What Is a Good GMAT Score? | APEX

The GMAT Focus Edition has introduced a refreshed structure and scoring range that affects how business school applicants plan their goals and assess their competitiveness. Since the scoring rubric has been updated, understanding how percentiles now work in the GMAT is essential for setting realistic goals. In this guide, we’ll explain the key aspects of the current GMAT scoring system, how percentile rankings impact admissions, and what you should aim for in today’s GMAT.

Key Changes to GMAT Scoring

The GMAT Focus Edition introduced a few essential changes to how scores are reported:

1. Total Score Range: In the new GMAT Focus Edition, scores range from 205 to 805. This range differs from the previous GMAT’s 200-800 scale, and each score ends in a 5 (e.g., 655, 665, 675). This distinction helps schools and applicants clearly differentiate between old and new GMAT scores​.
2. Section Scores: The new exam is divided into three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Each section is scored between 60 and 90, and these section scores combine to form the overall score. The addition of the Data Insights section reflects the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in business​.
3. Scoring Criteria: As with the previous GMAT,  your GMAT score is based on the number of questions answered, question difficulty, and accuracy. As with all adaptive tests, the GMAT’s algorithm evaluates both performance and adaptability, resulting in a comprehensive measure of your readiness for business school.

Why 655 Is the New 700

One of the most important changes with the GMAT Focus Edition is how scores align with percentile rankings, which indicate how your score compares to other test-takers. Percentiles have shifted because of “score compression,” where scores are concentrated more around the middle of the distribution. This adjustment ensures finer differentiation among top performers, with more emphasis on the tails of the distribution curve.

For example, on the older GMAT, a 700 score placed you around the 88th percentile. Now, a score of 655 on the GMAT Focus Edition places you in the 89th percentile—making it just as competitive as a 700 used to be. This shift means that, while raw scores may look lower, percentile rankings have become a more accurate reflection of your competitiveness.

This adjustment is crucial for applicants because business schools prioritize percentile rankings over absolute scores. Percentiles reveal how well you’ve performed relative to other candidates, which is ultimately more meaningful for admissions committees. The takeaway? Your focus should be on percentiles, as the new score format means hitting a “7” in front of your score is no longer essential to showcase strong performance.

Understanding the New GMAT Score Chart

Here’s how new GMAT scores compare to the old ones, based on percentile rankings:

As the GMAT score chart shows, a score of 655 on the new GMAT Focus Edition holds the same percentile value as a 700 on the old GMAT. Similarly, a 685 now equates to what a 730 used to represent, reflecting the new competitive advantages within the 600s range. For test-takers, this means achieving a score in the 650-675 range can now position you competitively for elite MBA programs, as it correlates with higher percentile rankings than before.

Setting Your GMAT Score Target

With the changes in GMAT scoring, your target score is best thought of in percentiles, and then translated to a raw score. Here’s how to set a realistic GMAT score target based on your business school goals:

1. Top MBA Programs: If you’re aiming for top programs like Harvard or Stanford, a score in the top 5% is still ideal. In the new format, this could mean targeting a score around 685 and above.
2. Mid-Tier Programs: For strong programs that are slightly less competitive, aiming for a score in the top 10% of test takers is generally sufficient. Aiming for a score of 645-55 and above will place you in this still elite range of test-takers.
3. Regional and Specialized MBA Programs: A score in the 605–635 range will keep you competitive for regional schools and specialized MBA programs, which often weigh work experience and essays heavily alongside test scores​.

How Does the New GMAT Scoring Affect MBA Admissions?

Your GMAT score remains a critical component of MBA admissions, serving as a reliable benchmark for your analytical and academic readiness. While your total score and overall percentile are significant, admissions committees often pay close attention to your percentile scores in each individual section, particularly Quantitative Reasoning, which is highly relevant for business school.

Section Percentile Scores: Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights

Each GMAT section—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—contributes to your overall performance, and percentile rankings for these sections are crucial indicators of your relative strength. Here’s a breakdown of how each section influences your application:

• Quantitative Reasoning: A strong Quantitative score is often viewed as essential for MBA programs, as it reflects your ability to analyze data, reason with numbers, and solve complex problems—skills critical in the business world. Top programs generally expect candidates to score at least in the top 25-30% in Quant, with the most competitive programs looking for higher percentiles. Falling significantly below these percentiles in Quantitative could raise concerns about your quantitative proficiency, regardless of your overall score.
• Verbal Reasoning: Verbal scores are equally important, especially in programs that prioritize communication and critical reasoning. Higher Verbal scores demonstrate your ability to interpret and evaluate complex texts and arguments, essential for case studies and strategic business discussions. Maintaining a strong Verbal percentile (generally the top 20-30% or better) shows that you’re well-rounded and capable of handling diverse challenges.
• Data Insights: This newer section assesses your ability to interpret and synthesize data, a skill increasingly relevant in data-driven business environments. While specific percentile expectations for Data Insights may vary, a solid performance in this section signals to schools that you’re prepared for the data-centric demands of modern business.

• Balanced Performance Across Sections

  Beyond individual scores, admissions committees look for a balanced performance across sections, as this reflects a well-rounded skill set. Substantial disparities between Quantitative and Verbal scores can sometimes signal weaknesses that may raise concerns during the admissions review process. Aim to achieve parity between sections, as a high score in one area and a significantly lower score in another may detract from your application.

  For candidates targeting top programs, a strong Quant score paired with competitive Verbal and Data Insights scores ensures you meet expectations across critical business-related competencies. Balanced section scores demonstrate versatility and adaptability—qualities that business schools value.

  Set a Realistic GMAT Goal Based on Percentiles

  In summary, the GMAT Focus Edition’s updated scoring system has reshaped how test-takers set goals and evaluate their performance. A score of 655 or above places you in a highly competitive position for top MBA programs, with percentile ranking now serving as the most meaningful measure of competitiveness. For test-takers, this means that setting a realistic target score now involves aiming for a score in the 650-675 range to stay competitive for top MBA programs.

  If you’re preparing for the GMAT Focus Edition, understanding how these changes impact your percentile is crucial to setting the right expectations and preparing effectively.

  Book a complimentary consultation with a Senior Instructor today to discuss your GMAT preparation strategy and ensure you’re ready for success with the new GMAT Focus Edition.