What is a Good GMAT Score? Average GMAT Scores & Percentiles for Top MBA Programs

Latest update: A new GMAC feature, the Official Score Report Insights, now provides detailed percentile rankings and time management analytics within 3-5 days, enhancing application strategies.

In 2025, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reported that over 215,000 people took the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) to apply for MBA and other business programs. The test checks skills in analytical thinking, verbal reasoning, math, and writing, and scores range from 200 to 800.

Top schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton still see GMAT scores as one of the most important parts of your application. 

GMAC’s 2025 data shows:

• Average score worldwide: 586
• Average score for top 10 MBA programs: 720+
• Top 10% percentile score: 700+

A good GMAT score depends on your target school, your percentile, and the competition that year. In this guide, you will come to know what counts as a good GMAT score, the average scores for top MBA programs, and practical tips to raise your score.

Now, let’s dive deeper into what makes a GMAT score good, competitive, and how you can improve yours!

Start your GMAT preparation today with expert guidance and resources. Get ready to ace the exam!

Understanding GMAT Scores and Their Importance

The GMAT score plays a vital role in MBA admissions, helping business schools assess applicants' academic potential. A higher score increases your chances of getting into competitive MBA programs. 

This section explains the GMAT scoring structure, percentile rankings, and why scores matter in the admission process.

GMAT Score Range and Sectional Breakdown

The GMAT total score ranges from 200 to 800, with each section contributing to the final score differently. Understanding these components can help candidates strategically improve their performance.

Section-wise GMAT Scoring:

GMAT Section	Score Range	Skills Tested
Quantitative Reasoning	6–51	Problem-solving and numerical literacy
Verbal Reasoning	6–51	Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction
Integrated Reasoning (IR)	1–8	Interpreting data from multiple sources
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	0–6	Critical thinking and essay-writing skills

The total GMAT score is derived from the Quantitative and Verbal sections, while AWA and IR are scored separately.

How GMAT Percentiles Work

Understanding GMAT percentiles is crucial because business schools consider both raw scores and percentile rankings.

Key Points About GMAT Percentiles:

• What is a percentile ranking? It shows how your score compares to other test-takers. For example, a 90th percentile score means you scored higher than 90% of all test-takers.
• Why is a 700+ GMAT score important? A 700+ GMAT score typically places candidates in the top 10-15%, making them competitive for top-tier MBA programs.
• Percentile vs. Raw Score Interpretation: Even if your raw score remains the same, your percentile ranking may fluctuate each year depending on the global performance trends of test-takers.

By analyzing GMAT scores and percentiles, candidates can set realistic score targets and improve their MBA admission strategy effectively.

Also Read: GMAT Results

What is Considered a Competitive GMAT Score?

A competitive GMAT score depends on the business school’s ranking and admission criteria. While 730+ is ideal for Ivy League MBA programs, a 650-700 score can still secure admissions in reputable universities. 

This section explores GMAT score brackets and their competitiveness.

GMAT Score Brackets and Their Implications

GMAT scores are divided into different performance brackets, each impacting your MBA admission chances.

Score Brackets and Their Significance:

• 800-740: Outstanding Score – Places candidates in the top 1% of test-takers. Highly competitive for Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
• 730-700: Highly Competitive – Puts applicants in the top 10-15%. Strong for top-tier MBA programs worldwide.
• 690-650: Strong Score – Good for mid-tier business schools with selective admission processes.
• 640-600: Decent Score – Accepted by regional and some global business schools, though additional strengths in the application may be needed.
• Below 600: Needs Improvement – Fewer MBA options available; may require retaking the GMAT for better prospects.

GMAT Score Expectations for Different Business Schools

Different business schools have varying GMAT score expectations based on their selectivity and ranking.

GMAT Score Ranges for Business Schools:

• Top MBA Programs: (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, INSEAD, LBS) – 730+
• Mid-Tier Business Schools: (IE Business School, Kelley, Rotman, McGill, ISB) – 650-700
• Lower-Tier MBA Programs: – 580-650 (Can still lead to good career prospects with strong application components)

Aiming for a score above the average GMAT score for your target school increases your admission chances significantly.

Check this out for more: GMAT Top Colleges & Score Cut-Offs

Average GMAT Scores of Top Business Schools

The table below shows the average GMAT scores of some of the world’s top MBA programs

Business School	Average GMAT Score
Harvard Business School	730
Stanford Graduate School of Business	738
Wharton (University of Pennsylvania)	733
INSEAD	710
London Business School (LBS)	708
Columbia Business School	729
MIT Sloan	720
University of Chicago Booth	730
Northwestern Kellogg	727
Yale School of Management	720

By understanding score expectations and average GMAT scores, candidates can set realistic goals and align their preparation with their MBA admission strategy.

How to Set Your GMAT Target Score?

Setting a realistic GMAT target score depends on factors like your desired MBA program, percentile rankings, and overall application strength. 

Researching admission trends and using score prediction tools can help you determine a competitive yet achievable score for your target schools.

Researching GMAT Score Requirements for Your Target Schools

Understanding the GMAT score expectations of your preferred MBA programs is the first step in setting a realistic goal.

How to Find GMAT Score Cutoffs?

Finding GMAT score cutoffs helps you set realistic targets for your applications. 

Here’s how you can check them:

• Visit official MBA program websites to check minimum GMAT score requirements (if any).
• Look at admission reports and student profiles to see the average GMAT scores of recently admitted students.
• Consider percentile rankings to gauge your competitiveness—some schools prioritize being in the top 10-20% of test-takers rather than a fixed score.

Why Checking Average GMAT Scores is Crucial?

Knowing the average GMAT scores for your target schools gives you a clear benchmark for competitiveness. 

Here’s why it matters:

• Schools may not always list a minimum GMAT requirement, but the average score of admitted students provides insight into what’s considered competitive.
• Some programs emphasize holistic applications, meaning a slightly lower GMAT score can be offset by a strong professional background, essays, or recommendations.

Using GMAT Score Predictors and School Comparison Tools

GMAT score predictors and comparison tools help applicants set realistic expectations based on their academic profile.

How GMAT Score Calculators Can Help?

GMAT score calculators can guide your admission strategy by showing how your score stacks up. 

Here’s how they help:

• Online GMAT score predictors estimate your chances of admission based on previous applicants' data.
• Business schools sometimes provide admission chances calculators, which factor in GMAT scores, work experience, and GPA.
• GMAT score estimators can help you determine whether to retake the exam or apply with your current score.

How to Compare Business Schools Based on GMAT Expectations:

Comparing business schools by their GMAT expectations helps you choose the right targets and plan effectively. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Use MBA ranking websites (like U.S. News, Financial Times, or QS) to compare average GMAT scores across different schools.
• Consider the median GMAT score range of each program to identify safe, target, and reach schools.
• Factor in additional admission requirements, such as work experience, leadership skills, and extracurricular involvement.

By combining research, score predictors, and school comparisons, you can set a GMAT target score that aligns with your MBA aspirations and maximizes your chances of admission.

Tips to Improve Your GMAT Score

Achieving a higher GMAT score requires structured preparation, regular practice, and effective time management. A well-planned study approach, combined with mock tests and strategic error reduction, can significantly boost your performance. 

This section explores the best study strategies and common mistakes to avoid.

Best Study Strategies for GMAT Preparation

A structured study plan is key to steady improvement and higher scores on the GMAT.

How to Build a Structured Study Plan:

• Assess your starting point by taking a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Set a realistic study schedule—aim for 2-3 months of dedicated preparation.
• Divide study time between concept review, practice questions, and full-length mock tests.
• Use official GMAT study materials and reputable prep books to focus on exam-style questions.
• Balance study across all sections—Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and AWA.

Importance of Mock Tests and Time Management:

• Take full-length GMAT practice tests regularly to simulate real test conditions.
• Analyze your performance reports to pinpoint weak areas.
• Work on timing strategies, ensuring you complete all sections within the allocated time limits.
• Focus on adaptive question difficulty—the GMAT adjusts based on your responses, so pacing matters.
• Review incorrect answers carefully to understand mistakes and improve accuracy.

Also Read: GMAT Exam Preparation: How to Start Preparing For GMAT

Common GMAT Mistakes to Avoid

Many test-takers lose points due to avoidable mistakes. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you optimize your performance.

Top Mistakes Students Make in Verbal and Quantitative Sections:

• Not reading questions carefully: Misinterpreting Verbal RC or Quant problem statements leads to avoidable errors.
• Overlooking answer choices: Rushing through critical reasoning or sentence correction can cause you to miss subtle differences.
• Ignoring conceptual clarity: Relying on shortcuts without understanding fundamentals can backfire, especially in Data Sufficiency questions.
• Spending too much time on difficult questions: The GMAT is timed and adaptive—move on if you’re stuck.

How to Improve Speed and Accuracy:

• Use the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices quickly.
• Develop a strategy for Data Sufficiency questions—don’t waste time solving problems when unnecessary.
• Practice mental math for faster calculations in the Quantitative section.
• Refine Reading Comprehension techniques by skimming passages effectively and identifying key ideas.
• Stay calm and focused during the test to avoid unnecessary errors.

By following these study strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize your GMAT score and improve your chances of getting into a top business school.

Conclusion

Aiming for a good GMAT score is about more than chasing a number. It is about understanding where you stand, knowing what your target schools expect, and preparing in a way that plays to your strengths. 

Even if your score is not perfect, a strong profile with great work experience, leadership, and clear career goals can still get you into a great MBA program. Stay consistent with your prep, learn from mistakes, and remember that every small improvement moves you closer to your goal.

If you want expert guidance, upGrad can help you build a personalized GMAT prep plan, connect you with mentors, and guide you through every step of the MBA application process. Book a 1:1 free counselling session with upGrad experts and start working towards your dream business school today.