GMAT Scoring
How is the GMAT scored?
A GMAT score is made up of several different numbers, each of which covers a part of your performance on the GMAT.
The most familiar number is the overall, or composite, GMAT score. This number ranges from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments and is determined from a combination of your scores on the Quantitative and Verbal Sections of the test. Business schools tend to focus on your composite GMAT score.
Your Verbal and Quantitative Sections are graded separately. You will receive a score ranging from 0 to 60 for each section. Scores below 10 and above 50 are rare.
Your Analytic Writing Assessment (AWA) essays are graded on a scale of 0 to 6. There are 2 essays, each evaluated by 2 readers (one human and one computer). ETS averages the 4 GMAT scores, and rounds to the nearest half point. Your AWA GMAT score does not count toward your composite GMAT score.
Your GMAT score remains valid for five years. If you have taken the GMAT several times, GMAC will report all GMAT scores from the past five years.
How important are your GMAT scores?
If you want to get accepted to a competitive school, your GMAT score is very important. However, GMAT scores vary in importance at different schools. In addition to your GMAT score, schools consider your duration of work experience and the caliber of that experience (again, especially for more competitive programs), undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, interview, and essays. Be sure to contact the specific programs to which you are applying in order to determine their unique requirements.
Can I cancel my GMAT scores?
Yes. You can cancel your scores immediately after you take the GMAT. This is the only time you can cancel your GMAT scores. Unfortunately, you must make the decision to cancel at the testing center before you see your scores. In addition, the fact that you cancelled your scores will be noted on your official GMAT score report.
You can access score reports and send reports to schools through a secure online system soon after you complete the test. If you don’t have access to a computer, GMAC will send you a paper GMAT score report.
