When should I write y GMAT for 2020 intake applications?

Question

Hi,

I am planning to write my exam this year and ASAP. Can anyone help me to plan things accordingly. I have been preparing for it since last couple of months and want to write it this month or the next month. Can the most knowledgeable folks help me decide when should I write it? What's the best time until I should write it as to get done with my application by the year end?

I am planning to do it in 2020. Fall or Spring doesn't matter much to me. Give me a brief idea in case I should prefer one out of the two.

Thanks!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi 63ophelias,

Before I can offer you the specific advice that you’re looking for, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals:

Studies:
1) How long have you studied?
2) What study materials have you used so far?
3) How have you scored on EACH of your CATs (including the Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores for EACH)?

Goals:
4) What is your goal score?
5) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

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

TheUltimateWinner · Answer

It is better if you see the deadline of your expected business school. You should take your GMAT prior to 3 months of you business school deadline-sometimes, you may need to take GMAT more than 1 or 2 times. 
Also, if you are not-native (English is not your first language-if TOEFL is no waived), you should take consideration about your TOEFL test.

akela · Answer

Hi 63ophelias ,. Take it when your mock test score is close to your target score or to the average score of your target schools. You can take a official mock test here: https://www.mba.com/exam-prep

gmat1393 · Answer

Hi,

If you are planning to apply to R1, its better to be ready with your scores Max. by July end, so that you have ample time for Apps .

allornothing21 · Answer

EMPOWERgmatRichC Hi Rich

Please find below the answers:
1)I started my preparation sometime around last week of January
2)So far, I have gone through Official Guides and Manhattan material. I have also referred to Gmat club resources (Grammar book and the quant booklet), Powerscore Bible and some other material by Kaplan. Apart from all this, I have solved questions that are being posted on gmat club on a regular basis.
3)Please find the scores below:
a) First attempt: 710 (Q49, V38)
b)Second attempt: 750 (Q50,V40)

1) I want to target a 730+ score
2) I am targeting for colleges in Germany/Canada. I am not so sure how flexible are they going to be w.r.t scholarships but if I can get a decent one that'd be great. Can you guide me here as well? I haven't done an exhaustive research on this.

Thanks in prior.

gmat1393 Thanks. That's helpful.

Thanking the rest of the people as well. Glad you could take out some time to respond

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi 63ophelias,

To start, did you take 2 DIFFERENT CATs or did you take the 1st CAT a second time? Assuming that you took 2 CATs - and did so in a realistic fashion that matches what you will face on Test Day - then you certainly appear to have the skills and knowledge to score 700+. Is there something keeping you from scheduling your Official GMAT? Do you think these 2 score results are unrealistic in some way?

The process of applying to (and ultimately attending) Business School will require a big investment of time, money and energy on your part, so you really should make sure that the Programs that you apply to match your career goals/needs. There are a variety of factors that go into selecting the Schools that you'll apply to. Instead of just applying to Programs in which you might have a good chance to 'get in', here are some other things to think about:

1) Is there a particular company that you want to work for or industry that you want to work in? Certain degrees are more appropriate than others if you have a specific career goal. 
2) What do you want your MBA to do for you? 
3) Do you want to go to School full-time or part-time? 
4) Are you willing to relocate? Are you comfortable with working through a program that is primarily online? 
5) Are you going to be applying for scholarships? 
Etc.

It's okay if you don't have answers to any of these questions just yet, but you really should try to define all of the important variables in terms of your goals, so that you can tailor your entire approach to getting into the best School that matches what you're looking for.

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

CrackVerbalShree · Answer

Hi 63ophelias,

Most deadlines for schools will start in Sept. Which means if you are planning to apply for the 2020 intake You should ideally take the test by August end. Most MBA programs have only one intake in Fall. Only a few have both Jan and Sept intake. Which means you will have to keep a track of the deadlines based on the different Rounds you would want to apply to.

You can check the  deadlines of the schools of your choice  and plan accordingly.

Rgds,
Shree

ccooley · Answer

This article will walk you through determining when to take the GMAT: https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/blog ... -the-gmat/ Hopefully you find some useful guidance there!

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When should I write y GMAT for 2020 intake applications?

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