After the Exam

Due to the computer adaptive nature of the test, you will have immediate access to your performance on the quantitative and verbal portions of the exam. However, the test will ask you if you would like to view or cancel your scores. If you think you did not perform well, you may cancel your scores without seeing them and they will not be reported to any business schools, although the schools will be notified of your decision to cancel your scores. Keep in mind, however, that once you cancel your scores, you will not be able to view them and you will not be refunded your test registration fee.

We consistently recommend to our students that they check their scores. In most cases, the feeling of underperformance is simply a side effect of computer adaptive test-taking: the GMAT provides you with difficult questions because you are at a higher level. Hence, you should always check your scores. The only exception would be when you run out of time on a given section, thereby earning a score significantly below your ability level. Your AWA score, on a range from 0 to 6, is determined separately and e-mailed to you roughly two weeks after the test.

The mean overall GMAT score is a 537 (as of 2007). To be considered for top business schools, you generally need a score of at least 600. The top 20 business schools report their average GMAT score to be around a 670 – 715, with 700+ being the average for top 10 programs.  

Final Reminders

Plan. Prepare. Practice. Most applicants spend several months preparing for the GMAT and many students take the test more than once, so it’s in your best interest to plan ahead. The average GMAT study time is 2 – 4 months, so it’s important to leave time for researching specific business school programs and for completing applications.

This is a test for which practice pays off - GMAC’s data shows that there is a positive correlation between the length of time spent studying for the GMAT and one’s score; over 50% of students who studied for 2 months or more received a 600 or greater, in contrast to under 37% of students who studied for a month or less.