What is a good GMAT score?

Table of Content

Here is a brief outline of the article:

Introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition and its Significance

Business Schools’ Acceptance of the GMAT Focus Edition

Understanding GMAT Scores

GMAT Exam Structure and Sections

Factors Influencing a Good GMAT Score

Introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition and its Significance

Are you planning to apply to a prestigious business school? You may have heard about the GMAT Focus Edition, an updated version of the traditional GMAT exam, which began testing on November 7, 2023. Notably, the classic GMAT will be phased out after January 31, 2024, making the GMAT Focus Edition the sole version from February 1, 2024.

Business Schools’ Acceptance of the GMAT Focus Edition:

This change has raised questions for prospective students regarding which business schools accept the GMAT Focus Edition and whether to choose the classic GMAT or the new version. The decision depends on your application timeline and the policies of your desired business schools. To help you decide, this article presents a list of various business schools and their stance on the GMAT Focus Edition for the 2023-2024 admission cycle.

Understanding GMAT Scores:

Now, let’s delve into understanding what constitutes a good GMAT score. Generally, a score above 700 is considered good for admission to top business schools, with 740+ deemed excellent, and 550+ considered average.

A strong GMAT score reflects your intellectual aptitude and readiness for the academic challenges of an MBA program. Scoring high not only increases your chances of admission but also signifies your ability to excel in the rigorous curriculum.

GMAT Exam Structure and Sections:

The GMAT has four sections: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Your total GMAT score, ranging from 200 to 800, is based on the Quantitative and Verbal sections. Here’s a breakdown of percentile rankings for various scores:

GMAT Verbal and Quant Percentile Rankings
GMAT Integrated Reasoning Percentile Rankings
GMAT AWA Percentile Rankings

The average GMAT score of all test takers between 2019 and 2021 is 574.51. However, what constitutes a good score varies based on individual goals and the competition in your applicant pool. Business schools often use the GMAT as a filtering criterion, particularly when dealing with international applicants.

To determine your target score, consider percentile rankings, reflecting your performance compared to other test-takers. Keep in mind that a high GMAT score can set you apart, especially in competitive applicant pools.

Factors Influencing a Good GMAT Score:

Now, let’s explore factors influencing what is considered a good GMAT score:

Average Score of the Last Incoming Class: Aim for a score 20+ points higher than the average score of your target business school’s last incoming class.
Score Required for Top Business Schools: Top MBA programs generally look for scores of 725+, while the next tier of schools typically considers scores in the 650-720 range.
MBA Scholarships: Target a score higher than the incoming class’s average score to increase your chances of securing scholarships.
Estimated ROI on the GMAT Score: A GMAT score of 730+ can yield substantial returns, enhancing your chances of admission to top business schools and positively impacting your career outcomes.

In a nutshell, assess your baseline, identify your target schools, research their average scores, and refine your list based on your competitiveness. Finally, arrive at a target GMAT score by considering factors such as competition, average class scores, scholarship opportunities, and ROI. Following these steps will guide you toward achieving a good GMAT score tailored to your goals.