Why Schools Use GMAT Scores
GMAT scores are used to help schools determine how well an applicant will do academically in a business or management program. In most cases, GMAT scores are used to estimate the depth of an applicant’s verbal and math skills.
Many schools consider GMAT scores to be the perfect assessment tool when it comes to comparing applicants. Unlike grade point averages (GPA), GMAT scores are based on the same set of standards for all test takers.
How Schools Use GMAT Scores
Though GMAT scores can give schools an impression of academic knowledge, they can not measure many of the other qualities that are necessary for academic success. This is why admission decisions are usually not based on GMAT scores alone. Other factors, such as undergraduate GPA, work experience, essays, and recommendations also determine how applicants will be assessed.
The makers of the GMAT recommend that schools use GMAT scores to:
- Help select applicants for graduate study
- Help select applicants for financial aid programs (based on academic potential)
- Assist in counseling or guidance programs
Average GMAT Scores
Average GMAT scores always vary from year to year. If you are interested in learning more about average GMAT scores, contact the admissions office at your school(s) of choice. They will be able to tell you what the average GMAT score is based on the scores of their applicants. This will give you something to shoot for when you take the GMAT. The GMAT scores shown below can also give you an idea of what the average score is based on percentiles.
- 96-99th percentile- 720
- 79-90th percentile- 630
- 61-75th percentile- 570
- 37-50th percentile- 500
