DI section destroyed me completely. All my hopes are dead

Question

Hi
I gave GMAT (2nd attempt) today and was heart broken after seeing the score.
It was 625 (Q - 87, V - 81, DI - 75)
I couldn't believe how it happened especially because I had DI as 1st section and was very careful in marking answers!!
I never scored so less in DI in practice. Verbal used to be my weakest and I was confident for DI today.

In my previous attempt I scored 645 (Q-85, V-80, DI-80) and was looking to improve by 20 points. ISB (The college that I want to apply) had 720 as Avg score for Gmat Classic last year and R1 deadline is 15th Sept only. I don't see any hope now.

The next round is in Nov. I don't feel like waiting for next 3 months and going through the whole loop again. It is so stressful and struggle. I just feel completely devastrated especially after putting so much efforts.

There is no one to guide in this case. Whom should I contact for help? Its so hard to trust anyone other than this community. Does GMAT Club provide any consultants that can be trusted for guidance.

While the deadline is approaching an I feel numb and sitting idle here - not sure of what do. go for R1 or R2, hire consultant or not

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi anmol3614,

The good news is that you already have a strong score (645), so you should be able to apply to ISB.

However, unless you've already been working on your essays, the R1 deadline may be too close. Maybe consider R2 (usually ~early December)? That will also give you some time to recover from your second attempt, and you can then take a call on whether you want to retake or go ahead with your 645.

aryanm98 · Answer

Please don't be so harsh on yourself. 645 is a decent score (around 700 on the previous scale I think) and I know of enough people getting into ISB with much lower scores. I suggest you spend time working on your essays and LoRs and apply in R2. R1 might be cutting it too close.

anmol3614 · Answer

in R2 I will face 2x more competition, afaik. What if I am unable to bump up my score. I will have no advantage in R2 then..

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

I think you need to work on your confidence. Rather than assuming you won't improve, tell yourself that you will! Tell yourself that if you work your butt off and study smart, you will improve your GMAT score and put yourself in the best position possible for second-round deadlines. I'm here if you need any additional advice.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Why do you think you will face greater competition in R2? Also, are your essays in place yet? If they aren't, then you really should focus on R2.

ISBeacon · Answer

Considering your specific situation (two GMAT attempts already and some sense of burnout), I would definitely suggest  R1 . There are still 9 days left for R1 deadline, and with some effort, you can prepare an impactful application in this remaining time.

While 645 may not be an exceptional score, it is a decent and competitive score that will put you in the recokoning (obviously alongside a well-crafted application).

anmol3614 · Answer

Thank you everyone for your advice. I am trying to apply for R1 but looks like I will have to go with R2 only as my essays and LORs aren't ready.
I have one more question though. I planned to take LOR from my previous client and my college prof. 
While speaking to a friend (current ISB student) he suggested that rather than college prof, I should take LOR from my previous job stint (I was SDE for 1.9 yrs). I am confused now especially because of 3 thoughts:

1. Most of the leadership stories that I have written in my essays are from my college time and while I started my Ed-tech startup on the side while working on job. I did a lot of work in college as Placement Coordinator and the professor (the Placement Head) was very impressed by me that he will be happy to write LOR for me.

2. Since most of my time after job was going into my side hustle - I was never a star performer and didn't get any good leadership experience in job. To add, I did not have good relationship with my manager. I can ask recommendation to a senior software engineer but I feel he will have few things to add.

3. In my current job I am a great performer but I have only joined 7 months back. I am not feeling very comfortable in asking for LOR as it is a startup with frequent position changes and my current manager is someone who is just 1 year older than me (and he is also applying for MBA this year lol). I don't trust the founder as I didn't have close connection with him yet.

What should I do int his case? Please guide.

ISBeacon · Answer

Only one LoR is required  anmol3614 . You might find the following article of use:

What should the Letter of Recommendation comprise

anmol3614 · Answer

ohh! Thank you, I wasn’t aware.

so what do you suggest? whom should I get LOR from? 
Will getting it from a client (a doctor with whom I have been working for more than 1 year) will suffice? or will it put me at disadvantage compared to people getting LOR from their managers?

Posted from my mobile device

ISBeacon · Answer

Client should be fine, if he/she can vouch for you.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi anmol3614,

As ISBeacon mentioned, this is not an issue at all.

	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

DI section destroyed me completely. All my hopes are dead

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