Please Help! Need some advice

[williamscottgarrison]

I was just informed that my 1st choice will accept an unofficial GMAT score the day of their deadline. So now I face the dilemma of when to take the test. As of now, I am scheduled to take the test on May 13th. This date only allows one attempt at the test before the deadline. I chose this date because I wanted my official score to arrive before the deadline. As I see it, I have three options.

Option 1) I reschedule my appointment for June 4th and take a preliminary test next week (April 29th) so that I can have an official score and some test day experience. I took the SAT twice and, scored much higher my second time. This will also allow me the opportunity to prepare for an extra 3 weeks.

Option 2) I reschedule my appointment for June 4th and continuing studying as I have been.

Option 3) I keep my May 13th appointment and submit a complete application before the deadline.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[StaceyKoprince]

1) Have you been taking your practice tests under full official conditions? (INCLUDING essays, NO use of pause button, regulation-length breaks, etc.)

2a) If so, what were your most recent "official conditions" practice test scores?

2b) If not, take a full-length practice test under 100% official conditions this week-end, then come back and tell us the scores.

3) What score do you want to get on the test? Please give me two answers: the score you would really like to get, and the score that is your absolute minimum. (eg, I would like a 690 but I have to get at least a 650)

[williamscottgarrison]

1) Yes, I have taken the practice CAT's under official conditions.

2)

CAT 2 April 22nd, 2010
Q: 42 / 66%
V: 30 / 59% (Really messed up my timing, and had to guess on the last nine)
T: 590 / 67%

CAT 1 April 16th, 2010
Q: 35 / 44%
V: 33 / 69%
T: 570 / 60%

3) I would like to get a 680-650, and 630 is my floor.

[RonPurewal]

i'm sure that stacey will weigh in if she feels differently about this issue, but, assuming i have all the facts here, it would seem that option #1 is better than the other two, by a country mile. make that several country miles.

remember that the vast majority of schools don't average your scores; they will simply take your best score and run with it. given this fact -- as well as your demonstrated propensity to do better on the second administration of a test, whether because of relaxed nerves or because of simple habituation to the test experience -- you should definitely go with the setup that will afford you 2 administrations of the exam.

[williamscottgarrison]

Thanks for the help! I have rescheduled and am going forward with option 1. I was just worried that taking the GMAT the day of the deadline would make me come across as a procrastinator to the admissions committee.

[StaceyKoprince]

Agree with Ron - thanks Ron!

Good luck - let us know how things go.