To GRE or Not to GRE?

That IS the question.

You see, two of the schools that are on my list, it turns out, will only accept the GRE for the program I'm interested in (as opposed to the GMAT--which I took).  The first program is a longshot for me (one of the top 2 or 3 programs in the US), and it's not really one of my preferred programs (although it'd be hard to say no if I was accepted), but I don't think I'd take the GRE if it were just for that school.  But I was scouring the website of one of my other prospects the other evening, and found that it requires the GRE as well.

So now I'm torn.  This second program is a respected program (maybe 20-50 range), with high research output.  And as it turns out, I was introduced to a professor there at a recent conference; we had a great conversation and she's made subsequent email introductions to a few of her colleagues there in the department.  So, now, I feel like I really SHOULD take the stinkin' GRE. 

Grr...

I was REALLY looking forward to being done with the whole aptitude test thing.  All that studying, and prepping; if I take the GRE, I'll have to do it all over again.

I dunno.  Should I?

Official Score In!

Oh!  Almost forgot: got the official GMAT score in today from GMAC.  It's a 750 (but we knew that already, right?).  The new information: a 6.0 AWA! 

Good stuff!

GMAT; Check!

Took the GMAT this morning.  After countless hours of study, I landed a 750 (Q48, V44).  That places me in the 98th percentile.  I'm happy! 

So, with that done, I can get back to focusing on developing the rest of my application.  Here's my checklist:

• Finish draft of CV
• Write first draft of Statement of Purpose
• Meet with each of my potential references, and get their commitment for a strong reference.

I've also got to do a number of housekeeping things.  That GMAT score might open up a few doors that I was unsure about (in terms of the schools I apply to), so I'm going to revist my list of schools and finalize the list I'll actually apply to.  I also have to complete my master schedule (based on each school's application process/schedule).  I've spent quite a bit of time lately studying for the GMAT (on top of coursework in the MBA program) so I've not committed much time to building my application plan; gotta get back to it.

I also haven't told you: a few weeks ago, the family and I took a trip and visited the campus of one of my top schools.  It's beautiful!  And Shawna loved it.  Which makes me feel good! 

Things are coming together!