 Your GMAT Score
What does your score mean?
The overall GMAT is scored on a scale from 200 to 800, with an average score slightly higher than 500. Two-thirds of test takers score between 400 and 600.
This score is based on your scores for the Verbal and Quantitative multiple choice sections of the test, which are first scored separately on a scale of 0 – 60.
On your score report you will see these two sub-scores along with a percentile score so you can compare your performance with that of others taking a similar test over the last three years.
You will also receive a separate AWA score in your official score report. Each essay will receive a score from 0 to 6 from two sources - one human reader and one machine reader - and the two scores will be averaged.
Average scores for the two essays are then combined for an overall essay score from 0 to 6 (in half point increments). Writing scores are computed separately from the scores for the multiple-choice sections of the test and have no effect on the Verbal, Quantitative, or overall score.
For further information visit the GMAC website and download their free brochure, ‘Interpreting Your Score’.
When is your score available?
You can see your unofficial Verbal and Analytical scores immediately after completing the computer adaptive test. Your official score will be sent to you and to up to five designated institutions about two weeks after your test. You should allow extra time for delivery of score reports if you are taking the GMAT outside of the United States.
How long is your score valid?
Most universities want to see a GMAT score that is no more than 5 years old. Scores will be archived for 20 years and can be sent to schools, if required, upon payment of a fee. Most schools want to receive a score from the Computer Adaptive Testing that was recently introduced so if your most recent GMAT was taken in the old format (paper and pencil) it is probably a good idea to retake it. If you live in a location that only offers the paper and pencil test format, it is not necessary to travel in order to take the Computer Adaptive Test but, if at all possible, advisable.
Visit the GMAC website for more information on score reporting.
What is a good score?
To get into a top 10 business school you will typically need a score higher than 600. Scoring well on the GMAT improves your chances of acceptance to your school of choice, but even a score over 700 does not guarantee admission at the most competitive schools. On the other hand, there are less competitive schools whose accepted applicants have an average GMAT score of 500 or below.
It is up to you to research your chosen schools to find their average GMAT scores. This will give you the best measure of the score to aim for on the GMAT. Keep in mind, however, that your score is only one component of your overall application. Here are some score breakdowns by competitive schools. |
