IMPORTANCE OF INTEGRATED REASONING - UNDER OR OVERESTIMATED?

Question

Hi !

Im taking the GMAT on Jan 15th. I would like to know how seriously must I approach IR , considering that I wish to score above 600 overall? Up until now I haven't paid any attention to IR , infact I have completely ignored this section...thinking to approach the IR section as it comes as this section isn't one of the main areas that will attract an MBA recruiter's attention.

I'd like to know what do you suggest ? Im looking for an average score of the IR , esp. as I dont have time now to prepare for the section. Would it be okay to go ahead without spending time on IR or not ?

tstrogov85 · Answer

Based on what I've heard from experts, you should do "good enough" but don't bomb it. Like - aim for a 4 or 5. Getting a solid 8 at the expense of the rest of the exam is not worth it. Save your energy for the quant and verbal.

KarishmaB · Answer

You must know the format of the IR questions beforehand else you will waste time in trying to understand it. Also, you must practice a few questions of each type. Basically, give it a few hours so that you are not clueless in the test. A score of 5 would be reasonable. Check out my blog for posts on IR.

mba1010 · Answer

What are the most commonly seen IR questions?

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GMATPill · Answer

The priority should be your overall 800 score. That said, familiarize yourself with IR since it is the section that comes before the all-important Verbal and Quant sections. If you get frustrated in this section, it can affect you emotionally on the next two parts of the exam - which matter more.

The most common IR questions are two-part analysis (TPA) - typically 4 questions.
Then you'll see Multi-source Reasoning (MSR) - typically 3.
Graphics Interpretation (GI) - typically 3
Table Analysis - typically 2.

Here's more information about the IR section in the  IR Practice Pill

KarishmaB · Answer

Here are some links to my posts on IR question types: https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/10 ... he-tables/ https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/10 ... he-graphs/ https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/10 ... reasoning/ https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/10 ... questions/ https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/11 ... reasoning/ https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/veritas-prep-resource-links-no-longer-available-399979.html#/2013/11 ... ve-graphs/

JackDaniels · Answer

It's true that the IR section is not as important as Quant and Verbal, but a lot of messages on the internet that understate IR date from a time when IR was recently introduced. 
Keep in mind that adcoms are looking for well-rounded, intelligent people. What looks better?

A) 720 (Q 50 , V 37) - IR 3 
B) 700 (Q 48, V 38) - IR 7

The second seems more balanced if you ask me ...

Pottsmi1 · Answer

Bump, this is an interesting topic. Do you think an 8 would be worth anything?

puneetj88 · Answer

i have scores 660 v30 q49 ir5 and 710 v35 q 50 ir 1, which score should i prefer sending to colleges for my applications??

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi puneetj88,

Many Business Schools have publicly stated that they do NOT consider an applicant's IR score when assessing applications. As such, the 710/Q50 is almost certainly the GMAT score that you should be sending as part of your application(s).

However, if you have concerns about how an IR1 would be interpreted, then you should contact each School directly and ask.

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

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