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06 Jan 2026, 23:38
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I am looking for some perspective on whether my GMAT Focus profile is strong enough for INSEAD, or whether a retake would be advisable.
I have taken the GMAT Focus twice.
Attempt 1: 675 overall, Verbal 89 (99th percentile), Quant 80, Data Insights 82.
Attempt 2: 695 overall, Verbal 80, Quant 89, Data Insights 84.
The verbal score in my second attempt is not reflective of my capabilities. My verbal practice scores are consistently in the 85 to 89 range, and during the second test I experienced some technical issues in the verbal section. My first attempt is a much better reflection of my verbal ability.
For context, I am a Canadian/Norwegian applicant, with a 93 percent GPA average across both my bachelor’s degree and MA in Economics, five years of work experience in foreign policy and tech consulting, and a leadership role in a small, internationally focused firm working with governments in developing nations.
My question is whether submitting both GMAT scores would support a strong candidacy at INSEAD, whether this profile would still be competitive for scholarships, or whether a retake would materially improve my chances on either front.
Any advice would be appreciated.
I have taken the GMAT Focus twice.
Attempt 1: 675 overall, Verbal 89 (99th percentile), Quant 80, Data Insights 82.
Attempt 2: 695 overall, Verbal 80, Quant 89, Data Insights 84.
The verbal score in my second attempt is not reflective of my capabilities. My verbal practice scores are consistently in the 85 to 89 range, and during the second test I experienced some technical issues in the verbal section. My first attempt is a much better reflection of my verbal ability.
For context, I am a Canadian/Norwegian applicant, with a 93 percent GPA average across both my bachelor’s degree and MA in Economics, five years of work experience in foreign policy and tech consulting, and a leadership role in a small, internationally focused firm working with governments in developing nations.
My question is whether submitting both GMAT scores would support a strong candidacy at INSEAD, whether this profile would still be competitive for scholarships, or whether a retake would materially improve my chances on either front.
Any advice would be appreciated.
07 Jan 2026, 11:29
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To provide a direct answer to your question: You should not retake the GMAT. A 695 GMAT Focus score is roughly equivalent to a 750 on the classic GMAT ($98^{th}$ percentile). At INSEAD, which has historically maintained an average of roughly 708–710 (classic), your 695 puts you comfortably in the top tier of their applicant pool.
Here is the strategic breakdown of how to handle your submission and your candidacy.
1. The "Two-Score" Strategy
You should absolutely report both scores. INSEAD is unique because they explicitly value balance across sections. They recommend a minimum of the $60^{th}$ percentile in Verbal ($80+$) and $66^{th}$ percentile in Quant/DI ($80+/77+$).
By submitting both, you provide a "super-score" effect:
A 695 GMAT Focus is an excellent score for scholarship consideration. However, INSEAD scholarships are rarely awarded on GMAT alone.
Your 93% GPA in an MA of Economics is arguably as important as your GMAT. It reinforces your Quantitative 89, proving that your math skills are not just a "test-day fluke" but a sustained academic strength. INSEAD’s primary fear with candidates is that they might struggle with the intense one-year pace; your MA in Economics effectively eliminates that concern.
Summary Table: How You Benchmark
Final Recommendation
Stop testing. Further attempts will offer marginal gains to your admission chances but may signal an obsession with testing rather than professional growth. Shift 100% of your energy toward your essays—specifically explaining the "why" behind your move from foreign policy to tech consulting, and how you will contribute to the INSEAD community.
Here is the strategic breakdown of how to handle your submission and your candidacy.
1. The "Two-Score" Strategy
You should absolutely report both scores. INSEAD is unique because they explicitly value balance across sections. They recommend a minimum of the $60^{th}$ percentile in Verbal ($80+$) and $66^{th}$ percentile in Quant/DI ($80+/77+$).
By submitting both, you provide a "super-score" effect:
- Attempt 1 proves you are an elite verbal communicator (V89 / $99^{th}$ percentile), which is vital for INSEAD’s heavy emphasis on group work and diverse perspectives.
- Attempt 2 proves your quantitative rigor (Q89 / $97^{th}$ percentile).
- The Result: You have effectively "checked the box" for excellence in every single section across your two sittings.
A 695 GMAT Focus is an excellent score for scholarship consideration. However, INSEAD scholarships are rarely awarded on GMAT alone.
- The Profile Advantage: Your dual nationality (Canadian/Norwegian) and work in foreign policy/developing nations are highly attractive to INSEAD. They look for "Global Citizens," and your background in tech consulting plus government advisory hits their "international motivation" pillar perfectly.
- Scholarship Tip: Focus your scholarship essays on the impact of your leadership in the small firm. At 695, your "academic merit" is already proven; the scholarship committee will now be looking for "leadership merit" and "diversity of thought."
Your 93% GPA in an MA of Economics is arguably as important as your GMAT. It reinforces your Quantitative 89, proving that your math skills are not just a "test-day fluke" but a sustained academic strength. INSEAD’s primary fear with candidates is that they might struggle with the intense one-year pace; your MA in Economics effectively eliminates that concern.
Summary Table: How You Benchmark
| Metric | Your Profile | INSEAD Expectation |
| Total Score | 695 ($98^{th}$%) | ~655+ ($91^{st}$%+) |
| Quant Score | 89 ($97^{th}$%) | 80+ ($60^{th}$%+) |
| Verbal Score | 89 ($99^{th}$%) | 80+ ($66^{th}$%+) |
| Experience | 5 Years (Foreign Policy/Consulting) | 5-6 Years (Average) |
| Education | MA Economics (93%) | High Academic Readiness |
Stop testing. Further attempts will offer marginal gains to your admission chances but may signal an obsession with testing rather than professional growth. Shift 100% of your energy toward your essays—specifically explaining the "why" behind your move from foreign policy to tech consulting, and how you will contribute to the INSEAD community.
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