Postby nugnoy » Sun Jul 07, 2013 4:22 pm
Not exactly advised to retake/reapply by TLS but sort of relevant:
Started Prep in August 2012 & signed up for Oct 2012. 1st Diag 153. The week before the test, I knew I wasn't ready. I was tempted to postpone but I didn't because I had committed to this Oct and postponing felt cowardly - I would lose respect for myself because it felt like running away from a problem/challenge. Took the test, got 168. I knew I underperformed - I told myself to retake (for others this is where others would have been advised/convinced to retake - I just decided to retake a week before the test because I knew I didn't perform up to my potential).
Self-studied for 6 months, took June 2013, got 176, lower end of my performance and lowest score I told myself I'd be satisfied with. But it's still a good score - I don't think reprepping and retaking it for 1+2 points is worth the time commitment & opportunity cost.
My advice
1. If I had been a reverse splitter/normal applicant with 3.8+ / 168, I would've been a weak candidate at T14 and UCLA would've been a reach. Now, I feel I have a reachable shot at Columbia/NYU etc, schools that have accepted splitters and a much better shot at UCLA. If you're a reverse splitter/normal/splitter who hasn't gotten a justifiable representation of your potential, taking time off and retaking can make you a MUCH stronger candidate. At the same time, you can strengthen your application - work experience, volunteer, letter of rec etc. Or you can just do whatever you want and make achievements in it, which strengthens your application again.
2. I regret not cancelling/postponing. I knew I wasn't ready but I took it to keep respect for myself. Looking back, it's all silly - for a piece of intangible value I've reduced my chances at some admissions by showing them a lower score. If you know you're not ready/feel iffy before the postpone/cancel deadline, postpone/cancel. If you're 70%+ certain you haven't performed justly, I recommend you to strongly CONSIDER cancelling as a viable option.
3. I studied 9~10 hours almost daily for ~4 months. "Retake & profit" sounds easy but know that it takes dedication if you do decide to get into it. But it's still easier than dealing with real life so keep that in mind too.