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mbaaccount1234
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Schools: Booth '26 CBS '26 HBS '26 Sloan '26 Wharton '26 Kellogg '26
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q86 V83 DI78
GPA: 8/10
Schools: Booth '26 CBS '26 HBS '26 Sloan '26 Wharton '26 Kellogg '26
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q86 V83 DI78
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655 enough w/ my background? 21 Jul 2025, 15:01
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Hi all, got a 655 (Q86/V83/DI78), retook and didnt get it higher. I’ve already maxed all official and GMAT Club mocks, so I dont think studying more given the tight timing for R1 is worth it... given that I still need to start essays etc. I have an 8/10 gpa in engineering, 5ys work experience in a hedge fund and have many volunteer experiences.

Given the info above, with my 655 is it low or “okay” for M7s?

Thank you very much!
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ExpertsGlobal
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655 enough w/ my background? 22 Jul 2025, 04:16
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Hi mbaaccount1234,

A 655 is on the lower side for the top US schools. However, if you absolutely have to apply to the M7s, it makes sense for you to spread the risk and apply to a mix of M7s and T20 schools.

All the best!

mbaaccount1234
Hi all, got a 655 (Q86/V83/DI78), retook and didnt get it higher. I’ve already maxed all official and GMAT Club mocks, so I dont think studying more given the tight timing for R1 is worth it... given that I still need to start essays etc. I have an 8/10 gpa in engineering, 5ys work experience in a hedge fund and have many volunteer experiences.

Given the info above, with my 655 is it low or “okay” for M7s?

Thank you very much!
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admitStreet
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655 enough w/ my background? 22 Jul 2025, 05:05
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mbaaccount1234 - The score is unfortunately on the lower side for M7's, and hence a retake would be ideal.

Other aspects of your profile are also important e.g. undergrad university, which companies you've worked in, nature of your roles, promotions, etc.

Applying to a mix of schools across R1 and R2 would be prudent, so you could test the waters in R1, and retake the exam (depending on the R1 outcomes) for the other schools in R2.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Testimonials
W: https://admitstreet.com | Request a free profile evaluation­

mbaaccount1234
Hi all, got a 655 (Q86/V83/DI78), retook and didnt get it higher. I’ve already maxed all official and GMAT Club mocks, so I dont think studying more given the tight timing for R1 is worth it... given that I still need to start essays etc. I have an 8/10 gpa in engineering, 5ys work experience in a hedge fund and have many volunteer experiences.

Given the info above, with my 655 is it low or “okay” for M7s?

Thank you very much!
Show more
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mbaaccount1234
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Schools: Booth '26 CBS '26 HBS '26 Sloan '26 Wharton '26 Kellogg '26
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q86 V83 DI78
GPA: 8/10
Schools: Booth '26 CBS '26 HBS '26 Sloan '26 Wharton '26 Kellogg '26
GMAT Focus 1: 655 Q86 V83 DI78
Posts: 70
Kudos: 14
 [1]
655 enough w/ my background? 22 Jul 2025, 06:59
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admitStreet, thank you so much... As there is a short time for R1 and I've maxed all mocks, is the 655 a no-go for M7s? What would you reccomend?
admitStreet
mbaaccount1234 - The score is unfortunately on the lower side for M7's, and hence a retake would be ideal.

Other aspects of your profile are also important e.g. undergrad university, which companies you've worked in, nature of your roles, promotions, etc.

Applying to a mix of schools across R1 and R2 would be prudent, so you could test the waters in R1, and retake the exam (depending on the R1 outcomes) for the other schools in R2.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Testimonials
W: https://admitstreet.com | Request a free profile evaluation­

mbaaccount1234
Hi all, got a 655 (Q86/V83/DI78), retook and didnt get it higher. I’ve already maxed all official and GMAT Club mocks, so I dont think studying more given the tight timing for R1 is worth it... given that I still need to start essays etc. I have an 8/10 gpa in engineering, 5ys work experience in a hedge fund and have many volunteer experiences.

Given the info above, with my 655 is it low or “okay” for M7s?

Thank you very much!
Show more
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MBAandBeyond
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655 enough w/ my background? 22 Jul 2025, 07:02
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Your score may not be ideal, but your story can be. Retake is recommended. Also, it's important to lean into your strengths, investment impact, academic rigor, and community work. Focus on fit and strategic storytelling in your applications. If you execute well and prioritize applying to a mix of schools where your profile aligns with the culture and career resources, you might still have a chance.

If you’d like help shortlisting schools or reviewing your essays. Happy to support! Feel free to book a profile evaluation session.

Good luck!
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LemonEd
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655 enough w/ my background? 22 Jul 2025, 07:28
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Hi

A 655 on the GMAT Focus Edition is generally considered on the lower side for M7 schools, where scores are typically in a higher range. That said, your profile seems strong with an 8/10 GPA in engineering, five years at a hedge fund, and volunteer experience.

However, how the score is evaluated will also depend on factors like the reputation of your undergraduate institution, the depth and quality of your work experience, leadership exposure, and how well you articulate your goals and fit in the essays.

If there is any chance of retaking and improving your score slightly, it might be worth considering. But if not, then focus on strengthening your essays and overall application as much as possible.

At this stage, with R1 deadlines approaching and test retakes not yielding better results, focusing on crafting a compelling narrative and maximizing every other part of your application might be the better trade-off. M7s are tough, but with the right story and strong execution, you can still be in the running.

Also, it might be a good idea to broaden your list to include a few strong programs beyond the M7. That can help improve your chances without compromising on quality.

If you’re looking for thoughtful guidance on your applications, feel free to reach out to us at LemonEd. We work closely with candidates on application strategy, storytelling, and selecting the right schools.

Best of luck!

Prashant Pinge, ISB ’02
Founder & Principal Consultant, LemonEd
🌐 http://www.LemonEd.in | ✉️ info@LemonEd.in | 🔍 Free profile evaluation
LemonEd is a boutique MBA admissions firm helping applicants gain admission to the world’s top B-schools.
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admitStreet
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Concentration: Strategy, Finance
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
WE:Management Consulting (Consulting)
Schools: HEC Jan 2018 Intake (A$) ISB '19 (A)
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655 enough w/ my background? 22 Jul 2025, 08:27
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mbaaccount1234 - I would say that applying only to M7's with a 655 is a risky bet.

You could consider a mix of M7's and USTop-15/25 programs in R1, and a similar mix in R2, based on your retake and R1 outcomes. The exact school mix would depend on further details of your profile and preferences.

Feel free to reach out for a detailed assessment and discussion.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Testimonials
W: https://admitstreet.com | Request a free profile evaluation­

mbaaccount1234
admitStreet, thank you so much... As there is a short time for R1 and I've maxed all mocks, is the 655 a no-go for M7s? What would you reccomend?
admitStreet
mbaaccount1234 - The score is unfortunately on the lower side for M7's, and hence a retake would be ideal.

Other aspects of your profile are also important e.g. undergrad university, which companies you've worked in, nature of your roles, promotions, etc.

Applying to a mix of schools across R1 and R2 would be prudent, so you could test the waters in R1, and retake the exam (depending on the R1 outcomes) for the other schools in R2.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Testimonials
W: https://admitstreet.com | Request a free profile evaluation­

mbaaccount1234
Hi all, got a 655 (Q86/V83/DI78), retook and didnt get it higher. I’ve already maxed all official and GMAT Club mocks, so I dont think studying more given the tight timing for R1 is worth it... given that I still need to start essays etc. I have an 8/10 gpa in engineering, 5ys work experience in a hedge fund and have many volunteer experiences.

Given the info above, with my 655 is it low or “okay” for M7s?

Thank you very much!
Show more
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TheRedPen
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655 enough w/ my background? 28 Jul 2025, 21:59
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mbaaccount1234
Hi all, got a 655 (Q86/V83/DI78), retook and didnt get it higher. I’ve already maxed all official and GMAT Club mocks, so I dont think studying more given the tight timing for R1 is worth it... given that I still need to start essays etc. I have an 8/10 gpa in engineering, 5ys work experience in a hedge fund and have many volunteer experiences.

Given the info above, with my 655 is it low or “okay” for M7s?

Thank you very much!
Show more
Hi mbaaccount1234,

A 655 GMAT is on the lower side for top-tier MBA programs. If possible, I’d encourage you to retake the GMAT and aim to improve your score by 20–30 points to strengthen your application and stay competitive.

Given your situation, you can consider applying to a mix of M7 and T20 schools in Round 1 and Round 2. You can apply to a couple of them in Round 1 and potentially apply to Round 2 with an improved score.

Test score is one part of the application. Highlighting your leadership, professional achievements/tangible impact, relevant skills, career goals, unique experiences, and fit with the program effectively will be crucial in crafting a compelling application. To maximize your chances, consider applying to a balanced mix of reach, target, and safety schools.

Feel free to book a free call with our MBA experts for a more detailed discussion. You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.