The GMAT Focus Edition Score brings a fresh marking scheme to the exam. Developed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the new GMAT Focus Edition, which debuted on November 7, 2023, features a new scoring system. In this, section scores range from 60 to 90 and total scores range from 205 to 805. The method by which the results will be determined has also evolved. The objective of the GMAT Focus Edition scores is to give test-takers and business schools a better understanding of the scores from both the new version and the old one.
Here are three essential takeaways from the redesigned GMAT scoring system
Furthermore, changes like exam duration and the introduction of the ‘Question Review & Edit’ feature can influence a candidate's testing approach. Therefore, percentile rankings will be vital for evaluating performance. In this article, we will delve into the new GMAT scoring system, section-wise scoring, and percentile values corresponding to total scores achieved on the GMAT exam.
Table of Contents
Just like any other test scoring system, the GMAT scoring system conveys an examinee’s performance on a test. In the Focus Edition, you will observe that the total score scale is 205-805. This range cannot be compared to the previous GMAT total test score range of 200-800 due to the differences in scoring systems.
|
Category |
GMAT Total Score Range |
GMAT Focus Edition Total Score Range |
|
Total Score Range |
200-800 |
205-805 |
Below is a table summarizing the score ranges, score intervals, and standard errors of measurement for the total score, Quantitative Reasoning score, Verbal Reasoning score, and Data Insights score in the GMAT⢠Focus Edition:
|
Category |
Score Range |
Score Intervals |
Standard Error of Measurement |
|
Total Score |
205-805 |
10 |
About 30-40 points |
|
Quantitative Reasoning |
60-90 |
1 |
About 3 points |
|
Verbal Reasoning |
60-90 |
1 |
About 3 points |
|
Data Insights |
60-90 |
1 |
About 3 points |
It’s essential to note that numerical scores alone may not signify similarity in performance when it comes to comparing the new GMAT with its previous version. Unlike before, where the scores were derived just from two sub-sections (Quant and Verbal), the new GMAT scoring considers all sections, including data insights. It is more accurate for diverse test-takers and reflects a variety of skills. For instance, scores of 600 and 605 might appear similar but they actually denote distinct performance levels across various skills.
So far, we have learned that the GMAT Focus Edition’s updated score scale ranges from 205 to 805. Each score ends in a 5, unlike the traditional GMAT Exam’s 200-800 range. We have also learned that this modification is instrumental in establishing a distinct separation between scores derived from the GMAT Focus Edition and those of the traditional GMAT Exam.
Now, let’s dive deeper into how this new scoring structure differs from the classic GMAT scoring system.
|
Scoring Structure Comparison |
Classic GMAT Score |
GMAT Focus Edition Score |
|
Total Score Range |
200-800 |
205-805 |
|
Scoring Composition |
Score is derived only from Quantitative and Verbal scores. |
Scores from all sections (Quant, Verbal, and DI) are calculated. |
|
Number of Scoring Levels |
61 |
61 |
|
Levels |
5 levels for 99 percentile scorers or above |
11 levels (705 to 805) for 99 percentile scorers or above; 100 percentile score for any score above 735 |
|
Score Equivalence |
A score of 710 is a 90th percentile |
A score of 710 is a 93th percentile |
|
Mean Score |
574.51 |
546.01 |
Based on the table above, let's break down and understand the key differences between Classic GMAT and GMAT Focus Edition scoring:
The GMAT Focus Edition has brought about significant transformations in its scoring system, departing from the reliance on Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning scores to a more comprehensive evaluation encompassing all three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and the newly introduced Data Insights (DI).
In the GMAT Focus Edition, the individual section scores offer a tailored approach to evaluating a test-taker's proficiency in crucial skills. Let's understand it better.
|
Quantitative Reasoning Marks Distribution |
Verbal Reasoning Marks Distribution |
Data Insights Marks Distribution |
|
The Quantitative Reasoning section has 21 multiple-choice questions. The time allotted to complete this section is 45 minutes. The score range is 60 to 90, determined by the following factors:
|
The Verbal Reasoning section has 23 multiple-choice questions (Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning). The time provided for this section is 45 minutes. The scoring follows a range from 60 to 90. The score is determined by the following factors:
|
The Data Insights section has 20 multiple-choice questions that are required to be completed within a time frame of 45 minutes. The scoring in the Data Insights section follows a range from 60 to 90. The score is determined by three crucial factors:
|
It is important to note that certain questions may comprise multiple parts in the DI section. To secure credit for a question, each part must be accurately answered.
With your GMAT exam scores, you get a percentile ranking. Percentiles are derived from the aggregate performance of all test-takers. For example, if someone scores 695 on the GMAT Focus and this score aligns with the 98th percentile, it denotes that merely 2% of GMAT test-takers achieved a comparable score. While all three sections of the GMAT Focus employ the same scoring scale (60-90), it is important to recognize that percentile rankings may vary among these sections.
|
Score |
Mean Score |
Percentile Ranking |
|
90 |
74.41 |
100% |
|
85 |
99% |
|
|
80 |
86% |
|
|
75 |
51% |
|
|
70 |
24% |
|
|
65 |
10% |
|
|
60 |
4% |
|
Score |
Mean Score |
Percentile Ranking |
|
90 |
78.99 |
100% |
|
85 |
96% |
|
|
80 |
60% |
|
|
75 |
19% |
|
|
70 |
4% |
|
|
65 |
1% |
|
|
60 |
0% |
|
Score |
Mean Score |
Percentile Ranking |
|
90 |
77.71 |
100% |
|
85 |
89% |
|
|
80 |
66% |
|
|
75 |
35% |
|
|
70 |
14% |
|
|
65 |
4% |
|
|
60 |
1% |
|
GMAT Classic Score |
GMAT Focus Edition Score |
Percentile |
|
800 |
805 |
100.0% |
|
790 |
805 |
100.0% |
|
790 |
795 |
100.0% |
|
790 |
785 |
100.0% |
|
780 |
785 |
100.0% |
|
780 |
775 |
100.0% |
|
780 |
765 |
99.9% |
|
780 |
755 |
99.9% |
|
770 |
755 |
99.9% |
|
770 |
745 |
99.8% |
|
770 |
735 |
99.7% |
|
760 |
735 |
99.5% |
|
760 |
725 |
99.4% |
|
760 |
715 |
99.2% |
|
750 |
715 |
98.7% |
|
750 |
705 |
98.6% |
|
750 |
695 |
98.1% |
|
740 |
695 |
97.9% |
|
740 |
685 |
96.9% |
|
730 |
685 |
96.7% |
|
730 |
675 |
96.1% |
|
720 |
675 |
95.2% |
|
720 |
665 |
94.0% |
|
710 |
665 |
93.2% |
|
710 |
655 |
92.6% |
|
700 |
655 |
89.6% |
|
700 |
645 |
89.3% |
|
690 |
645 |
86.7% |
|
690 |
635 |
85.1% |
|
680 |
635 |
83.5% |
|
680 |
625 |
82.7% |
|
680 |
615 |
80.1% |
|
670 |
615 |
80.1% |
|
660 |
615 |
78.3% |
|
650 |
615 |
74.5% |
|
650 |
605 |
74.5% |
|
650 |
595 |
71.5% |
|
640 |
595 |
70.7% |
|
640 |
585 |
65.3% |
|
630 |
585 |
64.8% |
|
620 |
585 |
62.8% |
|
620 |
575 |
62.1% |
|
610 |
575 |
58.9% |
|
610 |
565 |
55.8% |
|
600 |
565 |
55.1% |
|
600 |
555 |
52.7% |
|
590 |
555 |
51.4% |
|
580 |
555 |
47.8% |
|
580 |
545 |
46.7% |
|
570 |
545 |
44.3% |
|
570 |
535 |
43.8% |
|
560 |
535 |
41.1% |
|
560 |
525 |
38.2% |
|
550 |
525 |
37.9% |
|
550 |
515 |
35.6% |
|
540 |
515 |
35.0% |
|
530 |
515 |
32.3% |
|
530 |
505 |
30.8% |
|
530 |
495 |
28.5% |
|
520 |
495 |
28.5% |
|
510 |
495 |
27.3% |
|
500 |
495 |
25.1% |
|
500 |
485 |
24.3% |
|
490 |
485 |
23.0% |
|
490 |
475 |
22.4% |
|
480 |
475 |
21.1% |
|
470 |
475 |
19.2% |
|
470 |
465 |
18.8% |
|
460 |
465 |
17.6% |
|
460 |
455 |
17.1% |
|
450 |
455 |
15.3% |
|
450 |
445 |
14.1% |
|
440 |
445 |
13.9% |
|
440 |
435 |
12.8% |
|
430 |
435 |
12.7% |
|
420 |
435 |
11.5% |
|
410 |
435 |
10.4% |
|
410 |
425 |
10.4% |
|
400 |
425 |
9.4% |
|
400 |
415 |
9.4% |
|
390 |
415 |
8.5% |
|
380 |
415 |
7.7% |
|
380 |
405 |
7.5% |
|
370 |
405 |
6.9% |
|
370 |
395 |
6.7% |
|
360 |
395 |
6.2% |
|
350 |
395 |
5.6% |
|
350 |
385 |
5.3% |
|
350 |
375 |
4.7% |
|
340 |
375 |
4.7% |
|
330 |
375 |
4.2% |
|
320 |
375 |
3.7% |
|
320 |
365 |
3.7% |
|
310 |
365 |
3.3% |
|
310 |
355 |
3.3% |
|
300 |
355 |
2.7% |
|
300 |
345 |
2.5% |
|
290 |
345 |
2.4% |
|
280 |
345 |
2.2% |
|
280 |
335 |
2.2% |
|
270 |
335 |
2.1% |
|
260 |
335 |
1.8% |
|
250 |
335 |
1.7% |
|
250 |
325 |
1.6% |
|
250 |
315 |
1.4% |
|
240 |
315 |
1.3% |
|
240 |
305 |
1.0% |
|
230 |
305 |
1.0% |
|
230 |
295 |
0.9% |
|
220 |
295 |
0.8% |
|
220 |
285 |
0.6% |
|
210 |
285 |
0.6% |
|
210 |
275 |
0.5% |
|
210 |
265 |
0.4% |
|
210 |
255 |
0.4% |
|
200 |
255 |
0.3% |
|
200 |
245 |
0.3% |
|
200 |
235 |
0.2% |
|
200 |
225 |
0.2% |
|
200 |
215 |
0.1% |
|
200 |
205 |
0.1% |
The GMAT Focus Edition has a new scoring system, but scoring well is not necessarily more challenging. The adjustments aim for fairness, and understanding how the numbers relate makes your performance clearer and more meaningful. For example, if you score 645 on the GMAT Focus Edition, it will be equivalent to getting 700 on the old scale. So, even though the numbers look different, your performance level is pretty much the same.
To prepare effectively, taking practice tests is important. This will familiarize you with the exam format and help you evaluate your progress. Pay close attention to your section scores in these practice tests, as they provide valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses across different areas of the exam.
Remember, a good score is not just about achieving a certain number. Your ranking is clearly shown on your official score report, giving you a clear idea of how well you did compared to others.