How to Interpret a GMAT Score

The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a test students must take to get into MBA programs. GMAT consists of three tests: verbal, writing and quantitative. You interpret a GMAT score on a scale from 200 to 800. You receive a testing report once you take the GMAT, which you receive weeks after you complete the GMAT. You must open your GMAT Score Report before you can interpret a GMAT score.

1. Open your GMAT Score Report. You should have this report sent to you a couple of months after you completed the GMAT exam. If you took the GMAT on the computer, you would receive an unofficial result for two sections of your test, such as the quantitative and verbal and you may receive the final test score. If you took the test at a testing center, one of the officials at the center prints out the score for you and gives you your score.


2. Find your quantitative and verbal test scores on your GMAT Score Report. Both sections of the GMAT are labeled and they both have a number beside them from zero to 60. On your verbal score, you should not score below a nine. In addition, you should not score above a 44. With your quantitative score, you should not score below a seven and not score above a 50. Your quantitative and verbal scores are combined and they determine your actual GMAT score. The test score is on a scale and it is based on algorithms, which generate your score by how many questions you answered correctly, total number of questions answered correctly, level of difficulty and other factors.


3. Find your score for the written part of the GMAT. This portion of the test is called the Analytical Writing Assessment. The written portion of the test is on a scale from zero to six and it may contain decimal points. The written test does not affect the overall GMAT score, however, the program's administrators may consider this score when they want to admit you into their program. 


4. Go to Testmaster and find the percentile table. Once you have the GMAT Score Report, you will see the type of percentile where your GMAT score falls. If you have a 650 on your GMAT, you are in the 79th percentile. This means you are on the same level or scored higher than 79 percent of the students who took the GMAT.