Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- GMAT scores range from 200 to 800 - think of it like a scale where 200 is the starting point and 800 is the peak.
- The average score is around 556 - so if you're near or above this, you're doing well!
- Your score is valid for 5 years, giving you plenty of time to use it for applications.
- The test has four parts: writing, problem-solving, math, and verbal skills.
- You'll get separate scores for math and verbal sections, plus an overall score.
- Your percentile rank shows how you did compared to other test-takers in the last three years.
Dreaming of that perfect master's program abroad? You're not alone. Many students find themselves staring at their GMAT scores, wondering what they really mean. Don't worry - we've got you covered. This guide is your friendly companion to understanding the GMAT score chart.
We'll walk you through what those numbers tell you about your performance and how they stack up against other test-takers. Whether you're gearing up for the test or trying to make sense of your results, we're here to help you feel confident about your next steps. Let's demystify those GMAT scores together and get you closer to your dream school!
What does GMAT Score Chart?
![What does GMAT Score Chart entail?]()
The GMAT Score chart explains how your scores on the Quant and Verbal sections map to your 800-point total score and also gives you insight into the areas that need improvement to raise your total GMAT score. Your GMAT score is calculated from your combined performance on the Quant and Verbal sections of the GMAT.
The GMAT Quant and GMAT Verbal sections are scored on a scale of 6 to 51. Your GMAT Integrated Reasoning (1 to 8) and GMAT Essay (0 to 6) section scores do not factor into your Total GMAT score. The GMAT score chart has undergone a tremendous change over the years. In the present scenario, as you approach the perfect score, i.e., scoring 780, 790, or 800 now requires a higher scaled score as compared to in the past. The updated GMAT score chart now looks like this.
With your GMAT preparation, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the GMAT score chart for precise calculations. This chart clearly explains how individual section scores contribute to the overall composite score, helping prevent mix-ups, especially when students submit GRE scores instead of GMAT scores or require specific cutoffs for the GMAT score chart.
Now equipped with the GMAT Score Chart, let's explore further by examining the GMAT Percentile Chart. This additional resource provides valuable insights into how test-takers' scores compare to those of others, offering a broader perspective on their performance relative to fellow examinees.
GMAT Percentile Chart
Did you know that your GMAT percentile can give you valuable insights into how you stack up against other test-takers? It's like getting a glimpse into your performance compared to your peers. By looking at the percentile rank of your score, you can see where you stand with others who have taken the exam in the past three years. It's a helpful way to gauge your performance and understand your competitive edge. So, how does your score measure up? Let's find out together using the table below!
| Score | GMAT Percentile |
| 760-800 | 99% |
| 750 | 98% |
| 740 | 97% |
| 730 | 96% |
| 720 | 94% |
| 710 | 90% |
| 700 | 88% |
| 690 | 85% |
| 680 | 82% |
| 670 | 80% |
| 660 | 78% |
| 650 | 73% |
| 640 | 68% |
| 630 | 66% |
| 620 | 62% |
| 610 | 58% |
| 600 | 55% |
How is the GMAT Score Calculated?
The GMAC administers real GMAT tests using a very specific adaptive algorithm. In other words, your response to each experimental question determines the difficulty level of the next question you are asked on your test. Depending on the difficulty level of the question, the marks for each answer vary. There are two types of score reports:
Unofficial Score Report: As soon as you complete the test, you'll receive it. If you don't accept your score, you'll have two minutes to cancel it. For $25, you can cancel your score online within 72 hours of the scheduled start time of your exam.
Official Score Report: You'll receive this report within 20 calendar days. It includes scores for all sections of GMAT and all your test scores except for AWA.
When it comes to GMAT, your score is determined by the difficulty level of questions you get wrong and not how many errors you make. So if you forget twelve easy issues on the Quant section, then your grade would be in the 20s or 30s; but if you got 12 difficult ones wrong, then this could result in as high a score as 47Q or even 48Q.
The same goes for Verbal, although it is slightly more sensitive to the number of incorrect answers. This is because it's hard to come up with very challenging verbal questions in comparison to Quant items, which can be increased and decreased easily.
How to Calculate Your GMAT Score
GMAT composite scores derive from both verbal and quantitative scores, with a formula not disclosed publicly. Notably, the calculation isn't entirely linear. Similar performance in both sections yields a higher composite score, while significant discrepancy between them results in a lower composite score.
To get an idea of the composite score calculation, you can use a GMAT score chart. This will only give you a rough idea since each subscore has more nuance than appears on the score report. You could, for example, mistake a 49Q for a 48.6Q or a 49.4Q, and that difference could affect your composite GMAT score by 10 or 20 points. Consequently, two test-takers with the same quant and verbal subscores could have distinct composite scores.
The Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) sections are both graded on a scale of 0-8 and 0-6, respectively. Although they don't factor into the composite GMAT score, MBA programs generally put less emphasis on these scores than on the GMAT quant and verbal subscores, which are used to calculate your overall GMAT score chart and are usually factored into many MBA program rankings.
GMAT Enhanced Score Report
To help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement, the GMAT Enhanced Score Report (ESR) provides detailed data and analysis of your performance on the GMAT exam. An Enhanced Score Report is available for exams delivered at a test centre. Currently, it is only available for exams delivered at a test center.
Based on the type of question, the area of focus, and the speed of the test, the Enhanced Score Report provides personal insights. With this actionable information, you can better understand your performance, plan future preparation, and speak more authoritatively about your skills if you decide to take the exam again in the future. Understand how you performed, how you ranked, and how you managed your time for each question type, regardless of what you decide to do.
Preparing for the GMAT
Preparing for the GMAT exam can be one of the most challenging and time-consuming parts of your MBA application process. It requires a strong focus on multiple areas such as quantitative reasoning, verbal skills, and analytical writing. However, with the right resources, you can streamline your study process and improve your chances of success.
- Are you looking for GMAT help? We've got you covered! GMAT prep courses, GMAT tutoring
- Do you want to know what score will make you competitive for top MBA programs? Check out: Is Your GMAT Score Acceptable?
- Are you worried about your GMAT percentile rankings? Read GMAT Percentiles: Why They Don't Matter.
- Average GMAT scores at top MBA programs.
- The Best GMAT Preparation Courses in 2024
What is a Good GMAT Score?
Once you understand how the score is calculated from GMAT score chart, the next question is what constitutes a 'good' result. This really depends on your target MBA program. As a guideline, if your test score is above the median of those applying for that program, it may give your application an edge. So it's no wonder that every student wants to know how to score above 700 on GMAT.
Nevertheless, for many top MBA courses, getting an incredible GMAT score won't be enough; you must show that you are also impressive in other areas. On the other hand, even with a slightly lower-than-average GMAT score, you could still make it through if the rest of your application makes up for it. For more, you can also go through MBA.com.
Boosting your GMAT Score
Along with GMAT syllabus, specific understanding and working on your targets is also essential. The study habit alone can not guarantee you a high GMAT score. You would also be required to work on things that are indirectly in effect with the GMAT preparation process. Here are a few tips to get you started-
Understand your Strengths and Weaknesses
Take a diagnostic test to ascertain where you stand in your prep. While taking a test at the start of your prep may seem counterintuitive, it gives you an idea of the bigger picture of strengths and weaknesses.
Build Core Skills
Don’t blindly practice questions: Many GMAT aspirants mistakenly believe that simply attempting numerous questions is enough to pass the test. While this might work out for some incredibly gifted candidates, it is not a desirable approach, as it will hardly make any meaningful contribution towards the goal of clearing the GMAT. Going through questions without acquiring an understanding of concepts and problem-solving techniques can, at most, bring about minimal improvement and won't suffice to prepare someone for this challenging examination adequately.
Build an Error Log consistently
A GMAT Prep tool that is arguably underrated and widely ignored is the Error Log. Those who have maintained one diligently have gained valuable insights into their preparation and have been able to make surgical corrections, enabling them to reach their target score much more quickly and easily.
Master one sub-section at a time
We recommend that you focus on one subsection at a time while preparing for the test. Trying to multitask by juggling different sections will only confuse you.
Use Full-length mocks to measure test readiness
For GMAT aspirants, the 6 Official Mocks from mba.com are crucial. Simulating the actual exam, they let test-takers become accustomed to the adaptive pattern before venturing into the real exam. Despite this, many people still utilize them without a clear plan and eventually run out of official tests, forcing them to purchase uncompetitive unofficial versions that cost more.
Tips for Improving GMAT Scores
Improving your GMAT score requires a combination of effective study techniques and a solid understanding of the test structure. Here are some tips to help you improve your GMAT score:
- Set a target score: Before you start studying, it’s important to set a target score. This will help you stay motivated and focused throughout your preparation.
- Take a diagnostic test: Taking a diagnostic test will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to focus your study efforts on the areas where you need the most improvement.
- Create a study plan: Once you know your target score and your strengths and weaknesses, create a study plan that is tailored to your needs. This should include a mix of practice tests, study materials, and review sessions.
- Practice under test conditions: To prepare for the GMAT, it’s important to practice under test conditions. This means taking practice tests in a quiet environment, without distractions, and with a strict time limit.
- Focus on your weaknesses: As you study, focus on your weaknesses. Spend more time practicing the areas where you need the most improvement.
- Take breaks: Studying for the GMAT can be stressful, so it’s important to take breaks. Take time to relax, exercise, and do things you enjoy to help reduce stress and stay motivated.
By following these tips, you can improve your GMAT score and increase your chances of getting into the business school of your choice.
Related Blogs
Conclusion
To sum up, understanding how to estimate and calculate your GMAT scores is vital as you gear up for your MBA journey. It's crucial to have a specific program in mind and tailor your preparation to meet the average GMAT score required for admission. While knowing how your GMAT score is calculated is useful, it's important not to obsess over it. Stay focused on your preparation efforts while keeping your program goals in mind.
