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GMAT score of 645 (90th percentile) is considered good. 715 (99th percentile) is brilliant, while 735+ (100th percentile) is extraordinary. A 605 (70th percentile) is decent. Below 605 is weak. The global average hovers around 555. Score goals depend on your target schools.
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| Score | Percentile Ranking |
|---|---|
| 805 | 100% |
| 755 | 100% |
| 705 | 98% |
| 655 | 91% |
| 605 | 72% |
| 555 | 49% |
| 505 | 28% |
| 455 | 15% |
| 405 | 7% |
| 355 | 3% |
| 305 | 1% |
| 255 | 0% |
| 205 | 0% |
Mean Score: 553.35
Sample Size: 596,155
Standard Deviation: 88.53
If you are beginning your GMAT preparation for an MBA program, a common early question is, “What is a good GMAT score?” The answer depends on your target schools and profile. This article explains the scoring system and helps you set the right score goal for your ambitions.
The GMAT uses a scoring scale that ranges from 205 to 805, increasing in increments of 10.
The total score is based on your performance in three sections:
Each section is scored individually on a scale of 60 to 90, and your total score reflects your combined performance across all three sections.
In addition to the total score, you receive percentile rankings, which show how your score compares to those of other test takers. For example, a score of 665 might place you in the 88th percentile, meaning you performed better than 88 percent of test takers.
| Score | Percentile Ranking |
|---|---|
| 805 | 100% |
| 795 | 100% |
| 785 | 100% |
| 775 | 100% |
| 765 | 100% |
| 755 | 100% |
| 745 | 100% |
| 735 | 100% |
| 725 | 99% |
| 715 | 99% |
| 705 | 98% |
| 695 | 98% |
| 685 | 96% |
| 675 | 95% |
| 665 | 93% |
| 655 | 91% |
| 645 | 88% |
| 635 | 83% |
| 625 | 81% |
| 615 | 78% |
| 605 | 72% |
| 595 | 69% |
| 585 | 62% |
| 575 | 59% |
| 565 | 52% |
| 555 | 49% |
| 545 | 43% |
| 535 | 40% |
| 525 | 35% |
| 515 | 32% |
| 505 | 28% |
| 495 | 25% |
| 485 | 22% |
| 475 | 20% |
| 465 | 17% |
| 455 | 15% |
| 445 | 12% |
| 435 | 11% |
| 425 | 9% |
| 415 | 8% |
| 405 | 7% |
| 395 | 6% |
| 385 | 5% |
| 375 | 4% |
| 365 | 3% |
| 355 | 3% |
| 345 | 2% |
| 335 | 2% |
| 325 | 2% |
| 315 | 1% |
| 305 | 1% |
| 295 | 1% |
| 285 | 1% |
| 275 | 1% |
| 265 | 0% |
| 255 | 0% |
| 245 | 0% |
| 235 | 0% |
Source: mba.com
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what qualifies as a good GMAT score. As seasoned MBA admission consultants, we break down in the following sections what is generally considered a good score across different applicant goals and profiles.
Applicants from over-represented pools, such as Indian engineers or Chinese finance professionals, often need GMAT scores higher than the class average to stand out. Since these groups apply in large numbers with similar academic and professional backgrounds, admissions committees use the GMAT as a key differentiator. A higher score helps signal exceptional ability, boosts competitiveness, and balances out common profiles. It also demonstrates strong quantitative and analytical skills, which are often expected from such applicants, making them more distinctive in a highly competitive pool.
As a broad estimate, applicants from over-represented backgrounds should aim for a GMAT score ~40 points above the class average to stay competitive.
If you are applying to highly competitive MBA programs such as Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, or London Business School, your GMAT score needs to be well above average.
If you score in this range and bring a sharp, achievement-driven profile with strong academics and impactful work experience, you will be a strong contender at top-tier schools, especially if you develop a compelling application that clearly connects your career goals with the school’s unique offerings and strengths.
There are many excellent MBA programs that are less competitive than the top 10 but still offer strong academics, placements, and global exposure. These include schools like Indiana Kelley, Washinton Foster, NUS, ISB, ESADE, Boston University.
If you score in this range and showcase a high-impact track record with solid academics and meaningful professional growth, a well-crafted application that connects your career goals to the program’s strengths can position you as a standout candidate.
A high GMAT score becomes particularly crucial in the context of winning scholarships. B-schools aggressively compete for top talent to boost their average GMAT, a key metric in MBA rankings and employer perception. To attract high-potential admits, MBA programs roll out merit-based scholarships as a strategic incentive. A strong score strengthens your candidacy, elevates the program’s profile, and increases your leverage. If you are aiming for funding, a high GMAT score is not just helpful. It is a major asset. For a good chance at scholarship from one of the prestigious MBA programs, aim for a GMAT score 705 and above!
Yes, in many cases, international students benefit from scoring higher than the reported average. Here is why:
As a rule of thumb, international applicants with conventional backgrounds should aim to score ~40 points higher than the school’s reported class average to stay competitive.
While deciding on your target GMAT score, there are three main factors to consider:
Look up the average GMAT scores for the schools on your list. Aim to score at or above that number. Besides, if you come from a country or academic/professional background that is over-represented, you must aim for ~40 points higher than the class average score.
If your profile is unconventional or extraordinary in terms of academics, work experience, extracurriculars, or cultural background, you may still be competitive with a slightly lower GMAT score than the class average. On the other hand, if your profile is relatively weaker across academics, work history, or activities, a significantly higher GMAT score can help strengthen your case.
If you are targeting post-MBA jobs in consulting, finance, or other competitive fields, a high GMAT score may be valued even beyond admissions. Employers at top firms often view it as a sign of analytical ability.
If your score is well below your target range, you should consider retaking the exam. Schools do not mind multiple GMAT attempts; they consider the highest score across all attempts. Even a few points increase can make a significant difference in your admissions and scholarship chances.
You can take the GMAT up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, and eight times in total. Make sure you leave time for another attempt if needed before application deadlines.
A GMAT score of 645 (90th percentile) is considered good, 715 is brilliant, and 735 or above is extraordinary. A score of 605 is decent, while anything below that is weak. There is no single benchmark for everyone, as your target schools, background, and goals influence the ideal score. Applicants from over-represented or international pools often need to aim 40 points above the class average to stay competitive. A strong GMAT score strengthens your profile, sets you apart, and greatly improves your chances of earning scholarships, as schools seek high scorers to boost rankings and attract top talent.
The GMAT is an important part of your MBA application, but it is only one piece of a larger puzzle. Your final outcome depends on several elements working together: selecting the right schools, aligning your goals with each program, writing compelling essays, securing strong recommendation letters, preparing a sharp MBA resume, completing the application form accurately, and performing well in interviews. While many of these factors are subjective, your GMAT score is well within your control and can play a major role in strengthening your overall application. So, work toward securing as high a GMAT score as you can!
