GMAT Focus Score 595 on 1st Attempt

Question

Hi everyone,

After close to 2.5 months of prep, I have written the GMAT Focus today and secured a score of 595 (V81 Q82 DI75). I was averaging 600 above upto 645 in mocks. Could someone please advise if I should consider retaking GMAT in another month's time? In that case, how should I change my prep strategy to get a better score? Also, what are the chances of admission into some of the European/ UK B-Schools with a score of 595? Any early insights would be very helpful.

Thank you!

Archit3110 · Answer

congratulations for score.. no harm in giving a re attempt... give mocks use GC tests and official... what are your target schools...?

MBAGuide · Answer

swetaswaika1710 happy to advise from the perspective of an admissions coach.I think now is a good time to evaluate whether, for your target schools, your profile would carry your GMAT score or the other way around. If you are getting a sense that your profile is solid but you must allocate more time to the GMAT, you could take your bet on the next exam. But since time is of the essence, you may also consider giving yourself a week or two to quickly brush up on a few basics and take both the GRE and the GMAT mocks to evaluate whether the GRE could help you get closer to the school's average faster than the GMAT score. Smart applicants quickly identify that the GMAT may not work well for them and they switch to the GRE to finish early. I guess what I am trying to say is don't be too attached to one exam for the sake of the time you have already spent preparing for it. You might get into some schools with this score, but you may not get the best opportunities out of those schools. The decision is yours. Feel free to speak for professional advice Best wishes Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) Founder, MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message(WA): +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If you're thinking of retaking the GMAT, consider sharing your score report here (after wiping any personal info). People may provide some specific suggestions. Including/mentioning where you think/feel your weak areas are could also be helpful. You could look through your error-log, for example.

How to score high on the GMAT. Why solving approach is important.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi swetaswaika1710,

As other forum members have pointed out, 595 is a good score, and could work for you. However, if you think you can do better, it may be a good idea to take the test again.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi swetaswaika1710,

If your score goal is around 645, then I don't see any reason why you can't take the GMAT in a month from now.

Regarding how to move forward, I recommend concentrating on one subject at a time while studying. This allows for thorough understanding and practice, which is key to improving your score.

For example, let's consider your study of Number Properties. First, immerse yourself in all aspects of this topic, and then, focus solely on Number Property questions. After each problem set, take the time to delve into your incorrect answers. This self-reflection is a powerful tool that allows you to understand your learning process and make significant improvements. For instance, if you made a mistake in a remainder question, ask yourself why. Was it a careless error? Did you not apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that you didn't grasp?

By meticulously analyzing your mistakes, you will efficiently address your weaknesses and, consequently, enhance your GMAT quant skills. This process has been unequivocally proven to be effective. Number Properties is just one example; follow this process for all Quant, Verbal, and DI topics.

For some more tips on the best way to structure your studying, here is a great article:

The Best Way to Study for the GMAT

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Good luck!

emont · Answer

swetaswaika1710  Hey, I wanted to hear how this went for you? I am scoring in similar range and want to chances of getting into to European/UK b schools with this score. Congrats on the score btw!

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Archit3110,

So, the good news is that you are in a pretty decent spot.

That said, you do need to continue to find your holes and fix those to help improve your score. Thus, engaging in topical practice is a great way to do so. Let's use quant as an example.

For example, let’s say you want to practice Number Properties. You can do so by answering 50 or more questions just from Number Properties: LCM, GCF, units digit patterns, divisibility, remainders, etc.

After each problem set, it's crucial to delve into the questions you answered incorrectly. For instance, if you stumbled on a remainder question, take a moment to reflect. Was it a careless error? Did you fail to apply the remainder formula correctly? Was there a concept in the question that eluded you? This analysis is key to your learning process.

By carefully analyzing your mistakes, you will be able to fix your weaknesses efficiently and, in turn, improve your GMAT quant skills. Number Properties is just one example; follow this process for all quant, verbal, and DI topics.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Good luck!

emont · Answer

MBAGuide  hey i got the same score as her (595) and im wondering if i should still apply to HEC MIF and LBS MIF. For reference I have a 3.7 gpa from a university in New York, and have been working for 3 years in Trading at JP Morgan. Let me know if you can thanks!

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi emont How did you do on the quant sections. For MIF programs, the schools may not care as much for the verbal performance, if the overall profile is solid and in line with the program requirements and the quant score is reasonable. The UK schools will likely ask you to submit an IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge CPE, CAE, PTE Academic or Duolingo English test score additionally. So dont worry about the low verbal sectional score at this point. Pasting some advice from an old post of mine I advise you to address the following points in your application to demonstrate a strong motivation for the program: Academic focus: Solid quant score. Highlight any other academic accolades, scholarships, or recognitions you have received. Proof of enthusiasm and motivation for the subject: Provide context regarding your passion for finance, starting from an early stage, and supplement your interest with examples of relevant courses, internships, or projects you have undertaken. Understanding, experience, and appreciation of the subject through real-life applications and projects: Utilize insights from your internships, jobs, or other finance-related projects. Discuss specific projects or finance-related topics that have been pivotal in motivating you to further explore the subject. Super curricular activities: Share details about supplementary books, articles, research papers, or newspapers you have read. Highlight any relevant podcasts you listen to and explain how these activities support and complement your interest in the subject. I strongly advise you to cover these points thoroughly in your SOPs/essays/interviews. Additionally, having a variety of extracurricular activities and language skills is advantageous. Discuss how these experiences and skills can contribute to your future as a business leader. Here are a few other points to keep in mind: 1.Demonstrate originality and a thoughtful approach in your application. 2.Show active engagement with the target school and potential recruiters to learn about the post-MFin prospects, showcasing your conscientiousness. My applicants who recently successfully converted their offers from LSE had actively reached out to professors and engaged in discussions to gain meaningful insights about the program and courses. Demonstrating enthusiasm to truly understand the academic environment at target schools can greatly contribute to your success. Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

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