Table of Contents
1. What’s considered a “good” GMAT score and what does that mean for you?
2. GMAT score range
3. Average GMAT score statistics
4. What is a good GMAT score?
5. How do you improve your GMAT score?

What’s Considered a “Good” GMAT Score, and What Does That Mean For You?

Taking the GMAT exam proves to MBA schools that you mean business. Scoring high secures you a spot in top business schools across the nation and allows more flexibility in your college admission decisions. Let’s unpack the GMAT score range, average scoring, and discuss some tips on how to improve your total score. 

GMAT Score Range

The GMAT is broken down into four different sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative, and Integrative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning portions do not factor into your total score. 

Sections of the GMAT are graded as:

  1. Analytical Writing (AWA)- scored between 1-8 by essay graders.
  2. Verbal Reasoning- scored from 1 to 60
  3. Quantitative- scored from 1 to 60
  4. Integrative Reasoning- scored between 0-6

The total score of the GMAT ranges from 200 to 800, with those scratching the 700 range ranking in the 90th percentile.

GMAT exam student celebrating

Average GMAT Score Statistics

  • In 2020, applicants sitting for the exam had an average GMAT score of 568, ranking them in the 45th percentile.

  • AWA test-takers scored around 4.5 out of the possible 8 points.

  • Quantitative averaged 40

  • Verbal scores reflected 27.25.

What is a good GMAT score?

Finding what schools consider to be a decent GMAT score requires you to reference the previous year’s admission data. Look at last year’s class average scores and try to place 20–25+ points above this ranking. Keep in mind that the top business schools usually require a 700+ GMAT score to get in.

700+ Club encourages members to study efficiently and give it their best shot for a chance to receive a scholarship. For the top 10 business schools, you’ll need to score 20 points above the admission median to snag a scholarship; however, if your target is in the top 25 business schools, a score of 700 or above can land you one as well. 

Every year, over 200,000 people sit for the GMAT exam, and out of that pool, 30 receive a GMAT 800 score.

How do you improve your GMAT score?

Scoring 800 on the GMAT is extremely rare, so if perfection is your goal, you’ll also need a bit of luck on your side. Let’s aim for the 700+ range with a few test-taking tips and realistic goal planning. We have designed preparation courses with a success rate of 98% of students achieving their target score, take a look at our courses.

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