GMAT Focus Edition Scoring Guide
The GMAT Focus Edition (launched 2023) replaced the classic GMAT. It has three sections — Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights — each scoring 60–90. Total score: 205 to 805.
| Score Range | Percentile | MBA Benchmark |
|---|---|---|
| 745–805 | Top 5% | Harvard, Stanford, Wharton |
| 705–744 | Top 10% | M7 programs |
| 685–704 | Top 15% | Top 10–15 programs |
| 655–684 | Top 25% | Top 20–25 programs |
| Below 655 | Below 75th | Many accredited programs |
Frequently Asked Questions
The Focus Edition removed the AWA (essay) section, replaced Integrated Reasoning with Data Insights, and changed to a 205–805 scale. Each section scores 60–90. The test is shorter at about 2 hours 15 minutes.
655+ (75th percentile) is competitive for many MBA programs. 705+ (90th percentile) is strong for M7 schools (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, Sloan, Columbia). 745+ puts you in the top 5%.
You can take the GMAT Focus Edition up to 5 times in a 12-month rolling period and 8 times lifetime. A 16-day waiting period is required between attempts.
Both are accepted at virtually all top MBA programs. GMAT is more quantitative. Many applicants take one free practice test for each and choose the one that plays to their strengths.
GMAT scores are valid for 5 years from your test date. Most programs accept scores within this window.
At top 20 programs, full merit scholarships often go to applicants at or above the 90th percentile (705+) combined with strong GPA and professional experience.