5 Steps to GMAT Success |

1. Know Your Target Score

Research the programs you’re interested in and understand the score range for admitted students.

Keep in mind: the average score is not a minimum requirement, but it’s a useful benchmark. Each GMAT score is associated with a percentile ranking, which schools use in their holistic admissions process.

What are Percentile Rankings?

Percentile rankings indicate what percentage of test takers you performed better than. For example, a percentile ranking of 75% means that you performed better than 75% of other test takers, and 25% of test takers performed better than you.

Score Ranges	Percentile*
655 - 805	91% - 100%
625 - 645	81% - 88%
605 - 615	72% - 78%
565 - 595	52% - 69%
515 - 555	32% - 49%
435 - 505	11% - 28%
205 - 425	0% - 9%

*Percentile values presented in this table are subject to be updated annually in the third quarter of every year

GMAT Scores Explained

What skills are represented in a GMAT score? What's a competitive GMAT score? The answers to these questions and more are summarized in this 2-page resource:

2. Make a Study Plan

Here are our steps to starting your prep journey with your best foot forward:

Study the structure. Become familiar with the exam format and structure. Also learn each question type and try sample questions. This will boost your confidence come test day when you know what to expect.
Understand the question types. Beyond knowing how to answer questions correctly, learn what each type of question is asking of you. GMAT questions rely on logic and analytical skills, not underlying subject matter mastery.
Establish your baseline. Take a FREE Official GMAT Practice Exam to establish your baseline. It uses the same format and scoring algorithm as the real test, so you can use the score report to accurately assess your strengths and growth areas.
Study answer explanations. Take advantage of each question you get wrong by studying correct answers, so you know how to get it right next time. This will help you understand why you got a question right or wrong.
Simulate the test-taking experience. Continue taking practice exams, which use the same algorithm, scoring, and timing as the real exam. so take them with test-day like conditions (e.g., quiet space, use the tools allowed on test day) for the truest prep experience.

Free Prep Quick Links

Official Starter Kit

Get your prep journey started on the right foot with:

2 full-length practice exams
70 real GMAT practice questions
A guided review of the exam

Access Free Starter Kit

6-Week Study Planner

Prep for the GMAT exam in just six weeks! This is the first step in setting yourself up for success on test day.

Track your Strengths, Focus Areas, and progress while guiding yourself through Official Prep options.

Download Study Planner

3. Go Further with Official Prep

While free tools are a great way to get started, many candidates choose to invest in additional prep to strengthen their skills, boost their confidence, and aim for their best possible score.

From official practice exams and question packs, to section-specific review books, there’s a wide range of paid options to match your learning style and goals.

Explore the resources that work best for you — and take your preparation to the next level.