GMAT Score Percentiles 2025: What's a Good Score for Top MBA Programs?
When you receive your GMAT score, you’ll see two key numbers: your total score (205-805 on the Focus Edition) and your percentile rank. Understanding both is crucial for setting realistic MBA goals.
The GMAT underwent a major transformation in November 2023 with the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition. This new format has a different scoring scale and percentile distribution compared to the classic GMAT.
GMAT Focus Edition Score Percentiles (2025)
The GMAT Focus Edition uses a new scoring scale from 205 to 805 in 10-point increments. Here are the approximate percentile rankings:
| Score | Percentile | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 805 | 99%+ | Perfect score - extremely rare |
| 755 | 99% | Elite - competitive for any M7 program |
| 735 | 96% | Excellent - strong for top 10 programs |
| 715 | 90% | Very strong - above most school medians |
| 695 | 82% | Good - competitive for top 25 schools |
| 665 | 68% | Above average - good for top 50 |
| 645 | 57% | Average - competitive for many programs |
| 615 | 42% | Below average - limited options |
| 585 | 28% | Low - should consider retaking |
| 555 | 16% | Very low - significant improvement needed |
The new GMAT Focus Edition is about 1 hour shorter (2 hours 15 minutes vs. 3 hours 7 minutes). The scoring scale conversion is roughly: Classic Score × 0.8 + 50 = Focus Score. For example, a classic 700 ≈ Focus 710.
What’s a “Good” GMAT Score for Business Schools?
A “good” score depends entirely on your target schools. Here’s what you need for different tiers:
M7 Schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, etc.)
- Target Score: 735+ (96th percentile)
- Median Range: 730-740
- Reality Check: These schools have average GMAT scores around 730-740. A sub-700 score will require exceptional work experience, diversity factors, or other standout elements.
Top 15 Programs (Duke, Cornell, Michigan, etc.)
- Target Score: 705-730 (88th-95th percentile)
- Median Range: 700-720
- Reality Check: Highly competitive, but more room for a holistic profile evaluation.
Top 25-50 Programs
- Target Score: 665-700 (68th-85th percentile)
- Median Range: 660-690
- Reality Check: Great schools with strong employment outcomes. A strong GMAT combined with good work experience opens many doors.
Regional/Part-Time Programs
- Target Score: 600-660 (45th-65th percentile)
- Reality Check: Many solid programs accept scores in this range, especially for part-time and executive formats.
Section-Level Percentiles (Focus Edition)
The GMAT Focus Edition has three sections, each scored 60-90:
Quantitative Reasoning
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 90 | 99% |
| 85 | 92% |
| 80 | 78% |
| 75 | 59% |
| 70 | 40% |
| 65 | 22% |
Verbal Reasoning
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 90 | 99% |
| 85 | 96% |
| 80 | 86% |
| 75 | 70% |
| 70 | 50% |
| 65 | 30% |
Data Insights
| Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 90 | 99% |
| 85 | 94% |
| 80 | 82% |
| 75 | 65% |
| 70 | 45% |
| 65 | 26% |
Many business schools pay close attention to section scores. A 720 with a Q65 (22nd percentile) may raise more concerns than a 690 with balanced sections. Strong quant skills are particularly valued.
Score Trends and Improvement Potential
Average Score Improvement
- Self-study (3 months): +50-70 points typical
- Structured course: +70-100 points typical
- With tutoring: +100-130 points possible
The 100-Point Improvement Path
Based on data from major prep companies:
- Starting Score < 600: Biggest improvement potential (100+ points achievable)
- Starting Score 600-680: 60-80 point improvement typical
- Starting Score 680-720: 30-50 point improvement (diminishing returns)
- Starting Score 720+: Marginal improvements (10-30 points)
Should You Retake the GMAT?
Consider retaking if:
- Your score is below your target school’s 25th percentile
- You had a significantly weaker section score
- You didn’t finish sections (timing issues are fixable)
- Your practice test scores were consistently higher
Good news: Most business schools only consider your highest score. Some programs even allow score cancellation within 72 hours if you’re unhappy with your performance.
Top GMAT Prep Resources
To reach your target percentile, consider these proven resources:
- Target Test Prep - Best for quant improvement, adaptive learning
- Manhattan Prep - Best for comprehensive preparation
- Magoosh - Best value for budget-conscious students
Key Takeaways
- 705+ (88th percentile) opens doors to most top 25 programs
- 735+ (96th percentile) makes you competitive for M7 schools
- The Focus Edition percentiles are still stabilizing as more students take the new format
- Section balance matters almost as much as total score
- Most students can improve 70-100 points with dedicated preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good GMAT score for MBA programs?
A good GMAT score depends on your target schools. For top 10 MBA programs, aim for 730+ (95th+ percentile). For top 25 programs, 700+ (85th+ percentile) is competitive. For top 50 programs, 660+ (68th+ percentile) is typically sufficient.
What is the average GMAT score?
The average GMAT Focus Edition score is approximately 555, which represents the 50th percentile. However, the average score for admitted students at top business schools is much higher—typically 700-740 for top 20 programs.
How are GMAT percentiles calculated?
GMAT percentiles show the percentage of test-takers who scored below your score over the past 3 years. A 90th percentile means you scored higher than 90% of all test-takers. Percentiles are updated periodically by GMAC.
Is 700 a good GMAT score?
Yes, a 700 GMAT score (approximately 85th percentile) is a good score. It's competitive for most top 25 MBA programs and may be sufficient for some M7 schools if combined with strong work experience and other application elements.
What GMAT score do I need for Harvard Business School?
Harvard Business School's median GMAT score is typically around 740 (96th percentile). While there's no official minimum, competitive applicants generally score 720 or higher. HBS takes a holistic approach, so exceptional candidates with lower scores can still be admitted.
How long should I study to improve my GMAT score?
Most students study 2-4 months for the GMAT, dedicating 10-20 hours per week. A 100-point improvement typically requires 100-150 hours of focused study. Your starting point and target score will determine the exact timeline needed.
Can I retake the GMAT if I'm not happy with my score?
Yes, you can retake the GMAT up to 5 times within a 12-month period, with a lifetime limit of 8 attempts. Most business schools only consider your highest score, so retaking is often a good strategy if you underperformed.
What's the difference between GMAT Focus Edition and Classic GMAT?
The GMAT Focus Edition (launched November 2023) is shorter (2 hours 15 minutes vs. 3+ hours), has no essay or sentence correction, and uses a 205-805 scoring scale. It features a new Data Insights section and allows you to review/change answers. The classic GMAT is being phased out.