High GMAT Score/Low IR Score

Question

I'm curious about the lack of strong correlation between overall GMAT score and the IR score. I would have expected much stronger correlation

I got an 8/8 on the IR portion but not quite sure how -- I didn't study for it (other than taking the GMAC CAT trial, which I also got an 8/8 on), I almost ran out of time, I didn't even understand one of the questions. I have no particular skillset that relates to this test.

My initial reaction was that the test is just pretty easy for people with otherwise high GMAT scores, at least if you are a native english speaker/reader (I can see why the test may be harder for those not as fluent). Those of you who did well on the GMAT but not so well on the IR, any insight as to why? Is there something you had particular trouble with on the IR test that wasn't otherwise tested on the GMAT?

brianlange77 · Answer

Hey -- it's a good question. I wouldn't read too much into what the IR score means vis a vis the rest of the test. It's still relatively new (<18 months) and I don't know that many schools have fully incorporated it into any of their admissions decision-making.

Anytime you can get a perfect score when saying "I have no particular skillset that relates to this test." -- I'd take the money and run!

Congrats!

Anytime you can get a perfect score when saying "I have no particular skillset that relates to this test." -- I'd take the money and run!

Congrats!

Sardinebone · Answer

I can't remember what my IR score was, but it did clash with my overall GMAT score. I guess one reason is I had old second hand books that didn't have this section and I didn't prep. I'm usually good with graphs and so on, so I just did the exercises in the 2 free mock tests and since I got a decent score I didn't feel I needed to do more. 
I guess it was a mix of overconfidence and the need to prioritize. I took 3 months (about 50 hours) to prep and my focus was on getting a high overall score.

brianlange77 · Answer

Clear, important, straight-forward --- really helpful guidance that many students could follow. Not all things are created equally on the GMAT -- you learned that lesson well. Good work!

-Brian

nikhil.jones.s · Answer

I scored a 730 on GMAT, Q49 V40. However, I have a dismal 3 on IR and the thought whether my IR score will bum me for the applications has been troubling me ever since. Graphs and DI were never a problem for me, in fact I dont remember scoring lower than 6 in any of the mocks that I gave. I am applying in 2016/2017. I want to know the impact IR score will have on my applications. Any leads on that?

bb · Answer

Still the same reply, though unfortunately for you, it will matter to a certain degree.
We will know the exact extent of IR importance probably around the Fall/Winter of 2014 when the first graduates with IR will have their final GPA...

You may want to retake, esp if applying so far out.

brianlange77 · Answer

For what it's worth --- I don't think MBA GPA is a good indicator. Because of grading curves/systems -- I don't know many folks who believe that getting a perfect GPA in b-school is the indicator of the 'student with the best potential' -- it's about much much more than that.

Am I misinterpreting your post?

Am I misinterpreting your post?

uwengdori · Answer

As a non-native English speaker, I found IR extremely challenging (got like 4. Didn't really attempt to study this part at all though). Not the questions themselves (as I encounter those multiple email readings and table readings all the time), but solving 12 big problems with a lot of reading in just half an hour. quant and verbal GMAT score is a higher priority for me though.

brianlange77 · Answer

Your last point is the most important one here --- until you hear/see a top 20 b-school come out and specifically discuss how they are planning to incorporate the I/R into their decision making process -- quant and verbal should ALWAYS be taking priority in your study efforts.

uwengdori · Answer

Thank you for the advice, Brian. I will definitely all-in on the quant/verbal and check out the essay and IR maybe in the last two days (think MGMAT essay+IR book is more than sufficient to prepare).
I've been studying with MGMAT package books and they've been great.

utkmittal1 · Answer

Hi all

I am in a really bad situation right now. I took GMAT on 15th April and Scored 760 (Q50, V42) but bombed my IR. Could manage a disappointing 3. I got nervous there and I knew that i had screwed up IR but had no idea that the score would be so low. In the GMAT prep test I scored 8 in both the tests and thus neglected the IR section during preparations. Probably that was the reason I could not handle my nerves during those 30 minutes. I have no idea how such a poor score is going to impact my applications. I plan to apply in 2015 and I feel that by that time Universities will start considering IR scores to some extent. Should I take GMAT again? I am well prepared right now and I feel that if I continue my preparations and book the next possible date, I can manage 760 again. Should I take GMAT again? Please help.

Thanks in advance

uwengdori · Answer

While choice is all yours, you should take it again only if IR score is making you very uncomfortable unless somewhere in your application has proofs that offsets low IR. GMAT study experts in this forum can give you all the advice available, but not sure if those words will make you any comfortable. 760 is still very high score.

utkmittal1 · Answer

Hi uwengdori

I think don't know whether anyone can make me comfortable right now. I have not been able to cherish my 760 yet. Two sleepless nights already. But should hear from a lot of experts before I reach any decision.

Kunal37 · Answer

Hi,

I got a 720 yesterday in GMAT(Q48,V41) but scored only 5 in AWA. How much will this impact my overall score? I am yet to receive my AWA score but i am expecting 4.5/5 in that.

Thanks,
Kunal.

utkmittal1 · Answer

Hi Kunal

Congrats on a 720. I am assuming that you scored 5 an IR. Well you need not worry about it. 5 is not good but it is not bad either. I did a lot of research on my dismal IR score of 3 but not I am connived that it will hardly affect my chances of getting into a B school. They have not started considering it yet. So if you are applying this year itself, u can just ignore the IR score.

Utkarsh

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