Evaluating GMAT scores is a massive source of confusion especially as it relates to GMAT percentile scores. Let’s start from the basics. The GMAT has three sections — Quantitative, Verbal reasoning, and Data Insights — and all three count toward your total score. For each of them you’ll receive a scaled GMAT score.
What’s a GMAT scaled score?
A scaled GMAT score provides an absolute measure of skill. Eh? Think of it as how much weight you can lift. Got a GMAT Quant scaled score of 84? That means you can lift 84 units of quant. That measure doesn’t change from year to year. Lifting 84 units of quant is the same today as it was last year. All three sections are scored from 60 to 90, and those three scores combine into a total score from 205 to 805 in 10 point increments. For reference, the Harvard class of 2027 had a median GMAT of 685, built on a median 86 verbal and 84 quant.
GMAT Percentile Score
On that note, your GMAT score also includes a percentile score. The GMAT percentile score is a relative measure of your ability versus that of other GMAT test takers in the last three year period. GMAT percentile scores change, and quant percentiles in particular have moved a long way over the years — the same scaled score is worth a lower percentile than it used to be. That is why percentile scores are secondary to your total score and your section scores. Absolute measures make it easier to keep things stable over time. Here’s an in depth discussion on GMAT percentiles and how you can be admitted to Harvard with a failing GMAT Quant percentile.
Data Insights counts too
The biggest change to GMAT scoring is that Data Insights counts. It is scored 60 to 90 like the other two sections and it carries the same weight in your total score.
There is no essay and no separate Integrated Reasoning score any more. Data Sufficiency now lives in Data Insights. All three sections count, so a weak section costs you a third of the test rather than a footnote.
What’s a good GMAT score?
A good GMAT score is the one that gets you into your desired MBA program. OK, Mr. Smarty Pants, how do I know ahead of time what GMAT score will get me into a great MBA program? Check the median GMAT scores at your top choices. Ideally you’re at or above the median. Do I have to be at or above the median GMAT score to be admitted? No, certainly not. Look at the score range. There were people admitted with GMAT scores way below the median. However, consider that for every point below the median on your GMAT score you need to make up a point elsewhere on your application. Those points don’t necessarily need to be earned by volunteering to build wells in an underserved community. They can also be earned because you have a a diverse background or are from an underrepresented group.
What’s a good GMAT quant score?
The GMAT Quant score does have a bit of influence, so two people with the same total score are not always read the same way — a stronger quant section reads better for a quant-heavy program. There is also a danger area: a low quant score means you’ll likely need to show quant skills somewhere else, through undergraduate course work, work experience, or post graduate classes. What about the 80/80 rule? If someone tells you that you need an 80th percentile quant score to receive admission to a top MBA program that person has no clue what they’re talking about and are operating on ten year old ideas. GMAT Quant percentile scores have changed drastically, so the practical cutoff sits well below that. For the GMAT verbal the idea is somewhat valid — it is hard to reach a competitive total without a strong verbal score no matter what the quant.
GMAT Score Report
Your GMAT score pops onto the screen right after you finish. It’s quite a nerve wracking but thrilling moment. That score is unofficial, and it covers all three sections plus your total. Most schools will let you add an unofficial score to your application and follow up with the official GMAT score once it can be transmitted.