Score of 640... bombed IR

[lrpeterson5]

So I got a 640 - but bombed the IR section. Like actually bombed it - 0%. I am pretty much just in between two schools - the U of Minnesota and St. Thomas - and am not looking at any other schools. St. Thomas's average GMAT score is in the mid-high 500's, I believe. Do you think I would still get into St. Thomas with my above-average score but terrible IR score...or would it be questionable?

I realize that I would probably have to re-take the test to have a shot at the U of MN, as I am on the lower end of their GMAT scores (Their average score is around 690). I feel like I'll probably re-take it either way, because I'd prefer to go to the U. However, I'd like to feel comfortable that I'd at least get into St. Thomas with this score. What do you think?

Another concern - my verbal and quant scores put me in the 93rd and 38th percentiles, respectively. How much would that contrast hurt my chances? What are schools' views on that stuff?

[mbamissionjenK]

Hi there,

Hmmm, tough situation. While the IR still isn't playing a huge role, you never want to give the admissions committee a reason to reject you in favor of another applicant if you are being compared with a similar candidate who doesn't have a weakness like a 0 on the IR.

I would suggest a re-take generally, especially if interested in Minnesota, and keep in mind schools look at the highest score, and it's fairly common to re-take, so you might as well give it a shot.

Also they do look at quant vs verbal breakdown and a 38th percentile in quant would be concerning... b-school is so quantitative in nature, they use the GMAT to predict your success in the program and that could raise a flag.

You may still have a shot at St Thomas currently with excellent essays, but it sounds like there are a lot of reasons to consider a re-take with some intensive Quant practice & help. Good luck to you!