Thank you for sharing the details
TX20004! From what you've outlined, you bring a compelling mix of academic strength and competitive internship experiences. Being in the top 5% of your undergraduate class demonstrates strong intellectual rigor, and internships at MBB, a bulge bracket investment bank, and the buy-side set you apart significantly; these are not easy feats and show you can thrive in high-pressure, elite professional environments.
A closer look at your 635 GMAT FE score reveals a notable weakness: the 60th percentile in Quant. While your Data Insights (94th percentile) and Verbal (86th percentile) sections are good, Quantitative reasoning remains a core competency for academic success, especially in consulting and finance. For schools like LBS, HEC Paris, and even LSE (depending on the program), a Quant percentile in the 70s or higher is often expected. Therefore, a retake would significantly improve your candidacy and help de-risk your application, particularly if you can boost the Quant score while maintaining your strengths in the other sections.
For the LBS MBA program, the average GMAT Focus score is likely around 645. While they take a holistic approach to admissions, a lower score in a core area like Quant could raise concerns unless offset by exceptional work experience or quantitative achievements elsewhere. You can take a look at this blog on
How to Write Winning MBA Essays with Examples. HEC Paris, while a bit more flexible, still favors candidates with strong quantitative aptitude and clear, well-articulated goals. At LSE, especially for MiM or MSc Finance programs, you may be in a decent position even with the current score, though again, the quant concern remains. You can also take a look at other EU programs such as IE, ESADE, ESMT Berlin, and RSM.
That said, we would love to learn more about a few key pieces of information and about your journey that would help refine your application strategy and assess your chances better. Feel free to
book a profile evaluation session.Feel free to
join our next coffee session on: INSEAD Sept 2026 Intake.TX20004
Hi Guys,
Recently took the GMAT FE and underperformed a bit. (94th in Data; 60th in Quanr; 86th In Verbal). 635 overall.
I have a good profile with internships at MBB, BB IB and Buy side, as well as good grades (top 5% in my undergraduate).
I am targeting schools such as LBS/LSE/HEC.
Should I retake the gmat or should the profile be enough for admission?