Should I take the GMAT if I dont feel 100% ready?

Question

Hi everyone, 
 I’m currently signed up to take the GMAT on August 20th, but I’m not feeling fully prepared. 
 I’m debating whether I should take the test anyway, just to experience it and possibly cancel the score afterward — or if it’s better to pay the $170 fee to reschedule for a later date when I’ll be more ready. 
 A bit about me: 
 – I’m aiming for a top MBA program in the U.S. (ideally focused on entrepreneurship and/or leadership roles in major corporations). 
 – I’m fully committed to studying and improving, but I know I won’t hit my target score yet. 
 Would love to hear your thoughts: 
 – Is it worth taking the test just for the experience? 
 – Do schools look down on canceled scores or multiple attempts? 
 Thanks in advance!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Have you taken an official mock recently? Including when and what you got as well as what type of score you're targeting could be helpful. Regarding whether or not to go ahead with the attempt on the 20th, if you have the flexibility to take it and take another exam later on, it may not be a bad idea to do so instead of paying $170. In a sense, you could think of the attempt on the 20th as an extra official mock.

avigoesforMBA · Answer

Give mocks first

RetaketheGMAT · Answer

Practice tests are great but there's nothing like the real thing to:

1. Assess your gaps and readiness to hit your target score
2. Gain experience and understanding of the realities of test day and how it will affect you (often in unexpected ways)

Everyone has a different situation but if it was me, I would see getting a $100 back as a wasted opportunity to truly gauge your progress.

In general, you have much more control over who sees each of your test scores. You only have to send a score when you feel you've done the best you can (or have hit a deadline).

If you really want to know how ready you are, we have a FREE diagnostic session live with a GMAT Performance Coach -- we'll test your conceptual foundation, advanced skills strength and, most importantly, your test taking / executive reasoning skills. No selling. no obligation to buy sessions. just great insights into your remaining gaps and readiness to hit your target score. DM if you're interested.

bb · Answer

Hi. Here is the thing - you will NEVER feel fully prepared. 
You need to see your scores. Are you scores slightly above your target? If not, then you won't really get a score you are looking for and you don't need to cancel anything (you can't even do that because it is pointless).

I think it is ideal not to schedule your test before you feel you are plateauing or your scores are close. 
I never hear about people who score low and then take the test and score high, so in this case, better to pay $170.

5monthGMAT700a · Answer

Hi,

I think this is your first time for GMAT.

I know how you feel, because that is exactly what I felt before my first exam.

I STRONGLY recommend you to go ahead with your exam now.

It's truly worth of experiecing TRUE GMAT style problems on test circumstance.

Even if you don't get your target score, you can find it to be somewhat different from what you expected before, and it will lead you to better way improving your score.

I sincerely wish you end up your first exam, but that kind of things rarely happens to us, sadly.

I'm sure nobody go on the exam with 100% confidence, so don't be afraid!

ps. the more you get nervous, the less you will score. GMAT is kind of exam that test your ability, not knowledge. So, it'll be helpful to be calm in order to show your ability fully!!

bb · Answer

Awesome feedback and perspective!

P.S. Awesome score too!!!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi utculpa,

Did you make a decision about your GMAT?

bb · Answer

utculpa , curious what you ended up doing

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Should I take the GMAT if I dont feel 100% ready?

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