High individual scores on two seprate tests, low total scores

Question

Hi everyone,

On my first GMAT exam I was in the  82nd percentile for Verbal  and  60th for Quant  (which was very strange bcs on practice tests I was much better in Quant). This resulted in a  680 .

On my second GMAT I was in the  71st percentile for Verbal  and the  86th percentile for Quant . This is a  700  score.

Two pretty low scores (on 800) -way below the average of the university i want to get in. BUT my individual best scores (82nd perc. Verbal and 86th perc. Quant) are quite high -higher than the minimum required for that same university.

Does a combination of two scores "count" as a good score? Will they perceive me as a 'high performer' who gets the required scores or as a 'low performer' with a 700 GMAT score?
Otherwise, I would have to keep retaking (and paying for) the test until those scores "happen to be" on the same day.

Thank you for clearing this out for me.

bb · Answer

Combining scores does not work. Scores matter for fairness and for rankings, not only for personal evaluation. So if Schools aggregate yours together from a few others, that won't be fair to someone who submits a single score. Schools do not do this. AdComs don't take multiple scores into consideration unless you got a strong score that was very lopsided which would cause questions but in this case, it is not really lopsided. So your options are to apply with ONE of your current scores or to RETAKE if you are below the average with 700.

Also, it looks like you got Q47 and V37 the first time and Q50 V34 the second time. You gained 3 points in Quant and lost 3 points in verbal. Sorry! I do have to say it is rather COMMON for people who focus on a specific area of improvement to improve there and to lose ground elsewhere. Very common! That emphasizes and reinforces the point that you have to refresh what you learn and that you can't take a very long time to prep as our brains forget the more subtle things.

Let's assume that the school would cobble your score together from 2 separate ones, the "new" combined score would be 720. Not that much higher than a 700... it is within the margin of error which happens to be around 30-40 points on the GMAT.

Hope it is helpful 😬
And welcome to GMAT Club!

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

The problem probably lies in top universities providing the GMAT scoring data of their current MBA class. A kind adcom committee may recognize your ability (across the two scores) but still weigh that against how it will statistically decrease their class average score on the website.

I think it is fair to say your second score is more competitive. I assume you are targeting INSEAD since you are referring to the percentiles. How did you do on the IR? In the second test?

I do think at least one top school out there is taking the best section scores from two different tests, though...

Hovkial · Answer

There is no scientific way in which to add up scores from two entirely different tests and no way to make sense of independent subsection scores. You simply cannot say that you are a 80+ percentiler on verbal and another 80+ percentiler on quant, even though your actual scores show otherwise.

A knowledgeable adjudicator would never do this because it violates testing principles and fairness considerations. Reputed PhD programs will not add up or average your scores as a rule. MBA programs may follow similar approaches.

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi martin1243,

Unfortunately, the combination of scores doesn't work. But the good thing is, you are capable of getting good score in both the sections. So, make sure to focus equally on both Quant and Verbal while preparing because it is common to neglect your stronger area while you focus on the weaker one. This time, make a proper study plan, dedicate good number of hours for both the modules and make sure you book the slot only when you get consistent scores in the mocks.

If you have any more queries or wish to have a detailed discussion on the study strategy, you can get in touch with me using the below link.

Click here to schedule a call

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi martin1243,

Although it would be great for you if it was possible, combining your top quant and verbal scores from your two exams is not something that will happen. However, it’s clear that you are capable of getting a high quant and high verbal score, so you just need to find a way to put it all together on one exam. If you decide to retake the GMAT and need some advice, feel free to reach out. Lastly, here is a helpful article:

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High individual scores on two seprate tests, low total scores

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