GMAT score assessment

Question

I took the GMAT exam today and I'm very happy with my score - 720 (94 percentile) , Quant 49 (75p), Verbal 39 (89p). The thing is I totally failed the Integrated Reasoning section, messed up so hard and got 1 (0 percentile

) on the unofficial report. Well, I plan to apply for a master degree in Finance in Europe (Germany or Switzerland) and I'm afraid that the 0 percentile on IR would somehow worsen the overall image of my GMAT score. However, the programs I plan to apply for indicate requirements only for Quant and Verbal sections, but I am afraid that the admission committee actually takes into account all the sections (are they?) My question may seem awkward but I would be very happy to know whether my fear is justified or not

Many thanks! P.S. The essay was good, I expect at least a 4.5 on that secton

abhimahna · Answer

Hey gmblr , Welcome to GMATClub

Congratulations for such a great score. I agree your IR is screwed now. I would prefer sending an email to the admission committee and seeking their advice. Tell them that you got a good score overall but you didn't do well in IR (maybe because of some distraction or something?). If they say you are all set , go for application process. Else consider retaking the exam. Good Luck

KarishmaB · Answer

Wonderfully balanced score of Quant and Verbal. Sorry about the IR fiasco though! I would suggest you to consider a retake since there is no downside to it (except some time investment and financial implication). You can retake in the next 20 days after working on IR and reviewing Quant and Verbal.

ABatExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi gmblr , Definitely a good GMAT score but sorry to hear about the IR Score

So, if you have a couple of schools in mind and you are definitely looking to apply there, we would suggest that you write to the Admissions Committee and seek their opinion. Basis their response, you could proceed with the next steps. However, if you are looking to apply to a much larger number of schools, we suggest you retake the GMAT. In all probability, you may only end up boosting your score, which will be even better

Hope you get through your dream college

All the best!

mbaMissionKrista · Answer

Hey  gmblr 
While we still don't know how schools are using the IR score, my concern for you is that it raises a red flag and you don't want any red flags. I recommend a retake. And then depending on the outcome, you may also want to write an optional essay that explains what happened the first time around. (Short...a few sentences.)
Krista

gmblr · Answer

Thank you guys for your responses! I wrote emails to the both univesities and i got thw following responses:
From swiss uni: "Dear Mr. Xxxxx

We look at the overall score. We don't communicate a minimum GMAT score, however applicants who were admitted without further requirements and conditions hat an average GMAT score of 660.

I hope this helps you, kind regards"

And from the Frankfurt uni : "Dear Mr. Xxxx

We only take the quantitative and verbal sections into consideration. Congratulations on the great results!

Should you have further questions just send me an e-mail."

Do you think I'm good with my GMAT now?

abhimahna · Answer

Hey, Congratulations. You are all set now. No need to give Gmat anymore and focus on your applications now. All the best

souvonik2k · Answer

Hi
Based on the replies received, I think you should retake the Gmat. This is because Swiss university looks at the overall Gmat score, which means they take the IR and AWA section scores also into consideration. Frankfurt only take Quant and Verbal sections, but there's no harm in giving another try at the Gmat and improving your overall score.

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Congrats on the overall score and I am sorry about IR. It looks like something strange happened there. The good news is that IR is almost factored out of the process. Key word is almost. I used to say it doesn't matter at all but today it matters a little bit. I suggest to retake it and even if you get a few points it will show your abilities.

Good luck!

Best,
Scott

KarishmaB · Answer

The Frankfurt Uni has replied to your question with a direct "ignore the IR" and that's great.
The Swiss Uni hasn't really replied to your question. It seems like a standard answer to score queries. Does the overall score mean the one you get out of 800? Possible. Does it mean all sections including IR and AWA will be considered? Again possible. Though their average GMAT of 660 is quite a bit below your GMAT score so that's good.

All in all, this would be my advice: 
If you are serious about the Swiss uni and do not have major time and money constraints, you could try a retake after working on IR. Else, you can just go ahead with the app.

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