to test or not to test: GMAT woes

[adpiucf]

Thanks for the replies so far! Please feel free to weigh in. This is not an easy decision!!!

The score is important. The schools I am considering are all in the Top 50. My undergrad GPA, work experience and community service are all really strong, but I need to hit a solid GMAT for the schools I'm considering. GMAT is not "the only indicator" they're going to be looking at, but if I don't fall within the general range of their accepted applicants, I can kiss those goals goodbye.

I am scoring in the 99th percentile on my verbal in the practice tests, but my math is what is seriously dragging me down-- I know that as my undergrad degree is in advertising and public relations, admissions committees will be looking at my ability to handle quantitative material. I think taking extra time to build my skills will be in my favor in the long run.

This entire experience has me pushing back my applications for another year-- I had hoped to get my apps in for first deadline this fall-- for next fall's admissions-- but I'd rather take some more time to prepare and present as strong a case as possible for admission to those programs. I'm even planning to take a couple classes at a local community college to demonstrate I can handle quantitative material.

I really feel like waiting is the right thing to do... but everyone around me keeps telling me to just take it... but what do they know? My last two practice tests have been a bit more in range... but those haven't been on the official ETS powerprep software-- which is the best indicator of actual score.