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Professional development
What is a good GMAT score? How to find your target score for 2023
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A good GMAT score will help you achieve your academic goals. Learn how to find the target score that's right for you.
A good result on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) will help you achieve your goals, whether it's admission to a specific courseMaster of Business Administration-Programmor win a merit-based scholarship at the desired university.
Because everyone's goals are different, what counts as a good GMAT score for you may be different than your friend or colleague's. Determining your GMAT target score can help you determine what is "good" for you.
GMAT Score Ranges
The GMAT is graded in four sections:
Evaluation of analytical writing, with points between 0 and 6
integrated reasoning, with grades from 1 to 8
Minutes, with points between 6 and 51
Crowd, with points between 6 and 51
In addition to the individual grades for each section, you will also receive an overall score, which is made up of your verbal and quantitative scores.The GMAT total score is between 200 and 800. Of all the assessment areas, this is the assessment that most MBA programs focus on.
What is considered a good GMAT score?
To determine what a good GMAT score would be for you, you need to decide what to compare your score to.
In general, you can usemediamiPerzentileto see how you did on the test compared to other test takers. Perhaps a more actionable metric is to compare your score to that of other test-takers who have goals similar to yours: yoursreach a target.
Let's see how to interpret each of these means of comparison.
Average GMAT score
According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the body that administers the GMAT test, two-thirds of GMAT test-takers receive an overall score between 400 and 600.The average score of all test takers over the past three years is around 568.
The average grades broken down by section are [1]:
Rating of analytical writing:4.43/6
Integrated reasoning:4.6/8
minutes:27.26/51
Crowd:40,7/51
The GMAC notes that there are rarely fewer than 9 or more than 44 points in the verbal part and fewer than 7 or more than 50 points in the quantitative part.
How to find your GMAT percentile scores
While it can be helpful to aim for above-average scores on all sections, most individuals who are admitted to programs tend to score above average. Achieving an above-average score may not be enough to make your app stand out.
To get a more accurate picture of where you rank compared to other GMAT test takers, look at your percentile. This shows you the percentage of test takers who got a higher score.To qualify more than half of all test takers, you need an overall score of more than 590-600.
To be in the top 25% of test takers, you should score about 660 points. To be in the most competitive class, the top 10% of test takers, you should aim for a score of around 710 or higher.
See how the highest total scores convert to percentiles, according to all test takers over the last three years [1]:
| GMAT total score | percentile |
|---|---|
| 760+ | 99% |
| 750 | 98% |
| 740 | 97% |
| 730 | 96% |
| 720 | 94% |
| 710 | 91% |
| 700 | 88% |
| 690 | 85% |
| 680 | 81% |
| 670 | 80% |
| 660 | 76% |
| 650 | 72% |
| 640 | 66% |
| 630 | 64% |
| 620 | 61% |
| 610 | 57% |
| 600 | 53% |
| 590 | 49% |
The mean, competitive, and most competitive scores for each section are approximately:
| Upper 50th percentile | Upper 25th percentile | top 10th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evaluation of analytical writing | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6 |
| integrated reasoning | 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Minutes | 28 | 35 | 40 |
| Crowd | 44 | 49 | 50 |
GMAT target range
Of all the comparisons listed, your target value is the only one that takes your circumstances into account and can give you the best idea of where you stand in relation to what you are trying to achieve.
Your target score range can give you a more accurate idea of the GMAT score that is most likely to help you meet your goals. Ultimately, this score is your best indicator of determining a good GMAT score for you.
How to find your target score on the GMAT
In order to determine your GMAT target score, it is important to first understand your goals for taking the test. GMAT scores are generally considered in three scenarios:
1. By business schools as part ofadmission procedure
2. Through business schools as a means of determinationMerit Bag Offers
3. By some employers under theRecruitment procedures for work and internships(Some companies prioritize test results during the hiring process, but you can still request them.)
Different schools, and in some cases employers, judge the results differently. Discover the GMAT score that best positions you to achieve your goals with these steps:
1. Make a list of the schools you want to attend.
Assuming your goal is admission into an MBA program, the first step in determining your target score is to list these schools. If you would like to be considered for a merit scholarship please consider doing so along with these schools as well. You can also include companies you want to work for later.
Many people sign up for four to ten programs, but there is no standard recommendation. Typically, you will need to apply to multiple programs that can help you achieve your career goals without getting lost in the application process. Make sure you include a mix of dream, goal, and safety schools in your list.
What are the schools of dreams, goals and safety?
dream schools, or extension schools, are schools you'd want to attend when money and grades weren't an issue.target schoolsare those where your grades, including test scores and grade point average, are similar to your most recent class averages.safety schoolsThese are schools that you want to attend, that you can afford, and that are confident you will be admitted.
You are currently on slide 1
2. Find the average GMAT score for each school.
Search for the name of the MBA program and "GMAT average score." You can also find it on a school's website in a section that contains the current student's profile. Write this down for each of your schools. If possible, also include the average undergraduate GPA in this list.
Often schools only provide an average total score for their admitted students. For example, Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois reports an average GMAT score of 614 for its Fall 2020 admissions students with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.28.
Once you've listed companies, try to determine if they consider GMAT scores in their hiring process. Many companies don't do this, but will add the results they're looking for to their list if the companies they want do.
3. Identify your target GMAT score.
Rank your schools and businesses in order of average GMAT score, highest to lowest.Your target score is approximately the highest score on your list, which can help position you as a top candidate for all the other schools on your list.
There is some leeway in this determination. Schools use GMAT scores and undergraduate GPAs to predict academic success. Ideally, your GMAT score and undergraduate GPA will be above the average for your desired MBA programs. If your undergraduate GPA is below the program average, you can try doing a little better on the GMAT to make up that discrepancy.
Additionally, if you want to be considered for a merit-based scholarship, you want your GMAT score and GPA to be above average. How much higher depends on the specific program you are applying for.
How can I improve my GMAT score?
Improving your GMAT score can make it easier for you to reach your goals. Experts recommend spending approximately100 hours in two or three monthsStudy for the GMAT exam. Here are some tips to get you started:
Work on your weaknesses.
If you've ever taken a practice test or GMAT, you should have an idea of where you excel and where you can do better.
When determining your areas for improvement, remember that the overall score is the score that most schools consider, and you can improve yours by improving your quantitative or verbal score. It may not be necessary to split your attention between the two. Focus your studies in the area where you are confident you can improve.
Practice.
Taking practice tests and working on understanding the questions you originally got wrong can help you improve your results. Over time, you can learn patterns such as theories and sentences that are common on the test. As you become more comfortable recognizing and interpreting these patterns, you will likely find it easier to find answers. Some people invest in GMAT courses, tutors, or study books for additional guidance.
If you find this useful, you can also simulate a test environment and take your time working through the practice questions. GMAC offers two free practice testsdon't give them, which can also help you know what to expect.
Test again.
Once you feel more confident in your testing skills, retake the GMAT. Your Score Report shows all of your GMAT scores for the past five years; However, if your scores are improving, it could be a signal to MBA admissions committees that you can work toward academic success.
What if my GMAT scores are still low?
Your GMAT score is only part of your application, and remember that GMAT scores for target schools are averages. This means that individuals were admitted to the MBA program with scores above and below the reported number.
If your score is below the target, here are some options.
Work on your app.
Your GMAT score is only part of your application. present stronglyletter of intent,letter of recommendation, or resume can still help you stand out. Additionally, some schools allow you to submit an optional essay explaining any perceived deficiencies in your application.
In some cases, MBA admissions committees may be more lenient with the GMAT scores of highly qualified non-majority applicants in an effort to achieve parity. Remember, you bring more to the table than your standardized test score.
Consider schools that are GMAT optional.
In response to accessibility issues during the global pandemic, some MBA programs have transitioned to an optional test model. Some schools also cite financial and identity-related barriers to taking the GMAT as reasons for removing the requirement. In these cases, schools are confident that they can adequately assess a candidate's suitability for their MBA program based on the rest of the application components.
If achieving your desired above-average GMAT score doesn't seem like a viable option for you, but you're confident that business school is your next step, you can drop out of the GMAT. However, one potential downside is that you may not be able to apply for certain merit scholarships without submitting a GMAT score. Look up the scholarship requirements for your preferred program to find out.
Consider the GRE.
Many MBA programs accept GMAT or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores. The GRE is another standardized test that can be taken by people who wish to apply to graduate programs.
learn more aboutÖDifference between GMAT and GREto decide which format might be right for you.
Next Steps
If you are ready to enter an MBA program, you should consider itiMBA der Gies School of Business, available on Coursera. Earn your degree from anywhere with online courses while gaining the knowledge and skills you need to advance your career.
Start today for free with courses in several specializations, includingdigitales Marketing,leadership and strategic management, ÖValue Chain Management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A good score for an optional testing program is generally a score above the class average reported on the student profile report. An above-average score can show an admissions committee that you're ready to take on the program's workload.
Programs that top MBA rankings, such as US News & World Report, Fortune, and Bloomberg, typically have average GMAT scores of around 720 or 730. Scores above 730 are generally associated with a higher likelihood of admission, while a Score below 730 is generally associated with a lower chance of hospitalization. learn more aboutTake the GMAT or GRE..
A GMAT score of 700 is in the 88th percentile, meaning 88% of test takers score less than 700. Usually such a high result requires a reasonable effort. According to MBA.com, people who score 700 on the GMAT report spend an average of 100 hours studying for the exam.
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article sources
1. Admissions Office for Postgraduates in Management. "GMAT Score by Exam Section / GMAT Benchmarking Tool, https://www.gmac.com/gmat-other-assessments/accessing-gmat-exam-scores-and-reports/gmat-scoring-by-exam-section-normal-view.” Consulted 15 December 2021 .
2. Master of Business Administration. mit. „Official GMAT Starter Kit + Practice Tests 1 & 2 (Free),https://www.mba.com/exam-prep/gmat-official-starter-kit-practcei.” Consulted 15 December 2021.
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This content is provided for informational purposes only. Students are encouraged to do additional research to ensure that the courses and other qualifications earned meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.
FAQs
What is a good GMAT score? Determine your target score for 2023? ›
To score higher than half of all test takers, you need a Total Score above 590 to 600. To score among the top 25 percent of test takers, you'd need to score about 660. To be among the most competitive class—the top 10 percent of test takers— you'd want to aim for a score around 710 or higher.
What is the target score for GMAT? ›Generally, a good GMAT score is between 700 and 740, and a score of 740+ is an excellent score. The average GMAT score for the top 30 business schools in the US in 2022 is 711. It ranges from 665 – 733. Similarly, the average score for the top business schools in Europe is 676, ranging between 638-709.
How easy is it to get 650 on GMAT? ›Getting 650 on GMAT is not easy. 73% of test takers score less than 650. Hitting the score requires 60-90 hours of preparation spread across 1-2 months. Also, scoring 650 on GMAT requires thorough knowledge of easy and medium concepts and a working knowledge of hard concepts.
What is a 75% on the GMAT? ›Each of your five GMAT scores includes a percentile ranking, which indicates the percent of test takers that you performed better than. For example, a ranking of 75% means that 25% of test takers performed as well or better than you, and 75% did not do as well.
Is 725 a good GMAT score? ›Generally, a good GMAT score is between 700-740.
Is 590 a bad GMAT score? ›To score higher than half of all test takers, you need a Total Score above 590 to 600. To score among the top 25 percent of test takers, you'd need to score about 660. To be among the most competitive class—the top 10 percent of test takers— you'd want to aim for a score around 710 or higher.
How rare is 780 in GMAT? ›GMAT 780 represents the 99th percentile. That means if you score a 780 on the GMAT, you are amongst the top 1 percent of the test takers.
Can I get into Harvard with 600 GMAT score? ›Harvard school has admitted students with a GMAT range of 500 to 600. Yes, you read it right!
Is 620 a bad GMAT score? ›A GMAT 760 or above will put you in the 99th percentile, a GMAT 700 in the 88th percentile, and a GMAT 600 in the 53rd percentile. Scores above 700 are generally considered strong and those below 600 are considered very weak.
Is 3 months enough for GMAT? ›Yes, if you follow the right steps and guidance, you can crack the GMAT in 3 months. Are 2 months enough for GMAT preparation? 2 months is not enough for GMAT preparation, especially if you are giving it for the first time. At least 3 to 6 months of preparation is required to get a good GMAT score.
What GMAT score do I need for Harvard? ›
Harvard reports its class median, rather than average, GMAT score. Harvard's median GMAT is 730. This gives you an idea of where you are, at least in terms of your competitiveness around the GMAT. Broken down by GMAT Quant and Verbal sections, Harvard's median quant score is 49 and Harvard's median verbal score is 41.
What is an 80% on the GMAT? ›Your percentile for each section of the GMAT represents the percentage of applicants who you outperformed on that section. So, for example, if you score in the 80th percentile on the Verbal section, you did better than 80% of all other test takers on that section.
How rare is an 800 GMAT? ›So, we can see why, according to the Graduate Management Admissions Council, fewer than 50 people out of the over 200,000 people who take the GMAT each year score a perfect 800.
Can I get into Harvard with 780 GMAT score? ›INSEAD only score r an average GMAT score of 708, while Harvard accepted scores ranging from 590 to 790, with a median GMAT score of 730.
What is a mediocre GMAT score? ›The average GMAT score was 658 in 2021, but you may need at least a 720 for some top MBA programs.
How long should I study for the GMAT? ›Remember, studying for the GMAT takes time. Plan to spend about two to three months and 100–120 hours reviewing material and practicing regularly. The top scorers on the GMAT spend 120+ hours, on average, studying for Test Day over a period of time.
What is the minimum GMAT score for top business schools? ›So, Is 700 a good GMAT score? According to most MBA experts, a score above 700 is considered great, while anything over 650 is good. A 700+ GMAT score for top MBA programmes is usually the norm, but having a GMAT score below 700 doesn't mean you don't stand a chance of getting into the top business schools.
Is 760 GMAT enough for Harvard? ›1. Safe Zone (above 99 percentile): 760-800. If your scores are in this range, as long as your work experience, GPA, resume and recommendations are on track with the average Harvard hopeful, you stand a very decent chance, though you must understand that even an 800 on GMAT does not guarantee admission to Harvard.
What is the lowest GMAT score for MBA? ›The Lowest GMAT Percentile Score You Can Get
For the percentile ranking released by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a low score like 200 points is not considered. The lowest score that gets you a percentile ranking, as shared earlier, is 220.
GMAT is taken by more than 200,000 people annually, and only 6% of the total takers score 720 or more. These data points clearly indicate the answer to the question – Is the GMAT really hard? Yes, it is and it takes effort to score 700+.
Is 770 a good GMAT score? ›
A 770 is in the 99th percentile. The 99th percentile starts at 760 so technically a 770 is 99th%+ but the GMAT only provides integer percentiles.
How hard is it to get a 750 GMAT? ›One obvious takeaway is that, to score 750+ on the GMAT, you need to get most, though not all, of the Quant and Verbal questions correct. In fact, typically, test-takers who score 750+ get 21 to 25 out of 28 counted Quant questions correct. Also, typically, they get 23 to 26 out of 30 counted Verbal questions correct.
What GMAT score do I need for Stanford? ›Stanford MBA GMAT Range: 610-790
When considering your GMAT score alongside the rest of your application, Stanford will also take into account factors like the educational systems in different countries.
A 570 is a solid initial CAT score (the average score on the Official GMAT hovers around 540-550 most years). Your score goal is also reasonable, so assuming that you took this CAT under realistic conditions, I would say that you have a good chance to hit that goal.
What is the GMAT score for top 100 business schools? ›Average Score Requirements for GMAT
The GMAT score requirement for top business schools increases every year. The GMAT score which is between 650 to 690 is considered good but for top-ranked universities such as Harvard University, IIM Bangalore, and Stanford University you will need a score of 730+.
Scores in the range of 680 and 720 are generally considered to be well above average with the average score being around 550.
Is 650 GMAT bad? ›650 is a decent starting point for a high GMAT score because it typically falls in the 75th percentile, which is a strong position to be in comparison to other applicants. Hence, getting a score of 650+ does increase your chances of securing a spot in a top-tier college. Suggested: How to Improve GMAT Scores?
Is 690 a bad GMAT score? ›Experts Say a GMAT Score Between 650 and 690 is Good.
Test scores average between 550 and 600.
Typically, it takes about 3-6 months to prepare for the GMAT exam; however, it could be less or more depending upon your current skills and aptitude. The best way to decide how much time is required to prepare for the GMAT exam is to take a GMAT mock test or diagnostic test before you begin your preparation.
Is 30 days enough for GMAT? ›Is it possible to achieve my target GMAT score in less than 30 days? Yes, it is possible to achieve your target score in less than 30 days if you follow the right strategy. By setting a realistic goal and putting in a good number of hours into study, you can achieve your target score.
How many hours to study for GMAT 700? ›
To score 700, people normally spend around 200 to 300 hours preparing for the GMAT. It's likely that around 20 percent of GMAT test-takers score 700+. Some people who have studied math or verbal topics before preparing for the GMAT find the GMAT Quant or Verbal section relatively easy.
Which is more difficult GRE or GMAT? ›Experts say the quantitative questions on the GMAT are generally more difficult than those on the GRE. "As a result, students with stronger math skills may want to take the GMAT in order to demonstrate those skills," Dan Edmonds, a test-prep tutor with IvyWise, wrote in an email.
What GMAT do I need for Yale? ›To see the average test scores, GPA, and additional demographic information for recent classes, visit the Class Profile. Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE requirement? There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score required to apply to Yale SOM.
What is the average age of MBA students? ›The average MBA student is 28 years old.
With the middle 80% age range of MBA students being 25-31 years old. This is very consistent within all of the major US colleges, with most average ages ranging between 27-29 years old. However, it is important to note that there are students outside of this age range.
A 770 GMAT score falls in the 99th percentile. Meaning only 1% of all test takers receive this score. How can I earn an impressive GMAT score?
What is 99th percentile on GMAT? ›A score between 760 and 800 will get you that elusive 99th percentile GMAT score. About 0.02% of GMAT test-takers, or about 30 people a year, will score a perfect 800 on the test.
How many times can I take the GMAT? ›Scores are valid for five (5) years. Candidates can take the GMAT™ online exam up to two times. All GMAT™ online exam attempts will count towards your 5 GMAT™ Exam attempts during a rolling 12-month period and 8 lifetime limits.
Is the GMAT harder than the SAT? ›Yes, the GMAT is considered to be harder than the SAT exam due to the nature of the questions asked in both exams.
Do most people take the GMAT more than once? ›The simple answer to the question of whether it's “bad” to take the GMAT more than once is no, taking the GMAT more than once is not a negative thing. In fact, most GMAT test-takers sit for the exam more than once, and you should plan to do the same.
What is the highest GMAT score ever? ›The highest GMAT score you can possibly achieve is 800. GMAT scores range from 200 to 800 and two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600. Getting the max GMAT score of 800 is very rare.
Can I get into Stanford with a 700 GMAT? ›
There is no minimum GMAT score requirement for Stanford. 590 is the lowest score to have been accepted in recent years, but technically you could do worse than that and still get in.
Do business schools see all GMAT scores? ›Business schools can see all GMAT scores that are on your official score report. They do not see any scores that have been cancelled and they cannot see that you cancelled any of your GMAT scores.
Can you get into Harvard with 670 GMAT? ›Yes you can.
Most schools publish the percentages of each level of the GMAT who gain admission every year, but Harvard is an exception.
The mean GMAT score without studying is around 575 – 40 = 535. The median GMAT score without studying is around 600 – 40 = 560.
What is the lowest GMAT score Harvard? ›GRE. There is no minimum GMAT or GRE to apply and we do not have a preference toward one test or the other. 74% of the Class of 2024 submitted GMAT scores and 30% submitted GRE scores, with some students submitting scores from both tests.
Can a good GMAT make up low GPA? ›Strong GMAT or GRE scores
Start working towards acing the exam. Scoring high on your GMAT/GRE is essential since it makes your application stronger. Members of many admission committees have agreed that a low GPA can be overcome with a high GMAT or GRE score.
The total of about 3 weeks of preparation yielded me a result of 760 points in my first and only sitting of the exam, equivalent to the prestigious 99th percentile of all test takers.
Does the GMAT get progressively harder? ›The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test (CAT), meaning the difficulty changes depending on the answers you give. If you're doing well on the exam, the questions become more challenging as you go. Conversely, follow-up questions become easier for those struggling with the test.
How can I ace my GMAT in 3 months? ›- GMAT Handbook. ...
- Full-Length Practice Tests. ...
- Practice Questions. ...
- Prep Books. ...
- Online calendar. ...
- Take a class. ...
- Bootcamps.
If we consider GMAT score percentiles, we see that the GMAT 750 percentile is 98. Also, 760 is a 99th percentile score. So, scoring 750+ on the GMAT is something that few GMAT test-takers accomplish.
Is 420 a good GMAT score? ›
With a GMAT score of 420, you're in the lower 15 percentile of all applicants who took the test. That's not very good - if you were in the bottom 15 percentile of an academic program, for example, you would most certainly fail.
Is 650 a bad GMAT score? ›650 is a decent starting point for a good GMAT score because it typically comes in the 75th percentile. On the other end, a weak GMAT performance is anything below 550. The average GMAT score is 200, and the maximum score is 800. Students often achieve scores between 400 and 600 on their GMAT exam.
Will a 750 GMAT get me into Harvard? ›A score between the range of 750 and 800 will set you on the right track for acceptance into Harvard. You must also focus on the other areas of your application, as your GMAT score only makes up 22% of the weightage in your application.
Is getting a 550 on the GMAT hard? ›Score reports indicate that the average question difficulty associated with a 550 GMAT score is a little higher than medium for Quant and a little lower than medium for Verbal. So, the questions you need to answer to score 550 require solid quantitative and verbal skills but aren't particularly tricky.
Is 610 a bad GMAT score? ›A GMAT 760 or above will put you in the 99th percentile, a GMAT 700 in the 88th percentile, and a GMAT 600 in the 53rd percentile. Scores above 700 are generally considered strong and those below 600 are considered very weak.
Should I retake the GMAT if I score 740? ›The only reason that would justify retaking GMAT with a score between 700 and 750 is if you're intent on getting into the top 10 MBA programs in the world. In general, a GMAT score between 700 and 750 is beyond just 'acceptable' for a vast number of highly reputed B-Schools.
Is 620 a good GMAT score? ›In terms of a 620 GMAT score, this would put a test-taker in the 63rd percentile, meaning that they've done better than many others. A GMAT score (of 620 or higher / lower) is not the be all and end all. Admissions committees take a holistic view of a candidacy, including work experience and leadership potential.