GMAT 700 but poor IR and AWA Score

Question

Hello everyone!!

I scored a 700 (Q49/V36),4 (IR) and 4 (AWA) on my GMAT. I wanted to know whether it would be difficult for me to get admitted to the top MBA universities worldwide because of my poor score on IR and AWA.

Should I take a re-test?

Thank you for the response!

MartyTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi DebdootGMAT.

Schools don't care about the IR and AWA very much. So, you could be fine. However, you could contact the schools you plan to apply to to get their specific views.

If, after contacting the schools, you still aren't sure whether your IR and AWA scores will significantly affect your chances of admissions, then it may be that a retake is the safest move.

bb · Answer

Hi. Your AWA and IR don’t matter a whole lot. You can see my percentile guide below for ideas of what is a good or bad score. I don’t know much about your profile but 700 is 700 is 87th percentile https://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-percent ... 99441.html Posted from my mobile device

MyMBAPath · Answer

The IR is not an issue but as a former head of an MBA adcom, I can confidently tell you the low AWA could be problematic if you are applying to a highly selective program. Communication skills are something schools definitely care about and writing is part of them. If your writing is weak, that's a problem. The not so strong verbal is not great either.

But of course, it all depends on where you are applying and how your scores compare to the rest of the applicant pool for that program.

Also, this wasn't part of your question but I will mention it because it comes up with unfailing regularity. A disconnect in writing style between the essays and the AWA is a red flag for admission. Some candidates think that hiring someone to produce polished essays is the solution to poor AWA but in reality, it only exasperates the problem.

Admissionado · Answer

DebdootGMAT :

You SHOULD be fine, but it might depend on what you consider to be the "top" universities. The top, top schools might care more than some lower-ranked but still top schools. It's kind of a gray area.

It's not a major factor but if you are open to retaking the test, I would do it. You have nothing to lose, especially if you are confident you can replicate a 700. If you don't match your score, you are basically in the same place as you are now as the schools count your highest score. The tricky decision will be if you do slightly better on the IR/AWA components but worse on the GMAT for your 2nd attempt. Since you're at a 700 now, you probably would stick with what you have, but let's wait and see.

Keep us all posted.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey DebdootGMAT , Thanks for posting, To answer your question, an overall score of 700 is decent enough, schools usually don't look for individual IR, AWA scores. I would not recommend a re-test unless you’re aiming for a 730-740 score for some specific schools. If you'd like, we are happy to connect you with our Profile Experts (who are alums and students of top B-Schools) who will discuss your profile at length in a 30-45 minutes call and provide you with feedback based on your aspirations and goals. Feel free to schedule a call with us here for in-depth profile evaluation (and some networking on the side!) No one knows the application process better than the individuals who have gone through it. We match you with alumni from your desired business school. Meet our Panel of Consultants. Cheers! Neha Hadke Strategy Manager Testimonials Email: neha@mbaandbeyond.com Visit our website www.mbaandbeyond.com for more MBA resources.

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi  DebdootGMAT  hope this finds you well

An important thing to know is that one may not make it to the top B schools, despite an exceptional GMAT score.
The overall GMAT score, and its individual sections are only a part of the puzzle. The strength of your profile- your work experience, achievements, growth trajectory, ECs, and outside work initiatives will largely determine how good a fit you are for a particular school. 
 
If you belong to a competitive demographic often highly represented in the application process, your scores will be compared with your country's median or average score for individual GMAT sections. Assuming that you come from an ultra-competitive background, with a Q49 and V36, you are somewhat positioned at the average spread for the top ~20 schools in the US (as an example). Whether the schools really want to scrutinize your IR depends on whether the school feels you would be a great someone to have in the MBA class who will enrich the peer experience because of your unique background and experience.

If 700 overall is an average score for your demographic, I suggest you take a retake and improve, especially on the Q and V sections (in addition to IR), to improve your odds of making it to a top-tier MBA.

If you are targeting mid-tier schools (for example US Top 25-40, you should be good with your current score as well).

Feel free to reach out should you need guidance.

Best wishes

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello DebdootGMAT , Thanks for writing in. Schools do not really consider the IR and AWA; had your scores been lesser than 4, there would still be some cause for concern but you are fine at the moment!

Good luck!

GMAT 700 but poor IR and AWA Score

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