After you take the GMAT exam, you will receive five scores:  Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Total. Your total GMAT score is based on your Verbal and Quantitative scores. Your 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. For example, if your score in the Verbal section is 90 percentile, it means that for every 100 candidates attempting the GMAT, you are ahead of 90 candidates.

Those looking to know how GMAT scores are calculated should know that Total GMAT scores range from 200 to 800 and it is calculated by combining the subscores from the GMAT Verbal Reasoning and GMAT Quantitative Reasoning sections. Each of the GMAT test sections is reported on a scale of 6 to 51 points, and the GMAT total score is graded on a scale of 200 to 800 points. In this article, we have also discussed GMAT score calculation in detail.

 

GMAT Score/Results: Everything You Need to Know

 

1. Introduction

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a critical requirement for admission to business schools around the world. Your GMAT score not only influences your eligibility for top MBA programs but also plays a role in scholarship opportunities and career advancement. Understanding the structure, interpretation, and reporting of GMAT results is essential for every test-taker.

 

2. Components of the GMAT Score

The GMAT exam is made up of four main sections, each contributing to your overall performance profile:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
  Scored on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments. Assesses ability to analyze and communicate complex ideas (Analytical Writing Tips).
• Integrated Reasoning (IR)
  Scored on a 1–8 scale in one-point increments. Measures data analysis and problem-solving skills (Integrated Reasoning Explained).
• Quantitative Reasoning
  Scored on a 6–51 scale in one-point increments. Tests mathematical and analytical skills (GMAT Quantitative Prep).
• Verbal Reasoning
  Scored on a 6–51 scale in one-point increments. Evaluates reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar (GMAT Verbal Guide).

Total GMAT Score:
The overall score ranges from 200 to 800, calculated primarily from the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The average score is around 560–570 (GMAT Scoring Breakdown).

 

3. Understanding Your GMAT Results

• Unofficial Scores:
  Immediately after your exam, you’ll receive unofficial scores for the Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Total Score. The AWA score is not included at this stage.
• Official Score Report:
  Available within 7 business days (sometimes up to 20 days) via your GMAT account. The report includes all four section scores, percentiles, and previous GMAT scores from the last five years (How to Access GMAT Results).
• Score Validity:
  GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from your test date, allowing you flexibility in your application timeline (GMAT Score Validity).

 

4. Sending GMAT Scores to Schools

• Free Score Reports:
  You may select up to five programs to send your GMAT scores for free at the test center, immediately after your exam (How to Send GMAT Scores).
• Additional Score Reports:
  Additional schools cost $35 per report and can be ordered through your GMAT account at any time during the score validity period.
• Score Cancellation & Reinstatement:
  If dissatisfied, you may cancel your score at the test center or within 72 hours after the exam. Cancelled scores do not appear on official reports sent to schools, but reinstatement is possible for a fee (Score Cancellation Explained).

 

5. Interpreting GMAT Score Percentiles

• Percentile Ranking:
  Each section and the total score come with a percentile rank, indicating the percentage of test-takers you outperformed in the past three years (GMAT Score Percentiles).
• Competitive Scores:
  Top business schools (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, INSEAD) typically expect scores in the 700+ range, with percentiles above 88–90%. However, competitive programs may admit candidates with slightly lower scores if other application elements are outstanding (MBA Admission Requirements).

 

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How soon can I retake the GMAT if I’m unsatisfied with my score?
A: You can retake the test after 16 days, up to five times in a 12-month period, and a maximum of eight times in your lifetime (GMAT Retake Policy).

Q: How do business schools view multiple GMAT scores?
A: Most schools consider your highest score, though some review all scores submitted (GMAT for Admissions).

Q: What is an “average” GMAT score?
A: The global average is around 560–570, but the median at top schools is usually much higher (GMAT Scoring Breakdown).

 

7. Improving Your GMAT Performance

• Begin preparation 3–6 months in advance.
• Use official GMAT prep materials and take practice exams (GMAT Prep Resources).
• Focus on weak areas and review error logs.
• Join a study group or seek coaching if needed (GMAT Coaching Centers).

 

8. Conclusion

Understanding how your GMAT score is calculated, interpreted, and reported is pivotal for successful business school applications. Make use of all available resources and plan strategically to maximize your results.

 

Suggested Internal Link

• GMAT Exam Scores
• GMAT Results Checker
• GMAT Preparation Tips
• GMAT Exam FAQs
• GMAT Requirements for MBA
• GMAT Coaching Centers

 

GMAT Score to Percentile

Here is a comparative table of your scaled score to percentile:

GMAT Results and Statistics

The best thing about GMATresult is that you can see your scores as soon as your exam is over. At the end of the exam, you will have an option of accepting or rejecting the non-official score. The official GMAT Exam result can be downloaded after 20 days from your account on the GMAT website.

GMAT Statistics

Twenty years back the average GMAT score for the top B-school was around 600. In the present time, however, the demand for the MBA course has increased dramatically. As a result, many more applicants are applying to these schools, which means, the average GMAT acceptance scores are increasing every year. It is important to note that the top colleges don’t take into consideration only the GMAT test scores, but also the overall favorable traits like diversity, unusual accomplishment or success, etc. These factors allow many students to gain acceptance with a lower GMAT score. If you have none of these types of traits, then you probably need to break 730 (that’s the 99th percentile) to have a good chance at a B-school ranked in the top ten.

The average GMAT score for the top MBA programs at premier universities across the globe consistently falls in the 700-730 range. However, scoring a perfect 800 on GMAT is not difficult.

To get an idea about the comparative score percentile, marks of each section and good GMAT Test Scores here is a table showing the marks required:

(Source: mba.com)

Do you know how to use the GMAT Score or how to send GMAT scores to B Schools? If not, you may be interested in finding business schools without the GMAT requirements.