GMAT Focus Edition Score vs Percentile
GMAT
Taking the GMAT soon and don’t know the difference between GMAT score and percentile? We have curated an article about GMAT score vs percentile and discussed all major aspects of scoring, percentile, conversion of GMAT score to percentiles and other details. So check out the article now!
The GMAT Focus Edition incorporates a new scoring system to judge a candidate's capabilities better. However, would-be Indian applicants often wonder whether the GMAT score and the GMAT Focus percentile are similar. The following article is divided into important sections that will allow you to compare and understand differences and prepare better keeping GMAT score vs percentile in mind.
What is the GMAT Focus Edition?
The GMAT Focus Edition is the slimmed-down and redesigned version of the original GMAT from GMAC. It focuses on more analytical and decision-making skills, contains only two fewer sections, and goes for a shorter test duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
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Understanding GMAT Focus Score
The GMAT Focus score is a scaled score, which varies between 205 and 805, and can be arrived at based on your performance in these three different sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights
Each section counts towards your overall score, which ranges from 60 to 90 for each section. Thus the GMAT score,
- Is an absolute measure of the applicant’s raw performance reflected through the number of correct answers and question difficulty.
- Predicts academic success because the GMAT scores show a correlation between the score achieved and academic success in an MBA program.
- Finally, there can be a fair comparison among the test-takers since the GMAT exam is a standardized way to compare candidates worldwide, and set GMAT cutoffs accordingly.
What is GMAT Focus Percentile?
The GMAT Focus percentile represents where you ranked against other test-takers. That is to say, when you have a 90, you scored higher than 90% of people who took the test. The GMAT percentiles are also essential for assessment when applicants retake the GMAT exam multiple times and compare their scores. Say, in the first attempt, an applicant scored 645 which is 87.7 percentile and in the second attempt the applicant scored 665 which is 92.9 percentile. Thus, in the second attempt, the applicant has jumped positions by 5.2 percentile which is a good sign.
GMAT Score vs Percentile (Focus Edition)
Let us now understand the GMAT score vs percentile in the following table to get a better understanding of both terms more concisely:
| Aspect |
GMAT Focus Score |
GMAT Focus Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Definition |
Scaled score based on raw performance. |
Rank relative to other test-takers. |
| Range |
205 to 805. |
1st to 99th percentile. |
| Calculation |
Based on correct answers and question difficulty. |
Based on the distribution of scores across test-takers. |
| Purpose |
Measures individual performance. |
Indicates competitiveness among peers. |
| Static or Dynamic |
Static for each test attempt. |
Dynamic and changes over time. |
| Use Case |
Admission criteria for schools. |
Benchmarking against peers. |
Why do GMAT scores & Percentiles Matter for Indian Applicants?
GMAT score vs percentile is essential for international applicants applying for an MBA abroad. The reason is, that top B-schools abroad also require GMAT percentiles while assessing applications to compare the applications they receive from thousands of students. Here is a detailed analysis of why both these metrics hold importance.
GMAT Focus Score Significance:
- The schools may have a GMAT cut-off or a minimum score for admissions
- A very high GMAT score unlocks merit scholarships for international applicants. Check out GMAT scholarships abroad.
GMAT Focus Percentile Significance:
- GMAT Focus percentile is highly competitive with a huge test-taker population
- The GMAT percentiles would estimate the prospects for admission to flagship programs.
- Compare applications based on GMAT percentiles on how an x applicant performed against y applicant.
GMAT Score vs Percentile: Performance Based
Here is a concordance table for GMAT Focus score vs percentile scores and the performance indicators below for reference:
| GMAT Focus Score Range |
GMAT Percentile |
Performance Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| 805–775 |
100% |
Top scorer, elite-level performance |
| 765–765 |
99.9% |
Exceptional performance |
| 725–695 |
97.7% |
Strongly competitive |
| 685–655 |
91.3% |
High scores |
| 645–605 |
71.7% |
Above average |
| 595–555 |
49.0% |
Mid-range |
| 545–505 |
27.6% |
Below average |
| 495–455 |
15.1% |
Needs Improvement |
| 445–405 |
6.7% |
Low performance |
| 395–305 |
1.0% |
Very low percentile |
| 295–205 |
0.1% |
Bottom of the pool |
This is how applicants are assessed based on their performance in the GMAT exam. This GMAT score chart of both score and percentiles is just an indicator to help applicants understand how they have performed against other applicants who appeared for the GMAT exam.
How to Plan for a Good GMAT Score?
Planning to score well on GMAT is essential because it will help scale your scores. By planning applicants can also get a good GMAT score. Check out the section below and understand how:
- Focus on mastering the concepts of Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights to maximise your scaled score. Understanding the GMAT exam syllabus is the key here.
- Refer to GMAC’s official percentile tables to understand how your target score aligns with your desired percentile and prepare for GMAT accordingly.
- Take official GMAT Focus practice tests to get accustomed to the GMAT exam pattern and question types tested along with the difficulty levels.
- Compare your GMAT practice test percentiles with historical data to track progress.
- Plan your GMAT exam dates in advance and also choose which is a better option - taking the GMAT at the test centre or taking the GMAT Online.
- Finally, the higher the GMAT score, the higher the GMAT percentile. Since they are both interrelated, applicants with high scores will benefit.
For Indian applicants, it is important to understand how GMAT Focus scores relate to percentiles to set realistic targets and stand out in a competitive pool. While the score determines eligibility, the percentile helps assess your relative performance. Strive for a balanced approach that prioritises strong preparation and strategic benchmarking to achieve your MBA goals.
Those looking for admission abroad to top universities for various courses can sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling. The experts shall get back to you. For queries, you can write to us in the comments below.
Q: How good is a 700 GMAT cutoff score?
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: I scored 40% in graduation. Am I eligible for GMAT exam?
Yes, you are eligible to appear for the GMAT 2023 exam. When it comes to the GMAT eligibility criteria 2023, there are no specific criteria set by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the body that conducts the GMAT 2023 exam. However, there are a few general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Educational Qualification: For taking the GMAT 2023 exam, GMAC has not laid any specific eligibility criteria whether it is related to academic background or percentage in your undergraduate course. However, most business schools require a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. It is essential to check the specific requirements of the schools you plan to apply to.
- Age Limit: There is no specific age limit for taking the GMAT exam. Individuals of any age can take the exam as long as they meet the educational qualifications mentioned above. GMAC requires the candidates need to be at least 18 years to take the GMAT 2023 exam. However, students that fall in the age group of 13 to 17 can attempt the exam given that they have written approval or consent provided by their legal guardians or parents (NOC).
- Prior Experience: The GMAT does not have any work experience requirements. It is primarily a test of academic abilities and skills relevant to graduate management education. However, MBA colleges might require certain years of work experience.
It is important to note that while GMAC does not have strict eligibility criteria for the GMAT 2023, individual business schools may have their own requirements for admission. It is vital to research the admission requirements of the MBA colleges you are interested in to ensure you meet their criteria.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Is Hertfordshire University hard to get into?
With a 70% acceptance rate, the University of Hertfordshire is not hard to get into and follows easy selection criteria during admissions. This does not mean the university accepts all the students applying for different programs. The selection is based on academic performance, English language requirements, references, and many more. Some of the programs at Hertfordshire even demand an experience of 4-5 years. Students must fulfill the eligibility criteria to enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
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With a score of 700 on the GMAT, you will be in the 88th percentile. Usually, candidates get a score even less than a 'good GMAT score'. With a 700 GMAT score, you will qualify for most of the top business schools. However, scoring 700 or more on the GMAT does not guarantee a selection the top B-schools. Students must understand that a GMAT score is only one of the MBA or MIM admission requirements. You need to provide various other admission documents such as letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, admission essays, etc. It is important to pay attention to admission documents as well.