What is a Good GMAT Score? [Country-Wise, Section-Wise, and More]

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a globally recognized standardized test that evaluates the skills necessary for admission to graduate business and management programs. Several universities and institutes consider the GMAT exam an important part of the application process for MBAs and master’s degrees. Therefore, scoring well on the GMAT can significantly enhance your chances of admission to top business schools. This blog will guide you about what is a good GMAT score, how to determine your target score, and actionable tips to achieve it.

What is the GMAT Exam?

The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT) that evaluates your analytical writing, data interpretation, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities. It is a test that adjusts the difficulty level of questions based on your performance. The total test duration is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks.

The GMAT exam pattern is divided into four main sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section assesses your ability to think critically and articulate your thoughts clearly. You will analyze an argument and write a critique within 30 minutes.
• Integrated Reasoning (IR): This section measures how well you can analyze data presented in various formats such as graphs, tables, and multi-source reasoning. There are 12 questions and a timeline of 30 minutes for this section.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This section evaluates your mathematical skills and understanding of quantitative concepts. You will encounter problem-solving and data-sufficiency questions. You have to answer 31 questions with a duration of 62 minutes.
• Verbal Reasoning: This section tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction abilities. It consists of 36 questions and you are given 65 minutes to solve them.

Pro Tip: You can go through the GMAT exam syllabus to prepare thoroughly for the exam and get admission into top business schools.

What is Considered a Good GMAT Score?

A good GMAT score varies depending on your goals, target schools, and the competitiveness of their applicant pools. Typically, a GMAT score of 650 to 700+ is considered competitive for most top-ranked MBA programs globally. However, the definition of a good score varies depending on the institution and program. 

Let us explore what is a decent GMAT score in detail:

1. Total GMAT Score (Percentile)

The total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, calculated based on your performance in the quantitative and verbal sections. The percentile rank indicates how your score compares to other test-takers:

Here’s an overview of the ranges that can help you identify what is a good GMAT score:

GMAT Score Range	Percentile	Top Programs and Universities
700-800	90-99th percentile	– Harvard Business School- Stanford Graduate School of Business- Wharton School of Business
650-690	75-89th percentile	– UCLA Anderson School of Management- Michigan Ross School of Business- NYU Stern School of Business
600-640	50-74th percentile	– Boston University School of Management- University of Maryland Smith School of Business
Below 600	<50th percentile	– Regional B-schools or niche programs emphasizing work experience and leadership potential

2. Country/Region-Wise GMAT Score

Average GMAT scores vary widely depending on the country and academic standards. Different regions have varying expectations for GMAT scores based on their institutions and competitiveness. 

Here’s a breakdown of the average country-wise GMAT requirements:

Country/Region	Institutes	Score Range
United States	– Harvard Business School- MIT Sloan School of Management- Columbia Business School- Stanford Graduate School of Business- Wharton School of Business- Booth School of Business (University of Chicago)	670-700+
Europe	– INSEAD- HEC Paris- London Business School- IE Business School (Spain)- ESADE Business School (Spain)- Rotterdam School of Management (Netherlands)	650-720
Canada	– Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto)- Sauder School of Business (UBC)- Ivey Business School (Western University)- Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill University)- Smith School of Business (Queen’s University)	580-680
Asia-Pacific	– NUS Business School (Singapore)- HKUST Business School (Hong Kong)- Indian School of Business (India)- CEIBS (China Europe International Business School, China)- AGSM (Australian Graduate School of Management, UNSW Sydney)- Melbourne Business School (Australia)	600-680

Pro Tip: To figure out which countries and colleges to target for your MBA, you can go through our blog on top MBA colleges in the world.

3. Section-Wise GMAT Score

Each GMAT section has its unique scoring range. Balancing your scores across all sections is essential to showcase a well-rounded skill set. You can refer to the details given below to figure out what is a good GMAT score for each section of the exam:

Section	Ideal Score Range
Quantitative Aptitude	120 – 170
Verbal Reasoning	120 – 170
Integrated Reasoning	120 – 170
Analytical Writing Assessment	120 – 170

4. Average GMAT Score Requirements

Understanding the average GMAT scores for your target schools can help you set realistic goals. Researching your target business schools and their admissions requirements is necessary for planning for your desired GMAT score. 

Here are a few examples of the GMAT score requirements for some of the top business schools around the world:

Business School Name	Country	Average GMAT Score
Harvard Business School	United States	730
Stanford Graduate School of Business	United States	735
Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)	United States	725
INSEAD	France/Singapore	710
London Business School	United Kingdom	700
MIT Sloan School of Management	United States	720
Columbia Business School	United States	729
University of Chicago Booth School of Business	United States	730
Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management	United States	727
HEC Paris	France	710
University of Cambridge Judge Business School	United Kingdom	690
University of Oxford Saïd Business School	United Kingdom	690
IE Business School	Spain	680
National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School	Singapore	680
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School	Hong Kong	680

Pro Tip: To learn more about the top colleges accepting GMAT scores, you can check out our blog on GMAT-accepting colleges in the world. 

Finding Your Target GMAT Score: A Comprehensive Guide

Setting a target GMAT score is an important step in your journey to the top business schools. It provides a clear benchmark to aim for and align your preparation with the expectations of your dream programs. Let us understand the factors to consider when identifying your target GMAT score.

• Target Schools: Each business school has an average GMAT score range for admitted students, typically published on their admissions pages. For example, top business schools like Stanford and Harvard often expect scores above 720. Additionally, look into the percentile requirements for individual sections like quant and verbal, especially if your target program has specific benchmarks.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Many institutions reward high GMAT scores with merit-based scholarships or fellowships. A score in the top percentile (e.g., 750+) can make you eligible for significant financial aid, reducing the overall cost of your MBA.
• Career Goals: A good GMAT score strengthens your application and also demonstrates your analytical and problem-solving skills valued by industries such as consulting, investment banking, and technology. High scores can give you a competitive edge during recruitment, especially at companies that value rigorous academic performance.
• Personal Background: If you possess unique experiences or skills, business schools may be more flexible with GMAT requirements. Leverage your personal story to complement your GMAT score and create a balanced application.

Pro Tip: Students prefer countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and France for their MBA admissions. To learn more about these countries, refer to our blog on the best country for an MBA. 

How to Achieve Your Target GMAT Score?

Learning how to achieve a great GMAT score requires strategic planning, disciplined execution, and access to the right resources. Here’s how you can get started to achieve your target GMAT score:

• Assess Your Starting Point: Take a diagnostic test to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify which areas of the GMAT exam need the most attention.
• Develop a Personalized Study Plan: Create a timeline that accounts for your current commitments and allows at least 3–6 months of consistent preparation. Break down the syllabus into manageable sections and allocate additional time to areas where you struggle.
• Use High-Quality Study Materials: Invest in official GMAT preparation guides, question banks, and practice exams provided by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). 
• Practice Consistently: Regular practice builds familiarity with the exam format, improves timing, and enhances accuracy. Dedicate time to both timed and untimed practice to focus on speed and concept ability.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Join a GMAT prep course or hire a tutor if you need personalized feedback and structured study routines. Engage in study groups to discuss concepts, share strategies, and stay motivated throughout your preparation. You may also sign up for the Internshala’s study abroad program and find your dream college overseas to pursue an MBA. 

Tips to Improve Your GMAT Score

Improving your GMAT score involves focused preparation, disciplined practice, and consistency throughout your study plan. While the GMAT exam can seem challenging, approaching it with a clear strategy and the right mindset can help you succeed. 

Below are some actionable tips to enhance your preparation and performance in the GMAT exam:

• Begin your preparation well, ideally 3–6 months before your planned test date. Early preparation gives you ample time to cover the syllabus, practice, and revise.
• Identify your weaker areas by analyzing your performance in practice tests, and dedicate extra time to improving those sections while maintaining your strengths.
• Practice regularly with official GMAT guides and online question banks to familiarize yourself with the test format and question types.
• Simulate test conditions during practice sessions to build stamina and get accustomed to the time constraints of the actual exam.
• Review your mistakes carefully and understand the reasoning behind correct answers to avoid similar errors in the future.
• Stay consistent with your study schedule, ensuring you allocate time to practice and review sessions every week.

Conclusion

Understanding what is a good GMAT score can significantly boost your chances of admission to top business schools and lead you to various high-paying career opportunities. By setting realistic goals for your GMAT exam, you can achieve an ideal score. Additionally, try to keep in account that admissions committees evaluate candidates properly, considering their work experience, leadership potential, and personal achievements. Focus on presenting a well-rounded profile that reflects your strengths, values, and aspirations.

Knowing the GMAT fee is important if you are about to appear for the exam. Check out our blog on GMAT exam fees. 

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