Achieving a competitive GMAT score is a crucial step in your journey to business school. Whether you’re aiming for a GMAT score good enough for MBA admission or striving for the highest GMAT score, effective GMAT preparation is key.
The time and resources required to achieve a competitive GMAT score are often underestimated and preparation postponed for too long.
Sticking to these guidelines on how to prepare for GMAT will give you a competitive advantage over many other prospective business school applicants. The tips below are meant to help you achieve the highest GMAT score you can.
In this way you will be able to make a realistic choice between the best MBA or Master’s degree programs and scholarship opportunities.
What Is GMAT?
A competitive score in the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a requirement for admission, and often also for scholarships, to most top international business schools for MBA, Executive MBA, and specialized Master’s degree programs. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) – owner of the GMAT– also offers an exam for Executive MBA applicants – Executive Assessment – but the GMAT is still widely used for both MBA and EMBA programs.
Over 7,700 graduate business programs at approximately 2,400 universities and organizations around the world accept the GMAT exam.
But what is GMAT exactly? The GMAT exam is a computer adaptive test (CAT) conducted in English. Nowadays, it contains three parts: the Quantitative Reasoning section, the Verbal Reasoning section, and the Data Insights section. It has been modified as it has developed, and some parts have been scrapped. The last major change occurred in 2024, when the older and longer edition of the GMAT (also called GMAT 10th edition), containing Integrated Reasoning (IR) and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) sections, was phased out.
GMAC explains: “The GMAT is designed to test skills that are highly important to business and management programs. It assesses critical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, along with the data sufficiency, logic, analysis skills that are vital to real-world business and management success.”
GMAT Content, Structure, and Duration
Currently, the GMAT is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and consists of three sections (with 64 questions in total). The sections are delivered in any order preferred by test takers.
Quantitative Reasoning
The Quantitative Reasoning section allows 45 minutes and test takers have to answer 21 questions. The quantitative section tests problem solving and measures algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge.
Format: 21 questions
Topic: Problem Solving
Time: 45 minutes
Score: 60-90
Verbal Reasoning
The Verbal Reasoning section allows 45 minutes and test takers have to answer 23 questions. The verbal section consists of reading comprehension and critical reasoning questions.
Format: 23 questions
Topic: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning
Time: 45 minutes
Score: 60-90
Data Insights
The Data Insights section measures the ability to interpret data and apply it to real-world business scenarios. It also tests digital and data literacy.
Format: 20 questions
Topic: Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis
Time: 45 minutes
Score: 60-90
GMAT Scoring
The overall score is reported on a scale of 205 to 805, and all Total Score values end in a 5. The GMAT max score is currently 805.
Since GMAT scores are valid for five years, scores from the older GMAT (10th edition) can still be used for MBA and Master’s admission. However, the previous edition was scored differently and “straightforward comparison between similar test scores on the new and old exams is, it appears, a difficult task – and GMAC has warned that doing so will not yield accurate results,” according to Clear Admit.
Here’s a short table with example scores to help you compare GMAT (10th edition) scores, current GMAT scores, and percentiles (see the full table on GMAC).
GMAT Score Concordance Table
|
GMAT 10th Edition |
GMAT Current Edition |
Percentile |
|
800 |
805 |
100.0% |
|
770 |
745 |
99.7% |
|
740 |
685 |
96.2% |
|
710 |
665 |
92.9% |
|
680 |
635 |
83.1% |
|
650 |
595 |
68.5% |
|
620 |
575 |
58.7% |
|
590 |
555 |
49.0% |
|
560 |
525 |
34.7% |
|
530 |
495 |
25.4% |
|
500 |
485 |
21.5% |
|
470 |
465 |
16.6% |
|
440 |
435 |
11.3% |
|
400 |
425 |
9.2% |
|
330 |
375 |
4.3% |
Although universities have specific requirements for the total score, bear in mind that great discrepancies in performance on the different sections could be alarming for the admissions officers. It must be noted that even if you have a good composite score, if there is a large gap between your verbal and quantitative scores, this may serve as a hindrance to gaining admission to top schools. Hence, it is best to ensure that you demonstrate the best of both abilities equally, instead of only focusing on one.
What Is a Good GMAT Score?
Most top-ranked MBA programs will want to see applicants in the 85th percentile or higher. Or in other words, a GMAT score of 645 would put an applicant in about the 88th percentile with the latest GMAT format, making it a very strong score.
However, since GMAT scores from both editions of the test will be simultaneously valid for a while, business schools do not have enough data to report the two scores separately yet or their data might be mixed. For example, the latest average GMAT scores of students admitted to the full-time MBA programs at Stanford University: Stanford Graduate School of Business is 738, at The University of Chicago: Booth School of Business – 729, while the median score at Harvard Business School (HBS) is 740. All of these institutions have been reporting average GMAT scores from the older GMAT (10th edition) and it will take time for average scores from the newest edition to come in.
Other schools, such as HEC Paris (France), report average scores from both GMAT formats. In case of the French school, the average is 690 for the older edition and 635 for the newest edition.
While some schools have a requirement for a minimum GMAT, others simply give the score range of the admitted students. Interestingly enough, the GMAT range at HBS is quite wide – from 540 to 790!
When it comes to Executive MBA programs, many business schools such as New York University: Stern School of Business do not even require GMAT scores for admission into an EMBA. For this type of program, prospective students may also choose to take an Executive Assessment – the GMAC exam for EMBA applicants.
GMAT Scholarships Scores
Many business schools around the globe provide scholarships based on merit. They usually take the GMAT score into consideration alone or along with other factors.
The EDHEC Business School (France) Global MBA scholarship policy encourages candidates to perform well on the GMAT in order to benefit from a scholarship upgrade. In this case, for example, a GMAT score of 635+ can bring up to 40% reduction in tuition and lower the MBA student’s fees to less than EUR 32,000.
SDA Bocconi’s (Italy) full-time MBA scholarships cover 100% of the tuition fee for candidates with an outstanding profile and a minimum GMAT score of 645 (equivalent to 700 in the old GMAT format).
At some business schools a high GMAT score can provide a full-tuition package with a scholarship, assistantship, and even a stipend for part of the living expenses.
GMAT Brings Value beyond Admission
So, clearly your GMAT score matters beyond just admission. A merit scholarship will not only leverage your investment and speed up the ROI, but will also add more glamour to your profile.
Furthermore, your GMAT scores (valid for five years) are taken into consideration by some employers. GMAT scores are not intended to be used by recruiters or employers as a requirement for a job, for licensing or certification, for raises or promotions. The GMAT does not measure knowledge of business, management or economics. The GMAT is not intended to measure motivation, creativity, interpersonal skills or job skills.
Employers may only use GMAT results in relation to what the test actually measures — basic verbal, mathematical, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills.
“A good GMAT score demonstrates the candidate has the critical thinking, problem-solving, written, verbal, and numerical skills companies expect from their MBA recruits,” says Margaret O’Neil, Careers Mentor at the Entrepreneurship Lab, University of Cambridge (UK), for GMAC.
Management consulting companies, such as McKinsey, also look into job applicants’ GMAT scores as part of the recruitment process. Although this is just one element which they take into consideration, it will be to your benefit to have a high GMAT score if you wish to land a consulting job with one of the elite companies upon graduation.
GMAT Preparation Timeline: How Much Time Should You Spend?
- Choose your ideal preparation mix now: self-study, group courses, and/or individualized tutoring
- Commit to approximately 100 hours of preparation to achieve competitive scores
- Enroll in a guided course that fits your schedule over 2-3 months
- Add at least two hours of self-study to your structured classes each week
- Distribute your GMAT study sessions evenly throughout the week for maximum progress
When you’re deciding how to prepare for GMAT, consider a variety of approaches, including self-study, group courses, and individualized tutoring. Your GMAT study schedule should span three to six months, depending on your availability and score goals. A GMAT 700+ score (or 645+ score for the latest GMAT edition) will require consistent effort and tailored preparation strategies.
According to surveys by GMAC, successful GMAT test takers invest about 100 hours of preparation in the exam. This time is usually split between guided preparation (course or individual tutoring), self-study, and practice. Anticipate time for a second test with its associated preparation.
Guided GMAT preparation can be provided in a course (traditional classroom or online format) or in individual tutoring sessions (face-to-face or online). The choice depends on your learning style, your budget and the availability of preparation options in your location.
A typical GMAT prep course is about 40 hours. They can span two or three months depending on the intensity of the course. For example, if you attend one GMAT class of four hours every weekend for two months you will have 32 study hours of guided preparation. Of course these will be coupled by at least two hours per week of self-study which comes to almost 50 hours that you will commit to GMAT over these two months.
Test prep experts recommend that self-study and practice should be evenly distributed during the week, instead of being squeezed into the weekend only.
GMAT Study Materials and Books
There is a huge offering of GMAT study materials and prep books. GMAC publishes the Official Guide for GMAT Review annually. Many of the established GMAT prep companies publish their own GMAT preparation books reflecting their proprietary teaching methodology.
Yet others combine different resources in order to make the best selection available for their GMAT students. Of course what works best for each student depends on their starting level, potential, and learning style.
Some companies prepare GMAT study plans in which they give a step- by-step breakdown of the content and resources to use for your preparation.
Common Mistakes in GMAT Preparation
Your GMAT preparation journey requires careful planning and awareness of common pitfalls that can derail your success if you don’t address them properly and on time.
Postponing Your Preparation for Too Long
As already described in more detail above, achieving a competitive GMAT score can take you a while. Some test takers invest up to a year in order to achieve the best score they can. The majority commit about three or four months. Official test scores are normally available within 1-3 days of completing your exam.
Results on the actual test can sometimes turn out lower than expected for a number of reasons. It is recommended to anticipate an additional two months to retake in case you are not happy with your score. You can sit the GMAT at least 16 days after the previous test, but you should also invest in additional preparation to make sure you will perform at your best level.
Last, but certainly not least, it is much better to take the GMAT before you shortlist the business schools to which you will apply. Once you have your actual score, you can target the schools whose admission requirements you meet and where you have realistic chances of admission. Selecting schools first and then trying to achieve the required score may result in not being able to complete the application process because of a too-low GMAT score.
Underestimating the GMAT
The GMAT can be quite challenging even for native speakers of English, as well as for those who feel at ease with the quantitative problems. There are a number of reasons for this. With its four sections, the GMAT tests different skills and most individuals tend to be strong in some parts, and more challenged in others.
Self-study Alone
Self-study is an indispensable part of the preparation, but it should be put in a framework that suits to your level and learning style.
Some prospective GMAT test takers need to study maths virtually from scratch, while others will be ready to dive into the details of the Quantitative section. While many test takers use English in their daily communication at work, the Verbal section will require that they refresh the grammar and complex vocabulary from different areas.
Finally, even if you master all the knowledge, the GMAT actually tests your skills of applying it in the most relevant way. So, GMAT-specific approaches exist for each section and each type of question.
That is why it is most effective to work with professional GMAT instructors (not just someone who scored well in the GMAT) who can guide you through your preparation.
Another essential add-on to self-study is monitoring your progress and making amendments to your study. Monitoring should be done with realistic GMAT questions and ideally under realistic conditions. Here again, the step-by-step approach is the most effective – first master one type of question of a section and then gradually build up to the full section.
Sporadic Study
It takes time to prepare well for the GMAT. So, commit to preparing for as long as necessary to achieve the most balanced and highest GMAT score that you can. Just like in sports or playing a musical instrument, regular practice and commitment yield the best results.
Don’t lose momentum. After studying for the GMAT for months you should take the leap of faith and take the test once or twice while your knowledge, skills, and stamina are at their peak. Postponing for too long will just result in a lower score.
Lack of Practice under Realistic Conditions
Even if you have mastered the knowledge and skills, you should practice a lot under realistic conditions. Include working on timed tests, computer-adaptive format, and current GMAT questions.
While the actual test is about 2 hours and 15 minutes long, the overall time spent on test day can be longer, especially if doing the exam at a test center. You will need to keep your concentration and speed of work throughout that time. So, you have to be prepared for the “long-distance run”.
This is an essential part of your preparation and you should plan for at least two weeks after you have completed your core GMAT preparation and before you sit the actual GMAT exam.
How to Select a GMAT Preparation Course
When selecting your ideal GMAT preparation approach, it’s important to know about GMAT course options that suit different learning needs. Think of your academic foundation, available timeline, and financial resources. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in developing a study plan that maximizes your chances of achieving more than just a good GMAT score.
Build a Foundation
The GMAT requires knowledge of Maths and Standard English language. You will need knowledge of calculus, algebra, and geometry. In English you will need grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and speed of reading and writing.
So, make sure that you select a course or a tutor who will take the time to check your starting level and support you in building a solid foundation. Starting out with gaps in your knowledge can block your progress, generate frustration, and slow your preparation.
Timeframe
Start early. The GMAT score is valid for five years and it is never too early to take it. You should take the test no later than a month before the application deadline. Ideally, you should take it before you shortlist your schools, so that you can adjust school selection and application to your actual score.
If you have to squeeze your preparation into a shorter timeframe, look for intensive study options. Allow about a month after completing a GMAT course for further practice before you take the test. Some “on-demand” courses and tutoring can be an excellent option in this case.
Budget
Be ready to commit a budget to your GMAT preparation, because a high GMAT score can help you win a scholarship and gain admission to a high-caliber school. In addition, GMAT skills are transferable outside of the business school classroom, as illustrated above. So don’t see this investment only in the context of your application for admission.
How to Achieve a GMAT Score of 645+
As you know by now, achieving a competitive GMAT score requires preparation and consistent effort. Whether your target is 645+ for top-tier business schools (equal to a GMAT score of 700+ on the older GMAT edition) or a bit lower for solid programs, these proven strategies can help you reach your goal.
Success on the GMAT begins with understanding its structure and developing a study plan. The exam’s purpose is to test not just your knowledge but your critical thinking and time management skills under pressure.
Try these key strategies for GMAT success:
- Create a realistic study schedule: Dedicate time for studying every week over several months rather than cramming before the test date
- Take multiple practice tests: Simulate actual testing conditions to build stamina and identify weak areas
- Master the fundamentals first: Build strong foundations in basic math, grammar, and logical reasoning before tackling advanced concepts
- Develop effective time management: Learn to allocate appropriate time to each question and section to avoid rushing at the end
- Practice active reading: Develop the habit of identifying argument structure and assumptions in reading comprehension
- Review mistakes thoroughly: Understand why you got questions wrong, not just the correct answer
Remember that the GMAT rewards consistent, methodical thinking over pure academic knowledge. Focus on understanding the underlying patterns in questions rather than memorizing formulas or rules. The highest-scoring test-takers develop systematic approaches to each question type.
Finally, maintain perspective and manage test anxiety. Many successful applicants need multiple attempts to reach their target score. Approach the exam with confidence in your preparation and a willingness to learn from each testing experience.
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