Should I retake GMAT (overall 750 with extremely low IR)?

[Hanyuanl890]

Hi guys, I just took the exam a week ago. The score was alright 750(q49, v52), however ir and awa scores were embarrassing (ir2, awa4) because of lack of practice.

Do this two components matter so much that I should retake the exam?

[Istudy4Gmat]

According to the Manhattan guides, every score of 4 or more on the AWA is fine. You shouldn't be too concerned with your AWA score since it only draws the attention of admission officers if it is extremely low (below 4).

The Manhattan guides also state that most top schools currently don't bother with IR scores since b-schools have not enough academic performances to compare these IR scores with. However, it might be the case that b-schools consider IR scores more important in the future once the IR section is taken by enough of their students such that they have a base reference to compare these IR scores with. In summary, if you want to apply for a business school in the nearby future, I wouldn't bother the low IR scores either.

If I had a GMAT score of 750, I certainly would not retake the exam... :)

[StaceyKoprince]

750 is really fantastic! Congratulations.

The AWA score is high enough.

The IR score may raise some eyebrows. What we have heard so far this year is that schools are either still not using IR or considering only the highest and lowest scores. In the latter case, they consider a 7 or 8 to be a "plus" for the application...and they consider a 1 or 2 to be a "minus."

I don't know which schools are considering IR scores and which are ignoring them, but this is some cause for concern.

I'd recommend talking to an admissions consultant to see what they advise. They'll also be able to take into account other details, such as your work and education history.

MBA Mission offers a free half-hour phone consultatation - go sign up for it. Also, we'd appreciate it if you let us know what you hear!