750, IR 4. Retake?

Question

I was pleased to receive a high headline score (750), but then basically bombed the IR (4/ 37th Percentile). I had gotten an 8 in all my practice exams. Sort of freaked out on test day.

Looking at the top schools (HBS, SGSB, etc.) Is this grounds for retaking? Also, AWA was probably 5-6.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jhrob90,

A 750 is an outstanding score, so you can comfortably apply to any Business School that you choose. Since many Business Schools have publicly stated that they don't use the IR score as part of the application process, you have nothing to worry about there. As long as your AWA is a 4.0 or higher, you don't have a problem there either. Barring a really strange set of circumstances, you can consider yourself done with the GMAT.

I'm curious though, since you did not include the information:

1) What were your Quant and Verbal Scaled Scores on this Test?
2) When are you planning to apply to Business School?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

jhrob90 · Answer

Thanks for your reply, Rich. The breakdown 48Q / 45V. I am planning to apply to business school during Round 1, Fall 2015.

I am also in the unique circumstance that I'm only applying to one school, due to a joint-degree program.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi jhrob90,

This extra information confirms what I suspected: everything looks good. Is the program a JD-MBA? And if so, have you taken the LSAT yet?

Depending on the level of competitiveness for this program, you might want to talk with an Admissions Consultant about how best to put together your application. There's a Forum full of those experts here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GMATPill · Answer

In your situation, we would not recommend a retake. Since the risk of scoring lower is not worth the potential benefit in IR.

While IR 4 is on the low side, we'd say stick with it. Alternatively, if you are looking to improve your IR skills for fun, we recommend practicing here: www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/gma ... -reasoning

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

Hello jhrob90,

You have a superb score that makes you a strong candidate for many of the top schools. Your AWA score is also decent. You scored about the mean on IR, but no one really knows to what extent schools are considering the IR score. You might confirm with your specific school of interest. Generally speaking, it's probably better to not retake it.

750, IR 4. Retake?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards