The two major parts of the GMAT are scored independently. You will receive a GMAT verbal score (0 to 60) and a GMAT math score (0 to 60). You will also receive a total GMAT score (200 to 800), and a GMAT writing score (0 to 6). The average total score is 500. In addition, you will be assigned a percentile ranking, which gives the percentage of students with scores below yours.
What you can expect so you can prepare:
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Two 30-minute typewritten essays
Topics tested include: analysis of an argument and analysis of an issue
Quantitative (math)
75 minutes
Maximum of 37 multiple-choice questions
Question types include: problem solving and data sufficiency
Topics tested include: arithmetic, algebra and geometry.
Verbal
75 minutes
Maximum of 41 multiple-choice questions
Question types include: reading comprehension, sentence correction and critical reasoning
Topics tested include: speed reading, grammar and analytical reasoning.
The exam is offered the last three weeks of every month, and you may schedule a few days in advance.
Scoring on the GMAT You will receive four scores on the GMAT:
An overall score, ranging from 200 to 800
A math percentile, comparing you to other test takers
A verbal percentile, comparing you to other test takers
A score for the Analytical Writing Assessment, ranging from 0 to 6
Your GMAT score is valid for five years.
Percentile Rank
Each of the aforementioned scores are accompanied by a percentile rank. The percentile rank highlights what proportion of test takers scored lower than you on the test. The higher the percentile rank, the better you did. For example, if you received a percentile rank of 56, you did better than 56 percent of test takers. This number tells business schools exactly where you fell with respect to other candidates who took the GMAT.
The Essay
Each essay is given a separate grade on a 0-6 scale by two different graders: a human and a computer. These grades are assigned holistically, taking into account all aspects of content, writing style and grammar. If the two grades for an essay agree, that score will be assigned. If the two scores are markedly different, then a third scorer, a person, will read the essay to determine its grade. In addition, business schools may receive copies of your typewritten essays.
AACSB Accredited Business Schools
Pre-MBA