GMAT Scores: How They're Calculated and What They Mean
GMAT Scores are certainly one of the main factors that business schools consider when admitting students within their programs. But what do GMAT scores mean, and how are they calculated? Let's answer all these questions and more! Let's also discuss how to interpret your GMAT score report. So if you're wondering about the GMAT scoring system, keep reading!
What is the Basis for the Calculation:
GMAT Scores are derived from several different things. The first is your Verbal score, which is determined by the amount of questions you obtain directly on the verbal section of the GMAT. The second is your Quantitative score, that will be determined by the amount of questions you receive directly on the quantitative element of the GMAT. Finally, your Integrated Reasoning score is decided by your performance on the integrated reasoning questions on the GMAT.
What Do They Mean:
Now that you understand how GMAT scores are calculated, let's discuss their meaning. Broadly speaking, an excellent GMAT score is anything above 700. This implies you have a great chance of being admitted into a premier business school. However, it's important to remember that GMAT scores are only one the main admissions process. Business schools also consider your GPA, work experience, and essays when making decisions.
So if you're wondering what your GMAT score means, the easiest way to find out would be to communicate with an admissions counselor at your target business school. They'll be able to give you a more in depth explanation of how your score will impact your chances to be admitted.
How To Interpret Your Scores:
Since the question "what do GMAT scores mean" is answered, let's discuss just how to interpret your GMAT score report. Your score report will reveal four different things: your total score, your Verbal score, your Quantitative score, and your Integrated Reasoning score. It's important to remember that the total score isn't the only thing that business schools will appear at. They'll also consider your Verbal and Quantitative scores separately.
Your GMAT score report may also show you the percentile ranking for each score. The percentile ranking tells you how you did in comparison to other test-takers. For instance, if you got a 700 on the GMAT and your percentile ranking is 80%, you scored better than 80% of other GMAT test-takers.
Finally, your GMAT score report may also incorporate a breakdown of the forms of questions that you missed on the exam. These details can be helpful as you study for future exams.
Things to Keep in Mind:
Given that you know how GMAT scores are calculated and what they mean, you should keep additional things in mind. First, business schools is only going to consider your highest score when making admissions decisions. So if you're unhappy along with your score the first time around, don't worry! You can always retake the GMAT and try to improve your score.
Second, understand that GMAT scores are simply one part of the admissions process. So when you yourself have a low GMAT score, don't despair! You will find still plenty of alternative methods to make yourself a competitive applicant.