Find all School-related info fast with the new School-Specific MBA Forum

It is currently 22 May 2013, 07:03
Customize  |  Hide

Reschedule/Cancel GMAT

  Question banks Downloads My Bookmarks Reviews  
Author Message
Joined: 31 Dec 1969
Location: United States
Concentration: Marketing, Other
GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38
WE: Accounting (Accounting)
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 32 [0], given: 54286

CAT Tests
Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 16 Feb 2012, 11:35
Hi everyone,

I'm very frustated with my GMAT preparation and anxious about the actual test on Sunday.

I've started preparing about a month ago, took my first CAT (GMAT Prep1) cold and scored a lousy 530.
I blamed it on my lack of knowledge of some vocabs (e.g. I didn't know what an integer was) and that my last class of math was 6 years ago, started working myself through the MGMAT books and the OG and took another CAT, MGMAT this time. I scored 650 after just 1,5 weeks of preparation and thought everything was going well. But I had to finish my final thesis during the last two weeks and now I run out of time. And these are other test results (all MGMAT):

1. 01/22/12: 650 Q40 V38
2. 01/31/12: 550 Q31 V35
3. 02/09/12: 600 Q36 V35
4. 02/14/12: 560 Q31 V36

I kept an OG error log constantly and I revised the CATs but as I am short on time, I am not able to revise the OG problems I got wrong a second time.

I scheduled an appointment on Sunday, 02/19 and my goal was a 700+ originally. I would be satisfied with a 680 but every score lower than that would force me to retake the test. What's the better solution? Reschedule or cancel? (As I would not get any money back anyway)
The thing is, I am about to start an intership in London and I'm from Germany. So I would have to reschedule the test to another location as well. And I would have to study hard to improve on top working in a full-time job. But I know that it is very unlikely that I am able to score a 680+ on Sunday.

Do you have any advise???
Manhattan GMAT Discount CodesKaplan GMAT Prep Discount CodesGMAT Pill GMAT Discount Codes
Current Student
User avatar
Joined: 12 Sep 2011
Posts: 901
Concentration: Finance, Finance
GMAT 1: 710 Q48 V40
Followers: 93

Kudos [?]: 467 [0], given: 114

GMAT Tests User
Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 16 Feb 2012, 11:51
Well if your goal is a 680, I do think that it would be a stretch to attain that score or better on test day on Sunday. The GMAT prep tests are the best estimate of how you will do on test day. It is generally recommended that you spend at least 2.5-3 months on studying to reach your full potential, and this would include 15-20 hours a week of studying plus numerous practice tests.

The fact that you didn't know what an integer was makes me believe that you are still lacking some fundamentals. Generally it is very challenging to get into the 650+ range consistently without REALLY understanding fundamentals. And without fundamentals it will be impossible to reach your top potential. With only giving yourself 1 month of prep, I'm sure your trying to rush into the most challenging concepts and questions, but without that basic understanding your going to have challenges.

If you are not applying this year, I would recommend that you stretch your studying out to a total of 3 months. In those 3 months you should dedicate significant free time to the GMAT. With how much you have going on (moving, intership, etc..) this may be a very challenging time in your life to reach your full GMAT potential.

Please read the following post to show you the extent of recommended studying: gmat-study-plan-start-your-gmat-journey-80727.html I spent 9 weeks and went from 570 on diagnostic to 710 on test day. BUT, I dedicated myself to 2-4 hours on every weekday, and 5-6 hours on each weekend day. The GMAT will be very challenging if you try to rush it. The GMAT is based solely on how you do against your competition, and your competition is FULL of dedicated individuals.
_________________

New to the GMAT Club? <START HERE>

My GMAT and BSchool Tips:


Find out what's new at GMAT Club - latest features and updates

Manager
Manager
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Posts: 214
GMAT 1: 720 Q49 V40
GMAT 2: Q V
Followers: 1

Kudos [?]: 24 [0], given: 3

GMAT Tests User
Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 16 Feb 2012, 11:54
Personally, I would take the test. Since you are not getting your money back anyways, what is the harm in taking it? You will get a good test-taking experience which will help you down the road if you opt to re-take it. Most schools will only consider your top score, which your second attempt would probably be.

And, who knows? Maybe you'll have a good day and get your desired score. Good luck!
BSchool Forum Moderator
User avatar
Status: Can't wait for August!
Joined: 13 Sep 2011
Posts: 876
Location: United States (MA)
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
GMAT 1: 660 Q44 V37
GMAT 2: 680 Q45 V38
GMAT 3: 710 Q45 V42
GPA: 3.32
WE: Information Technology (Retail)
Followers: 13

Kudos [?]: 269 [0], given: 98

GMAT Tests User Reviews Badge
Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 16 Feb 2012, 16:25
hey, I've been there. I took the test, and just saw it as a $250 practice... Dont expect to achieve your goal this time around, use this as a learning exercise. You're past the point where you can reschedule or cancel without giving up the full cost of the test anyway.
Joined: 31 Dec 1969
Location: United States
Concentration: Marketing, Other
GMAT 1: 710 Q49 V38
WE: Accounting (Accounting)
Followers: 0

Kudos [?]: 32 [0], given: 54286

CAT Tests
Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 22 Feb 2012, 08:29
Thanks for everyone who advised me to take the test! I scored a 660!

Nevertheless, I'm thinking about retaking the GMAT in april...

Can you tell me your experience about studying on top of a full-time job? And about your motivation when preparing for a retake?

Thank you!
BSchool Forum Moderator
User avatar
Status: Can't wait for August!
Joined: 13 Sep 2011
Posts: 876
Location: United States (MA)
Concentration: Marketing, Strategy
GMAT 1: 660 Q44 V37
GMAT 2: 680 Q45 V38
GMAT 3: 710 Q45 V42
GPA: 3.32
WE: Information Technology (Retail)
Followers: 13

Kudos [?]: 269 [0], given: 98

GMAT Tests User Reviews Badge
Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 22 Feb 2012, 08:43
alemanita wrote:
Thanks for everyone who advised me to take the test! I scored a 660!

Nevertheless, I'm thinking about retaking the GMAT in april...

Can you tell me your experience about studying on top of a full-time job? And about your motivation when preparing for a retake?

Thank you!


I started at 660 also, ended up at 710. Just find what works for you best when it comes to studying. I ended up burning out because I decided the more studying the better, I'd wake up at 5am and study for 2 hours before leaving for work, then would come home and study another 3 hours.

I figured out that I wasnt getting as much out of my post work study sessions, and was making myself very sick.

For me, my mind is just more focused in the morning, so I woke up at 5am every day. After putting in a few hours before work, I'd stop studying for the day.

See what works for you, but stick to whatever schedule you create, and dont over do it.
GMAT Pill Instructor
User avatar
Joined: 14 Apr 2009
Posts: 891
Location: New York, NY
Followers: 79

Kudos [?]: 216 [0], given: 0

Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT [#permalink] New post 22 Feb 2012, 17:40
Many people will retake the exam to increase the chances that they get in and/or get off the waiting list for their top school.

April is a good time - they will be adding a new section to the exam in June called Integrated Reasoning. If for any reason you need to retake after that, you'll have to readjust your studying.
_________________


... and more


Zeke Lee, GMAT Pill Study Method (Study Less. Score More.) | Download Ebook
- How A McKinsey Analyst Struggled with GMAT for 2 Yrs
- GMAT Score From 650 to 760 + 25 Minutes left on the exam! Wow!

GMAT Pill Reviews

Re: Reschedule/Cancel GMAT   [#permalink] 22 Feb 2012, 17:40
    Similar topics Author Replies Last post
Similar
Topics:
New posts Gmat + kath 0 08 Jun 2004, 19:25
New posts EXPERTS_POSTS_IN_THIS_TOPIC GMAT Vithal 1 27 Jun 2004, 01:17
New posts GMAT tel93 2 15 Oct 2004, 14:05
New posts GMATS tel93 4 08 Nov 2004, 10:02
New posts Is Rescheduling / Cancellation of Appointments reported? geomatrace 1 19 Dec 2007, 19:32
Display posts from previous: Sort by

Reschedule/Cancel GMAT

  Question banks Downloads My Bookmarks Reviews  

Moderator: mohater



GMAT Club MBA Forum Home| About| Privacy Policy| Terms and Conditions| GMAT Club Rules| Contact| Sitemap

Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group and phpBB SEO

Kindly note that the GMAT® test is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council®, and this site has neither been reviewed nor endorsed by GMAC®.