What Is a Good GMAT Score?

A GMAT score of 700 to 740 is typically considered to be acceptable, and a score of 740 or more is outstanding. For the top 50 business schools in the US in 2021, the average GMAT score is 703. It falls between 634 and 734. Similar to this, the best business schools in Europe had an average GMAT score of 676, with scores ranging from 638 to 709. The average GMAT score range for the best MBA schools in Canada is between 520 and 780, while for the best MBA programs in Australia, it is between 600 and 695. So, the question, “What is a Good GMAT Score?” emerges.

Depending on the desired business schools, a good GMAT score might vary from person to person. Therefore, the first thing we must realize is that the term “good” is a relative one. A certain score can be acceptable for one business school but not for another. So, one technique to determine a desirable GMAT score is to look at the average GMAT score of the incoming class for your desired business school. However, that is not the only way to check for a desirable GMAT score for your right college.

What is a Decent GMAT Score?

If you want to enroll in the best business schools, a decent GMAT score is often above 700. A score of 740 or above is regarded as good, while a score of 550 or higher is regarded as ordinary. A strong GMAT score is a sign of academic preparedness and excellent intellectual ability. You may reassure the admissions committees that you have the capacity to not only “get in” but also “get through” the demanding MBA program by getting a high GMAT score. It’s one of the factors that contribute to the GMAT’s significant weight in your MBA application.

As a result, a high GMAT score is a good indicator of how well you will do in your first year of business school. The average exam taker’s score between 2018 and 2020 was 568.21, according to GMAC. So, a high GMAT score would be greater than 568? No. As a result, a general response to the question “What is a good GMAT score?” cannot be given because each person has different aims.

You are up against your peers when you apply to business schools. A good grade will so make you stand out. One of the things you start recognizing is that many business schools have an international quota, as INSEAD MBA student Ariba said. Therefore, the GMAT is one technique to screen out candidates if you have many of them, say from India, even with stellar applications.

Average GMAT Score

Two-thirds of GMAT test-takers obtain a Total Score between 400 and 600, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that oversees the GMAT exam. The overall test-taker average for the last three years has been around 568.

Following is a breakdown of the typical scores by section:

• Evaluation of analytical writing: 4.43/6
• Reasoning Integrated: 4.6/8
• 27.26/51 verbal
• In numbers: 40.7 out of 51

According to GMAC, it’s uncommon to have a verbal section score below 9 or beyond 44, and a quantitative section score below 7 or over 50.

Obtaining Your GMAT Percentile Scores

While aiming for above-average scores in each section may be beneficial, most applicants to programs often get above-average scores. It might not be enough to just get an above-average grade to make your application stand out.

Look to your percentile to obtain a more accurate idea of where you stand in comparison to other GMAT test-takers. This will reveal the proportion of test-takers you outperformed. You need a total score between 590 and 600 in order to perform better than fifty percent of exam takers.

You would need a score of around 660 to be in the top 25% of exam takers. To be in the top 10% of exam takers and for a good gmat score, you should strive for a score of 710 or better.

For each segment, the approximate midpoint, competitive, and most competitive scores are:

GMAT Target Score Range

Your target score is the only comparison on the list that takes into account your specific situation and can provide you with the most precise picture of where you stand with respect to your goals.

You may get a more precise notion of the GMAT score that will enable you to achieve your objectives using your target score range. Your most significant indicator of a good GMAT score for you is ultimately that number.
How to Calculate Your Desired GMAT Score
Understanding your exam-taking objectives is essential before determining your target GMAT score. Three situations commonly involve the consideration of GMAT scores:

• By business schools as part of the application procedure for entrance
• By business, schools to determine offers of merit-based scholarships
• Certain businesses are part of the hiring procedure for jobs and internships (some companies are deprioritizing test scores during the hiring process but may still request them).

Different schools and, occasionally, companies evaluate test results differently. Follow these techniques to determine the ideal GMAT score to help you achieve your objectives:

1. Make a list of colleges you’d like to attend.

Listing such institutions is the first step in figuring out your target score, assuming your objective is admission to an MBA program. Indicate next to those schools whether you’d want to be considered for a merit scholarship. You may also include businesses where you hope to work in the future.

Many people will apply to four to ten programs, although there isn’t a set criterion. Generally speaking, you want to apply to several programs that will enable you to achieve your long-term professional goals without overextending yourself throughout the application process. Make sure to blend safety, target, and excellent schools on your list.

2. Know the average GMAT score for each school.

Look up the MBA program’s name and “good GMAT score.” This could be listed on a school’s website in a section that describes the current student body. For each of your schools, note this down. Include the typical undergraduate GPA on this list if you can.

Frequently, schools will just give their admitted students’ average Total Scores. For instance, the University of Illinois Gies College of Business claims its accepted candidates for Fall 2020 have an average GMAT score of 614 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.28.

If you included businesses on your list, attempt to find out if they take GMAT scores into account when hiring new employees. Many businesses don’t, but if your target businesses do, mention the ratings they require on your list.

3. Decide on your desired GMAT score.

Sort your colleges and employers by highest to lowest GMAT average scores. Your goal score should be close to the top score on your list, which will help you stand out as a top applicant to every other institution on your list.

This choice is subject to some latitude. To predict academic performance, schools use both undergraduate GPAs and GMAT scores. Your good GMAT score and undergraduate GPA should ideally be higher than average for the MBA schools you are interested in. If your undergraduate GPA is below the program average, you could try to raise your GMAT score a little bit to make up for the difference.

Additionally, you need to have a better undergraduate GPA and GMAT score than the national average if you wish to be eligible for a merit scholarship. The difference will vary depending on the particular program you’re applying to.

How Can I Raise My GMAT score?

You may achieve your objectives more quickly by raising your GMAT score. Studying for the GMAT exam is advised to take roughly 100 hours spread over two or three months. Here are some pointers to get you going:

Work on your shortfalls

If you’ve taken a practice exam or taken the GMAT, you should have a good idea of your strengths and weaknesses. Remember that the tota Score is the score that most schools will consider when you identify your areas for growth. You may raise your Total Score by raising your Quantitative or Verbal score. It might not be necessary to give each thing its focus. Concentrate your studies on the subject matter you believe you can master.

Practice

You can achieve better results by taking practice exams and focusing on the questions you first get incorrect. You could learn to recognize trends over time, such as theories and phrases that commonly occur on the exam. Finding the solutions will probably become easier as you become more adept at spotting and analyzing these patterns. For further help, some people spend money on GMAT courses, instructors, or study guides to get good gmat score.

If it sounds helpful, you may also think about recreating a testing setting by pacing yourself as you complete your practice questions. On its website, GMAC provides two free practice examinations that will help you prepare.

Take the exam again

Retake the GMAT after you’re more comfortable with your test-taking abilities. Your GMAT results from the previous five years will be shown on your score report, but if your scores have improved, it may give MBA admissions committees hope that you can work hard to succeed academically.

What if My GMAT Results Are Still Incredibly Low?

Remember that the posted GMAT scores for your chosen institutions are averages and that your GMAT score is only one component of your application. This indicates that applicants with scores above and below the indicated figure were both accepted into the MBA program.

Here are several choices if your score falls short of your desired score.

Improve your application.

One element of your application is not your GMAT score. You may still make an impression by submitting a compelling statement of purpose, recommendation letter, or résumé. Some institutions will also let you submit an optional essay in which you may address any perceived weaknesses in your application.

In certain instances, MBA admissions committees may better understand the good GMAT score of otherwise highly qualified non-majority students to progress toward equity. Keep in mind that you are more than just your test-taking performance.

Consider colleges that do not require the GMAT.

Some MBA schools have switched to a test-optional format in response to accessibility concerns during the worldwide epidemic. Some institutions eliminate the criterion due to admittance difficulties relating to identification and finances. In these situations, schools are sure that the remaining application materials will allow them to assess an applicant’s suitability for their MBA program accurately.

It’s acceptable to choose not to take the GMAT if getting the higher-than-average GMAT score you want doesn’t feel like a realistic possibility, but you are confident that business school is your next step. The possible drawback is that without submitting a GMAT score, you might not be able to qualify for several merit-based scholarships. To learn more, look up the scholarship criteria for your chosen degree.

Consider the GRE

Scores from the GMAT or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are both accepted by many MBA schools. Another standardized test that candidates for graduate schools may take is the GRE.

GMAT Score: Some Common GMAT Misconceptions

The GMAT Score is merely one component of the admissions process that most institutions use, as was already noted in the article. Additionally, the Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Essay is very important in the selection process. This stage is followed by the interview round. The candidate will be chosen when this interview carries adequate weight.

At the same time, it’s critical to realize that GMAT scores are just significant, not fundamental. No matter how strong a profile is, low GMAT scores might ruin your application.

As was already stated, admission to Ivy League universities does not require a GMAT score of 750. Candidates need to figure out a way to qualify while also focusing on raising their profile if they want to attend one of the top 10 MBA programs.

Conclusion

You must emphasize that your academic performance is critical in determining your total application grade points. There is a substantial probability that your desired B-School will call you if you have kept up a respectable academic record. If you were an average student throughout your academic career, you would need to achieve extraordinary results, or a score of at least 680, to be admitted to some of the top business schools. The top business schools claim that your ability to think critically, be persistent, and never give up significantly influences your business acumen.

The GMAT Score has been covered in great detail in this blog. It contains details on the GMAT calculation and a general ranking of the scores that universities will accept. Additionally, it aids students in establishing their good GMAT score, so they do not have to consider what constitutes a high GMAT score after taking the exam rather than beforehand.