How to Maximize Use of GMAT Scores for MBA Admissions?

The GMAT exam is only one factor in the admissions decision for MBA admissions abroad. It does not measure every discipline-related skill necessary for academic work or subjective factors important to academic and career success, such as motivation, creativity, and interpersonal skills. There is a reason why GMAT Focus scores hold value in admissions, interviews and even placements. Check out the article to understand how GMAT scores are used. 

The GMAT exam or the GMAT Focus Edition as it is referred to now is the most widely used exam score for MBA admissions abroad. All top B-schools abroad accept the GMAT scores and assess applications of MBA applicants. This article will help you understand how you can use your GMAT scores to assess if you can make it to the B-school you have applied for or not.

What are GMAT Focus Scores?

If you are applying for an MBA abroad, then you must know that GMAT Focus scores are given on a scale of 205-805 to applicants in three sections - Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Reasoning and Data Insights. Each of these sections is marked equally on a scale of 60-90. Each correct answer has a certain marking point while each wrong answer has a negative marking. Also, applicants who leave questions unanswered are marked negatively. 

Since scoring on GMAT can be a task, here is how you can use your scores to assess your performance in the exam, calculate percentile and understand if your scores can get you a seat in the top business schools. 

Role of GMAT Scores for MBA Admissions

The GMAT scores play a pivotal role in MBA admissions abroad and India but there is more to that. GMAT scores are important because of various reasons:

• GMAT scores help you get into a top B school and are an important part of your admission application.
• GMAT scores are not the only parameter to get applicants admission into a B-school, but a relatively higher GMAT score can increase the overall application.
• With the help of GMAT scores, applicants can showcase their skills in problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking which can impact their MBA admissions.
• Admission to MBA is based on an overall GMAT score and not based on particular sections. It is a myth that GMAT scores for the Quant section are preferable to other sections. Admissions are given based on the overall GMAT score. 
• Based on GMAT scores scholarships can also be availed at top business schools. Although there are no direct GMAT scholarships, based on GMAT scores and other application materials applicants can get a scholarship.
• It would also interest applicants to know that GMAT scores are also helpful in getting jobs post-MBA. A lot of Finance and Consulting firms require GMAT scores of the applicants before hiring them. Also, those wanting to switch from one field to consulting, finance or any other technical field can share their GMAT scores to show their skills and talent. 

Thus, the role of GMAT scores is not limited to getting admissions to top B-schools, rather it plays an important role in getting scholarships, getting a job in top Consulting and Finance firms, switching career fields and getting high-salary jobs abroad. 

How to Use Your GMAT Scores for MBA Admissions?

Validity Study Service (VSS), available to schools and institutions that accept the GMAT exam, is designed to help schools demonstrate empirically the relationship between test scores and performance in a specific academic program. Before getting into the discussion about how to use GMAT scores to maximise MBA admissions, applicants should understand the key differences between GMAT Focus and GMAT.

Now check out about the use of GMAT scores appropriately for MBA admissions abroad in the following section: 

Avoid Using GMAT Cutoff Scores

Cutoff scores should only be used when clear empirical evidence shows that a large proportion of students with scores in that range were less successful in the curriculum. Schools must also demonstrate that the use of GMAT cutoff scores does not result in discrimination based on sex, age, ethnicity, or any other characteristic not proven to indicate their competence or predict their success.

Do Not Compare GMAT Scores with Scores on Other Tests

The GMAT exam has not been equated with other tests. GMAT score scales may seem similar to those of other standardized tests, but comparisons with scores from other tests [such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)] are inappropriate. Likewise, GMAT scores cannot be estimated from scores on other tests. In addition to the differences between the tests, the populations taking the tests have different characteristics.

However, if it is necessary, applicants can check GMAT to GRE Conversion or GRE to GMAT Conversion. Though the conversions may not always be correct, for reference, applicants can check out these articles. 

Score Comparison - GMAT vs GMAT Focus

The scoring scale of GMAT Focus which is the latest Edition of GMAT has changed, thus, those who took the GMAT 10th Edition previously and are applying for MBA admissions in the upcoming years, can submit the old scores. The applicants can also convert the GMAT 10th Edition scores to the latest GMAT 11th Edition score scale. The table below shows, how both GMAT scores differ from one another:

Feature	Old GMAT	New GMAT (Focus Edition)
Total Scoring Scale	200-800	205-805
Score Increments per Section	10	5
Scoring Sections	Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights
Scoring Scale	Single scale for a total score	Separate scales for each section and total score (60 – 90)

Here is a scale of scores for the old GMAT version vs the new GMAT version along with percentiles in the section below:

(Source: MBA.com)

Understanding Percentile Rankings

The percentile rank of a score shows you the percentage of test-takers who scored lower than that score for the most recent three-year period. Every year, each test taker’s score is updated with the most recent year’s percentiles.

Using a combination of GMAT scores, transcripts, work experience, essays, and interviews, admissions professionals strive to build strong, cohesive cohorts each year. Comparing each GMAT score with the most recent three years of test-takers gives them a more complete picture of the business school applicant pool.

Educationally Disadvantaged Test Takers

You should use special care in interpreting test scores when the test taker is believed to be educationally disadvantaged as a result of social and environmental circumstances. Scores may, under those circumstances, reflect the extent of educational damage resulting from unequal opportunity, rather than the potential to succeed academically in the first year of a graduate management program. However, GMAT scores should still be considered as part of the applicant's overall application.

Test Takers with Limited English Proficiency

In assessing the ability of a test taker whose native language is not English, it is important to carefully consider how much the scores may have been affected by a limited proficiency in English. GMAT scores, especially the Verbal Reasoning scores, may reflect the test taker's deficiency in English rather than his or her reasoning ability. Applicants must prepare for GMAT keeping this aspect in mind and choose their GMAT testing dates also accordingly. 

Score Cancel/Score Reinstate

GMAT Test takers are provided with the ability to see their unofficial scores before deciding to accept or cancel those scores. A self-cancelled score will appear as a "C" on the official score report, along with all GMAT attempts for the previous five years. Test takers that self-cancel on test day have the opportunity to reinstate those scores within 60 days of the test date, for a fee of $100. Check in detail about the GMAT fees. 

In conclusion, while the GMAT score is a significant factor in MBA admissions, it's not the sole determinant factor. A strong GMAT performance can enhance your application, but it's crucial to consider it within the broader context of your academic achievements, work experience, and extracurricular activities. By understanding how GMAT scores are used and avoiding common misconceptions, you can effectively leverage them to strengthen your MBA application.