Advice for GMAT Score History - INSEAD application

Question

Hi,

I took GMAT FE in Dec'24 and scored a 595 because of a technical issue (latency) during quant section. Despite answering question #20 and clicking submit on #21 multiple times, the timer kept going and ran out on question #21 screen. When I received my scores, my quant percentile was 26th with the last two questions showing unattempted in the official report. I contacted GMAC support team reg. the issue but could not get my score revised.

I retook the test a month later again and scored 665 with my quant at 88th percentile (thankfully no technical issues this time).
Should I report both my scores in the INSEAD application? My concern is the excruciatingly low quant score in the first attempt which in turn dragged my overall score down too. I'm wondering how will the admissions committee review it and if that'll affect my chances negatively. Summary of both attempts below:

Test 1 - 595 (Verbal 90th, Quant 26th, DI 89th)
Test 2 - 665 (Verbal 84th, Quant 88th, DI 89th)

Please share your advice.

esteeFF · Answer

Hi Ippo, 
Some more experienced ones might have better insight here but I would just share the good score - as far as I know, schools can only access scores you decide to send to them via the mba.com - simply don't put the bad one in

kingbucky · Answer

Since INSEAD allows multiple GMAT scores, you should report both but highlight your improved performance. Admissions committees generally consider the highest score and the most recent attempt. Given the technical issue in your first test, you can briefly mention it in the optional essay or additional information section to clarify why the quant score was unusually low.

Your 665 with an 88th percentile in Quant demonstrates your capability, which should reassure the adcom. As long as you present a strong overall application, the first score is unlikely to hurt your chances significantly.

Your 665 with an 88th percentile in Quant demonstrates your capability, which should reassure the adcom. As long as you present a strong overall application, the first score is unlikely to hurt your chances significantly.

MBAGuide · Answer

IppoMakanouchi Think I addressed your profile evaluation here https://gmatclub.com/forum/help-needed- ... l#p3532217 I don't agree that you should show your first score to INSEAD (as someone mentioned, it shows improvement). In your case, if it was a technical glitch, then you need not show that score at all and confuse the adcom. If you really have to, tell them it was a technical glitch. INSEAD places strong emphasis on quant scores, and they may be more concerned about the academic capacity of older candidates, so make sure to present the best possible case. Aanchal Sahni MBAGuideConsulting WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | LinkedIn | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi  IppoMakanouchi  ! You should report your 665 (Q88) GMAT score, and there’s no requirement to disclose all attempts. While the 595 with a 26th percentile in Quant resulted from a technical issue, reporting it may raise unnecessary concerns about your quant ability. INSEAD values a strong quant score. If needed, use the optional essay to briefly mention the technical issue while focusing on your progress. With your 665 score, you shall remain in a competitive position. Good luck!

Advice for GMAT Score History - INSEAD application

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