Good GMAT Score but low DI score

Question

Hi, applying for masters in strategic management in HEC. Just did my GMAT and scored 695: Quant: 88 (96th percentile), Verbal: 90 (100th percentile), DI: 76 (53rd percentile).
While HEC does not have minimum score or section score requirement, I am worried that the low DI score will affect my chances. any advice/suggestions on whether to retake?

yc168 · Answer

Congratulations on the great 695.

Can you share how long you have prepared and what's your feeling about the DI section? Also what is the timeline you are looking at here?

The reason I asked is because, your Quant and Verbal foundations are already strong, as demonstrated by your sectional scores in these two. So if there is no special challenge you are facing with DI question types and you still have some time until the application deadline, you should be able to improve significantly in the DI section by finetuning your time management/problem-solving strategies, and the total score will be even more competitive.

minusrepellendus · Answer

Hi.

I took 2 days to prepare and did 2 mock tests only. DI wasn't an issue during the 2 mock tests as I got 83 and 82 respectively, which corresponds to 90+ percentile, I also did the tests under exam conditions. The main reason I felt that the DI score was low this time was mainly because of the lack of rest: I had to travel very early in the morning just to reach the test center on time and I wasn't feeling well that day; was having headaches and felt nauseous during the DI section.

While I am confident that I can score higher on DI, I am wondering the need for retaking. Of course, a higher GMAT score would look good but do admissions committee look at sectional score? The average GMAT score is 645-655. Also, it is very costly + time consuming for me to retake the GMAT again. 
Thanks!

Archit3110 · Answer

Congratulations for score... all the best with applications

yc168 · Answer

Hi minusrepellendus, thanks for the clarification. You'll be the envy of many people for getting a great score with such ease.

Since your question is more towards the need to retake, I would suggest that you also post the same question in the b-school forums, for example the Masters Programs or HEC-specific sub-forums. This way you may get more pertinent advice/suggestions from the admission experts or people more into the HEC admission scene.

All the best for your application.

Missinga · Answer

Congrats and all the best going forward!

hr1212 · Answer

Wow, congrats on the great score! Wishing you all the best for your applications.

I am always amazed at how some brilliant minds just breeze through this test like it is another day at work. Along with checking out the Masters sub-forum as  yc168  suggested, I feel a higher score can sometimes help with scholarship opportunities if that is something you are looking at.

From what I know, individual section scores usually do not carry much weight in the application process. At most, a strong Quant score can matter if you are targeting the top programs just to validate if you can handle their arduous statistical coursework. But if you feel your overall score is solid for both the averages and your demographic, and a retake feels like too much of a hassle, it may be better to focus your time and energy on your applications and put in your best effort for the next round.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

If you decide to retake (because of your DI score), here's some advice:

One of the most important aspects of preparing for Data Insights is familiarizing yourself with the many different ways the test-makers can present information graphically and the many ways you can be tested on those graphics. So, be sure to study  one type of graphic at a time  so you can understand all the intricacies associated with that type.

For each DI question you get wrong, ask yourself:  
 
  Did I make a careless mistake?   
  Did I incorrectly properly apply a related formula/property?   
  Was there a concept I did not understand in the question?   
  Did I fall for a common trap? If so, what is the exact nature of the trap?

By carefully analyzing your mistakes, you'll be able to fix your weaknesses efficiently and, in turn, improve your skills. This process has been proven to be effective for all topics.

Finally, since time management plays a significant role in the DI section, here are some general time-saving strategies to keep in mind:

Skim the given information to understand the type of information provided. Don’t get bogged down in the details. Just get a sense of what the data is conveying.   
  Use the answer choices to your advantage. In many cases, the answer choices will be so spread apart that you can quickly answer the question through approximation rather than precise calculations.  
  Use the process of elimination when possible. Narrow down choices by identifying clear inconsistencies or irrelevant options in the data.  
  Stay organized. Jot down quick notes or calculations to keep track of information to avoid rereading the same data multiple times.

Prioritize quick decision-making. If a question seems too time-consuming, it’s better to make an educated guess and move on rather than get stuck. Developing this type of decision-making mindset will help you better navigate the section.

For more information, check out these articles:  
 -  How to Prepare for GMAT Data Insights  
 -  Data Insights Timing Strategy

bb · Answer

Wow. Congrats.

PS - schools do not care about the sectional scores. it is a bummer you got 76 and likely can bump it up to 715 or 725 if you can bump your DI but really not necessary and that would only be to try to eek out a higher score or if you are applying to Top 20 (not M7), potentially get a better shot at scholarship $$ but that's the only rationale to retake.

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