What is a Good GMAT Score?

In the competitive arena of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), "What is a good GMAT score?" is a question that echoes in the minds of many GMAT test takers, especially when applying to graduate business schools (B-schools). This test prep question, although straightforward, has nuanced answers.

In general, a GMAT score above 650 is typically deemed "good." 

Why, you might ask? This good score places you above the median GMAT score, establishing you as a viable candidate for many MBA programs and differentiating you from the mass of test-takers. In essence, it puts you in a relatively advantageous position in the MBA admissions process. 

However, that's just the tip of the iceberg. 

This article will delve deeper into GMAT percentiles, GMAT average scores, scoring intricacies, and their importance for MBA program admissions. We'll equip you with a comprehensive understanding of high and low GMAT score ranges and the score report. 

Now, let's dive into the world of GMAT scores and what they mean for your dream of securing a spot in a top-tier MBA program.

GMAT score ranges by test section

The GMAT exam consists of four sections: Quantitative Reasoning (Quant), Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). Each section has its own score, with Quant and Verbal scores combined into a total GMAT score ranging from 200 to 800. 

In general, business schools focus most on your total score followed by your Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning scores. 

The score ranges for each section are as follows:

• Total (Quant + Verbal): 200 to 800
• Quant: 6 to 51
• Verbal: 6 to 51 (but it's rare to score above 45)
• Integrated Reasoning: 1 to 8
• Essay/Analytical writing assessment (AWA): 0 to 6

Total (Quant + Verbal)

Your total GMAT score, a combination of the Quant and Verbal scores, sits on a scale of 200 to 800. This is an adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of questions contributing to your total score changes based on your previous answers. This total score is the one that most MBA admissions officers first look at.

Quant

The Quant section tests your mathematical skills and ability to solve problems. It's scored on a scale from 6 to 51. The Quant section holds significant weight, so scoring high here can substantially boost your total score.

Verbal

The Verbal section, with a score range from 6 to 51, assesses your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction abilities. Although it shares the same score range as the Quant section, it's relatively rare for test takers to score above 45.

Integrated Reasoning

The Integrated Reasoning section measures your ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats, with scores ranging from 1 to 8. While some B-schools do take this score into account, it usually doesn't hold as much weight as the Total, Quant, or Verbal scores.

Essay

The essay portion, or Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), evaluates your ability to analyze a written argument and clearly express your ideas in writing. The score ranges from 0 to 6, and while it can give admissions officers a glimpse into your writing skills, it doesn't typically impact admissions decisions as heavily as the other scores.

GMAT score percentiles

When it comes to GMAT scores, percentile rankings give you a clear indication of where you stand among other test-takers. In this regard, a score of 650, situated around the 75th percentile, is often deemed a high GMAT score. It places you significantly above the average score, ensuring that you shine brighter among your peers when applying for numerous MBA programs.

However, if your aspirations are set on gaining admission into some of the world's top business schools, such as Harvard Business School, Wharton School of Business, or Stanford Graduate School of Business, the bar is set much higher. These elite institutions often look for test-takers in the top GMAT percentile echelons.

GMAT Total Score Percentiles:

 

Achieving a high GMAT score is commendable, but it's certainly not the whole story of your business school journey.

 

The GMAT exam, crafted and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), assesses your academic skills and abilities on multiple levels. It gauges your quantitative reasoning, analytical writing assessment, integrated reasoning, and verbal skills. Business schools place emphasis not just on your total GMAT score but also on the breakdown of your performance across these different sections.

So, reaching or surpassing that 650 benchmark certainly gives you a head start. 

But there's more to consider:

• Beyond the total GMAT score of the Quantitative and Verbal sections, how do you perform in the Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment? 
• How does your GMAT score weigh against other aspects of your MBA application, such as your GPA, work experience, or interview performance?

In the world of top MBA programs, every point can potentially tip the scales in your favor. If you dream of walking the hallowed halls of Stanford, Harvard Business School, Wharton, Sloan, or Kellogg, you need to aim higher than an average score. Why? Because while top business schools often look for candidates within the 99th percentile, other factors like your experience and interviews hold weight in the acceptance process..

As you embark on your GMAT prep, remember that a good GMAT score is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It's a personalized goal guided by your unique aspirations and the specific requirements of your target schools. 

What's a good GMAT Quantitative score?

A competitive GMAT Quantitative score lies between 44 and 47 out of 51, positioning you well within the higher echelons of test-takers.

What's a good GMAT Verbal score?

A strong verbal score, falling between 35 and 39 out of 51, can boost your total score and your standing among applicants quite a bit.

What's a good GMAT Integrated Reasoning Score?

In Integrated Reasoning, a score of 6 or above out of 8 is often seen as good, showing you have solid data interpretation and problem-solving skills. A perfect score of 8 places you in the top 10% of test-takers.

What's a good GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score?

In the AWA section, a score of 4.5 or higher out of 6.0 is often considered good, demonstrating above-average writing and analytical abilities.

How important are GMAT test scores for MBA program admissions?

While the average score on the GMAT test sits around 568, top MBA programs usually seek higher scores. For instance, the median GMAT score, as opposed to the average GMAT score for incoming students at top business schools tends to be over 700.

Scoring in this high percentile demonstrates not just your mastery of the GMAT exam material, but also your ability to handle the rigorous academic challenges of these top MBA programs. 

So, when tailoring your GMAT prep, you'll want to set score goals that align with the expectations of your dream school. It's not just about achieving a high score, but also about proving your potential to thrive in a challenging business academic environment.

Use College Rover to find the best school for you

Understanding GMAT scores is the first step. Your next challenge? 

Finding the right MBA program and acing the admissions process. College Rover can help you navigate this journey by providing key insights into various schools, programs, and more. 

Ready to reach for the stars? Start your journey with College Rover today.