Dismal IR score necessitates a GMAT retake?

[rishu21]

Hi,
I got 740 on the GMAT (q49, v41) with a score of 5 in AWA and an inexplicably low score of 2 in IR.

I am applying for fall 2013 and the deadlines are not very far. I am not sure whether I should retake the GMAT and avoid any possible damage that the IR score can do to my application.

The dilemma is that retaking GMAT takes a precious 3 weeks of time away from my application, but, I also do not want to be rejected because of IR. I am an undergraduate degree in engineering from a prominent institute, a FRM charter holder, and a CFA Level 3 candidate. Calculations and charts were never a problem, but this IR score needs to be blanketed somehow. I have 3 years of work experience in data analytics with one of the big 4, post which I switched my career to financial services and joined a Hedge Fund as an analyst. I have a year's experience there.

What is the exact skill set that is depicted by the IR section, and, if you do not recommend a retake of GMAT, then what are the possible things that can substantiate this skill set in my application?

My target schools are Kellogg and Booth.

Best,
Rishu

P.S.: My community involvement is zilch and that I think will be more prominent in getting me rejected than the IR. Is there any way to make up for that on the application?

[Jon@Admissionado]

A 2!
Ouch.
That hurts.
And you ask a tough question, cause you have such an amazing score.
The thing is with the new IR is that schools don't yet know exactly how to evaluate it. The main score remains more important as it still influences rankings and it is what they report. But a 2 is sure to stand out.

Now, I won't pretend it won't affect your score, but my gut says (and to advise here better I would have to know your entire situation personal and professional), but my gut says, just go with the score you have. Apply now, because it seems to be the right time for you. And worst comes to worst, if you don't get into the schools you want, or only get into a school on the lower end of your range, you can make your decisions later. But you have everything to gain by applying now (although of course dealing with your two issues).

As for what to use to show the skill-set, actually you probably use Ir every day of your life... it's basically sifting and prioritizing info... something which for example large projects will have you do all the time...

Community Involvement - The best thing here at this point in time is probably to take what you do have and squeeze every last drop out of it.

hope this helps...

[rishu21]

Thanks so much Jon.

From what I understood, the score of 2 will definitely draw their attention, but they might overlook it if the other aspects of the application are strong.

My biggest concern is this - is it possible that they reject the applicant based primarily on the IR score, especially when its way below average? My gut says no, but my head always contradicts.

Also, if I happen to finish my application by second week of December and retake GMAT towards the end of December, then, given that AWA and IR scores will arrive after R2 deadlines have passed, will they still consider my new scores?

Thanks again!

[Jon@Admissionado]

Thanks so much Jon.

From what I understood, the score of 2 will definitely draw their attention, but they might overlook it if the other aspects of the application are strong.

My biggest concern is this - is it possible that they reject the applicant based primarily on the IR score, especially when its way below average? My gut says no, but my head always contradicts.

Also, if I happen to finish my application by second week of December and retake GMAT towards the end of December, then, given that AWA and IR scores will arrive after R2 deadlines have passed, will they still consider my new scores?

Thanks again!

Well, more or less. It's not that they will "overlook" it, you will need to TAKE ACTION to prove that this was a fluke. And no, they won't reject you ONLY on your IR score. But you know it's a combination of things. The danger is not being rejected because of one low score, but rather if they have three candidates that they are deciding between and the other two have IRs of 5... that's where you can have issues. So disadvantage, yes. Insurmountable, no.

At this point though, there is no point in worrying. You will apply and you just have to think how you can show that you DO inf act have those IR skills.

For your last question, for the most part from what I have seen, schools will not accept scores taken after the deadline, but I have seen once or twice that they have (actually not for the GMAT but for the TOEFL). You will have to ask on a school by school basis.

but anyways, I would suggest NOT taking the GMAT until after deadlines. If you think you want to retake, what you can do is retake a few weeks AFTER deadlines but before notification and if you get a better score write a letter saying "Okay I know you don't have to accept my new score, but I wanted you to know I did much better"... You can try that if you have the time and believe you would get a better score, although it is a great deal of effort.