GMAT Scores
GMAT scores are used by business schools as a common benchmark to compare candidates for admission to their MBA program.
Although you will commonly hear GMAT scores referred to as a number out of 800, you will actually receive 4 scores on the GMAT:
- An overall score, ranging from 200 to 800 (you cannot score 0)
- A Math Section subscore, ranging from 0 to 60
- A Verbal Section subscore, ranging from 0 to 60
- An Analytical Writing Assessment score, ranging from 0 to 6
Find out how you would score - take a free GMAT diagnostic test.
Percentile Rank
Each of the above scores will be accompanied by a percentile rank, which highlights the proportion of test takers who scored lower than you did. The higher your percentile rank, the better. For example, if you received a percentile rank of 60, this means you scored higher than 60% of test takers worldwide. This number tells business schools exactly where you fell with respect to all the other GMAT candidates.
The GMAT scores and percentile equivalents are as follows:
| GMAT Score | Percentile |
| 750-800 | 99 |
| 740 | 98 |
| 710 | 93 |
| 680 | 90 |
| 640 | 80 |
| 600 | 70 |
| 570 | 60 |
| 540 | 50 |
| 480 | 30 |
Essay Scores
Each essay in the AWA is graded separately on a 0-6 scale by both a human and a computer. Grades are assigned holistically, taking into account all aspects of the essay’s content, writing style, and grammar. If the two grades for an essay agree, that score will be assigned. If they do not agree, then a third scorer (another person) will re-grade the essay.
How long must I wait to get my GMAT score?
You will get an “unofficial” score as soon as you complete the test. You will then get your “official” score 21 days later.
How long is my GMAT score valid for?
GMAT scores are valid for 5 years. This means that every time you take the GMAT, your record will show that score for the next 5 years. Many people take the GMAT more than once, so do not be afraid to resit the test to try and improve your score, but be aware that if you keep re-taking the test, business schools will see all of your scores from the last 5 years. We reccomend that you prepare thoroughly and then take the test once or twice, rather than keep taking the test to try and score higher.
What's the average GMAT score?
The average score among all GMAT test-takers worldwide is approximately 540. However, the average GMAT scores of students at the top business schools— such as Wharton, Columbia, Kellogg, INSEAD, LBS and IMD are much higher than this.
What you consider a good score will depend on your own expectations and target schools. Top business schools consider a score of at least 600 as competitive. Information on average GMAT scores at different schools is readily available, and many schools’ websites list their average GMAT score. Research the schools on your list and find out what their average scores are so you know what you are aiming for. Then you can develop a preparation plan to achieve your target score.
The table below illustrates some average GMAT scores amongst leading business schools:
| Business School | Country | FT 2008
Global Ranking | Average
GMAT Score |
| Wharton | US | 1 | 713 |
| Columbia University | US | 2 | 709 |
| Stanford University | US | 3= | 713 |
| Harvard University | US | 3= | 708 |
| London Business School | UK | 5 | 682 |
| INSEAD | FR/SG | 7 | 700 |
| NYU: Stern | US | 8 | 700 |
| Yale University | US | 10 | 703 |
| CEIBS | CN | 11 | 688 |
| IMD | SW | 13 | 680 |
| MIT: Sloan | US | 14 | 710 |
| Cambridge: Judge | UK | 15 | 670 |
| IESE | ES | 16 | 672 |
| Oxford: Said | UK | 19 | 690 |
| Manchester Business School | UK | 22 | 620 |
| UC Berkeley: Haas | US | 25 | 700 |