Question regarding bad IR score

[san_srivastava01]

Hi

I just gave my GMAT (first attempt) 2 days back and got a good score (760, Q-50, V-44).
However, I think I messed up the IR section. I remember answering only 4 questions confidently and all other were guesses. IR Questions were not difficult, but I was not able to focus properly (not going into details). So now I have 2 questions -

1) How much a bad IR score may hurt my chances? Can a good overall GMAT score compensate for a bad IR score?
2) I timed out on AWA section. I completed the AWA section, hit "˜Next’ and got to the screen where it asks "Are you sure...". My time was over before I could hit "˜OK’ button. My question is - whether GMAC is going to consider my AWA section completed? If not, then what might be the penalty?

I know I may be thinking too much and I should just wait for my official score card. But thought I will check with experts while I wait for the score card.

My profile - M/37/ Targeting executive MBA in 2014

[StaceyKoprince]

Nice job! 760 is amazing!

Second question first: your essay was accepted in full. If you time out at any point, they accept whatever was sitting there when the timer ran out.

First question: The schools did not use IR last year (the first year the section existed). Nobody knows yet whether they will start to use IR this year, but we do know that Q and V will still be more important for at least several years to come because the schools have much more data about Q and V. They know how to assess it in their admissions process.

Exec MBA programs usually have *lower* score requirements than "regular" MBA programs. (For a simple reason: exec MBAs usually have older students, and older students - on average - don't do as well on standardized tests. Plus, you have a lot more real-world experience than the standard MBA, and that's what the schools really care about.)

So I really think you're fine (great, actually). Wait to see what you get, but with a 760... I really wouldn't worry about it. You can also ask the schools directly whether they're using IR and, if so, what kind of score they'd like to see.

[san_srivastava01]

Stacey

Thanks for your reply.

I just got my official score. I got 5 in AWA and 2 in IR.
I was mentally prepared to see 4-5 in IR, but 2 is way too low.

My GMAT score is totally in line with my GMAC mock test scores; however my IR score dropped considerably. Should I take another shot at GMAT? I am sure I can improve my IR score, however I am not sure whether I will be able to cross 760 in the next attempt.

I called up couple of schools (before I received my official score)to check their IR requirements but did not get any straight response.

Any suggestion is highly appreciated

[StaceyKoprince]

Hmm, that's a tough one. I would try talking to some admissions consultants to find out whether they've heard anything from admissions officers. They may have an idea of whether the schools plan to start using those scores this year - or whether they're going to mostly ignore them, as they did last year.

Chances are, though, that the schools haven't even really decide themselves.

If you do decide to take the test again and get a higher IR score but a lower overall score, I would still use the 760 as the main score on your application. (The applications typically ask you to list your "best" score.) Of course, if you get a 750 next time plus a 6 in IR, then use the 750. But if it drops to lower 700s or something, then use the 760.

The nice news is, there's really no pressure to maintain the 760. You've gotten it once and that score is locked in now. You wouldn't want to drop to a 600 or something, but you wouldn't drop that far anyway. :)

If it were me... I'd probably go ahead and study for IR and take it again, just in case - but I'd be looking just to break 700 on the main part of the test. (I'd still try my best of course!)

Let me know if you hear anything useful from the admissions consultants.