Is gmat focus 655 enough?

Question

I scored 655(91st percentile), Q83(81st percentile) V81(67th percentile), DI 83(96th percentile).I feel that I could have done better in quants as I was scoring 86-87 in the mocks but I found the actual gmat questions to be tougher than the mocks. I have always struggled with Verbal and I think it will be a little tough to improve my score there. I plan to apply in Round 2 to most universities in USA
I’m a woman with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science with a gpa of 9.43/10 from a reputed university in India and have nearly 3.5 years of work experience as an engineer in a multinational AI company. I feel like retaking the exam, but I have to prepare for TOEFL and work on my applications. I want to know if my score is enough or if I should retake.

On a side note, is there any chance of me getting into a reputed business school in USA(say top 10 or 15) with this score and background? If not, how much improvement in score is required?

Any input would be highly appreciated.

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MY002 · Answer

bb   MartyMurray   ScottTargetTestPrep

Posted from my mobile device

admitStreet · Answer

MY002  - The strength of your overall profile (and thus score) would depend on more specific angles such as your professional arc (branded employers, key achievements, were there promotions, etc.), extracurriculars, motivations for 'why MBA', career goals, and so on.

Broadly though, since you feel you can improve your score, you should give it a shot! It would help increase chances, particularly for US Top-10 or 15.

Feel free to reach out for a deeper chat

Regards,
Arvind

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi MY002,

655 is a very solid score, so nice work. Regarding where to go from here, why don't you reach out to some admissions consultants here on GMAT club to see if they can give you some advice regarding your profile?

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

If you're thinking of retaking, including/mentioning what you find challenging could be helpul. For time management, for example, using question/time markers may help a bit. If you feel your fundamentals are solid, consider working on your solving approach. Perhaps include working with a study buddy who is really strong in areas you're not. You could offer to help with areas you're strong on in exchange.

How to score high on the GMAT. Why solving approach is important.

bb · Answer

Hi. Thank you for the question and the pink. Looking at the decision tracker and performance over the last few years with the increasing application volumes, the score you would feel comfortable with would be around 695. Maybe 685.

there’s a lot of applicants from Asia, being a woman helps because fewer women apply and schools try to keep a balanced class so maybe you can get away with 685 or 675 in the case but you’re definitely about 20 points and likely 40 below the ideal score for top 10 or top 15.

There’s not much of a difference in scores by the way between top 10 or M7 and top 15. There is some but the most difference is the caIiber of work experience.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi MY002,

It's hard to say whether a score is "enough", but since you do have a very good score, you should be able to apply to even the top schools. As for a retake, I agree with Arvind: give the GMAT another shot if you think you can, but otherwise, focus on your applications.

All the best.

MartyMurray · Answer

That's a pretty solid score. At the same time, the average score for top 10 schools is a little higher. So, for applying to top 10 schools, you may want to retake and score higher.

If you decide to retake, you could use the tips in this post to increase your Verbal score.

How to Prepare for GMAT Verbal

EducationAisle · Answer

I believe the score may be on the lower side for top 10-15 schools, since these tend to be very competitive, especially for Indians.

Would suggest a re-attempt.

Is gmat focus 655 enough?

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