Exam date after classes...

[IVAN.CH.WANG]

Hi there,

I know this has been asked by many ppl, but i am currently signed up for 9 week MGMAT online course ending Feb 16th.
This is my first time writing, however, i hope to only have to write it once. My applications are due April 30th.

Q1. What's the earliest I should book my test (btw Mar 14 - Mar 31)? I work full time so haven't committed excessive time to study other than attempting to keep up with the BASE problems. I have technical backgroudn so likely will need to spend most time on VERBAL.

Q2. What DAYS of the week is likely best (MON or SAT)?I have no problem taking a personal day off, so a MONDAY is under consideration since i have the weekend to relax and focus prior to the exam.
otherwise, SAT is an option but i'll be done with a busy work week but could take a personal day on the friday if necessary.

Thanks, any advice would be useful regardless of MGMAT rep or not.

My goal is to get over 700+.

Regards,
- Ivan

[StaceyKoprince]

In terms of when to take the test in later March, you're already giving yourself a month after the course, so it really is up to you. The major issue will be whether you are scoring on practice tests in the same range that you want to score on the real test, and there's no way to know that right now.

What I would suggest is that you pick a date, ideally in the earlier part of that range you suggested, and aim for that. About 8 to 10 days before, take a practice test under 100% official conditions (including the essays!). If you are not in the range that you'd like to score on the real test, postpone the real test for a week or two. (You can reschedule for only $50 as long as you do it more than 7 days in advance.)

Make sure you give yourself enough time to take the test a second time, just in case. You are required to wait 31 days before you can take the test again, so you'll have to factor that into your end of April deadline.

You are going to be doing almost nothing GMAT related on the day before your test. 2 hours max of high level review, that's it. If you take a personal day to study, that should be at least several days before, not the day before. :)

If, however, your work is very stressful (you don't get enough sleep during the week, you are working 12+ hour days, etc), then you might want to take a personal day the day before (or take the test on Monday), but just remember that you need to make other plans to occupy your attention for most of the day before.

You may want to save the links to these articles for that time (they talk about what to do during the final 2 weeks before the test):

http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/08/ ... -game-plan
http://www.beatthegmat.com/mba/2010/08/ ... -to-review

[IVAN.CH.WANG]

thanks for the reply, stacey. i booked my test for sat, mar 19th. Sat's are just more convenient for commuting in Toronto, anyway.

i will take your advice and not take a personal day (the day before) since it isn't needed (unless i'm exhausted and have to catch up on sleep).

Since you recommended keeping my mind off things, i'll definitely go to the Wizards vs Raptors game as scheduled the night before my test!

also all the mgmat articles are awesome, thanks!

[StaceyKoprince]

Perfect! (The bball game.)

Although, if you're a huge fan and will be really upset if your team loses...

basically, don't do anything that might upset you right before. :)