Wondering how to interpret the GMAT percentiles and GMAT scores? When you receive your GMAT score, you'll notice two significant numbers: the raw score and the percentile rank. To fully understand the implications of your score, it's essential to grasp the concept of GMAT percentile rankings. In this article, we will outline everything you need to know about GMAT percentile rankings and help you learn how to choose the right MBA program for you!
>>Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<
What Are GMAT Percentiles?
GMAT percentiles represent the percentage of test takers you outperformed. For instance, a 90th percentile means you scored better than 90% of all GMAT test takers in the past three years. It’s not a reflection of how many questions you got right, but of how well you did compared to others.
These rankings are dynamic and updated regularly. As more people take the exam, your percentile rank may shift even if your raw score remains the same.
Before we dive deeper into the discussion of what GMAT percentile you need to get into the best MBA programs, let’s review how the GMAT is scored so you have a better understanding of what you’re up against.
How the GMAT is Scored
The GMAT has a complex scoring system with multiple components, but here's a brief overview of how the GMAT is scored.
Total GMAT Score: 205 to 805
The Total Score on the GMAT Focus Edition, ranging from 205 to 805, is what most business schools and applicants refer to. It is calculated based on your performance across three equally weighted sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Tests mathematical problem-solving and logical reasoning.
- Verbal Reasoning: Assesses reading comprehension and critical reasoning skills.
- Data Insights: Evaluates your ability to interpret data from multiple sources, including charts, tables, and graphical information, and includes Data Sufficiency questions.
Unlike the previous version of the GMAT, all sections contribute equally to your final score, and each section is scored on a scale from 60 to 90.
The Total Score is not a direct sum or average of your section scores. Instead, it is calculated using a proprietary algorithm developed by GMAC, which takes into account your performance across all three sections.This total score is a key factor in MBA admissions decisions and directly influences your competitiveness, especially at selective programs. For more context, see our breakdown of MBA acceptance rates.
Total GMAT Score vs GMAT Percentiles
Both GMAT percentiles and total scores play distinct roles in MBA admissions. The total GMAT score, now ranging from 205 to 805 in the GMAT Focus Edition, is based on your performance in the Verbal, Quantitative, and Data Insights sections. This is the score most admissions committees evaluate first.
While the total score gives a snapshot of your performance, the percentile rank shows how you compare to other test takers over the past three years. For instance, a 645 might place you in the 90th percentile one year and the 88th the next, depending on overall test-taker performance. That’s why percentiles offer essential context, helping schools assess how competitive your score is in a given applicant pool or even guide scholarship decisions.
What is a Good GMAT Score?
Whether you have already received your score or just preparing to take the test, you should be aware of the possible GMAT percentiles and what percentile you should aim for to be a competitive MBA candidate.
Top-Tier Scores (90th percentile and above): Scoring in the 90th percentile or above places you in an elite group of test takers. Best MBA programs in Canada and the US have average GMAT scores in this range, so such scores are often seen as competitive for these institutions.
Mid-Tier Scores (50th to 89th percentile): Scoring in this range still places you above many test takers. While you might not be in the uppermost echelon, many reputable business schools accept students with scores in this range.
Lower-Tier Scores (Below the 50th percentile): Some of the easiest MBA programs to get into in the world would still consider these scores for admission. Remember that there are even MBA programs that do not require the GMAT and many great online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements, so you do have options. However, if your score is below the median, you might consider retaking the test if you're targeting programs that have average scores above yours.
Keep in mind that while percentiles help you understand your relative performance, many schools also publish average scores for admitted students. Here’s how to interpret those numbers and how they apply to the GMAT Focus Edition.
Understanding GMAT Scores in MBA Admissions
MBA programs vary widely in how they interpret GMAT scores. While top-ranked business schools tend to attract applicants with high percentile scores, many excellent programs welcome candidates with a broader range of scores, especially when applicants bring strong professional experience, leadership potential, or academic excellence to the table.
It’s common for competitive MBA programs to publish the average GMAT score or the middle 80% score range of their incoming class. This gives applicants a rough sense of where they stand. However, keep in mind that many of these published scores still reflect the old GMAT (200–800). As the GMAT Focus Edition becomes the standard, some schools may be slower to publish updated Focus Edition averages.
Rather than fixating on raw numbers, use your percentile ranking as the primary benchmark when comparing yourself to admitted applicants. A percentile in the 90s may be expected at highly selective institutions, but many strong regional, part-time, or online MBA programs admit applicants across a much wider percentile range.
If your GMAT Focus score falls below the average range of your dream school, it doesn’t mean you're out of the running. Schools assess your profile holistically, and a powerful combination of work experience, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and strong essays can outweigh a moderate test score. Conversely, if your GMAT score is a major strength, it can help bolster your candidacy even if other elements of your application are less competitive.
Ultimately, the best approach is to research each school individually, review their class profiles, and, when in doubt, contact the admissions office for the most current expectations surrounding the GMAT Focus Edition.
Working on your MBA resume?
How to Convert GMAT Total Score to GMAT Percentiles
Use this chart to convert your Total GMAT score to the GMAT percentile. Keep in mind that this is based on the late scores, and the GMAT percentiles can change depending on each test-taking pool.
Should You Retake the GMAT?
While the GMAT score is a critical component of the MBA application process, it's essential not to get too fixated on it. A high percentile rank is undoubtedly an asset, but it doesn't guarantee admission. Conversely, a lower percentile rank isn't a definitive barrier.
When evaluating your GMAT percentile, look at the average scores for the schools you're targeting to see how competitive your score is. Consider taking the GMAT again ONLY if you believe you can improve. Keep in mind that you will need to restructure your GMAT prep completely! Because if it did not work the first time, it will not work again. You will not get better results with the same GMAT prep strategy.
If you do not want to retake the GMAT, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application. Most importantly, make sure that your MBA resume outlines really strong work experience. This can really offset a weaker GMAT score. Additionally, make sure to put 100% into your MBA admissions essays like the MBA statement of purpose or the MBA video essay. You can demonstrate your work experience and extracurriculars in the essays.
At the same time, focus on gaining quality experiences via your MBA extracurriculars because MBA admissions officers value more than just your professional skills, they also love well-rounded applicants.
FAQs
1. What are GMAT percentiles?
Along with raw scores, your GMAT score report will also provide GMAT percentile rankings that indicate the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you over the past three years.
2. What is a good GMAT percentile? What is a good GMAT score?
A good GMAT score is in the 90th GMAT percentile. At the moment, this means a raw score of 710-800.
3. How are GMAT percentiles used in admissions?
Most programs simply look at your Total GMAT score, but GMAT percentiles allow admissions officers to see how you did in comparison with others. This can be used to award scholarships, for example.
4. How can I convert a raw score to a Total score or percentile?
It is not easy. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) uses complex formulas to convert these. Please refer to the table above to convert your Total score to GMAT percentiles.
5. Can I skip GMAT questions and leave them unanswered if I do not know the answer?
Not answering a question harms your score more than answering and getting it wrong. Hence, it's advised not to leave questions unanswered.
6. How do I submit my GMAT score to schools?
After your test, you'll be given the option to accept or cancel your scores. If you accept them, the scores are sent to schools and become a permanent part of your GMAT record. If you cancel them, they won't be sent to schools and you can retake the test.
7. Can I retake the GMAT?
If you're unsatisfied with your performance, you can retake the GMAT. However, you can't take it more than five times within 12 months.
Like our blog? Write for us! >>
Have a question? Ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer!
Comments