Should I retake the GMAT?

Question

I scored a 750 and IR 6. This is slightly lower than what I normally score on practice tests. My undergrad is around a 3.3-3.4 which is lower than the average of my target scores. If I am trying to go to the top B schools should I retake the GMAT? Is the IR score something I should be concerned about? Is it worth retaking?

AndrewN · Answer

Congratulations on the 750,  ezhang167 , even if such a score is, in fact, "slightly lower" than your mock scores. First off, do not worry about the IR score: a 6 is fine, even at top-tier programs. (I have had one client gain admission to an M7 with a 3 in the section. The total score matters; the IR score does not.) I do not think a retake is necessary unless, say, your Quant score was quite low and you paired it with a perfect Verbal score, and your intended concentration was something like accounting. A 750 would put you above the curve at any school. Keep in mind, too, that a lot of quick retests result in the same score or one that may even be lower. Without more information, I would say to hang tight and apply with what you have got. See what others have to say and make an informed decision.

Good luck.

- Andrew

sivatx2 · Answer

Congrats on a great score!!! How much can you improve from here?

You can also go down in your score, if you try again. GMAT is just one part of several things considered on your admission( ~15% weightage in M7). Focus on other things: Essay, recommendation, post MBA goals, social impact, resume, financial planning, finding school/program relevancy to your goal etc. Good luck!

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi ezhang167,

First off, a 750 is an outstanding Score, so you can comfortably apply to ANY Business Schools that interest you. 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. However, if you're interested in what a specific School/Program thinks about the IR score, then you should research that School directly (you might also consider contacting the School to ask). Either way, an IR6 is an above-average result for that section, so that particular piece of your GMAT Score really isn't much of a reason to retake the entire Exam.

Since you're interested in applying to some highly-competitive Schools, you would likely find it beneficial to speak with an Admissions Expert about your overall profile and plans. Those Experts should be able to answer your Admissions questions and help define the specific areas of your profile that could use some improvement. There's a Forum full of those Experts here:

https://gmatclub.com/forum/ask-admissio ... tants-124/

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

ezhang167 · Answer

Thanks so much for the helpful replies! For context my verbal is currently at a 42 and my quant is at a 49. I know it may be hard to quantify, but would increasing my score to around a 770-780 make a difference in my possible acceptance?
I will also definitely speak with an admissions expert. Thanks again

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi ezhang167,

This sounds like another question for an Admissions Expert. In general terms, I think that most Admissions Experts would agree that "the higher the GMAT Score, the better." However, with a 750/Q49, you already have an elite Score - so there's probably not that much more to be gained by raising that 750 a little. The GMAT Score is just one part of the Overall application - and if you have any notable 'weak spots' elsewhere, then your time, effort and money would probably be better spent improving some other part of your Application (to either directly or indirectly compensate for that weak spot).

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

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Certainly, if you think in short order you can improve your GMAT score to 770+ then I say go for it. After all, you have 750 in your "back pocket", so if your GMAT score does not improve on your retake, you can cancel the score and apply with your 750.

Should I retake the GMAT?

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