Which GMAT score should I aim for to apply for an MBA abroad, and what is the score range?
The GMAT total score ranges from 205 to 805, with every total ending in 5. A score of 645 or above is generally considered good for competitive global MBA programs, while 705 and above sits in the elite range. Section scores run from 60 to 90.
Your GMAT total score runs from 205 to 805, and a score of 645 or above is generally considered good for competitive global MBA programs. A good score still depends on your target schools, so match it to their class profiles.
GMAT Score Ranges
| Score type | Range |
|---|---|
| Quantitative, Verbal and Data Insights sections | 60 to 90 each, weighted equally |
| Total composite score | 205 to 805, all totals end in 5 |
| Percentile | 0 to 100, the share of recent test takers who scored below you |
| Superscore | 205 to 805, built from your best section scores across valid attempts |
Score Bands and Percentiles
| GMAT Focus score | Percentile | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 705 and above | About 98.0% and above | Elite MBA range |
| 675 to 695 | About 95.8% and above | Strong for top-10 schools |
| 645 to 665 | About 90.5% and above | Competitive for top-25 programs |
| 605 to 645 | About 86.7% | Equal to the old 700 benchmark |
GMAC introduced the Superscore in August 2026. If you retake the test, it builds a total from your highest section scores, and expired or cancelled scores are left out. Percentiles can shift, so check the official GMAT site for the latest data.
My Advice
Do not chase a number in isolation. Look at the class average at your top 3 to 5 schools and aim slightly above it. A score near 645 keeps you in the conversation for competitive programs, and a retake can help since the Superscore uses your best sections.
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