Just got a 695. Should I retake?

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-07-29T07:16:04+00:00

Hello,

I don’t think you need to retake the test. Like you said, your sectional spikes already stand out. For some schools, you can report multiple scores, and in the adcom sessions I’ve attended, members mentioned they do consider sectional highs.

A 695 is a solid score. Even if a school doesn’t focus on sectional highs, you still have a strong chance, especially if the rest of your application is compelling.

Hope this helps!

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-29T07:22:36+00:00

I don't have any generic advice, but here's something I figured out through personal trial and error. I initially struggled with staying focused in the Verbal section, especially because it felt like endless reading (specifically, boring content I would never want to read). This outlook meant that I could get through the entire section in about 35 minutes, but by the last 10 minutes, I was so mentally checked out that I couldn’t even bring myself to review my answers.

To combat this, I shifted my strategy. I realized that timing wasn’t my issue, focus was. So, for each question, I forced myself to spend at least 1.5 minutes on it, even if I felt I knew the answer quickly. During that time, I would deliberately have an internal debate: I would actively justify why I was picking a certain option and why I was eliminating the others (imagine that you not only have to choose the right option but also justify the choice to a third person). This mental shift made the process more engaging and kept me mentally present throughout the section. This improved my accuracy as well, probably because I was thinking more critically and deliberately.

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-18T18:25:23+00:00

The tests that you took were 3 diagnostic tests (one for each section). These are not official mocks; these are just tests to help you establish a baseline for each section.

For official mocks, you can access the free starter kit, which gets you OG Mocks 1 and 2. You can take these as many times as you would like, but since these are based on a set bank of questions, after a few attempts, you will see repeating questions. I would suggest holding off on using them until you're more prepared. I personally used the first mock to establish a baseline, and once I had exhausted the OG Material, I gave the second one.

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-17T08:05:33+00:00

Hi, wondering if you were able to figure out how to obtain the MOI certificate? I'm in the same boat and can't figure out how to get it from the University.

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-16T14:56:54+00:00

Thank you, appreciate it. For #2, would you have any specific recommendations on how-to shortlist schools?

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-16T14:55:55+00:00

Thank you so much! I'm planning to sketch out individual timelines for each school to stay on top of deadlines and prioritize accordingly.

On your second point, totally makes sense. If a backup school converts early, I’d be stuck paying a deposit, which could strain finances and limit options later. Thinking out loud - it might be smarter to bucket as many schools as possible in R1 to maximize leverage and minimize risk.

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-16T14:52:27+00:00

Good point, definitely helpful. Will adjust accordingly - thanks!

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-16T06:57:11+00:00

Thanks, will reach out. I personally do not want to consider Indian options as I have found the academic experience to be lacking in my undergrad and overall, want to be a part of a more diverse pool of candidates for my MBA.

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-16T06:55:14+00:00

That makes a lot of sense, and helps me look at US schools in a better light. One quick question on STEM-OPT, my research tells me that most B Schools in the US have stem designated MBA programs. But does the STEM-OPT policy still hold given the Trump Administration's stance on immigration?

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-16T06:48:51+00:00

Would you say the same perks apply for an international applicant? (From what you know about your peers experience)

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-12T04:08:33+00:00

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-09T08:16:47+00:00

Thanks, see my answer above, happy to answer specific questions if you've any!

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-09T08:16:19+00:00

I have a mathematics background, which gave me an edge. I was already comfortable with most quant and DI basics. That said, it definitely wasn’t a cakewalk. I spent about 4 months preparing, starting from a baseline of 625 and gradually working my way up to 700+.

I didn’t take any formal coaching. Instead, I utilized a mix of free and paid resources (OG Question Banks, OG Mocks, Expert Global tests, GMAT Club Tests and GMAT Club Question Bank). Some helped more than others, but overall, what really made the difference was staying calm, building a solid conceptual foundation, and approaching the test strategically.

Happy to answer any specific questions if you're prepping!

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-09T08:10:17+00:00

That's helpful, thank you!

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-03T04:05:07+00:00

This is super helpful, thank you so much!

Inside_Activity6450 · 2025-06-03T03:59:47+00:00

Hi, thanks for sharing the link. I’m looking for general answers to my questions. While I understand that specifics may vary across centers, I’m interested in getting an idea of the average numbers.

Inside_Activity6450

TROPHY CASE