High GMAT/Low IR - Will it adversely affect M7 aspiration?

Question

Hi there, first time post here.

Just did the GMAT for the first time today and got Q50/V40 750 for total score. However, I screwed up the IR section and only got a 5 (52 percentile). I got stuck at one question and spent way to much time on it and ended up rushing in the end. I plan to apply for some of the M7 business schools and am concerned that a low IR score like this will affect my chances... Just from a GMAT competitiveness standpoint, how much does it matter and do I need to retake the test to get a higher IR score?

Thanks,

Sam

KarishmaB · Answer

IR 5 is absolutely respectable. Your GMAT score is perfectly balanced and will raise no flags anywhere, not even in M7. A 2 or a 3 could be worrisome, but a 5 is fine.

Forget about it now and move on to your applications. Start thinking on goals/achievements/failures and learnings/MBA plan etc. With an early start, you can apply in round 1 to most target schools.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi xzha117,

A 750/Q50 is an outstanding score, so you can comfortably apply to any Business School that you choose. Since many Business Schools have publicly stated that they don't use the IR score as part of the application process, you have nothing to worry about there. As long as your AWA is a 4.0 or higher, you don't have a problem there either.

Since the M7 schools are all remarkably competitive, you might want to work with an Admissions Expert on your applications. There's a Forum full of them here:

ask-admission-consultants-124/

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

GMATPILLBILL · Answer

Generally speaking, you want to score decent enough on the IR section so as not to draw negative attention to a low IR score.

You don't want the admissions committee to focus on a really low IR score of like 1 or 2 -- that shows lack of effort or ability

That said, it's not that much more beneficial to have a perfect 8 versus a 6 or 7.

So ideally, you want to stay in the 4, 5, 6, or 7 range to efficiently get a score that is decent without putting a crazy amount of effort.

Now, with your IR score of 5 – that is decent and good enough. In addition, your 750 score is very high. So in your situation, I wouldn't worry about retaking the test for a higher IR score because you’re in the target zone.

High GMAT/Low IR - Will it adversely affect M7 aspiration?

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