Should I reschedule or go ahead with the GMAT?

Question

I have my GMAT (older version) in 3 days. My target is 710 or above. Targetting European schools for 1 year MBA, especially ESADE, Bocconi, HEC, Cambridge Judge etc. INSEAD is the dream!

I have been scoring between 650 - 670 (Q44-45, V 34-37) in the MGMAT mocks. 
Official Mock 1 I have scored a 740 (Q49, V41), and Mock 2 720 (Q50, V38)

I've just been studying for 6 months and feel there is lot of area of improvement for me in Verbal. Should I give it a shot or reschedule to a date about a month later or so?

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi NosyNocturnal,

Since you are so close to your Official Test Date, the fee to reschedule is fairly high - meaning that unless you really do not feel up to taking the GMAT as scheduled, you should stick with your current appointment. Even if you are not satisfied with your Official Score, you can still use that attempt as a means to learn all about the full Test Day 'event' - and use that knowledge on your next attempt (assuming that one is even necessary).

In the last few days before your Exam, you should limit your studies to general practice and light review (NO CATs and NO 'cramming') - you would be better served by getting some extra rest so that you can go into Test Day calm, clear-headed and ready to work.

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

Contact Rich at: [email protected]
www.empowergmat.com

bb · Answer

If you are not approaching the limits of your lifetime tests, and this is your first or maybe second GMAT, I would just take it because I don’t think you can get any money back at this point. Why not take it?

Posted from my mobile device

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Fair to say if you get two consecutive fresh Official-Mock scores that hit above your target score, that's a positive sign. Perhaps update this post after you've taken Official-Mock 2.

5 Verbal tips

naveengmat15 · Answer

Take the GMAT rescheduling fees will be around 165 dollars

Posted from my mobile device

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi NosyNocturnal,

Did you decide to take your GMAT?

MBAGuide · Answer

NosyNocturnal You appear to be performing as expected on the mocks, and your mock scores in the individual sections are also well-balanced. Therefore, I don't see any reason why you should not proceed with this attempt. Specifically, in the verbal section, you are not too far from the average score of applicants from your demographic at INSEAD, Oxbridge, and HEC. At INSEAD, both your quantitative and verbal scores are considered and assessed individually, and the school typically wouldn't reject a high-potential applicant solely due to a below-average verbal score. However, if you plan to apply in the later rounds, INSEAD gives serious consideration to very high GMAT scores to boost their average. Many applicants with scores of 750 or higher also apply to INSEAD in the late rounds, so they may not necessarily be your direct competition. If you are a good fit for these schools, having a well-balanced score of 710 or above, coupled with a strong application, should put you in a favorable position. Get candid advice tailored to your specific situation. We do not cap discussion hours with our applicants. Feel free to connect Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

Score-Quest · Answer

Hi,

As others have pointed out, given that the exam date is approaching, it's advisable to proceed with it. If your goal is a score of 710 or higher and your mock tests reflect that, you stand a good chance of performing well. Even if the outcome isn't as expected, the real exam will provide insights into areas of improvement. Six months is typically a sufficient duration for GMAT preparation for many.

While there's always room to enhance one's score, it's not always necessary to pursue a perfect score. If you're nearing your desired score, you're on the right track!

NosyNocturnal · Answer

Hi Scott
Yes I went ahead with the exam. Got a 690 (Q49,V35) 
Panic and anticipation of a poor score played a major role in bringing down my verbal score I think. I'd take another attempt soon with more practice. Thanks for the help!

Posted from my mobile device

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi NosyNocturnal, I'm sorry to hear that Test Day didn't go as well as planned. When these types of score drops occur, the two likely "causes" involve either something that was unrealistic during practice or something that was surprising (or not accounted for) on Test Day. Before we discuss any of those potential issues though, it would help if you could provide a bit more information on how you've been studying and your goals: 1) Can you confirm your results? I ask because a Q40 with a V35 would not lead to a 690. 2) How many hours do you typically study each week? 3) What study materials have you used so far? What “brands” of CATs/mocks have you used? 4) 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)? 5) When are you planning to apply to Business School? If it's sometime soon, then what specific application deadlines are you facing? If you took your Official GMAT at a Test Center, then you might also choose to purchase the Enhanced Score Report. While the ESR doesn’t provide a lot of information, there are usually a few data points that we can use to define what went wrong on Test Day (and what you should work on to score higher). If you purchase the ESR, then I'll be happy to analyze it for you. GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made, Rich Contact Rich at: Rich.C@empowergmat.com www.empowergmat.com

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

Should I reschedule or go ahead with the GMAT?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards