GMAT - Scoring

The exam-taker will receive two primary scores after completing the GMAT, which includes a combined verbal and quantitative score and a separate score for the analytical writing section of the exam. The verbal and quantitative reasoning sections of the GMAT are each individually scored on a scale of 0 - 60 based on the number of correct responses weighted for the difficulty of each question. However, the exam-taker will also receive a combined scaled score for both the verbal and quantitative sections of the exam on a scale of 200 - 800, which is actually the score that most graduate programs will take into consideration rather than the individual scores for each section. The average combined score for the verbal and quantitative sections of the GMAT is usually around 500, but most scores range from 400 - 600. It is also important to note that the exam-taker will lose a significant number of points if any questions are left unanswered for a particular section of the exam and, as a result, the exam-taker's score may be significantly impacted if the individual cannot complete a section in the time allowed. The essays found in the analytical writing section of the exam, on the other hand, are each scored on a scale of 0 - 6 with half-points being possible. The scores from the two essays will then be averaged together to give the exam-taker a single essay score for the section. The exam-taker may choose to receive his or her test scores online or by mail when the individual registers for the exam and online test scores are usually available within 20 days of the testing date. Individuals that choose to receive their scores by mail may have to wait up to a month after the testing date to receive their scores.