What is a Good GMAT Score for B-Schools Abroad 2025?
GMAT
Students aiming to get into the top business schools abroad must qualify for the GMAT exam with good scores. A GMAT Focus score of 645 or more that strengthens a candidate’s MBA or MIM application is considered a good GMAT score. A GMAT score of 645 is considered good, whereas, a higher GMAT score is considered excellent. Students who want to pursue an MBA program from top B-Schools would be required to have a good GMAT Score to start with. Read on to understand the definition of what is a good GMAT score and its importance.
Getting into a top B-school is never an easy task, it is even harder for those who simultaneously juggle with their professional life. In this article, we will inform you about the best GMAT (Focus) score you should plan to get into your preferred B-school. A good GMAT score may vary from candidate to candidate. Many times candidates think that average GMAT scores are equal to a good GMAT score. Candidates often take the GMAT exam more than once to get their targeted score. To get into a top business school, 645+ can be a good GMAT score. The average GMAT score for a top business school varies from university to university, however, the majority of them prefer candidates with 645+.
Different B-schools also accept GRE scores for MBA programs (learn the difference between the GRE and GMAT exams here). So, one should know about the GMAT to GRE score conversion and GRE to GMAT score conversion. A high GMAT score not only indicates the potential of the candidate but also opens doors for a GMAT scholarship (Not all B-schools/management schools offer GMAT scholarships).
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
- What is GMAT Percentile Score?
- What is a Good GMAT Score?
- How to Find Your GMAT Score?
- Why GMAT Scores are Important for Business Schools?
- GMAT Scores for Top MBA Colleges 2025
- GMAT Score for MBA Scholarship
- What is a Good GMAT Score FAQs
What is GMAT Percentile Score?
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa applicationCandidates who are to appear for their GMAT examination should be aware that the exam is scored from a range of 205 to 805 points. After appearing for your GMAT exam, candidates would receive the GMAT score chart containing a total of 3 scores – Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights along with a Total score. The aggregate GMAT score is solely based on a candidate’s performance in all three sections. You also get a percentile score, which tells you how you have scored comparatively to every 100 candidates taking the GMAT exam.
Check out the table for old GMAT score along with equivalent GMAT Focus scores and percentiles:
| Old GMAT Score (10th Edition) | GMAT Focus Score (Latest) | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 800 | 805 | 100th |
| 790 | 805 | 100th |
| 780 | 785 | 100th |
| 770 | 755 | 99.9th |
| 760 | 735 | 99.5th |
| 750 | 715 | 98.7th |
| 740 | 695 | 97.9th |
| 730 | 685 | 96.7th |
| 720 | 675 | 95.2th |
| 710 | 665 | 93.2th |
| 700 | 655 | 89.6th |
| 690 | 645 | 86.7th |
| 680 | 635 | 83.5th |
| 670 | 625 | 80.1th |
| 660 | 615 | 78.3th |
| 650 | 615 | 74.5th |
| 640 | 595 | 70.7th |
| 630 | 585 | 64.8th |
| 620 | 575 | 62.1th |
| 610 | 565 | 55.8th |
| 600 | 555 | 52.7th |
| 590 | 545 | 49.0th |
| 580 | 535 | 43.0th |
| 570 | 525 | 35.0th |
| 560 | 515 | 32.0th |
| 550 | 505 | 28.5th |
| 540 | 495 | 25.0th |
| 530 | 485 | 22.0th |
| 520 | 475 | 19.0th |
| 510 | 465 | 17.0th |
| 500 | 455 | 15.0th |
| 490 | 445 | 12.0th |
| 480 | 435 | 10.0th |
| 470 | 425 | 8.0th |
| 460 | 415 | 6.0th |
| 450 | 405 | 4.0th |
| 440 | 395 | 3.0th |
| 430 | 385 | 2.0th |
| 420 | 375 | 1.0th |
| 410 | 365 | 0.5th |
| 400 | 355 | 0.2th |
| 390 | 345 | 0.1th |
So those who appeared for the old GMAT and require a comparison of old scores with new ones can consider the table above for reference.
What is a Good GMAT Score?
"A score above 645+ in the latest GMAT exam is a good score" is a false narrative. Now the answer to the question- "What is a good GMAT Score?" entirely depends on the college and course of choice. Your targeted score can be a good starting point to prepare for the GMAT test. Candidates with scores above 635 are generally categorised into "above-average GMAT scores" which is different from a good score. It is no unknown fact that to get into one of the top B-schools, candidates would be required to score comfortably above 645 points, to be able to achieve a good score status. Most candidates who would score below 645 points could, however, appear for the GMAT exam again to improve their performance as most business schools require a GMAT score above 645. For a candidate who has achieved a GMAT score of 665, it would be unwise to attempt to better his performance.
Hence, to put it squarely, a good GMAT score would totally depend on the business school one plans to apply. The top B-Schools would expect nothing below the 645 scale. While most schools accept applications even on scores above 555 in the GMAT exam. A rising GMAT score also signifies that competition among the aspirants is rising year after year and it also indicates the increasing potential of the candidates. Apart from this, one also gets the idea that competition among the top B-schools is also increasing substantially. Having a high GMAT score must be your top priority, however, students should also focus on building a strong profile along with it.
How to Find Your GMAT Score?
To determine your “good GMAT score” or your targeted GMAT score, you must consider your academic goals, the GMAT cut-off scores for your desired B-school, and the class profile of your targeted B-school. Here are the steps to find your ideal GMAT score:
- Academic Goals: Consider your goals for yourself in your chosen field or with your MBA. These objectives should be in line with your desired GMAT score.
- Desired MBA Programme: Check the average GMAT scores of entering students in the MBA programmes you are interested in. Frequently, the websites of the institutions or the class profile pages provide this information.
- Evaluate Yourself: Examine your resume, employment history, and other credentials against the typical admissions profile of the schools you are interested in. This will assist you in deciding whether you should aim for a competitive GMAT score that is higher or lower.
- Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Try out a computer adaptive test or a practice GMAT from reliable sources. This will assist you in determining your areas of strength and weakness as well as how far you have fallen short of your desired score.
- Set a Realistic Score: Set a realistic target GMAT score that aligns with your goals and the requirements of your desired MBA program.
Why GMAT Scores are Important for Business Schools?
There are some B-schools without GMAT requirements for MBA admissions. However, a report from Menlo Coaching’s research proves that high GMAT scores give you an advantage in getting admission to a top business school. GMAT scores are considered a great predictor of the success of a candidate in a business school. As GMAT test is designed to assess skills that are required in an MBA program.
GMAT Scores for Top MBA Colleges 2025
Whether it is Wharton's GMAT score or Stanford's GMAT score, we have given average GMAT scores required for top MBA colleges in the world.
Below mentioned are the average GMAT scores for top US business schools.
| Top Business Schools in USA |
GMAT (Focus) Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 685 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 675 |
|
| 685 |
Below are the average GMAT scores required for the top business schools in Europe.
| Top Business Schools in Europe |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 665 |
|
| 645 |
|
| 645 |
|
| 525-635 |
|
| 645 |
|
| 615 |
|
| 635 |
|
| 615 |
|
| 555+ |
|
| 615 |
Below are the average GMAT scores required for top business schools in Canada.
| Top Business Schools in Canada |
GMAT Score Requirement |
|---|---|
| 525+ |
|
| 615 |
|
| 615 |
|
| 585+ |
|
| 615 |
|
| 525+ |
|
| 525+ |
|
| 555 |
|
| 555 |
|
| 535+ |
GMAT Score for MBA Scholarship
A good GMAT score can help international students get MBA scholarships abroad. A student with a 750 GMAT score is more likely to earn a scholarship as compared to a student with a 650 GMAT score. Below are some essential points to consider regarding MBA scholarships abroad.
- Scholarship Committees Consider GMAT Score: Before giving out scholarships, scholarship committees assess several elements, and the GMAT score is one of the most significant ones. You may be able to compete for MBA programme merit-based scholarships with a good GMAT score. High-achieving students can receive full or partial scholarships from many business schools. These scholarships are frequently awarded based on merit and consider factors such as GMAT scores and other indicators of academic and professional achievement.
- Competitive Advantage: Applying for scholarships can put you ahead of the competition if you have a high GMAT score. It displays your aptitude for academic work and your likelihood of succeeding in an MBA programme.
- Other Factors: Scholarship committees take into account a variety of factors in addition to GMAT scores, including professional experience, academic background, letters of recommendation, and mission statement. To increase your chances of being awarded a scholarship, it is critical to have a well-rounded application.
In conclusion, although it is not the only factor in scholarship selection, a high GMAT score can greatly increase your chances of being awarded merit-based funding for MBA programmes.
Now that students are aware of what is a good GMAT score and the average GMAT scores for top MBA colleges, they must take their preparation seriously. Moreover, it is equally important to focus on the admission documents such as an SOP, LOR, admission essays, etc.
For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Applicants looking at applying for GMAT in India should know that GMAT exam is conducted in two ways - one is at the GMAT exam centre (traditional method) and the other can be taken from home (referred to as GMAT Online). Both of them have a different fee per se.
As per GMAC, this is how much GMAT exam costs in India based on how the applicant wishes to appear:
- Taking GMAT at a test centre in India costs: USD 275 which is INR 23,554 + taxes (approx).
- Taking GMAT from home in India costs: USD 300 which is INR 25,695 + taxes (approx).
Applicants must check the current exchange rate and then calculate the exact GMAT exam cost while applying from India based on the test centre testing or GMAT Online testing.
GMAT exam is actually very tough, as only a handful number of students crack the exam. Out of 200,000 students, only 6% of the students qualified the exam. SIne the competition is very high, these tests are a hard nut to crack. Students preparing for GMAT exam will have to prepare rigorously and solve question papers in order to crack the exam. GMAT is hard to crack but not impossible. With the right strategies, students can aim to crack the exam.
Check out: Is GMAT exam tough?
Some of the best books to prepare for GMAT Focus Edition are as follows:
- The GMAT Focus Official Guide
- The Critical Reasoning Bible
- All the GMAT guides (Manhattan Prep)
- Total GMAT Math (Jeff Sackmann)
- GMAT Prep Plus (Kaplan)
Ideally these are some of the most important GMAT Focus books to prepare for the exam.
As such there is no particular preference for choosing the best month to appear for GMAT exam. It is up to the applicants to choose a relevant GMAT exam date based on their admission intakes abroad and regster accordingly. Those who wish to submit GMAT scores for Fall intake should register for July-August months. While those applying for Spring intakes can appear for the exam in September-December months. It is completely up to the students because they need time to prepare and select an apt GMAT exam date.
Preparing for the GMAT test takes time and sincere efforts. You can prepare for the exam in six to eight months or it can be 3-4 months depending on your practice and ability. You need to give consistent efforts to get a good GMAT score. Make sure that you understand the GMAT pattern and syllabus before you purchase any study material. You must start with the GMAT official study material and then move on the other standard resources such as the Manhattan Prep guides. You must also appear for GMAT mock tests every week to gauge your progress.
650 - 690 is a good score, however, if you score above 700 then it is great and it also enhances your chances of securing admission to a top B-school. However, a good GMAT score is not the only criterion for securing admission to a top MBA college. Students need to build a holistic profile that should have a decent balance of work experience, academic excellence, extracurricular activities, etc. Nonetheless, a good GMAT score will definitely help you in improving your candidature. Make sure to cover every aspect of the GMAT syllabus with the correct resources.
To cover the GMAT syllabus in 3 months, you can follow a structured study plan and make efficient use of your time. Here's a suggested approach to cover GMAT syllabus:
- Understand the GMAT syllabus: Learn the topics covered by the GMAT's syllabus, including Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. You can prioritise your study topics with this assistance.
- Create a study schedule: Divide your 3-month study period into weekly and daily goals. Allocate specific time slots for each section of the GMAT syllabus. Ensure that your schedule is realistic and allows for regular practice and revision.
- Gather study materials: Gather pertinent study materials that span the whole GMAT course, both online and off. Textbooks, question banks, GMAT prep books, and online materials may all be included in this.
- Focus on weak areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate more time to study and practice those topics.
- Practice regularly: Set aside dedicated time for GMAT practice questions and mock tests.
- Seek guidance and support: Consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course or working with a tutor who can guide you through the syllabus and provide feedback on your progress.
- Review and revise: Regularly review the topics you have covered and revise key concepts. Make use of flashcards, summaries, and mnemonic techniques to reinforce your learning.
- Take mock exams: As you approach the end of your 3-month study period, take full-length mock exams to simulate the actual GMAT test conditions. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your study plan accordingly.
Keep in mind that perseverance and commitment are essential for success. Stick to your study schedule, stay inspired, and keep a good outlook throughout the GMAT prep process. Good fortune!
What is a Good GMAT Score FAQs
Q. What is a good GMAT score?
A. A good GMAT score depends largely on which MBA program you are applying to. For some programmes, a GMAT score of 650 or higher is regarded as good. A score of 700 or more is suitable for the top-tier programmes that are the most selective. GMAT scores between 650 and 740 are explicitly regarded as good to exceptional. The typical GMAT score allowed by prestigious programmes like Wharton is around 730. This means that a score of 720 or better often positions applicants for admission into the top 10 business schools in a competitive position. However, a GMAT score of 700 or higher will already qualify you as a competitive applicant for many MBA programmes in Canada.
Q. How to achieve a good GMAT score?
A. A consistent and committed effort is necessary to get a good GMAT score. You should concentrate on studying frequently, using the greatest study resources, and keeping up with the fundamentals if you want to get a decent grade. Create a study schedule that works for you and make a commitment to stick to it. Use approved study tools that closely resemble the real test, such as those offered by GMAT approved. Keep up with the basics of algebra, grammar, and reasoning, and make sure to review all the material covered on the test. Take practice exams in exam-like settings to improve your endurance and track your development. It is also crucial to ask for assistance when you need it, whether from tutors, teachers, or other sources.
Q. Can an average student achieve a good GMAT score?
A. Yes, with focused effort and planning, a typical student can attain a good GMAT score. Even though the GMAT exam can be difficult, it mostly assesses fundamental knowledge of math, grammar, and reasoning, so anyone can study and get better with regular practice. A good GMAT score is achievable for the average student with the right study plan, use of authorised practice materials, attention to the fundamentals, taking practice exams, seeking assistance when necessary, and research on the particular score requirements of your target schools/programs to determine a target score. In the end, a person's test score is just one aspect of their complete application; work experience and interview results also come into play when determining admittance.
Q. What is the best way to prepare for the GMAT exam?
A. The best way to prepare for the GMAT exam is to stick to a study schedule, use official practice materials (like those offered by GMAT Official), stay up-to-date on math, grammar, and logic fundamentals, take practice exams under exam-like circumstances to build endurance and gauge progress, ask for assistance as needed, and research the particular score requirements for the schools and programmes you're interested in. Doing a tonne of practice questions will also help you sharpen your skills. The GMAT exam can be studied in a variety of ways, including online courses, private coaching, and in-person workshops. Based on your learning preferences, objectives, financial situation, and time constraints, you can pick the one that suits you the best.
Q. Is 700 considered a good GMAT score?
A. It is true that a GMAT score of 700 is typically regarded as an excellent score for admission to many business schools and can be competitive for admission to the top 50 business schools. However, admission decisions are not just based on the GMAT score; they also take into account other aspects including work experience, GPA, essays, and interviews. Anything over 650 is good for top MBA programmes and anything over 700 is great. In the end, the score criteria may differ between institutions, thus it is critical to research and understand the precise score requirements of the schools/programs you are interested in.
Q. What should I do if I do not score well on the GMAT exam?
A. It is crucial to keep in mind that other components of your application can help you compensate for a low GMAT score as it's only one of the criteria considered when MBA admissions choices are made. You can still have a solid application and be admitted to MBA programmes even with a low GMAT score. Here are some tips:
- To demonstrate that you are a well-rounded applicant, emphasise your professional experience, leadership abilities, GPA, and extracurricular activities.
- You may retake the GMAT exam.
- Some programs may accept other standardized tests like GRE. You may consider taking them.
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
The University of Hertfordshire has a 70% acceptance rate, making it easy to get into and having simple admissions requirements. Academic achievement, English language proficiency, references, and many other factors are taken into consideration while making the selection. At Hertfordshire, some programs may require four to five years of experience. To enroll in any programme at Hertfordshire University, students must meet the qualifying requirements. In addition, students with average performance can showcase their relevant experience or extracurricular activities participation to increase their selection probability.