Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 05:21 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 05:21
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
ry
User avatar
Joined: 23 Jan 2011
Last visit: 24 Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Should I take the GMAT now? 25 Jan 2011, 11:09
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I am hoping to apply to business school 4-5 years from now. I have a really low undergrad gpa and less than 3 years of work experience. What are some things that I can work on right now to make me a stellar candidate by the time I apply?

I am planning on returning to school for a graduate program in Economics this fall. I'd like to try to take the GMATs before then, but how would taking the GMATs now rather than before applying to bschool look?
User avatar
method
User avatar
Joined: 03 Jun 2010
Last visit: 27 Feb 2021
Posts: 684
Own Kudos:
157
Given Kudos: 249
Status:Go Blue!
Location: United States (MO)
Concentration: Nonprofit, General Management
Schools: Michigan (Ross) - Class of 2015
GRE 1: Q170 V166
GPA: 3.22
WE:Management Consulting (Non-Profit and Government)
Schools: Michigan (Ross) - Class of 2015
GRE 1: Q170 V166
Posts: 684
Kudos: 157
Should I take the GMAT now? 25 Jan 2011, 12:04
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
I don't think it looks positive or negative, the score is the score. I think it'll be easier to get a good score sooner rather than later, since most of the math is actually high-school level content. The longer you wait, the more time you may need to refresh yourself. The danger is if it takes you more than 4-5 years to apply to an MBA program, your score will expire.

Low GPA = build alternate transcript, so focus on doing exceptionally well in your economics program.
Do some community service for something important to you; take leadership positions if you can.
Maybe take a stab at a few entrepreneurial ideas.
User avatar
bakfed
User avatar
Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Last visit: 12 Oct 2022
Posts: 1,768
Own Kudos:
1,245
Given Kudos: 37
Status:Darden Class of 2013
Schools:University of Virginia
GMAT 1: 660 Q44 V37
Posts: 1,768
Kudos: 1,245
Should I take the GMAT now? 25 Jan 2011, 12:24
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
hey there, ry,

I want to chime in and let you know some important changes to the GMAT. If you decide to take it now and "settle" with a score, know that by June 4 of 2012, the GMAT is going to get a makeover. What does this mean? Well, it's going to be different. How different? I don't think anyone can tell you that yet (but you can google some of the changes to see it). My point is that if you're scoring a 750 right now, I'd go ahead and take it. However, if you score a score that you're happy with right now (i.e. 660), but ultimately decide to retake it later on, the test is going to be dramatically different. This means that all the preparation you had put in would be "semi-wasted". In addition to the dramatic shift in GMAT testing in 2012, keep in mind that your score is good for only 5 years. If you're planning to apply in 4 or 5 years, you may be pushing yourself to the limit. What happens if you don't get in in 4 or 5 years? Your test would be voided once it passes the 5-year date. Anyway, you should keep all of these in the back of your head when you make your decision.

Cheers! :-D
User avatar
ry
User avatar
Joined: 23 Jan 2011
Last visit: 24 Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 4
Kudos: 0
Should I take the GMAT now? 25 Jan 2011, 12:56
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Thanks for the advice. That is really good to know.

bakfed
hey there, ry,

I want to chime in and let you know some important changes to the GMAT. If you decide to take it now and "settle" with a score, know that by June 4 of 2012, the GMAT is going to get a makeover. What does this mean? Well, it's going to be different. How different? I don't think anyone can tell you that yet (but you can google some of the changes to see it). My point is that if you're scoring a 750 right now, I'd go ahead and take it. However, if you score a score that you're happy with right now (i.e. 660), but ultimately decide to retake it later on, the test is going to be dramatically different. This means that all the preparation you had put in would be "semi-wasted". In addition to the dramatic shift in GMAT testing in 2012, keep in mind that your score is good for only 5 years. If you're planning to apply in 4 or 5 years, you may be pushing yourself to the limit. What happens if you don't get in in 4 or 5 years? Your test would be voided once it passes the 5-year date. Anyway, you should keep all of these in the back of your head when you make your decision.

Cheers! :-D
Show more