What is a good GMAT score? A good GMAT score is typically 625 or above, placing you in the 80th percentile or higher, making you competitive for many business schools. For top-tier programs like the M7 MBA, aim for a score of 675 or more, which puts you in the impossible-to-ignore 95th percentile range. In this blog, we’ll discuss how GMAT scores are calculated, break down the test’s sections, and provide tips to help you get the ROI you need from your MBA application.
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What Is a Good GMAT Score?
The Graduate Management Admission Council recently published a breakdown of GMAT Focus Edition scores to help you assess your test scores for the current GMAT and the previous 10th Edition results:
- Exceptional GMAT Total Scores: 655 or higher (91st percentile or above, ideal for top-tier programs like Harvard Business School).
- Above-Average GMAT Total Scores: 625 to 645 (80th to 89th percentile, competitive for many schools like some of the best MBA programs in the US and the best MBA programs in Canada).
- Average GMAT Total Scores: 565-615 (52nd to 78th percentile, sufficient for less competitive programs and the easiest MBA programs to get into).
How is the GMAT Scored?
The GMAT Focus Edition is scored on a total score range of 205 to 805, derived from your performance across three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is scored on a scale of 60 to 90, and your total score is a composite of these individual section scores.
Additionally, your score includes GMAT percentile rankings, which indicate how your performance compares to other test-takers. For example, a total score of 705 corresponds to the 98th percentile, making it highly competitive for top-tier programs.
GMAT Score Report: What You Need to Know
Your official GMAT Score Report provides a detailed analysis of your performance, making it an invaluable tool for understanding your strengths and areas for improvement. Available in your mba.com account within 3 days of completing your exam, the report includes much more than just your total and section scores.
One of the major benefits of the current GMAT edition is that you only send scores to schools after you’ve reviewed your results. This eliminates the need to cancel scores since programs cannot access your score unless you choose to share it. However, once a score is sent to a school, it cannot be retracted.
By leveraging the detailed insights in your GMAT Score Report, MBA acceptance rates, and MBA rankings, you can strategically plan your next steps, whether retaking the exam or refining your application approach.
GMAT Score Report Insights
- Detailed Score Breakdown: Access your total score, section scores, and percentile rankings for a complete performance summary.
- Knowledge Area Insights: Review your performance in specific topics and question types to identify strengths and areas for growth.
- Pacing Analysis: Evaluate your time management compared to expected averages, including data on review activity and answer changes.
- Competitiveness Metrics: Compare your percentile rankings with those of other applicants to the same programs over the past five years.
- Program Comparisons: Understand how your scores stack up against others who sent their results to your target schools.
- Section Performance Highlights: Get detailed performance insights for Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Data Insights to pinpoint areas needing improvement.
- Time Management Trends: Analyze your pacing, time spent on questions, and adjustments made during the test for actionable improvements.
- Comprehensive Summary: Leverage clear charts and visuals to better understand your competitiveness and test-taking strategy.
What is a Good GMAT Score?: GMAT Sections and Scores
The GMAT Focus Edition has been redesigned with three core sections that test essential skills for business school success: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. This streamlined format makes the exam more focused and allows test-takers to concentrate on the areas that matter most to MBA programs.
Key changes in the current GMAT edition include the removal of the Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), a reduced test length of 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the introduction of the Data Insights section, which combines elements of Integrated Reasoning and Quantitative reasoning. The format also allows test-takers to revisit and modify up to three answers per section, providing added flexibility.
Quantitative Reasoning
In the Quantitative Reasoning section, the average score is 78. A strong score falls around 80, which places you in the 66th percentile, while an exceptional score of 85 or higher lands you in the top 12%.
Verbal Reasoning
In the Verbal Reasoning section, the average score is 79. A score of 80 is competitive, putting you in the 60th percentile, while a score of 85 or higher demonstrates top-tier verbal skills in the 96th percentile.
Data Insights
In this section, the average score is 74. A score of 80 puts you in the 86th percentile, making it a strong performance, while a score of 85 or above ranks you among the top 2% of test-takers.
Get a head start on your MBA resume with these expert tips!
How to Get the Best GMAT Score for Your Goals
To stand out, aim for a total GMAT score that meets or exceeds the averages of your target MBA programs. For instance, if a program's average total score is 635, targeting 645 or above can give you a competitive edge. Here’s how to strategically prepare for GMAT success:
Set a Target GMAT Score
Start by researching the total score averages for your desired schools. Many competitive programs look for total scores in the 615 to 675 range. If you are applying to a highly prestigious and competitive school, like Kellogg Business School or Stanford Business School, pay very close attention to the median GMAT score of the most recently admitted class and aim for a score that, at a minimum, meets that number but ideally, exceeds it.
Create a GMAT Study Plan
A well-structured study plan aligned with your GMAT test date is your roadmap to success. Allocate at least 2 to 3 months to your GMAT prep, depending on your baseline skills and availability. Begin with a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses, then distribute your study time strategically across sections. For example, if Data Insights is your weak point, devote additional time to interpreting graphs and multi-source reasoning.
Regularly doing GMAT sample questions improves familiarity with question types, sharpens problem-solving skills, enhances time management, builds test-taking stamina, and boosts your confidence for exam day.
Use GMAT Study Resources
The right materials can make a significant difference in your preparation. The GMAT Official Guides include high-quality, representative questions, but they lack individualized support or guidance—this is where a GMAT tutor can help by tailoring strategies to your strengths and weaknesses, providing personalized feedback, and keeping you accountable throughout your study journey.
Build Section-Specific Skills
Each GMAT section assesses specific skills essential for business school success, and mastering them requires targeted preparation. By honing specific strategies and practicing purposefully, you will build the skills needed to get good scores across all areas of the test.
Quantitative Reasoning Study Tips
To excel in Quantitative Reasoning, focus on strengthening foundational math skills, including algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and basic statistics. These topics form the core of the section, so ensure you’re comfortable solving equations, working with ratios and percentages, and interpreting geometric shapes.
Pay special attention to data sufficiency questions, a unique GMAT question type where you determine if the information provided is sufficient to solve a problem rather than solving it directly. Practice breaking down problems to identify what’s being asked and eliminate unnecessary calculations.
Review error patterns to identify weak areas, such as trouble with fractions or word problems, and allocate extra study time to those topics.
Verbal Reasoning Study Tips
The Verbal Reasoning section requires strong critical reading and analytical skills. Start by practicing reading comprehension, focusing on identifying the main ideas, tone, and purpose of passages. Aim to summarize paragraphs in a few words to test your understanding.
For critical reasoning, learn to analyze argument structures, identify assumptions, and evaluate the strength of evidence presented. Familiarize yourself with common logical flaws, such as causation vs. correlation, and practice spotting them in arguments.
In sentence correction, focus on grammar rules like subject-verb agreement, parallelism, modifiers, and idiomatic expressions.
Develop a systematic approach for eliminating wrong answer choices and practice improving speed and accuracy under timed conditions.
Data Insights Study Tips
The Data Insights section combines quantitative and reasoning skills, requiring you to interpret and analyze complex datasets like graphs, tables, and charts. Practice data visualization interpretation, focusing on understanding trends, outliers, and relationships. Multi-source reasoning questions require synthesizing information from multiple formats (e.g., a chart and a paragraph) to draw logical conclusions.
To prepare effectively, work on breaking down multi-step problems into manageable parts. Pay attention to time management, as these questions often involve multiple steps. Use practice tests to identify common pitfalls, such as misinterpreting graph scales or overlooking key details in a table. To boost confidence, familiarize yourself with tools like calculators provided during this section, ensuring you know when and how to use them efficiently.
Manage Test-Day Stress
A calm and prepared mindset can significantly enhance your GMAT performance, whether you’re taking the test virtually or at a testing center.
If you’re testing online, ensure your internet connection and device are reliable, and arrange backups if possible. Set up in the quietest place in your home, inform others not to disturb you, and have all necessary materials—writing tools, whiteboard or paper, water, snacks, or glasses—within reach to avoid unnecessary interruptions.
For in-person tests, confirm your test time and plan your commute the night before to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring your ID and any required documents.
Regardless of the format, prioritize rest over last-minute studying; while a quick glance at sample questions is fine, focus on staying relaxed. On test day, stay hydrated, eat a balanced meal, and use mindfulness techniques like deep breathing to maintain composure and focus under pressure.
FAQs
1. WHAT IS A GOOD GMAT SCORE?
A good GMAT score depends on your goals, but scores above 625 (80th percentile) are typically competitive, while top-tier programs often expect 655+ (91st percentile).
2. WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT THE GMAT FOCUS EDITION FORMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition is streamlined, with a shorter test length of 2 hours and 15 minutes, three core sections, and features like the ability to review and revise up to three answers per section.
3. WHAT SECTIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE GMAT?
The GMAT includes Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, each designed to test critical skills needed for business school success.
4. CAN I RETAKE THE GMAT TO IMPROVE MY SCORE?
Yes, you can retake the GMAT, and most schools will consider your highest score. Be sure to review your performance insights to identify areas for improvement before retaking the test.
5. HOW MANY TIMES CAN I TAKE THE GMAT?
All GMAT exam attempts, whether online or at a testing center and regardless of the edition, count toward the 5 attempts allowed within a rolling 12-month period. However, there is no limit on the total number of attempts you can take in your lifetime.
6. HOW IMPORTANT IS THE GMAT FOR MBA ADMISSIONS?
The GMAT is a key factor in MBA admissions, but it’s part of a holistic evaluation that also considers your work experience, essays, recommendations, and interviews.
7. SHOULD I TAKE THE GMAT ONLINE OR AT A TESTING CENTER?
Choose the format that suits your availability, environment, and preference. For online tests, ensure a quiet space and a reliable internet connection. For in-person tests, plan your commute and arrive early.
8. HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH SCHOOLS TO SEND MY GMAT SCORES TO?
Research programs that align with your career goals and compare your GMAT score to their averages. The GMAT Focus Edition allows you to send scores only after you’ve reviewed them, giving you control over what schools see.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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