I'm currently studying at the moment for the GMAT and achieving strong scores - I scored 710 on my first official GMAT prep this morning, this is backed up with a few consistent scores from other practice tests. I'm keen to make sure I have a 7 at the front so I'm currently planning a few more weeks studying over the holiday break and then taking in January.

I have a real dilemma, and this is a real plea for advice - should I rush to take my test earlier or take later in January/early Feb? (Earliest date possible would be first week in January). I want to get to the best school possible but waiting for 2014 intake seems a very long way away!

I was planning to take on the later date, but I am an international student (UK based) with a strong desire to study in N America or Europe. I'm really surprised to see how early deadlines are - R2 seems to be passed by mid-January in the majority of places, which tends to be the expected point for international students to apply. If I apply later I'm concerned it'll be too late for Visa applications and I'll have missed the majority of scholarship opportunities. Is this scare-mongering by the schools to encourage an early application?

I expect to have a fairly strong application, UK educated engineer with 5 years of experience now running a high value highly automated manufacturing department with 25 staff, turnover over $30m. 2:1 in Engineering at a top UK university.

I don't know anyone even considering an MBA, let alone anyone with experience of applying! Please help and share experience.
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My blog: http://timbob101.wordpress.com/

Hi,

You want to put forth the strongest applications possible, and it may be tough to meet R2 deadlines if you've not started on application essays yet and are still preparing for the GMAT.

So you may be better off putting together stronger applications for R3, even though that is the last round at the U.S. schools with less spots available.

London Business Schools has 4 stages, with Stage 3 deadline of 28 February 2013, chances of getting in R2 vs. R3 more similar there.

Good luck!

Christine Lin
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Christine Lin | Marvel Admissions
http://marveladmissions.com/ | Marvel Admissions Blog

Many thanks for your responses, I'm pleased to say I have delayed my GMAT (which I will take on the 21st Jan) - depending on how well the exam goes I'll make a decision from there...

Thanks for your advice to you all.
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My blog: http://timbob101.wordpress.com/

Well I thought it'd be good to drop a line to put an ending to the story...

I delayed my GMAT slightly to yesteday, 21st Jan. Despite an interrupting in studying over the Christmas break I managed to get some good work done during January, so I was surprised to only score 670 on my second GMATPrep test (considering I dropped from my 710 in early December I was pretty disappointed) on Saturday. I felt I hadn't gone backwards, but had suffered from a lack of concentration towards the end in the Verbal section - I spent the rest of the weekend eating well, sleeping better and trying to get my energy levels up as well as some last minute cramming!

I went into the exam with some trepidation, but I'm delighted to say I finished with a 720!!! I had to rub my eyes in disbelief to check it didn't say 620...! Obviously I'm really pleased, I can now focus on my plan for applications in Round 1 later this year.

Thanks to all of you who offered advice, I really appreciate it.
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My blog: http://timbob101.wordpress.com/