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So I have a 165 from October. I am registered for the February test, which will be my 3rd take. I am currently PTing in the 173-176 range. I haven't had as much time as I anticipated to study and I know if I had more time, I could score higher. For sure.

I have sent in some applications, indicating I am taking the February test, so that they hold my application until they get my score, just so it is considered submitted on time.

What I am questioning is whether to take the February test or not. I, from past experience and others comments, will probably get a 170 max, which is under my target. This will have been pointless because I could have saved my third take for June to bump up my score for $$. But that means I probably won't get into the schools I want with a 165. Or I could do good and it will have been all worth it, which means I have a chance at schools I want to go to.

Any thoughts?

I'd honestly just not bother. Even if you crush it the options you'll have in March won't be as good as just applying early with that score anyway. As truly odd as this coincidence is, I retook a 165 in Feb and hit the high end of your range. Schools made decisions and offered money etc, in the end I ended up sitting out the cycle and applying in Sept, and I'm glad I did, I got better schools and better offers.

Don't quote please.