Sending or not sending GMAT results to b-schools directly?

Question

Hi everybody,

I'll be applying for the Jan 2013 EMBA intake at the LBS. I'll start my GMAT preparation soon.

Question: can I avoid sending the GMAT score directly to the school, and based upon the score, decide afterwards whether it's worth sending it or not?
If it's possible, where is the catch? Additional waiting time to receive the results? Additional cost to send you the results?

Thanks in advance for your help!

mohater · Answer

Five score submissions are included with your GMAT test sitting fee.

If you don't send any during the test sitting appointment, it's $28 to send a score to a school.

By not using the five included, you're electing to donate money for the GMAC

For the program to accept your score, it must be submitted through the GMAC

highdiving · Answer

Everything mohater said it's the simple truth; also consider that you might lose some days when you order an additional score report. Instead of receiving it in 20 days, for example, it might take up to a total time of one month ore more, depending on when you order it.

I did not send it on the test day and ordered it later; i was lucky enough to have it delivered two days before the deadline, but I would not suggest it to anybody who has to deal with really close deadlines.

Good luck on your preparation.

MannyR · Answer

Thank you both for your help, very useful. My intention is to have it sent directly to the school if I'm happy with the score only, otherwise I it might jeopardise my application.

Can you decide whether you want to send it directly at the end of the test (i.e. once you know your score) or do you have to choose before you begin the test?

highdiving · Answer

Before you begin the test you decide if you want it sent directly; if you do so, you have 5 slots, one for every program.
These are included in your Gmat fee.

After you finish the test you will see a screen asking you if you want to keep the score or not, before you can see it.
If you accept, the score will be submitted to the programs you previously selected; if you refuse you will never know what you actually scored and your official gmat history will report "score canceled".

If you really feel unsure about your score and have plenty of time before deadlines, then you might go for the additional score report (with additional expenses); in this case do not forget that if, for example, you scored 600 and did not send it, retook and took 700, the 600 will still show for the next 5 years, just like a canceled score will.

If what worries you is that the B-School might see your score, then be assured that sooner or later they will see it.
Might as well save money

MannyR · Answer

Thanks Andy for the clarification.

So it means that there are no other ways but just sending directly the score to the school, period. Being good or bad? If you have the feeling that you haven't done a good test, isn't it better to cancel and have a 'cancelled' test on record?

mohater · Answer

Canceling the test is another way of donating money to the GMAC.

Feeling is almost irrelevant as many people feel terrible and do well, likewise many people feel great and don't do so hot.

highdiving · Answer

I second mohater.
When you cancel you lose at least the chance to see where you really stand in a real test day environment. And that alone is worth the pain of an eventual bad score.

Money wise you should just go in there, do the best possible test and have it sent as fast and as cheaply you can.
But in the end it's all about what makes  you  comfortable.

Again, good luck.

MannyR · Answer

Thank you all again for your help, much obliged.

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