What is a Good GMAT Score? (2025 Focus Edition Data)
The New Normal: 645 is the New 700
The GMAT Focus Edition has completely reset the scoring scale. If you apply with a “700” mindset, you will be disappointed.
Key Rule: Do not look at the score. Look at the percentile.
The Concordance Table
| Percentile | Old GMAT Score | New Focus Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100th | 800 | 805 | Perfect. |
| 99th | 760-790 | 735-795 | Elite of the elite. |
| 98th | 750 | 705 | Stanford/Harvard average. |
| 94th | 730 | 675 | M7 School competitive. |
| 89th | 710 | 655 | Top 15 School competitive. |
| 86th | 700 | 645 | The “Gold Standard” benchmark. |
| 74th | 650 | 615 | Strong for Top 50 schools. |
| 55th | 600 | 575 | Average. |
What Score Do You Need?
For “M7” Schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, etc.)
- Target: 665+ (approx. 92nd percentile)
- Safe: 695+ (approx. 98th percentile)
- Note: Stanford GSB often has the highest average, hovering around the 98th percentile.
For Top 15 Schools (Yale, Tuck, Ross, Fuqua)
- Target: 645+ (approx. 86th percentile)
- Safe: 665+ (approx. 92nd percentile)
For Top 50 Schools
- Target: 595 - 615
- Safe: 635+
Section Scores Matter
Admissions committees look at your breakdown.
- Quant/Data Insights: A low score here is a red flag, especially for finance-heavy programs (Wharton, Columbia, Booth). You want to be above the 70th percentile in these sections.
- Verbal: Important, but slightly more forgiving if your Quant/DI is elite.
When Should You Retake?
Retake if:
- You scored below 605 and are aiming for a Top 25 school.
- Your Quant/DI percentile is below 60% (even if your total is high).
- You consistently scored 40+ points higher on your official practice exams.
Do NOT retake if:
- You have a 665 and want a 675. The difference is marginal and won’t change your admission decision. Spend that time on your essays instead.