GMAT 740 with a low IR score (2)

Question

Hi,

I just took the Gmat yesterday and scored a 740, q49 v42. However, I could only manage a 2 in the IR. Do I need to take the Gmat again despite my decent overall score? Could a low IR score be a red flag to the top 10 colleges ( preference Insead and Kellogg)?

Thanks,

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souvonik2k · Answer

Hi
First of all, congrats on your great score.
However, i feel the IR score can raise a red flag for the admissions.
In my opinion, you should consider retaking the test, incase you have time for your applications subsequently.

cxa0897 · Answer

Insead is one of the very few schools with a stated criteria for IR, so unfortunately, I also suggest a retake. If nothing else, you won't have to wonder if the IR was the reason you didn't get in.
Kellog is also a very competitive school, so you don't want to give them any reason to turn your profile away.
740 is a fantastic score, but the stakes are very high at that level of school

From the Insead website:
What GMAT score do I need to apply?

INSEAD does not have a minimum required GMAT score. Rather than focusing on your overall score, we assess your individual results in the Quantitative, Verbal and IR sections of the exam. We need you to demonstrate your strengths in all of these sections. In order to be competitive, you should aim to achieve a score at or above the 70 - 75 percentile in both the quantitative and verbal sections. For the Integrated Reasoning section, we recommend achieving a score of 6 or above. Please keep in mind, however, that the GMAT is just one of several admission criteria. A high score does not guarantee admission, and a below average score does not eliminate a candidate.

pushpitkc · Answer

IMO applying with the IR2 is be a bad idea, as it might end up raising 
a red flag. The 740 certainly proves that you can score well on both 
sections. However, I would recommend you to re-take the GMAT 
with a target of improving your Quant score to Q50-51.

This will help you achieve the elusive 99th percentile and most 
definitely improve your chances at most of the top programs.

Hope that helps you

hiren2011 · Answer

Can I be a spoiler here?
I am not disagreeing with other posts - to be clear.
I'd ask first thing to self is, can I get the same score again? Or was it a chance? You'd know the answer based on your practice tests and confidence. Because, in trying to improve IR score, you don't want to drop your total GMAT either. And how is your AWA?
There are ways to convey that if only IR is low, it was a fluke - not the other way around. Probably, the time you spend, money you spend on retaking GMAT, you can take some online course and prove that you can indeed score better. And that additional score can even compensate for GPA (if need be) and make you more prepared for MBA curriculum.
There is an optional essay available to this convey this point.

Well, this is just one way of tackling this issue - in my humble opinion.

lovay · Answer

Thanks for your comments, just to give you a background I am a certified chartered accountant (CPA) and also hold a bachelors degree commerce, have 3 years of experience in sell side M&A and investment banking and an additional 2 years of experience in financial advisory. IR has never been a problem and is something that I have to deal with on a daily basis. I think On the test day it was just a matter of fatigue and exam jitters.

My concern is that if I take the Gmat again, will a higher IR score with a slightly lower overall Gmat score something like a 720 make my profile any better for the B schools.

Posted from my mobile device

Posted from my mobile device

My concern is that if I take the Gmat again, will a higher IR score with a slightly lower overall Gmat score something like a 720 make my profile any better for the B schools.

Posted from my mobile device

cxa0897 · Answer

I don't see anything to be lost in taking it again. If you do substantially worse, just cancel the score and send off the 740. If you do better, say anything 730+ with a high IR, you've made out better than not taking it. The jitters and anxiety are over now that you know the routine. Focus on endurance and accuracy, and you should be fine.

Admissionado · Answer

Overall, the main score is STILL more important. Neverltheess, it is true that INSEAD is a bit different from US schools in that they aren't so score-obsessed.

But still....

JaswanthReddy · Answer

Hi,

I wrote GMAT yesterday, i got pretty decent score of 720 (Q50 & V37) but messed up IR with a score of 3 and also I think i messed up AWA.
Should i consider giving GMAT again ?

I want to apply for top 7 BSchools in Round 2 for the class of 2020.

Thanks.

Abhi077 · Answer

If you are really confident about scoring 740 again with a great IR score, go ahead. If not, I think you can write an explanation about why your IR went so down in the optional essays. But considering your Aiming top 10, Your rest of the application must be at the best of their desired mark

GMAT 740 with a low IR score (2)

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