my GMAT in 2 weeks, get low score and retake it later or should I study more and try to get a better score later for the 1st time, in which case I won't be able to apply for fall 2011? Should I even bother to study more? I feel that I need to study more, but is there a limit to how many points I can improve my GMAT score from the average on practice tests? Thanks.

Like this post

Source: Beat The GMAT — The Application Process | Mon Dec 06, 2010 9:50 am

tmino: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 61; Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2007 1:30 pm; Thanked: 6 times

by tmino » Thu Dec 09, 2010 3:55 pm

While the GMAT score is definitely not the only factor considered in an MBA application, a very low score can significantly decrease your chances of admission at top programs. London Business School, for example, does not accept any applicants with a score below 600 (even though they don't officially say this, but in the past years the lowest score was always 600).

If you take the GMAT now and score very low, you will have to re-take the GMAT anyways correct? I'd suggest studying more until you feel confident. Perhaps look into a prep course if you can't increase your practice test scores on your own.

MBAvolunteers - Application feedback in exchange for a donation to a non-profit
MBA Admission Requirements - All you need to know about getting into b-school

Like this post

GMAT/MBA Expert

Stacy Blackman: MBA Admissions Consultant; Posts: 1049; Joined: Wed Apr 26, 2006 8:59 pmFollowed by: 113 members; Location: Los Angeles, CA; Thanked: 50 times

by Stacy Blackman » Thu Feb 17, 2011 12:24 pm

Hi Olgaz,

In your business school application your GMAT score is self-reported, so a business school will only see your highest score. This is why we recommend candidates take the GMAT test twice, as they are normally more comfortable on their second try. If you have spent the last 3 months studying for the GMAT, it may be worth taking the test as you had scheduled. The only cost will be the price of the test.

I hope this was of help.

Best,

Conrad

Interested in a free 30 minute consultation with the Stacy Blackman Team? Sign up here: https://stacyblackman.com/contact
S T A C Y B L A C K M A N Consulting
Admissions Strategy
323.934.3936
www.StacyBlackman.com

Read the SBC blog.

Follow me on Twitter.
Like SBC on Facebook.

Learn more about me

Like this post

bizschoolprep: Senior | Next Rank: 100 Posts; Posts: 78; Joined: Fri Feb 04, 2011 4:13 pmFollowed by: 1 member; Location: New York City, NY; Thanked: 11 times

by bizschoolprep » Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:31 pm

Olgaz,

Take the test when you feel most prepared as long as you have enough time to give to the rest of your application. Even if you take GMAT multiple times, almost all the schools consider only the highest GMAT score.

-BizSchoolPrep, MBA Admissions Consultant
www.bizschoolprep.com , Know what makes us different!

Like this post

sawdle: Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts; Posts: 11; Joined: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:51 am; Thanked: 1 times

by sawdle » Tue Feb 22, 2011 11:34 pm

well according to some of the posts I have seen here - you can get into HBS with a 580 - so maybe it's not so bad!

Like this post

Post new topic Post Reply

• Page 1 of 1

GMAT Course Reviews

560 reviews

1168 reviews

431 reviews

359 reviews

147 reviews

5/5

5 Star (560 Reviews)

"Target Test Prep is the closest to the official version of the GMAT exam, about 99% accuracy in terms of the quality and quantity of information. The course has excellently created singular sets of focused lessons and tests for every possible topic that one could come across in the official GMAT exam."

"The TTP course maximizes the efficiency of the time you spend studying. It will take time and effort but I could almost guarantee that if you complete the course exactly as it is laid out you will get an amazing score. They also have a very responsive team willing to help with any questions you might have."

"TTP has two things that I think no other test prep company offers: A teaching approach that reinforces understanding and an attitude that will give you the mental preparedness needed to succeed on the test. TTP gives you a deep understanding of the concept you need to know while teaching you how to think."

Write a Review