Should I Change My GMAT Date??

Question

So my exam is this Saturday, I want to score over a 730 and I didn't even come close to that in my last practice exam last weekend (>500 MCAT). Should I postpone till maybe a few months from now? This will be the second time I've taken the exam in two years.

bb · Answer

GMAT Prep is the best sort of measuring tool but MGMAT is close enough.

I would say yes since you have such a difference in score. Unless this was some unfortunate incident, it doesn’t seem you’re close enough to your target score.

PS. GMAC has recently started charging for changes to appointments but you can still change it for free if you contact them.

Posted from my mobile device

creshbunny · Answer

I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi zachdunphy26,

It makes sense to postpone that test to a further date unless the score you got is not the actual representation of your actual level. The right time to book a slot is when you consistently get your desired score in at least a couple of mocks. Having said that, if you need any help with respect to GMAT prep or strategizing the GMAT, you can get in touch with me using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi zachdunphy26,

Business Schools generally do not care if you take the GMAT more than once, so there is no 'harm' in taking the GMAT as scheduled. That having been said, you are far-enough away from your Score Goal that it is unlikely that you will score 730 this Saturday, so you could potentially save some time, money and frustration by paying to push back your Test Date.

Before I can offer you any additional advice for your studies, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

1) How long have you studied? How many hours do you typically study each week?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) On what dates (or approximate dates) did you take EACH of your CATs/mocks and how did you score on EACH (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?
4) When are you planning to apply to Business School and what Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If you've scored below a 500 on an MCAT, it's probably fair to say it's unlikely you'd break 550-600 on an Official Mock and by extension actual exam. Might be good to delay. One reason simply being that there are only 2 online attempts.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi zachdunphy26,

Based on the score of your most recent practice exam, I'd say yes, it would be a good idea to push back your GMAT and take it once you are ready. If you need any advice regarding your study plan, feel free to reach back out.

RedSox12 · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi zachdunphy26,

If you are not planning to apply to Business School until NEXT August, then you still have plenty of time to continue studying - which is great!

While it makes sense for you to focus on the GMAT at this point, since you are interested in some highly-competitive Schools, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions, the type of GMAT Score that you might "need" and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. The more time you have to improve your application, the easier it should be to map out your activities for the next 8-9 months. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

From what you've described, your studies so far have been "book heavy"; unfortunately, many GMATers who study in that way end up getting 'stuck' at a particular score level (and it's possible that this has happened to you as well). Even the best books are limited in what they can teach you; they also can't force you to approach questions in a certain way and their explanations are often one-sided. As such, you would likely find it beneficial to invest in some new, non-book study materials for this next phase of your studies.

If your current 'ability level' is in the low-500s to mid-500s, then statistically-speaking, raising a 550 to the point that you could consistently score 730+ would likely require that you commit to at least another 3 months of consistent, guided study - and you would have to make significant improvements to how you handle BOTH the Quant and Verbal sections. Thankfully, the GMAT is a consistent, predictable Exam, so you CAN train to score at a higher level.

1) Going forward, how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

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