GMAT Score: What is a Good Score for 2024?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used by business schools and graduate programs to assess the skills of prospective students who want to study abroad. It measures an individual's quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing abilities. The GMAT total score is between the range of 200 to 800, while it is 205-805 for the GMAT Focus Edition, with the average score hovering around 550-600. The individual scores of each section also play a role in determining one's overall score. 

GMAT Score 

A GMAT score is based on the total number of correct answers to questions in the exam's verbal, mathematical, reasoning, and analytical writing sections. If one scores 700 or above in the original GMAT, it is considered a good and competitive score for admission to many top MBA programs. This equates to a score of 645 in the GMAT Focus Edition since they are in the same percentile, thereby denoting the same performance. However, the GMAT score is just one part of the application process. Other factors such as work experience, transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation are also integral in deciding final admissions.

The average GMAT score is around 550-600, but this can vary based on the competitiveness of the business school or program you are applying to. It's important to note that each business school may have different requirements for the minimum GMAT score they accept, so it's always a good idea to check with the school before you apply.

GMAT Scoring Breakdown 

GMAT serves as a key admission criterion for business schools abroad to objectively evaluate students who apply to a Business or management program. The GMAT tests a candidate on their knowledge of mathematical concepts and English language skills. The GMAT total score ranges from 205 to 805 for the Focus Edition and 200-800 for the 10th edition and is based on the combined results of test-takers in four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reading, Data Interpretation, and Analytical Writing Assessment. Knowing how much each section influences the final score can help test-takers plan their preparation accordingly.

Total GMAT Score

The final GMAT score is a prospective sum score ranging from 205-805 in the Focus Edition (200-800 in the 10th edition), determined by the scores on the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections. Although the scores of Data Insights and Analytical Writing assessment sections are scored separately and do not add to your GMAT score, they are equally important.

Quantitative Reasoning Score

1. Score range: 60-90
2. Score intervals: 1
3. Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Verbal Reasoning Score

1. Score range: 60-90
2. Score intervals: 1
3. Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Data Insights Score

1. Score range: 60-90
2. Score intervals: 1
3. Standard error of measurement: 3 points

About GMAT Score Scale

The GMAT score scale is carefully designed to provide a consistent measure of a candidate’s skills over time. The scores are scaled to account for variations in difficulty across different test administrations, ensuring that scores are comparable regardless of when or where the test is taken. The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6 in half-point increments based on the quality of writing and critical thinking.

How is GMAT Score Calculated

The GMAT score is calculated by first determining the raw scores for the Quantitative and Verbal sections, which are based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions answered. These raw scores are then converted to scaled scores ranging from 60 to 90 for each section. The total GMAT score is obtained by combining the scaled scores of the Quantitative and Verbal sections, which are then converted to the overall 205-805 scale (or 200-800 in. The Data Insights and Analytical Writing Assessment scores are reported separately.

What is Good GMAT Score for Top Business Schools

A good GMAT score for top business schools typically falls within the range of 700 to 750. However, the benchmark for a "good" score can vary depending on the specific school and program. Generally, a score above 700 is considered competitive for most top-tier MBA programs, while a score above 750 is often required for the most prestigious business schools.

Converting GMAT Score to Percentile

Converting your GMAT score to a percentile can help you better understand how to stack up against other test-takers. The GMAT percentile ranks indicate the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than you. 

To convert your GMAT score to a percentile, you can refer to the GMAT scoring chart, which displays the most up-to-date percentiles for the test. This chart is updated regularly to reflect the performance of recent test-takers, and it helps you understand how your score compares to the scores of others who have taken the GMAT. 

How is GMAT Scored

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, implying the difficulty level of the questions you receive is based on your performance on previous questions. This adaptive testing system allows for a more accurate and reliable measure of your abilities. Here's how the GMAT is scored:

Verbal Reasoning

The GMAT Verbal Reasoning section consists of 36 multiple-choice questions, with a time limit of 65 minutes to complete them. The number of correct answers measures your performance in this section. The total score range is 6-51.
Quantitative Reasoning

The Quantitative Reasoning section comprises 31 multiple-choice questions with a 62-minute time limit and a score range of 6-51.

Integrated Reasoning

The Integrated Reasoning section consists of 12 multiple-choice questions with a score range of 1-8. The allocated time for this section is 30 minutes.  

Analytical Writing Assessment

The Analytical Writing Assessment has one writing question for which you have 30 minutes. The score range is between 0 to 6 and is based on the quality of your writing, including factors such as organization and presentation of ideas, argument development, and using relevant examples to support the argument. 

One must remember that the GMAT is a standardized test. The scores are calculated using a statistical process that accounts for the difficulty level of the questions you received and the number of questions you answered correctly. The goal of the GMAT scoring system is to provide a fair and reliable assessment of your abilities, regardless of the specific test-taking conditions you encounter on the day of the test.

Tips to Improve GMAT Scores

Improving your GMAT score can increase your chances of getting into your chosen business school or program. Here are tips to help you improve your GMAT total score:

Familiarize Yourself with the Exam Pattern

Make sure you know what to expect from each section of the test; consider taking GMAT practice tests to get a sense of the questions you'll encounter in the exam.

Focus on Weaknesses

Use practice tests and GMAT prep materials to identify areas where you need improvement, and direct your efforts more on these areas.

Build Math Skills

Consider taking a math course or reviewing basic math concepts, such as algebra and geometry, to help you improve your score.

Improve Vocabulary

Consider reading challenging books, newspapers, and magazines and learning new words and their meanings.

Practice

The more you practice, the more familiar you'll become with the questions you will encounter on the test and the more comfortable you'll feel on test day.

Bottomline

A good GMAT total score demonstrates your aptitude for business and increases your chances of getting into the school or program of your choice. By familiarizing yourself with the test format, focusing on your weaknesses, building your math and vocabulary skills, staying organized, and practicing regularly, you can improve your GMAT total score and achieve your goals.