Integrated Reasoning - How is it scored?

Question

Hello,

I just took the GMAT in July and received a total score of 550. I prepared a lot for the GMAT so I'm satisfied with this performance.
Nevertheless, I am very curious as to how the Integrated Reasoning section is scored because I received a score of 1/0% on IR!
This is the worst possible performance on the IR section right?
If so, then I am honestly very shocked because during IR I thought I did extremely well on the first 8 to 9 questions. I was confident that I found exactly the correct answers for these first 8 or 9 questions. However, I did have to guess on the last 3 to 4 questions because they were too difficult for me given the time pressure. Nevertheless, I answered every question on the whole GMAT.
I would be very grateful if someone could offer some insight as to why my IR score is so low.
How is IR scored? Can a poor performance in several questions drastically reduce the total IR score?
Furthermore, would it be embarrassing to send my Official GMAT Score Report of 550 to good universities that I may want to apply to? Or is my total score of 550 quite good anyways?

Thank you.

getsunny · Answer

Hi nastynati,

Firstly, I don't think you should be worrying about your IR score. IR is not a matter of concern for the universities at the moment, and will not be for at least the next 2-3 years.

Secondly, if you can improve your quant and verbal skills, then your IR will improve automatically. Don't forget that IR is just a mix of quants and verbal.

Now in terms of your GMAT score, I think you need to figure out what are the average GMAT scores required by the universities of your choice. Only then can you decide on whether to send your scores or not. And once you figure out what score you need to get into the universities of your choice, you can think about retaking the exam and preparing for it accordingly?

I can provide better guidance if you can tell me more about the following:

1) What colleges are your targeting?

2) How long did you prepare for GMAT?

3) What resources did you use for your preparation?

4) Your scores on each of the mocks that you gave (Total and sectional split as well)

GMATPill · Answer

Hi nastynati, The IR is scored out of 8. You only get credit for a question if you get all parts of that question correct (all radio buttons, drop downs, etc). Yes, 0%ile would be the worst you can get. Tricky thing about IR -- is stupid mistakes. You need to be extra careful -- because even if you are sure most of what you did is correct -- if you misread one piece -- you get no credit. For more info on how IR is scored and to get more practice questions (difficult level) - go to: www.gmatpill.com/gmat-practice-test/gma ... reasoning/ Sorry to say, but 550 won't stand out at top universities. You may need some extra help.

Integrated Reasoning - How is it scored?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards