GMAT FE - First attempt score

Question

Gave my 1st attempt at GMAT FE and scored 655. Tanked the score in DI (71 percentile whereas Q90 and V83).
Not able to gauge if it is a good score as I was targeting 700+. What colleges can I target with this score and can I get into Melbourne or Sydney business school with GMAT FE 655?

I have 3.25 yrs of work experience at a Big 4 firm (Deloitte USI), scored 10 CGPA in CBSE 10th, 96.2% in CBSE 12th, 9.081 CGPA in Bachelors of commerce (Hons.) from University of Delhi. Was a stream topper in class 11th and 12th and got an accelerated promotion while working.

Also confused if I should take a re-attempt?

dotsoftme · Answer

Your GMAT FE 655 (90th percentile) is a highly competitive score. Your Quant (Q90) and academic/professional background (Big 4, 9.081 CGPA) are absolutely stellar and will impress admissions committees.

Melbourne/Sydney: Yes, you are a strong candidate for Sydney Business School and a competitive candidate for Melbourne Business School. Your profile strength easily mitigates a score that might be slightly below Melbourne's highest average.

Re-Attempt Recommendation
I strongly recommend a re-attempt.

Your target was 700+, and you have a clear, high-leverage opportunity to reach it:

Your Data Insights (DI) score (71st percentile) is the only weak link.

Focusing just on improving DI from 87 to 89-90 could easily boost your overall score to 685-695 (95th+ percentile).

A 695 would make you an unquestionable top-tier candidate for virtually any program in Australia and globally.

Next Step: I'd suggest dedicating 3-4 weeks solely to intensive DI practice and then retaking the exam!

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hi achieveratheart , You definitely stand a chance at your target schools but that chance will only go up with an improved score. As you were scoring higher on the mocks and this was only your first attempt, we strongly recommend that you retake the test. You can take a free, full-length GMAT-like mock test: https://www.expertsglobal.com/free-gmat-practice-test for additional practice. All the best! Experts' Global

pintukr · Answer

A GMAT score of 655 (90th percentile) is indeed competitive score. Need to leverage your profile when you submit the applications. All the Best.

TheRedPen · Answer

Hi achieveratheart A 655 GMAT Focus with your profile is a strong starting point. Given your academics (top school marks, 9+ CGPA at Delhi University), Big 4 experience with accelerated promotion, and a clear business background, you are already competitive for a number of well-ranked global programs. Your lower DI percentile doesn’t undermine your candidacy because your academic record already demonstrates analytical ability. With this profile, you can target reputable options in Australia, such as Melbourne Business School and University of Sydney Business School, and you would also be competitive for strong international programs in Europe and Asia. A retake only makes sense if: You are confident you can lift your score meaningfully (ideally 690+), And it won’t delay your application timeline. If you can realistically push into the 690–710 range, it would expand your options into more competitive schools. If not, a well-positioned application with a 655 can still convert at strong programs, especially with your academic consistency and professional results. If you’d like, we can map out a school list and identify whether a retake will significantly change your outcomes — feel free to book an appointment . You can also contact us directly at team.mba@theredpen.com or +91-7780769732.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hey  achieveratheart . You've got good strengths in your profile: ~ 3.25 years at a Big 4 (Deloitte USI), high performance in all major stages (10th, 12th, undergrad), early promotion, which suggests professional growth, and leadership potential and work experience that meet most international MBA programs. These help balance a moderately low test score. Many schools look holistically. A GMAT FE score of 655(~700 CLASSIC) can be a good score, with a compelling application (outstanding essays, strong leadership story, exceptional recommendations, and possibly unique profile traits).

655 GMAT FE can be much more competitive for Sydney than for MBS. Given your profile, you could stand a decent chance, especially if your application story, work experience and career goals align well. If you want to increase your chances substantially at MBS, a retake would be better. A higher score reduces risk and improves negotiating power. You can also explore other schools where a 655 GMAT FE can be competitive, and build your “safety/moderate reach” list.

Good luck!

GMAT FE - First attempt score

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