Best Time to Take the GMAT

Question

Hi,

This year will be the first time that I will be appearing for GMAT. 
Can someone please help me out with suggesting the best time when i should take the test. I want to make the most of the preparation time so that I can apply for the better colleges provided I get a good score.

Please suggest me the best time to appear for GMAT and also the last tentative date before which I should take the test provided I wish to apply for the colleges in the first attempt.

Thanks,
Swagatam

sbo · Answer

Hi Swagatam,
Can you please share what are the colleges you are looking forward to apply?And also if possible what is your present situation? Still studying in college or working?
Then it is easier to help you.
Thanks

swagi86 · Answer

Hi Soumya,

Thank you for your prompt response.. I am not sure which colleges to apply to I guess that will primarily depend upon my score. 
I am presently working with 3.5 years of work experience in the IT sector.

I have been studying on my own for the last couple of months and am planning to give some model online CATs in the coming month.

Can you please help me out with perhaps a possible timemap to follow..

Thanks,
Swagatam

prateekbhatt · Answer

Take the test before september if ur targeting abroad univ's.

BM · Answer

First-round deadlines arrive quite early. While you still have time to submit your GMAT scores, there are a number of other components to the application process (essays, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.), all of which consume a considerable amount of time and energy. Please do not underestimate those other tasks, as you will feel the pressure to make school deadlines. Such stress can affect your GMAT performance.

In other words, you probably need to start making a list of target schools and general game plan sometime soon (to your credit, it seems that you are doing that). Waiting until after the test results are in does not leave you much time. Again, though, this commentary mostly applies to first-round applications. For later deadlines, you are still okay on time.

To directly answer your question, it depends on your performance on practice tests. But August or September are acceptable dates.

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