What is a Good GMAT Score? (2026 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
These percentiles are based on the latest GMAC Focus Edition data. Always compare percentiles, not raw numbers—a Focus score is not just the old score minus five.
| Percentile | Old GMAT Score | New Focus Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100th | 800 | 805 | Perfect. |
| 99th | 760-790 | 735-795 | Elite of the elite. |
| 98th | 740 | 705 | Stanford/Harvard target. |
| 96th | 730 | 685 | M7 School competitive. |
| 93rd | 710 | 665 | Top 15 School competitive. |
| 88th | 700 | 645 | The “Gold Standard” benchmark. |
| 80th | 680 | 625 | Strong for Top 50 schools. |
| 53rd | 620 | 565 | The median of all test-takers. |
What Score Do You Need?
For “M7” Schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, etc.)
- Target: 685+ (approx. 96th percentile, ≈ old 730)
- Safe: 705+ (approx. 98th percentile, ≈ old 740)
- Note: These schools report median Focus scores in the high 680s. Stanford GSB often has the highest average, hovering around the 98th percentile.
For Top 15 Schools (Yale, Tuck, Ross, Fuqua)
- Target: 655+ (approx. 92nd percentile)
- Safe: 685+ (approx. 96th percentile)
For Top 50 Schools
- Target: 615 - 645
- Safe: 655+
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 615 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 685 and want a 695. The difference is marginal and won’t change your admission decision. Spend that time on your essays instead.