GMAT Test Scores

GMAT test scores consist of four scores. Three sectional scores from verbal, quantitative and analytical sections and one GMAT total score. Verbal section consists of 41 questions to be solved in 75 minutes and in quantitative section scores, you have to solve 37 problems in 75 minutes. Both the sections are on a scale of 0-60. Actually first a GMAT raw score of the two sections is computed and then it is converted into the scaled score. Your official score report does not display your GMAT raw scores. GMAT raw score is calculated by counting the number of questions you have answered correctly and then by subtracting one-fourth mark for the number of incorrect answers. No mark is deducted for any answer which is left blank. Your GMAT raw scores depend on two things: One, number of correct answers, and two on difficulty level of the questions which you have answered correctly.

GMAT total score depends on the verbal and quantitative section scores. GMAT total scores are marked on a scale of 200-800. It does not include scores of analytical section. Scores of analytical section is displayed separately on your official score report. Analytical writing section is marked on a scale of 0-6. Analytical scores are the easiest to understand as these scores are GMAT raw scores for analytical section. They do not require any conversion or calculation.

In addition to these four scores, you also get a percentile rank which is an approximate percentage of the test takers who have scored lower marks than you. The percentile score actually helps college authorities to compare the test takers. Percentile ranking is based on the number of students who have taken the test in the last three years.

GMAT Raw Scores: Importance

GMAT raw score are not very important to college authorities. They are more interested in total scores and percentile rank. But GMAT raw scores are important for your own knowledge as they make you aware of the number of questions you had actually answered correctly. If you plan to retake the exam, then knowledge of your GMAT raw scores will help you to prepare better as you will know about the types of questions which need more attention as scores increase with the difficulty level of the questions.

The official GMAT score report will be sent to you and to the recipient colleges within three weeks from the date of test. You do not have to pay any extra amount for this. If you are not satisfied with your results in the exam, you can retake the exam after 30 days of testing. Your score report carries your scores from the five most recent tests you have taken.