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am0804
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740 GMAT with IR 5 - should I retake? 18 Nov 2020, 11:12
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Hi everyone,

I recently took the GMAT (2nd attempt) and scored 740 (Q50 V39 AWA 5) however scored a 5 on the IR. I know it was purely because I ran out of time + thought that I'm going to get the same score as my first attempt (rookie mistake!) My first attempt was a 670 with a 7 in IR - so it's not that I'm incredibly bad at it.

Can the 5/8 in IR potentially be a red flag? My only worry with retaking the exam is what if I score lower than 740? Or something like a 720 but with a good IR score? What then?

About me - 24F Indian currently working with an MBB firm (back-end). Targeting INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, Booth, Wharton - but not applying anytime soon. Aim is to improve my profile work-wise and then apply to these b-schools after 1 or 2 years. So there's no time constraint really. The idea here is that since I'm already in the flow, I might as well give a 3rd attempt right now vs. giving it after 2 years (which will mean prepping again)
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740 GMAT with IR 5 - should I retake? 18 Nov 2020, 13:02
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IR 5 is rather very decent. And you can still manage in the "Additional Info" session to describe your situation and that you have scored higher in the previous attempt.

As far as I know, no school looks at IR score as such. INSEAD does but you can manage with "Additional Info" section imo.
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740 GMAT with IR 5 - should I retake? 18 Nov 2020, 17:36
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am0804
Hi everyone,
Hi @am0804, thanks for reaching out. I would say that the 740 is an excellent score-- but the good news is that you are not in a rush and so if you know you can do better on the IR then feel free to take it again while you are in the zone! I think most schools will look mostly at the Q score-- but I know that some programs do look at IR and while the 5 is solid if you can get a 7 and you will then feel satisfied that this is your best representation then I can see why you might want to go again while you are in the zone.
I recently took the GMAT (2nd attempt) and scored 740 (Q50 V39 AWA 5) however scored a 5 on the IR. I know it was purely because I ran out of time + thought that I'm going to get the same score as my first attempt (rookie mistake!) My first attempt was a 670 with a 7 in IR - so it's not that I'm incredibly bad at it.
Another option is to simply note this in the optional essay that you did get a 7 on IR in a different attempt.
Can the 5/8 in IR potentially be a red flag? My only worry with retaking the exam is what if I score lower than 740? Or something like a 720 but with a good IR score? What then?
I think overall these are good problems to have-- you have a great score in the bag-- and you have time if you choose to retake exam to boost IR as well. Don't forget to use this time now to also do steady school research! Attend webinars, talk to students in clubs that interest you and learn which programs really excite you the most!
About me - 24F Indian currently working with an MBB firm (back-end). Targeting INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, Booth, Wharton - but not applying anytime soon. Aim is to improve my profile work-wise and then apply to these b-schools after 1 or 2 years. So there's no time constraint really. The idea here is that since I'm already in the flow, I might as well give a 3rd attempt right now vs. giving it after 2 years (which will mean prepping again)
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am0804
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Joined: 23 May 2020
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740 GMAT with IR 5 - should I retake? 19 Nov 2020, 07:07
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am0804
Hi everyone,
Hi @am0804, thanks for reaching out. I would say that the 740 is an excellent score-- but the good news is that you are not in a rush and so if you know you can do better on the IR then feel free to take it again while you are in the zone! I think most schools will look mostly at the Q score-- but I know that some programs do look at IR and while the 5 is solid if you can get a 7 and you will then feel satisfied that this is your best representation then I can see why you might want to go again while you are in the zone.
I recently took the GMAT (2nd attempt) and scored 740 (Q50 V39 AWA 5) however scored a 5 on the IR. I know it was purely because I ran out of time + thought that I'm going to get the same score as my first attempt (rookie mistake!) My first attempt was a 670 with a 7 in IR - so it's not that I'm incredibly bad at it.
Another option is to simply note this in the optional essay that you did get a 7 on IR in a different attempt.
Can the 5/8 in IR potentially be a red flag? My only worry with retaking the exam is what if I score lower than 740? Or something like a 720 but with a good IR score? What then?
I think overall these are good problems to have-- you have a great score in the bag-- and you have time if you choose to retake exam to boost IR as well. Don't forget to use this time now to also do steady school research! Attend webinars, talk to students in clubs that interest you and learn which programs really excite you the most!
About me - 24F Indian currently working with an MBB firm (back-end). Targeting INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, Booth, Wharton - but not applying anytime soon. Aim is to improve my profile work-wise and then apply to these b-schools after 1 or 2 years. So there's no time constraint really. The idea here is that since I'm already in the flow, I might as well give a 3rd attempt right now vs. giving it after 2 years (which will mean prepping again)
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Thanks so much Donna! I think I'll retake the exam most probably to save myself from any regrets... worst case I'll cancel the score if its lower. B-schools can't see cancelled score attempts, right?
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740 GMAT with IR 5 - should I retake? 19 Nov 2020, 14:07
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am0804
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am0804
Hi everyone,
Hi am0804, thanks for reaching out. I would say that the 740 is an excellent score-- but the good news is that you are not in a rush and so if you know you can do better on the IR then feel free to take it again while you are in the zone! I think most schools will look mostly at the Q score-- but I know that some programs do look at IR and while the 5 is solid if you can get a 7 and you will then feel satisfied that this is your best representation then I can see why you might want to go again while you are in the zone.
I recently took the GMAT (2nd attempt) and scored 740 (Q50 V39 AWA 5) however scored a 5 on the IR. I know it was purely because I ran out of time + thought that I'm going to get the same score as my first attempt (rookie mistake!) My first attempt was a 670 with a 7 in IR - so it's not that I'm incredibly bad at it.
Another option is to simply note this in the optional essay that you did get a 7 on IR in a different attempt.
Can the 5/8 in IR potentially be a red flag? My only worry with retaking the exam is what if I score lower than 740? Or something like a 720 but with a good IR score? What then?
I think overall these are good problems to have-- you have a great score in the bag-- and you have time if you choose to retake exam to boost IR as well. Don't forget to use this time now to also do steady school research! Attend webinars, talk to students in clubs that interest you and learn which programs really excite you the most!
About me - 24F Indian currently working with an MBB firm (back-end). Targeting INSEAD, LBS, Oxford, Booth, Wharton - but not applying anytime soon. Aim is to improve my profile work-wise and then apply to these b-schools after 1 or 2 years. So there's no time constraint really. The idea here is that since I'm already in the flow, I might as well give a 3rd attempt right now vs. giving it after 2 years (which will mean prepping again)

Thanks so much Donna! I think I'll retake the exam most probably to save myself from any regrets... worst case I'll cancel the score if its lower. B-schools can't see cancelled score attempts, right?
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Hi am0804,

Sounds like a great plan. Business schools do not see your cancelled score attempts. Per GMAC: "In the interest of increasing control and confidence for test takers, cancelled GMAT™ scores will no longer be included on a candidate’s school report. This change went into effect on July 19, 2015. When a test taker cancels their score, only the test taker will know." and "To ensure that test takers have an accurate record of their GMAT exam history, you will still see all your GMAT exams on your record, including cancelled scores. However, cancelled scores will not be displayed on the version of score reports sent to schools."

I hope this is helpful - best of luck to you! And please let us know if you have any other questions at any time.