How is the GMAT Scored?

Did you know that only around 10% of those who take the GMAT exam score above 700? Understanding the system of GMAT exam score can help you plan better and improve your results.

The GMAT exam score can range between 205 and 805, depending on the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections. What makes this test different from others is the fact that students sit for a computer-adaptive test, which changes the difficulty of questions as they proceed.

Wondering how this works? Let’s simplify it so that you can prepare effectively and achieve your target GMAT exam score.

Understanding GMAT Scoring

The GMAT scoring system is a key factor in planning your preparation. The exam consists of a total score (200-800), calculated from the Quantitative and Verbal sections, with additional scores for Analytical Writing (0-6) and Integrated Reasoning (1-8). The test is adaptive, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on your answers, which affects your final score.

Average GMAT scores

Average scores serve as a stepping stone in setting goals for the GMAT, offering a balanced perspective. The GMAT exam score ranges from a minimum of 205 to a maximum of 805 points. The average total score of most test-takers is placed somewhere slightly above the 553 mark.

Target scores, however, depend on the business schools to which you are applying. Globally, most MBA programs expect their applicants to score at least 645 points to be considered for their programs.

Here’s a quick look at the average GMAT exam score by school type:

The above table illustrates that elite institutions have highly competitive scores, whereas mid-tier institutions have relatively lower score requirements. However, don’t forget that your GMAT exam score is just one part of the application. Business schools also value work experience, leadership, and academic achievement in their candidates, alongside standardized tests.

The GMAT is divided into sections, and test-takers receive five scores: a total score (200-800), and sub-scores for Quantitative and Verbal (0-60), Analytical Writing (0-6), and Integrated Reasoning (1-8). The total score, based on quantitative and verbal performance, is key to admissions​.

Understanding GMAT Scoring

The GMAT exam score on a total scale of 205 to 805 points, but it’s not as simple as adding up your raw scores. The test is divided into three sections:

• Quantitative Reasoning: Scaled score in between 60-90 containing 21 questions
• Verbal Reasoning: Scaled score in between 60-90 containing 23 questions
• Data Insights: Scaled score between 60-90 containing 20 questions

The GMAT exam score is very important in the MBA admission process. It helps schools understand your ability to think analytically and critically—skills that are required to excel in a challenging business program.

Doing well in this test significantly strengthens your application, as most applicants aim for similar top programs. Plus, a high score on the GMAT may lead to scholarship and fellowship opportunities.

Understanding GMAT Percentile Ranking

GMAT Percentile ranking shows how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, a 90th percentile ranking means you scored higher than 90% of the people who took the test. This ranking helps schools understand your performance relative to the competition.

It is also worth noting that your GMAT exam score is generally presented with a percentile ranking. This ranking highlights how well you have performed compared to other people who sat for the exam. For example, scoring in the 90th percentile means that 90 percent of people who took the exam scored lower than you.

What is a good GMAT score?

A good GMAT exam score depends on the particular school you’re interested in attending. Let’s take a rough calculation: In most of the MBA programs, 650-690 is considered a good score. Top schools such as Harvard or Stanford expect 730 or more, while a score in the range of 540-738 would be suitable for most of the top 100 ranked business schools.

Ultimately, a good score can be defined as one that aligns with the requirements of the universities you are targeting. While a high score certainly improves your chances of being accepted, it is important to note that there are other attributes that schools consider, such as past work and professional experience. An optimal score distribution is recommended to maximize your chances.

Why is GMAT Adaptive?

The GMAT is adaptive because it is based on a computer-adaptive testing (CAT) method that seeks to match the level of difficulty of questions to each test-taker’s abilities. Here’s how it works:

• The GMAT exam preparation is designed to assess your quantitative, verbal, and data insight skills. However, as you respond to it, the test automatically adjusts.
• A correct response means that the next question will be more difficult; an incorrect response means that the next question will be easier.
• This method helps evaluate your skill level by considering both the difficult questions you are able to answer and the total number of questions you answered correctly.
• Due to the test’s adaptive nature, it is possible to obtain a more precise assessment of results in a shorter period, as it focuses on determining how many questions you can answer rather than recording the number of attempts you’re taking to achieve a good score.
• This format also motivates you to utilize your maximum potential throughout the exam, resulting in a fair and effective GMAT exam syllabus.

How is the Score Calculated in Adaptive Tests like GMAT?

In adaptive tests like the GMAT, your score is calculated based on both the number of correct answers and the difficulty level of the questions you answer. Here’s how it works:

Starting Level: The test begins with questions of medium difficulty.

Adapting to Your Performance: As you answer questions, the system adjusts the difficulty level. Correct answers lead to harder questions, while incorrect answers bring easier ones.

Score Calculation: Your final score depends on a combination of factors:

• The number of correct answers.
• The difficulty level of the questions you got right.
• The number of questions left unanswered at the end of the exam.

The GMAT’s adaptive nature ensures a personalized and precise measurement of your abilities, resulting in a total score ranging from 205 to 805.

GMAT Quant and Verbal Sub scores Scales

According to the GMAT exam syllabus, the Quantitative and Verbal sections are each scored separately on a scale of 60 to 90. These sub-scores are then combined to calculate your total GMAT exam score, which ranges from 205 to 805. Here’s how the scoring works:

• Quantitative Section:

1. Score range: 60 to 90
2. Assess your mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
3. A higher score reflects the ability to handle more difficult questions.

• Verbal Section:

1. Score range: 60 to 90
2. Evaluates your reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction abilities.
3. A higher score indicates strong verbal reasoning skills.

Both sections play an important role in your total GMAT exam score, with a balanced performance in both often leading to a higher overall score.

Final Takeaway

In summary, the GMAT uses an adaptive scoring system, making the test both challenging and efficient. The GMAT exam score adjusts as you go, giving an accurate measure of your skills. It’s important to know what to focus on in each section and how much extra attention should go to the final tougher questions.

To succeed, strong GMAT exam preparation is key. Get in touch with Manya – The Princeton Review, a premium higher education partner in India that offers customized study plans and expert tutors for GMAT exam preparation. With the support of our experts, you’ll significantly boost your chances of getting into your dream business college abroad. Start your GMAT exam preparation journey with Manya today!