What is a Good Score in the GMAT Exam & How the GMAT Score is Calculated?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an important measure for prospective MBA and other graduate management program applicants. A good score on the GMAT can help candidates for admission into top business colleges around the globe.
Understanding what is a good score and how the GMAT score is calculated is essential for aspirants. However, there is no clear-cut answer to that question. Scores in the GMAT exam are based on your performance relative to other test takers and are calculated using a complex algorithm that considers the number of correct answers, the difficulty level of those questions, and other factors. Scores in the GMAT exam are based on your academic history as well as your achievements. Now let’s see in detail about the GMAT Score.
Read More – The different sections of the GMAT exam
What is a Good GMAT Score in the GMAT Exam?
The definition of a good GMAT score varies depending on the expectations and requirements of the business schools to which an applicant is applying. A score above 615 places you in the 80th percentile, indicating you’re among the top 20% of the test-takers. Achieving 655 puts you in the 90th percentile, placing you among the top 10%. To reach the top 1%, you’d need a score of 705 or higher. Simply put, a good GMAT score maximizes your chances of admission to your desired schools. While some business schools accept a wide range of scores, others, especially the top-tier schools, have more competitive standards. Researching the admissions criteria of your target schools can help you determine the score you need to be competitive.
Remember, your GMAT score is just one aspect of your application, and schools also consider factors like your GPA, work experience, essays, and recommendations. Your score is also valid for five years, giving you the flexibility to send your score to schools when you are ready!
Read More – 6 Tips to Score More than Q50 in the quant section
IMPORTANT: Comparing your GMAT Exam – Focus Edition score directly to your score on a previous edition of the GMAT is not an accurate comparison.
How the GMAT Score is Calculated? : Scoring Breakdown
If you’re familiar with the previous edition of the GMAT, you’ll notice the Total Score scale is different. This change has been made to ensure you and schools can easily distinguish between a GMAT Exam – Focus Edition and a previous GMAT Exam score.
The GMAT Exam – Focus Edition Total Score scale ranges from 205 to 805, and all Total Score values end in a 5. Section scores range from 60 to 90.
| Categories | Quantitative Reasoning Score | Verbal Reasoning Score | Data Insights Score | Total Score |
| Score range | 60-90 | 60-90 | 60-90 | 205-805 |
| Score intervals | 1 | 1 | 1 | 10 |
The score scale for the GMAT Exam – Focus Edition
GMAT Exam – Focus Edition: 205–805
Previous edition of the GMAT Exam: 200–800
The score scale for the GMAT Exam – Focus Edition has also been adjusted to reflect changes in the test-taking population, which has become more diverse and global. Over the years, scores have shifted significantly, resulting in an uneven distribution. The updated score scale fixes that, thus allowing schools to better differentiate your performance on the exam.
In addition to the score scale recalibration, the following key changes distinguish the GMAT Exam – Focus Edition:
- The Total Score is now comprised of all 3 section scores.
- The content areas and test constructs have been refined to narrow the scope to focus on data literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- The scoring algorithm has been updated
- The new Question Review & Edit feature will have implications for testing behaviour
Your Unofficial Score
Immediately after completing the exam, your unofficial scores for the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, as well as your Total Score are displayed on-screen. You are not allowed to record, save, screenshot, or print your unofficial score.
Score Penalty for Unanswered Questions
There is a penalty for not completing each section of the exam. If you do not finish in the allotted time, your score will be penalized reflecting the number of questions unanswered. Your GMAT Exam – Focus Edition score will be the best reflection of your performance when all questions are managed to be answered within the time limit.
Your Official Score Report
Your Official Score Report is available via your mba.com account typically within 3-5 days*. You will be notified via email once your Official Score Report is available in your mba.com account (if you do not see the email, check your “junk mail” or “spam” folder).
It includes your exam appointment details, some personal data that was provided at registration, individual section scores, Total Score, and percentile rankings. There is no need to cancel your score for the GMAT Focus Edition.
Since you are not required to select which business school programs receive your Official Score Report before you take the GMAT Focus Edition, there will never be a need to cancel your score. You only send the scores you want to, and if you do not send your Official Score Report to schools after the exam, they will not be able to see it. It will only remain accessible via your mba.com account for you to view.
Please note that once you send your score to a program, GMAC cannot undo that action or disable the school’s ability to view your score.
Benchmarking Scores:
It’s beneficial for applicants to research the average GMAT scores of admitted students at their target schools. This information provides valuable insights into the competitive landscape and helps applicants set realistic score targets. While some schools publish average GMAT scores of their admitted students, others may offer a range or percentile distribution.
Strategies for Achieving a Competitive GMAT Score:
1. Comprehensive Preparation:
Successful performance on the GMAT requires diligent preparation. Utilize a variety of study resources, including official GMAT prep materials, practice exams, study guides, and online courses. Develop a study plan that encompasses all sections of the exam and allocate sufficient time for practice and review.
2. Practice with Official GMAT Questions:
Familiarize yourself with the types of questions and format of the GMAT by practising with official GMAT questions. The GMAT Official Guide, published by GMAC, contains a wealth of practice questions and retired GMAT exams that closely mirror the actual test experience.
3. Focus on Weak Areas:
Identify your strengths and weaknesses across different sections of the exam. Dedicate extra time and effort to improving areas where you struggle. Targeted practice and review can help bolster your performance in challenging areas and maximize your overall score.
4. Simulate Test Conditions:
Before the exam, simulate test conditions by taking full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This helps build stamina, familiarizes you with the pacing of the exam, and prepares you for the test-day experience.
5. Seek Support and Guidance:
Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor to receive personalized guidance and support. Collaborating with peers who are also preparing for the GMAT can provide valuable insights and motivation.
Conclusion:
Understanding the GMAT scoring system is like understanding the rules of a game. Each section has its score, and they all add up to your total score. Aiming for a good score is like aiming to get into a top business school. So, study hard, and do your best by understanding the scoring system, decoding the calculation process, and implementing effective preparation strategies, aspiring business candidates can position themselves for success on the GMAT and beyond.