What is a Good GMAT Score?
GMAT
Talk to ExpertWhat is a Good GMAT Score? Students aiming to get into the top business schools abroad must qualify for the GMAT exam with good scores. A GMAT score of 700 or more that strengthens a candidate’s MBA or MIM application is considered a good GMAT score. Typically speaking, a GMAT score of more than 650 is considered as good, whereas, a GMAT score of 700 or more is considered excellent. Students who want to pursue an MBA program from top B-Schools would be required to have a good GMAT Score to start with. Read on to understand the definition of a good GMAT score and its importance.
Getting into a top B-school is never an easy task, it is even harder for those who simultaneously juggle with their professional life. In this article, we will inform you about the best GMAT score you should plan to get into your preferred B-school. A good GMAT score may vary from candidate to candidate. Many times candidates think that average GMAT scores are equal to a good GMAT score. Candidates often take the GMAT exam more than once to get their targeted score. To get into a top business school, 720+ or 730+ can be a good GMAT score. The average GMAT score for a top business school varies from university to university, however, the majority of them prefer candidates with 700+.
Different B-schools also accept GRE scores for MBA programs (learn the difference between the GRE and GMAT exams here). So, one should know about the GMAT to GRE score conversion and GRE to GMAT score conversion. A high GMAT score not only indicates the potential of the candidate but also opens doors for a GMAT scholarship (Not all B-schools/management schools offer GMAT scholarships).
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
What is GMAT Percentile Score?
Candidates who are to appear for their GMAT examination should be aware that the exam is scored from a range of 200 to 800 points. After appearing for your GMAT exam, candidates would receive the GMAT score chart containing a total of 5 scores – Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Total. The aggregate GMAT score is solely based on a candidate’s performance in the verbal and quantitative sections. Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning scores do not affect the GMAT total score. You also get a percentile score, which tells you how you have scored comparatively to every 100 candidates taking the GMAT exam.
| GMAT Score |
GMAT Percentile |
|---|---|
| 760 to 800 |
99% |
| 750 |
98% |
| 740 |
97% |
| 730 |
96% |
| 720 |
94% |
| 710 |
90% |
| 700 |
87% |
| 690 |
84% |
| 680 |
80% |
| 670 |
78% |
| 660 |
74% |
| 650 |
70% |
| 640 |
64% |
| 630 |
62% |
| 620 |
58% |
| 610 |
54% |
| 600 |
50% |
Related Reads:
| How to score a perfect 800 on GMAT? | |
| GMAT Score / Results 2024 | How I scored 750 on the GMAT: Akshay Deshmukh |
What is a Good GMAT Score?
"A score above 700+ in the GMAT exam is a good score" is a false narrative. Now the answer to the question- "What is a good GMAT Score?" entirely depends on the college and course of choice. Your targeted score can be a good starting point to prepare for the GMAT test. Candidates with scores above 600 are generally categorised into "above-average GMAT scores" which is different from a good score. It is no unknown fact that to get into one of the top B-schools, candidates would be required to score comfortably above 700 points, to be able to achieve a good score status. Most candidates who would score below 700 points could, however, appear for the GMAT exam again to improve their performance as most business schools require a GMAT score above 700. For a candidate who has achieved a GMAT score of 710, it would be unwise to attempt to better his performance.
Hence, to put it squarely, a good GMAT score would totally depend on the business school one plans to apply. The top B-Schools would expect nothing below the 700 scale. While most schools accept applications even on scores above 600 in the GMAT exam. A rising GMAT score also signifies that competition among the aspirants is rising year after year and it also indicates the increasing potential of the candidates. Apart from this, one also gets the idea that competition among the top B-schools is also increasing substantially. Having a high GMAT score must be your top priority, however, students should also focus on building a strong profile along with it.
How to Find Your GMAT Score?
To determine your “good GMAT score” or your targeted GMAT score, you must consider your academic goals, the GMAT cut-off scores for your desired B-school, and the class profile of your targeted b-school. Here are the steps to find your ideal GMAT score:
- Academic Goals: Consider your goals for yourself in your chosen field or with your MBA. These objectives should be in line with your desired GMAT score.
- Desired MBA Programme: Check the average GMAT scores of entering students in the MBA programmes you are interested in. Frequently, the websites of the institutions or the class profile pages provide this information.
- Evaluate Yourself: Examine your resume, employment history, and other credentials against the typical admissions profile of the schools you are interested in. This will assist you in deciding whether you should aim for a competitive GMAT score that is higher or lower.
- Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Try out a computer adaptive test or a practice GMAT from reliable sources. This will assist you in determining your areas of strength and weakness as well as how far you have fallen short of your desired score.
- Set a Realistic Score: Set a realistic target GMAT score that aligns with your goals and the requirements of your desired MBA program.
Why GMAT Scores are Important for Business Schools?
Top business schools like Ross Michigan and MIT Sloan offered admission to their MBA programs in 2020-21 without GMAT. However, a report from Menlo Coaching’s research proves that high GMAT scores give you an advantage in getting admission to a top business school. GMAT scores are considered a great predictor of the success of a candidate in a business school. As GMAT test is designed to assess skills that are required in an MBA program.
GMAT Scores for Top MBA Colleges 2024
Whether it is Wharton's GMAT score or Stanford's GMAT score, we have given average GMAT scores required for top MBA colleges in the world.
Below mentioned are the average GMAT scores for top US business schools.
| Top Business Schools in USA |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 733 |
|
| 730 |
|
| 738 |
|
| 729 |
|
| 729 |
|
| 730 |
|
| 724 |
|
| 729 |
|
| 729 |
|
| 725 |
Below are the average GMAT scores required for the top business schools in Europe.
| Top Business Schools in Europe |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 710 |
|
| 708 |
|
| 690 |
|
| 580-750 |
|
| 690 |
|
| 677 |
|
| 690 |
|
| 650 |
|
| 600+ |
|
| 670 |
Below are the average GMAT scores required for top business schools in Canada.
| Top Business Schools in Canada |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 550+ |
|
| 670 |
|
| 660 |
|
| 630+ |
|
| 660 |
|
| 550+ |
|
| 550+ |
|
| 600 |
|
| 590 |
|
| 580+ |
GMAT Score for MBA Scholarship
A good GMAT score can help international students get MBA scholarships abroad. A student with a 750 GMAT score is more likely to earn a scholarship as compared to a student with a 650 GMAT score. Below are some essential points to consider regarding MBA scholarships abroad.
- Scholarship Committees Consider GMAT Score: Before giving out scholarships, scholarship committees assess a number of elements, and the GMAT score is one of the most significant ones. You may be able to compete for MBA programme merit-based scholarships with a good GMAT score. High-achieving students can receive full or partial scholarships from many business schools. These scholarships are frequently awarded on the basis of merit and consider factors such as GMAT scores and other indicators of academic and professional achievement.
- Competitive Advantage: Applying for scholarships can put you ahead of the competition if you have a high GMAT score. It displays your aptitude for academic work and your likelihood of succeeding in an MBA programme.
- Other Factors: Scholarship committees take into account a variety of factors in addition to GMAT scores, including professional experience, academic background, letters of recommendation, and mission statement. To increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship, it is critical to have a well-rounded application.
In conclusion, although it is not the only factor in scholarship selection, a high GMAT score can greatly increase your chances of being awarded merit-based funding for MBA programmes.
Now that students are aware of what is a good GMAT score and the average GMAT scores for top MBA colleges, they must take their preparation seriously. Moreover, it is equally important to focus on the admission documents such as an SOP, LOR, admission essays, etc.
For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Also, Read:
| GMAT Colleges 2024 | FAQs for GMAT Exam 2024 |
| Average GMAT Scores Required for Top Business Schools | GMAT to GRE Score Conversion |
What is a Good GMAT Score FAQs
Q. What is a good GMAT score?
A. A good GMAT score depends largely on which MBA program you are applying to. For some programmes, a GMAT score of 650 or higher is regarded as good. A score of 700 or more is suitable for the top-tier programmes that are the most selective. GMAT scores between 650 and 740 are explicitly regarded as good to exceptional. The typical GMAT score allowed by prestigious programmes like Wharton is around 730. This means that a score of 720 or better often positions applicants for admission into the top 10 business schools in a competitive position. However, a GMAT score of 700 or higher will already qualify you as a competitive applicant for many MBA programmes in Canada.
Q. How to achieve a good GMAT score?
A. A consistent and committed effort is necessary to get a good GMAT score. You should concentrate on studying frequently, using the greatest study resources, and keeping up with the fundamentals if you want to get a decent grade. Create a study schedule that works for you and make a commitment to stick to it. Use approved study tools that closely resemble the real test, such as those offered by GMAT approved. Keep up with the basics of algebra, grammar, and reasoning, and make sure to review all the material covered on the test. Take practice exams in exam-like settings to improve your endurance and track your development. It is also crucial to ask for assistance when you need it, whether from tutors, teachers, or other sources.
Q. Can an average student achieve a good GMAT score?
A. Yes, with focused effort and planning, a typical student can attain a good GMAT score. Even though the GMAT exam can be difficult, it mostly assesses fundamental knowledge of math, grammar, and reasoning, so anyone can study and get better with regular practice. A good GMAT score is achievable for the average student with the right study plan, use of authorised practice materials, attention to the fundamentals, taking practice exams, seeking assistance when necessary, and research on the particular score requirements of your target schools/programs to determine a target score. In the end, a person's test score is just one aspect of their complete application; work experience and interview results also come into play when determining admittance.
Q. What is the best way to prepare for the GMAT exam?
A. The best way to prepare for the GMAT exam is to stick to a study schedule, use official practice materials (like those offered by GMAT Official), stay up-to-date on math, grammar, and logic fundamentals, take practice exams under exam-like circumstances to build endurance and gauge progress, ask for assistance as needed, and research the particular score requirements for the schools and programmes you're interested in. Doing a tonne of practice questions will also help you sharpen your skills. The GMAT exam can be studied in a variety of ways, including online courses, private coaching, and in-person workshops. Based on your learning preferences, objectives, financial situation, and time constraints, you can pick the one that suits you the best.
Q. Is 700 considered a good GMAT score?
A. It is true that a GMAT score of 700 is typically regarded as an excellent score for admission to many business schools and can be competitive for admission to the top 50 business schools. However, admission decisions are not just based on the GMAT score; they also take into account other aspects including work experience, GPA, essays, and interviews. Anything over 650 is good for top MBA programmes and anything over 700 is great. In the end, the score criteria may differ between institutions, thus it is critical to research and understand the precise score requirements of the schools/programs you are interested in.
Q. What should I do if I do not score well on the GMAT exam?
A. It is crucial to keep in mind that other components of your application can help you compensate for a low GMAT score as it's only one of the criteria considered when MBA admissions choices are made. You can still have a solid application and be admitted to MBA programmes even with a low GMAT score. Here are some tips:
- To demonstrate that you are a well-rounded applicant, emphasise your professional experience, leadership abilities, GPA, and extracurricular activities.
- You may retake the GMAT exam.
- Some programs may accept other standardized tests like GRE. You may consider taking them.
Q: Is the GMAT test hard?
GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam.
Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?
Q: What is the best GMAT Focus book?
Some of the best books to prepare for GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:
- The GMAT Focus Official Guide
- The Critical Reasoning Bible
- All the GMAT guides (Manhattan Prep)
- Total GMAT Math (Jeff Sackmann)
- GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)
Ideally these are some of the most important GMAT Focus books to prepare for the exam.
Q: What is the highest GMAT score?
The highest possible GMAT score is 800. It seems impossible to get a perfect score of 800 on the GMAT, but it can be achieved with sheer hard work, dedication, and the right study plan. Even the top B-schools require candidates to score 720 or more than 720, so, candidates need not score a perfect 800 to get into a top Business program. If you get a decent score then also you are eligible to apply to a top business program.
Q: Which month is best for GMAT exam?
As such there is no particular preference for choosing the best month to appear for GMAT exam. It is up to the applicants to choose a relevant GMAT exam date based on their admission intakes abroad and regster accordingly. Those who wish to submit GMAT scores for Fall intake should register for July-August months. While those applying for Spring intakes can appear for the exam in September-December months. It is completely up to the students because they need time to prepare and select an apt GMAT exam date.
Q: Is 650 a good GMAT score?
650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.
Q: Is the GMAT exam tough?
GMAT exam assesses different skill sets of candidates like the ability to think critically, ability to analyse data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. According to an estimate, only very few of the candidates are able to score more than 720+. So, one needs to develop these skills to get a decent score in order to get admission to their dream B-school. However, GMAT does not require you to study management concepts. It tests your basic mathematical and verbal skills only. Hence, it is not a tough exam; however, it does require focused and dedicated preparation. Here are a few points that will help you prepare well for the GMAT exam 2023:
- Familiarize yourself with the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern.
- Complete the official GMAT study material (cover-to-cover) at least twice.
- Appear for the GMAT mocks every week and analyse your performance in each of them.
Q: How do I cover the GMAT 2024 syllabus in 3 months?
To cover the GMAT 2023 syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach:
- Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
- Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
- Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
- Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
- Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
- Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!
Q: Is it hard to score 600+ on GMAT?
To get a 600+ score on the GMAT one needs to do a lot of hard work and made consistent efforts to get this score. Start with the GMAT syllabus and pattern. You can then move on to the GMAT official guide and other official study material. Make this as the base of your preparation. Once you are thorough with this, you can read other authentic sources such as the Manhattan guides, Princeton Review study material, etc. Make a study plan and follow it strictly and try to cover one topic at a time. Also, note down your weakness and try to work on them to increase your score.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Canada173 Universities
- Universities in Australia121 Universities
- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae