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What is the ideal application timing schedule when planning for a December retake?

I have applications almost ready to submit to, say, Columbia. Practice tests were in 170+ but, unfortunately, test day was a 166. I feel strongly that a retake will be 170+. So, should I submit now-ish and mention the retake (and how best to word that//where in the app?). Or wait until later in the cycle -- when?

I lean towards the former but I am ignorant of the internal process -- would a low score place me in a "pile" that would, in the long run, harm admissions chances more than waiting.

THANKS!

All the advice I have ever heard has always been submit as early as possible, and note you are taking a retake. I've heard this directly from admissions departments. I did the latter and waited until I got my score to apply to schools. I feel like it had a negative impact that I could have avoided by submitting early.

Thanks for this advice -- its very helpful.

Is the addenum the best place for mentioning a retake, or a post-submission email to the admissions email account, or something else?

Many thanks.

Same question. Is it enough to put the December 2011 date without a score?

89vision wrote:Same question. Is it enough to put the December 2011 date without a score?

On Boalt's profile it says they do not require a score. But I have also heard that they won't touch your application until you have a score. So, Same question x3.

Always a quick and easy link of which schools accept applications without a score would be very helpful.

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RedShift wrote:I just wonder how much taking the later test hurts chances at acceptance/scholarships. The common wisdom here is to do everything as early as possible, but how much of difference does it actually make?

It hurts scholarships decently. I learned this the hard way. Some schools like to give out their money early on. I mean if you crush the test you still can get some from certain schools, but overall it has a negative effect. It doesn't affect acceptance nearly as much, especially if they are just holding your application until your results come in.

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