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Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time

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bhl526
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Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   Updated on: 20 Jul 2021, 13:41
Hi,

I'm new to this forum and am hoping to receive some genuine feedback on how I should proceed with my situation! With 1st round apps due in 3 months, I'm trying to decide how to use this time wisely, whether it be retaking the GMAT or focusing on applications which I have not started yet.

Goal MBA part-time schools are USC (med 634; don't know range) and UCLA (med 660; range 600-720). Would love to get into either although slightly leaning towards USC due to its network (despite its lower rank).

GMAT 640 V33 Q46 IR8 (taken once). Background mostly in marketing/advertising; currently work in FAANG. Roughly 8-9 total years of full-time working experience. Asian male, US citizen (not sure if this impacts my competitive ranking).

Here is my primary question:
Do my score and background stand on their own so that I can fully focus on applications from here on? Or should I consider taking the test again? I have not started on any part of any application (eg. updating my resume, essays, letters of recommendation), and I don't want to sacrifice my time spent and the quality of these elements.

My current thoughts:

Yes I should retake because...
- There's technically no harm in doing so, as I will only need to submit my highest score (let me know if that's inaccurate).
- Candidly, I was a little frustrated with my score because my average practice test score is decently higher, so there may be a chance I am able to at least slightly increase my score.

No I should not retake because...
- My work has been steadily getting busier and slightly overwhelming, which is why I need to choose my time wisely. Due to this, I also don't feel fully confident I can increase my actual score, and I should focus on applications.
- And/or - My current score and background stand fine on their own.

Would love to hear anyone's experience or feedback as this entire space is all so new to me. Thank you in advance!

Originally posted by bhl526 on 20 Jul 2021, 12:37.
Last edited by bhl526 on 20 Jul 2021, 13:41, edited 3 times in total.
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ashielee
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   20 Jul 2021, 13:20
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Welcome to the forum, and congrats on your score that is in the range of your target school.

I vote not to retake because I believe you have reached the basic score of both of your target schools. I think you should spend time crafting your essays instead of spending time preparing for a retake. Last year I came across a post and I think this is a great example that you don't have to seek 700+ scores for PT programs.

https://gmatclub.com/forum/how-i-into-b ... 32149.html

If you are still concerned about it, I'd encourage you to set up a short call with the AdComs and ask for their suggestions. I think the AdComs will want to learn more about you and your personality better :) Or, reach out and talk to current PT students and ask what they think.

Hope this helps and best luck with your application!
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   21 Jul 2021, 18:48
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Hi and welcome to GMAT Club.

I would agree that it is not really worth doing a push and prep for the score that is already hitting your school's average. Your work experience is strong and assuming you have no other skeletons in the closets, I think your path should be pretty straightforward.

Now, there are some situations when it may make sense to retake and they are as following:
1. Your undergrad GPA is on the low side (sub 3.3)
2. Your practice scores were in the 700's or at least 680
3. Your will keep doubting yourself and have regrets if you don't
4. If you only studied for a few weeks

With 3 months left, you probably have 1 month tops to retake the GMAT (if you decide to). I would suggest that if you do decide to give another shot, do it fast without spending a long time studying. But if your scores are like 660 or smth like that on your practice tests, then you may not be able to effect enough change, esp if you studied for a long time. Basically, only retake if it is EASY/FAST but don't get into a prolonged battle with the test as you do not need to.

Good luck!
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   27 Jul 2021, 19:57
Thank you ashielee and bb ! Appreciate the feedback.
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   27 Jul 2021, 19:58
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Sure! What did you decide to do? 😎

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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   27 Jul 2021, 20:20
bb Decided that I'm going to retake. I completely agree with the direction from you and ashielee but upon examining all of the application materials, determining my timeline, and recognizing your "exception" points, I decided to budget 2 more weeks for a retake attempt. My average practice test score is in the range that you had mentioned above, and I think I may regret not at least trying one more time. Even a marginal increase will be helpful and if I'm not able to increase my score, then I have some peace of mind that I tried my best given my time and work schedule. If needed, I will apply in the 2nd round instead of the 1st.

Thanks again!
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   27 Jul 2021, 20:22
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Sure! That’s a fair decision. I don’t think anyone can fault you for giving it another shot and it’s minimum having no regrets when you apply. I want to life is about not having regrets 😬 … so I am fully on board with that.

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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   28 Jul 2021, 09:38
bhl526 wrote:
bb Decided that I'm going to retake. I completely agree with the direction from you and ashielee but upon examining all of the application materials, determining my timeline, and recognizing your "exception" points, I decided to budget 2 more weeks for a retake attempt. My average practice test score is in the range that you had mentioned above, and I think I may regret not at least trying one more time. Even a marginal increase will be helpful and if I'm not able to increase my score, then I have some peace of mind that I tried my best given my time and work schedule. If needed, I will apply in the 2nd round instead of the 1st.

Thanks again!


Best luck with your next attempt! I'm sure you will do better!
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   07 Aug 2021, 14:58
ashielee bb

Quick update - I ended up taking it again and scored significantly higher. I think the nerves just really got to me in my first test. That said, I wanted to follow up on this thread and thank you guys for your responses. I know those comments may seem minor but they gave me the confidence to keep studying and try again. Thanks!
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink] New post   07 Aug 2021, 20:03
WOW that's so good to hear!!! I'm so happy for you! Now you can focus on the applications :D Again, best luck to you!!

bhl526 wrote:
ashielee bb

Quick update - I ended up taking it again and scored significantly higher. I think the nerves just really got to me in my first test. That said, I wanted to follow up on this thread and thank you guys for your responses. I know those comments may seem minor but they gave me the confidence to keep studying and try again. Thanks!
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Re: Eligibility for USC and UCLA Part-Time + How to plan my time [#permalink]
07 Aug 2021, 20:03

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