GMAT Exam Scoring

Deciphering GMAT’s scoring system, if possible, is no substitute for preparedness. As GMAT Coaching experts assert, preparedness involves clarifying concepts, practicing well and learning time management. But having a basic idea about scoring is possible and is needed to set targets plus learn to choose what to sacrifice- accuracy or time.

Mentors for GMAT Coaching can introduce you to scoring patterns and ways to achieve your dream score. GMAT gives scores for Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal and the total score. Though this total is based only on Quantitative and Verbal, the GMAT Coaching experts stress the importance of doing well on other sections too.

For AWA, the scoring range is from 0 to 6 in half-point intervals. The essays are scored twice- by an expert and an automated machine (thrice, if these two differ by over one point). The evaluators make justifiable allowances for non-native speakers. You can request for rescoring, if your score fails to meet expectations. The mean score is over 4 so take the guidance of your mentor for GMAT Coaching seriously for scoring well.

For IR, the scoring is from 1 to 8. Credit is given for a question only when each part is answered correctly. So learn to solve all question types while undergoing GMAT Coaching. IR percentile rankings are updated more frequently- this reflects the increasing pool of IR scores.

The total score range is from 200 to 800. About two-thirds of test-takers score between 400 and 600. Aim to prepare well enough during GMAT Coaching to score above 700 or 750 (if possible). Take help of mentors for GMAT Coaching to set realistic targets.

Verbal and Quantitative score range is from 0 to 60. As the official GMAT website reports, “scores below 9 and above 44 for the Verbal section and below 7 and above 50 for the Quantitative section are rare”. While Verbal and Quantitative scores are comparable for different candidates, they are not comparable with each other. For Verbal, the mean score is lower and so the percentile ranking will be higher than Quant for the same score.

Your percentile rank shows where you stand among test-takers of the last three years. Since the GMAT score has 5-year-validity, percentile rankings for the same score may change (percentile subject to others’ performance).

Since responses determine difficulty level of the next questions and you are accordingly judged, do complete the test. As GMAT Coaching experts will tell you, GMAT tests your ability’s upper limit. GMAT allows for some guesswork and careless mistakes, and therefore, many questions are asked to judge accurately. Take mock tests during GMAT Coaching to fare well.

Practice during GMAT Coaching keeping in mind that you can afford to answer some questions incorrectly but cannot afford to not finish the test. Your score will decrease significantly with each unanswered question.

Diligence throughout GMAT Coaching will ensure a great score. If after the exam, you feel you can improve through more Coaching from your GMAT mentor, do obtain an Enhanced Score Report for GMAT which will detail areas of focus and pace.