How does a GMAT Focus score of 645 compare with the old GMAT scoring scale?
GMAC advises against directly matching numbers across scoring scales, but by percentile ranking, a 645 on the current 205 to 805 scale is roughly equivalent to a 700 on the old 200 to 800 scale. This is not a fixed minimum score, since most MBA programs do not set one.
If you scored 645 on the current GMAT and are unsure how that measures up historically, GMAC's own guidance is to compare by percentile rather than raw score number, since the scales are structured differently.
Score comparison across scales
| Scale | Score | Approximate percentile equivalence |
|---|---|---|
| Current GMAT (205 to 805) | 645 | Roughly matches old-scale percentile |
| Old GMAT, 10th edition (200 to 800) | 700 | Comparable percentile standing |
Why percentile matters more than the raw number
Since the current exam changed its section structure and scoring range, a numeric score alone does not translate cleanly across scales, which is why GMAC points test takers toward percentile comparisons instead. A 645 is not a universal minimum eligibility mark either, since most programs assess your application holistically.
My Advice
If you are benchmarking your GMAT score against older program data or advice, convert everything to percentile terms first rather than comparing raw numbers directly. Focus your prep on your percentile ranking within your target programs' typical admitted range instead of chasing a specific old-scale number.
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