Should I reschedule my GRE date...again?

[RCtheSS]

I respect the frank opinions shared on TheGradCafe, so hit me.

My test date is this Friday at 12:30pm and I haven't been actively studying for about two months. I have the full set of Manhattan Prep books, Magoosh Online Prep, and the Official GRE text from ETS + PowerPrep. If I go through with taking the GRE this Friday, my plan is to pretty much take a practice test whenever I have free time to do so (which will usually be 10pm-4am) and then focus on types of questions that I do poorly on. So far, my practice scores (haven't used my PowerPrep tests yet):

Manhattan Prep exams:

Q: 154 V: 158 (taken 8/212013)

Q: 157 V: 160 (taken 9/21/2013)

Q: 156 V: 157 (taken 9/29/2013)

Q: 155 V: 156 (taken 11/11/2013)

Magoosh Prep:

Q estimated: 154-159

V estimated: 155-160

I'm a graduating senior who has rescheduled her GRE twice already. First I wanted to take it in October, but I was still in the middle of my studying schedule and didn't feel fully prepared. I was then going to take it in December at the end of the fall semester, but I still wasn't noting a change in my practice test scores and it bothered me. I don't plan on applying to any schools for another year or two. I'd be looking into MPP, MSW and Ph.D. in sociology programs.

So basically: should I wing it at this point and let the chips fall as they may? Is it worth it to push it back say, at least 4 weeks for better studying? I honestly don't know why I'm letting this exam get to my head so much. I really wanted to hit 160 in both sections... but if anything I'll be focusing on my essay-writing for the next 72 hours with the help of PowerPrep.

[javachip]

I think that if you are not applying for another year or two, you can reschedule. However, keep in mind that you are doing this because you don't feel prepared, so try to plan out when you will be studying so you can take it right after. If you let months pass by without studying, chances are that your score will not be as good as it could have been. 

[Kleene]

I would be a bit concerned that your practice scores have not increased from August to November. If you have been studying during this time, this might be an indication that more studying (in the same manner, at least) will not make must of a difference either.

 

Just like you, I felt very unprepared for the GRE. I was busy with coursework and had no time except for the time I took from the other things I should have been doing. I considered rescheduling, but I followed through and my GRE turned out to be just fine. If it had turned out worse, I would have studied an additional four weeks and retaken it. If you have the money (which you probably do, since rescheduling is not free either), just take it and see how it turns out. You can always retake it, but then you will be more familiar with the test situation, which may be an advantage anyway.

 

By the way, rescheduling only makes sense if you are sure you will have more time to prep then (less coursework, fewer classes).

Edited January 28, 2014 by Kleene

[marsmat]

If youre not going to be applying to schools for a couple of years I dont see why you are stressing out with the GRE now? Better to take a step back, breathe, and then schedule a test for a time well into the future. That will allow you to put some real time into studying and get the results you want.

 

But still, dont make the opposite mistake like I did. I got too stressed about it too early, studied loads, got bored and was busy doing other things for a while, took the test pretty late, got mediocre quant scores (V 170, Q 154, AW 5.5) and then it was too late to really do anything about it- or at least too late to improve my scores given that I have a job etc.

[RCtheSS]

Yeah, the moment I got back to school my extracurriculars have been eating away at my time from academics. It's all about my time management at this point.

I'm leaning towards sticking through with the test this Friday. If my scores are lower than predicted, I can aim to retake the exam at the end of this semester--after I graduate, so nothing else will be in the way of studying.

[iphi]

I actually disagree with the majority, and think that you should take it now. The first time I took the GRE I was so anxious about it, but it was so nice to have it out of the way! My scores were acceptable, but not great, and it was nice to have the mindset of "there's no requirement I have left unfulfilled if I want to apply to graduate school right now". The second time I took it to improve my score, but I wasn't stressed because I realized I only had to send one of the scores to schools. If I did poorly it was no big deal, and if I did well, that was great! I ended up doing much better. Also, it costs money to reschedule, might as well put that toward taking the test again instead.

 

Get the monkey off your back. Take the test!

[RCtheSS]

Test is complete! Unofficial score: 158V, 158Q. I am quite satisfied.

Now to wait 10-15 days for the AW... then I truly will not have to think about this exam again.