Need advice on applying with 595

Question

Hi,

I gave my GMAT focus first attempt today and got a devastating 595.
This was very surprisisng as I have been getting 655 - 685 in my last mocks.

I was hoping to get a 700+ score to apply to top schools i.e Harvard (R2), Wharton (R2), Stanford (R2) and ISB (R3). All these have their deadlines in January.

In my mocks, quants I used to get a 85-87 score, DI i used to get 80-82 and verbal was consistenty 83.
I was very surprised to see Q78, DI78, V83 in my test today. I don't think this is a representative of my preparation or my scoring level.

I am looking for advice whether I should go ahead with applying R2 or take a re-attempt in a month or so and apply for R3.
Wharton and Stanford have R3 in April, so I have time for retake, if I opt to.

Since Harvard (R2) and ISB (R3) are final rounds for this cycle, will I still have a chance if I apply for any of my target schools with 595?

I have a strong profile i.e multiple leadership instances, ~3yrs experience at FAANG, copyrights, entreupreneurial ventures, strong recommendations from top manager, strong writing skills and essay content.

Appreciate any advice. Thank you!

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi gmat_prep_med,

I generally advise my students to avoid ISB R3, but I'd go ahead with it if I were you, as there really isn't much to lose here unless you don't want to apply as a reapplicant later. Maybe give it a shot (try to retake the GMAT as well if you can)?

gmat_prep_med · Answer

Hi AjiteshArun,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I do plan to retake GMAT in 4-6 weeks.
Is there any downside if schools see that you are a re-applicant?

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Consider writing a profile review. You could include your scoring info, the types of schools you're targeting, and any other queries you may have (e.g. regarding being a reapplicant).

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Do you mean if you do not get into round 3 this year and then reapply for round 1 the following year?

gmat_prep_med · Answer

Yes. Will it impact my application if I re-apply in R1 the following year if I get rejected in R2 of this cycle for Harvard or R3 for ISB?

AjiteshArun · Answer

There may be other opinions on this, but no, there's no downside as long as you can show that something has changed (GMAT, profile, stronger essays). Here's  what ISB says about this :

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