tmp51433 wrote:
Part of my issue is that I can't calm my nerves and I get so nervous about my intelligence being boiled down to a stupid standardized test. This manifests in a few ways but mostly with my nerves that high I have to read the question multiple times before I absorb it and then get mad at myself that I couldn't focus, and the cycle continues.
with my current 630 I am below the 80% range for all of my target schools but one, and honestly I know I am a great candidate for all the schools but I am worried my GMAT will keep me from getting in, and even if I get in, keep me from getting the scholarship I might need to attend. One challenge is that I already sent the GMAT score to most of the schools, which I regret now but at the time I wanted to save money and I didn't think it mattered. The way I see it I have a few options:
1. Take the GRE and do my absolute best to get a great score ( I think the GRE might be better suited for me time wise and I might not get as nervous because if I bomb it for some reason, i don't have to submit it at all)
2. Take the GMAT once more. I would need to significantly change my study plan and do everything to address my nerves. FYI- I don't have the money to get an expensive class or private tutor
3. Stick with my 630 and hope for the best and try to explain my nerves and try to showcase the graduate classes I have taken and my high undergrad GPA to prove I can handle the course work.
1. The skills and concepts tested by the GRE aren't too different from those tested by the GMAT. You could prep a bit and then take one of the ETS practice tests to check how comfortable you are with the exam and question formats.
2. You don't need expensive classes or private tutors to do well on the GMAT, especially if part of the reason for your current score is nervousness. It's your quant that's really holding you back, and there are plenty of great (and free) resources for that.
3. I don't think you'll be able to put nervousness forward as a reason for your score without ruining your applications, but you can, of course, add other support.
As for your point about nerves, sending a lower score (as well) to schools doesn't matter much. You could try confirming this with
admissions experts (as well as whether your 630 will "work" for the schools you have in mind), but generally, it's safe to say that schools will attach minimal, if any, importance to a lower score. Also, the current cancellation policies on the GMAT make it possible for you to control whether your scores are sent out or not.
You should also keep in mind that your intelligence is
not being "boiled down" to a standardized test. The GMAT is just
part of the process, and the impact of the other aspects of your application will easily outweigh the impact of the GMAT score alone. That said, unless you can really stand out for other reasons, it will make sense to ensure that your test score (GMAT/GRE) doesn't stand out for the wrong reasons. This is to say that you already know that a higher score is better, but you need to go in with a positive mindset.
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30 Aug 2016, 17:20
