is 610 good enough for IIM-A/B/C and ISB?

Question

Hi Everyone,

I took my exam yesterday and scored a disappointing 610/800. I am contemplating to take the exam again in December but would like to know if my score is good enough to get me into ISB or IIMs. I have extremely strong academic records and plus i have some outstanding achievements during my 5 year work experience. I took part in some extra curricular activities but nothing to boast about. I can manage recommendations from Directors of my current org.

My question is should i apply now or should i take the exam again? In case, if I am not selected for the interview, will I be able to apply again during the same academic cycle?

any suggestion is welcome

OptimusPrepJanielle · Answer

A lot depends on what your profile says. There are cases where people do get through with a low score, but they are very less in number.
If you want to increase your chances and even strengthen your profile, I would recommend a retake as the schools that you have mentioned are incredibly competitive and you should do anything you can to improve your candidacy.

Coming to your studies:

1. What is your score split in V and Q
2. Did you complete the OG and the Verbal Review?
3. Did you take full length mock CATs?
4. Which course material did you follow?

You need to build the concepts/fundamentals before you jump in solving the problems. You can do so by choosing one of the following ways:

1. In person classes/private tutoring
2. Online classes
3. Self paced online preparatory course
4. Book heavy approach

Whatever you choose, make sure that you choose one. Because GMAT tests you on some concepts and fundamentals that you can learn from a course. Most of the preparatory companies including ours offer a free trial of our course. You can take the trial and see if the course suits your needs.

In addition to the preparatory material, buy the Official Guides(both the Official Guide and the Verbal Review), Question Pack 1 and the 4 official mock CATs. They should be an indispensable part of your preparation.

You need close to 3 months to prepare well for the GMAT.

aribis1989 · Answer

Hi,

I am an ISB alum from the CO14 and an active member of the alumni cell helping with admission activities. From my experience of reading through applications and an understanding of the profiles of my classmates, I would like to call upon the fact that the admission committee looks much beyond a GMAT score while evaluating your candidature and considers other elements of your profile including - professional experience, career trajectory, extra curricular activities, leadership experiences, recommendations and most importantly how you portrayed yourself in the essays in terms of your value add to the school and your goals.

Having said that, if you feel you have narrowed down which area of the GMAT paper you need to work on and improve, and also have the bandwidth to prepare (taking into consideration your work load), I will suggest you to go for the exam again and aim at scoring a 650 plus. Anything in excess with a stellar application (essays + recommendations) will put you in a competitive shape for ISB, but for the exec programs at IIM A/B/C you will need to hit a 700 or more.

Please reach out to me at +91-9701215544 in case you have any other specific questions.

Wish you all the very best for your applications.

Cheers 
Arijit

is 610 good enough for IIM-A/B/C and ISB?

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