What is a Good GMAT Score for B-Schools Abroad 2025?
GMAT
Students aiming to get into the top business schools abroad must qualify for the GMAT exam with good scores. A GMAT Focus score of 645 or more that strengthens a candidate’s MBA or MIM application is considered a good GMAT score. A GMAT score of 645 is considered good, whereas, a higher GMAT score 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 what is 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 (Focus) 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, 645+ 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 645+.
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).
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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 205 to 805 points. After appearing for your GMAT exam, candidates would receive the GMAT score chart containing a total of 3 scores – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights along with a Total score. The aggregate GMAT score is solely based on a candidate’s performance in all three sections. You also get a percentile score, which tells you how you have scored comparatively to every 100 candidates taking the GMAT exam.
Check out the table for old GMAT score along with equivalent GMAT Focus scores and percentiles:
| Old GMAT Score (10th Edition) | GMAT Focus Score (Latest) | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | 805 | 100th |
| 790 | 805 | 100th |
| 780 | 785 | 100th |
| 770 | 755 | 99.9th |
| 760 | 735 | 99.5th |
| 750 | 715 | 98.7th |
| 740 | 695 | 97.9th |
| 730 | 685 | 96.7th |
| 720 | 675 | 95.2th |
| 710 | 665 | 93.2th |
| 700 | 655 | 89.6th |
| 690 | 645 | 86.7th |
| 680 | 635 | 83.5th |
| 670 | 625 | 80.1th |
| 660 | 615 | 78.3th |
| 650 | 615 | 74.5th |
| 640 | 595 | 70.7th |
| 630 | 585 | 64.8th |
| 620 | 575 | 62.1th |
| 610 | 565 | 55.8th |
| 600 | 555 | 52.7th |
| 590 | 545 | 49.0th |
| 580 | 535 | 43.0th |
| 570 | 525 | 35.0th |
| 560 | 515 | 32.0th |
| 550 | 505 | 28.5th |
| 540 | 495 | 25.0th |
| 530 | 485 | 22.0th |
| 520 | 475 | 19.0th |
| 510 | 465 | 17.0th |
| 500 | 455 | 15.0th |
| 490 | 445 | 12.0th |
| 480 | 435 | 10.0th |
| 470 | 425 | 8.0th |
| 460 | 415 | 6.0th |
| 450 | 405 | 4.0th |
| 440 | 395 | 3.0th |
| 430 | 385 | 2.0th |
| 420 | 375 | 1.0th |
| 410 | 365 | 0.5th |
| 400 | 355 | 0.2th |
| 390 | 345 | 0.1th |
So those who appeared for the old GMAT and require a comparison of old scores with new ones can consider the table above for reference.
What is a Good GMAT Score?
"A score above 645+ in the latest 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 635 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 645 points, to be able to achieve a good score status. Most candidates who would score below 645 points could, however, appear for the GMAT exam again to improve their performance as most business schools require a GMAT score above 645. For a candidate who has achieved a GMAT score of 665, 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 645 scale. While most schools accept applications even on scores above 555 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?
There are some B-schools without GMAT requirements for MBA admissions. 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 2025
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 (Focus) Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 685 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 685 |
Below are the average GMAT scores required for the top business schools in Europe.
| Top Business Schools in Europe |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 665 |
|
| 645 |
|
| 645 |
|
| 525-635 |
|
| 645 |
|
| 615 |
|
| 635 |
|
| 615 |
|
| 555+ |
|
| 615 |
Below are the average GMAT scores required for top business schools in Canada.
| Top Business Schools in Canada |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 525+ |
|
| 615 |
|
| 615 |
|
| 585+ |
|
| 615 |
|
| 525+ |
|
| 525+ |
|
| 555 |
|
| 555 |
|
| 535+ |
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 several 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 based on 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.
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?
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: How much does GMAT cost in India?
Applicants looking at applying for GMAT in India should first know that there are two types of GMAT exam - one is taken at the GMAT exam centre and the other can be taken from home. Both of them have different fee per se. As per GMAC, it costs the following fee to take GMAT in India:
- Taking GMAT at a test centre costs USD 275 which is INR 23,429 + taxes.
- Taking GMAT from home costs USD 300 which is INR 25,559 + taxes.
Applicants can check the current exchange rate and then apply for the preferred mode of attempting GMAT exam.
Q: How long does it take to prepare for the GMAT?
Preparing for the GMAT test takes time and sincere efforts. You can prepare for the exam in six to eight months or it can be 3-4 months depending on your practice and ability. You need to give consistent efforts to get a good GMAT score. Make sure that you understand the GMAT pattern and syllabus before you purchase any study material. You must start with the GMAT official study material and then move on the other standard resources such as the Manhattan Prep guides. You must also appear for GMAT mock tests every week to gauge your progress.
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: Is it hard to score 700 on the GMAT?
Usually, anything above 700 is considered a good GMAT score. With consistency, one can score 700+ on the GMAT. With a proper study plan, one should also practice mock tests and have a grip on the fundamentals. You should start by understanding the GMAT exam syllabus and pattern. Then, you must select the correct GMAT books and resources. Do not buy too many books else, you will be confused. Once you have completed the GMAT official guide and other official material, you can refer to Manhattan guides. You must give full-length mock tests every week to gauge your performance.
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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?