GMAT Results & Score

GMAT 101 - Everything You Need to Know Before the GMAT Exam

The GMAT, or the Graduation Management Test, is an entrance test to get into management programs. This test is conducted in an MCQ format and is available on both online and offline modes. This exam is administered across the world by GMAC. GMAT offers a standardized parameter in front of the universities to understand which students are fit to enroll at the graduate level.

Management colleges look at your GMAT scores and work experience to decide if you are ready to endure the rigors of an MBA. So, a high GMAT score is most likely to directly impact your B-school application.

Understanding the GMAT Scoring System

Verbal Reasoning Section Score

The following chart will give you a detailed idea about how the Verbal Reasoning Section is scored –

This section is designed to test your English skills. You have to test your command of standard written English, ability to read critically, and analyzing skills. You will notice mostly three types of problems in this section –

• Critical Reasoning
• Sentence Correction
• Reading Comprehension

Quantitative Reasoning Section Score

The following chart will give you a detailed idea about how the Quantitative Reasoning Section is scored –

This section is designed to test your knowledge of math. In the GMAT exam, you need to answer various math problems like algebra, geometry, and statistics. It also tests your ability to think logically about the concepts of mathematics. You will have to deal with two types of problems in this part –

• Data Sufficiency
• Problem-Solving

Integrated Reasoning Section Score

The following chart will give you a detailed idea about how the Integrated Reasoning Section is scored –

There are four types of problems in this part –

• Multi-source Reasoning
• Table Analysis
• Graphics Interpretation
• Two-part Analysis

IR section tests you with a combination of both verbal and quantitative skills. This section covers the same concepts as the Quantitative section. However, it uses different types of problems and combines them with the concepts of reading and logical analysis. Moreover, it also tests your ability to analyze and interpret graphs and tables.

Analytical Writing Assessment Score

The following chart will give you a detailed idea about how the Analytical Writing Assessment Section is scored –

This section helps the B-Schools to analyze your writing skills. It is scored separately outside the 200-800 point score.

Total Score

The overall GMAT score is calculated by combining the scores of all the sub-scores. For example, you need to combine the score of the Verbal Reasons and, GMAT Quantitative Reasoning. Each of these sections is reported on a scale of 6 to 51 points. The composite score is graded on a scale of 200-800 points.

How is GMAT Scored?

GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, and its algorithm adapts to your test performance. So, all of you will see a different mix of problems while attempting these sections. As you start the test, you will face moderately difficult questions at the start. If you answer the problems correctly, the level of the questions keeps on increasing. Since the test is adaptive to problems, you have to solve them in the order the questions are generated. You also cannot return to a previous question if you have already answered it.

However, the algorithm that is used to calculate the GMAT scores is counterintuitive. So, you keep "leveling up" till you reach the end of the exam. The difficulty level at the end of the section will be considered your final score.

It can happen that you have scored well in the first 2 sections but failed to score well in the final two. So, it won’t be an average of all four sections. Rather, your score will be the point you finish at the end. So, you should aim to deliver a steady performance throughout the exam rather than focusing on any specific area.

Interpreting Your GMAT Results

The GMAT score is generally within the 560-570 range. The Quantitative Aptitude score is usually within the high 30s to low 40s. Conversely, the mean Verbal score stays within the high 20s. The mean Essay score and the mean Integrated Reasoning score stay within the range of 4-5.

Comparing Your Scores to Business School Requirements

Every business school has different cut-off mark requirements. So, you need to compare your scores and find out if they meet the requirements of the school. For example, most reputed MBA colleges ask for GMAT scores above the national average. (658) The ideal score to ensure your enrolment in reputed B-schools is securing a 700+ score. By scoring a 700+ score, you ensure you are among the top 13% of the candidates. A score of 750 ensures you are among the top 2% of the total students.

Understanding Percentile Rankings

Unlike most exams you have appeared to date, GMAT follows a percentile ranking rather than a percentage. Percentile ranking indicates how well you have performed against the total number of test takers. For example, if you score 80 percentiles, that means only 20% of test takers performed better than you.

Analysing Sub scores and Section Performance

The GMAT test report is subdivided into section-wise performance. Here is a sample of how the GMAT result looks –

So, through this report, you can easily assess your performance. You can specifically identify the skillsets you need to work on and how your performance is progressing.

Sending Your GMAT Scores to Business Schools

Once you get the GMAT scores, you can send them for free to five B-schools for free. The procedure for sending the scores to the schools differs according to the test mode.

For Offline Tests

To send the official report, you need to first select the schools you are interested in before the exam. You can do this at the GMAT test centre itself. Before the test begins, you will find a screen that will display the business schools you want to select. You can choose up to 5 schools, but you cannot change your choices after you have confirmed them. Once you accept your score, your choices will be automatically sent to the chosen B-schools.

For Online Tests

After the test, you will get an email notification when the scores are available. You can then log in to the GMAC website and choose the B-schools you want to send your score. You must do this within 2 days after it is available on the GMAC website. You can always log in to your mba.com account and review the score report multiple times before sending it to your preferred schools.

Score Validity and Retaking the GMAT

GMAT scores remain valid for five years after you take the test. After this period, the score expires and can no longer be used for admission purposes. However, you can always retake the exam if you want, even if the score has not yet expired.

If you want to retake the exam for a better grade, you just have to wait for 16 calendar days. After these 16 days, you can retake the exam. However, there is a restriction on how many times you can retake GMAT. You cannot take GMAT more than five times in a year and more than eight times in your life. So, decide wisely before enrolling yourself again for the GMAT exam.

Strategies for Improving Your GMAT Scores

Preparing for the Verbal Reasoning Section

Prepare yourself for the verbal reasoning section with these strategies –

Change the way you read and process language

Many of you complain the sentences in the GMAT seem intentionally confusing. So, showing emotions through words becomes challenging in GMAT exams. But here's the thing. You don’t need to focus on emotions while preparing for GMAT. Instead, make it structural. You should use exact and unambiguous words to get the most logically accurate words. Changing the way you read and process language can be difficult and frustrating. Practicing it consistently can help you prepare for the GMAT.

Treat the whole verbal section like Quants

Experts say, "In the verbal section, you should make inferences as objectively as possible, just like in math.” Let us explain this statement with an example. If the statement says “A triangle has two angles, 70 degrees each.” In such a situation, you can infer that the third angle would be 40 degrees to make the summation of all the angles 180 degrees. So, in this example, the third angle is 40 degrees is not written. Yet, it must be accurate because of the logic in the sentence.

Deeply analyze all the questions and answers

Since the GMAT questions are MCQ in nature, the answers often seem similar. It may seem like there are multiple right answers to a specific question. So, you should train yourself to deeply analyze any question you face. Having a strong analytical mind is crucial for succeeding in GMAT.

Preparing for the Quantitative Reasoning Section

Follow these tips to ace the GMAT quantitative reasoning section –

Master the basics

GMAT tests your math fundamentals rather than exploring any advanced-level mathematics. So, brush up on your basics by taking refresher classes or hiring a private tutor.

Know the question types

GMAT usually asks two kinds of math questions –

• How to apply basic mathematics knowledge related to data sufficiency?
• How to determine the answers to various kinds of math problems?

If you understand how GMAT format the answers to math problems, you can get accurate answers without wasting any time.

Read carefully and logically

Before answering, carefully read the entire question. Look sharply for any information that seems critical. This will help you to avoid traps and solve even the hard questions. By reading the questions carefully, you can rule out answers that seem illogical, thus increasing your chances of scoring better marks.

Hone your skills

There is no better way to improve quantitative skills than taking mock tests. The more practice you will get, the more you will become familiar with the questions. You will also learn to better manage the time constraints and work on the areas you lag.

Enhancing Integrated Reasoning Skills

Read the questions carefully

Read the accompanying text information, and try to paint the big picture with the available information. You can also note down the units of measurement used in the statement and the questions.

Identify the relationships

Prepare yourself to identify any relationships and trends between the data. Look for any direct and inverse relationships and spikes from the data.

Check the required answer choices

Look closely at the options given in the question. That can give you a better idea of how to calculate accurate results.

Familiarise yourself with graphical representation charts

There are several graphical representation techniques like graphs, pie charts, etc. Make yourself familiar with them to understand the questions.

Developing Analytical Writing Abilities

• These tips can help you improve your developing analytical writing abilities –
• Understand the process of writing a well-rounded analysis
• Make the responses sound like a discussion
• Use relevant illustrations and examples

Resources for Improving GMAT Score

There is much software that can improve your GMAT score –

• GMAT Prep Software
• GMAT Official Guides
• GMAT Official Practice Exam Packs
• GMAT Official Practice Questions
• GMAT Official Starter Kit + Practice Exams 1 & 2

There are many other resources on the web. Many of them are free, and some of them are paid. So, you can check out each of these resources and choose the one you feel is best for you.

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