Navigating the complexity of a 390 GMAT Score can be daunting, but we’re here to help you understand it better.
- Interpreting the GMAT Scoring System: Grasp the scoring standards and comprehend what a 390 GMAT score really signifies
- Implications of a 390 GMAT Score: Uncover how a 390 GMAT score shapes up in the competitive world of business school admissions
- Improvement Strategies for a 390 GMAT Score: Discover effective tips to boost your score and potentially enhance your prospects
Arm yourself with our insights to chart your journey forward, regardless of your 390 GMAT Score.
Understanding the GMAT Scoring System
The Basics of GMAT Scoring
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of questions increases or decreases based on the test-taker’s performance. The GMAT scores can vary from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800. This total score is reflective of only two sections out of four – the Quantitative section and the Verbal section.
Four Crucial Sections and How They’re Scored
There are four distinct sections in the GMAT –
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section comprises of one essay that evaluates your critical thinking and communication of ideas.
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): It includes 12 questions that assess your ability to evaluate information from various sources.
- Quantitative Section (Quant): It measures your analytical knowledge of algebra, arithmetic, and geometry.
- Verbal Section: It tests your English language skills in reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning.
The AWA section is scored on a range of 0 to 6 while the IR section has a scoring range of 1 to 8. The Quant and Verbal sections each have a score range of 6 to 51.
However, it is essential to note that a score of 390 in GMAT is the aggregate of the Quant and Verbal sections. The AWA and IR scores are generated separately and do not factor into the total score.
Dissecting a 390 Score
A 390 GMAT score, as the total score, falls significantly below the average score. The average GMAT scores stand around 550-600, which signifies a considerably higher level of difficulty to attain a score of 390. Yet, let’s not hasten to conclusions. We will discuss the implications of this score, its percentile ranking, and the options available for students with this score in the following sections.
Is 390 a Good GMAT Score?
Assessing a 390 Score in Context
Even though a score of 390 is lower than average, it’s not completely universal to decide whether it’s a “good” or “bad” score. It depends on the context and your goal. A 390 score aligns around the 4th percentile according to GMAT percentile rankings. This means that approximately 96% of test-takers score higher than 390.
A Comparison with Business School Averages
It’s also essential to consider the benchmark of your target business schools. There is a stark contrast in scores when we analyze the average GMAT scores of top 50 business schools. Many of these business schools have average GMAT scores that often exceed 600, with top-tier ones requiring scores around 700 or higher. These facts may signify that a score of 390 might not meet the competitive admission standards at these distinguished institutions.
Is 390 a Bad GMAT Score?
Implications of a 390 Score
While a 390 GMAT score isn’t ideal for securing admission to top-tier business schools, it’s essential to understand that not all hope is lost. Although the constraints of a 390 score make it far less competitive for elite MBA programs—such as Stanford (average GMAT score of 738) and Harvard (average GMAT score of 730) in 2023—it may still be acceptable in some lower-ranked programs.
Your MBA Choices With a 390 Score
Though top-tier programs may be out of reach, this doesn’t mean that you can’t get an MBA. There are many programs around the world that focus on other aspects like work experience, extracurricular activities, and personality traits beyond just the GMAT score. Remember that GMAT is just one part of your application. With exceptional accomplishments in other areas, you still might paint a convincing picture that outweighs a low GMAT score.
390 GMAT Score Percentile
Quantifying Your Performance with a 390 score
As mentioned previously, the 390 GMAT score roughly falls into the 4th percentile. What does that mean? It signifies that 96% of GMAT test-takers across the globe scored higher than you. To put it differently, you performed better than around 4% of GMAT candidates worldwide.
GMAT Percentiles Vs. Top B-Schools: Fact Check
While you should take pride in being part of an international candidate group, it is fundamental to consider the reality of GMAT scores at various universities. A 390 GMAT score may limit your options, particularly when applying to renowned institutions that usually boast of high average GMAT scores. For instance, a score of 390 is considerably lower than the average GMAT score at Stanford (738). These numbers imply a likely reduction in the competitiveness of your application at such prestigious organizations.
390 GMAT Score to GRE
Making the Conversion to GRE Scores
Many business schools accept both GMAT and GRE scores for their MBA programs. Consequently, it helps to understand how your GMAT score converts to the GRE score, especially if you’re contemplating retesting with the GRE.
The Corresponding GRE Score for 390 GMAT
Through the officially provided conversion tool by ETS – the organization that conducts the GRE, we find that a 390 GMAT score approximately equates to a combined 290 GRE score. In a slightly more broken down analysis, that means an average of 145 in verbal reasoning and 145 in quant reasoning. However, this scores approximate and can slightly vary.
By comprehending this conversion, you can assess your competitiveness in the applicant pool better, especially if you’re considering remitting a GRE score instead. But before deciding to switch or retake the test, let’s review a few more aspects in the upcoming sections.
Should You Report or Cancel a 390 GMAT Score?
Within your GMAT journey, you may find yourself pondering whether to report or cancel a 390 GMAT score. There are several important considerations to bear in mind when making this decision.
Reflecting on Your Business School Choices
Your first consideration should be the business schools you aim to apply to. For competitive top-tier business schools, a 390 GMAT score will likely not stand out to admissions representatives. For these programs, it may be beneficial to consider cancelling your score or re-taking the GMAT for a higher score.
On the other hand, if you’re targeting less competitive programs where the average GMAT score is lower, you might decide to keep your 390 GMAT score.
Taking a Closer Look at Your Overall MBA Application
Beyond your potential business school options, remember to consider your entire MBA application. It includes your essays, recommendation letters, undergraduate grades, and the richness of your work experiences. If you have strong credentials in these areas, it could counterbalance your lower GMAT score.
Consequently, if you feel your application is substantial outside of your GMAT score, reporting your 390 GMAT score might not be detrimental.
Valuing Your Timeline and Plans
Lastly, your timeline and future plans should factor into your decision. Re-taking the GMAT not only requires additional time for studying, but it also means waiting for the next available test date. If deadlines for your targeted business schools are fast approaching, you may opt to keep your score.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should report or cancel a 390 score. Ultimately, your choice should align with your unique circumstances and priorities.
390 GMAT Score Colleges
While a 390 GMAT score may limit your options, particularly at top-tier business schools, it’s worth noting that it can be acceptable for some lower-ranked programs. Let’s uncover some options that might accommodate a 390 score.
Exploring Domestic Options
While a 390 GMAT score may not be competitive for top business schools, there are many excellent business schools that prioritize aspects of your application other than your GMAT score. For instance, many public universities in the U.S. provide outstanding MBA programs where a 390 GMAT score might suffice. With the right combination of strengths in other areas, admission may be feasible.
Venturing Abroad
If you are open to venturing overseas, many international business schools will accept a 390 score for admission into their MBA programs. And remember, an international MBA can still be a gateway to numerous opportunities for advancing your career.
That being said, each business school has its own acceptance criteria. Hence, always make sure to consult directly with your prospective universities for the most accurate, current information.
390 GMAT Score Scholarships
Now, you might be wondering about scholarship opportunities based on a 390 score. There are a few things to consider here.
Academic Merit Scholarships
Most competitive academic scholarships typically require a higher GMAT score. Understandably, a 390 score might not be sufficient to bag such awards.
Engagement and Leadership Scholarships
There are, however, alternative scholarships that are not directly tied to your GMAT score. For instance, some institutions offer scholarships based on demonstrated leadership, community service, or other personal accomplishments.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Similarly, there are sponsorship scholarships offered by various companies, non-profit organizations, and foundations that base the award on a variety of factors that don’t always include GMAT score.
In conclusion, while a 390 score might limit some opportunities, there are alternatives if you are open to different avenues of scholarship funding.
Tips to Improve Your 390 GMAT Score
Even if your GMAT score sits at 390, remember that improvement is not only possible but achievable with the right strategies. With a targeted approach towards studying and the necessary dedication, you can considerably enhance your GMAT score.
Establish a Tailored Study Plan
A personalized study plan, developed whilst considering your strengths and weaknesses, can remarkably boost efficiency. Invest time in identifying your areas of improvement, and structure your study schedule to focus primarily on these aspects.
Work on Fundamentals
Thoroughly grasping the fundamentals is crucial for the GMAT. This proficiency can be the difference between a good and a great score. Consistently review the basic concepts and practice them until you’re comfortably able to work with them.
Take Advantage of Practice Questions and Mock Tests
By continuously practicing GMAT questions and taking mock tests, you’ll not only cement your knowledge but also gain familiarity with the exam structure. Try to simulate real test conditions while taking mock tests to ensure you’re comfortable when the real test day arrives.
Leverage Quality Study Materials
Rely on reputable materials during your preparation phase. Generally, it’s beneficial to focus on studying from a set of selected, high-quality materials. The Official Guide (OG) for GMAT is usually a recommended resource in this category.
With these strategies in mind, you are not only set to progress from a 390 score, but potentially to reach a score around 700.
GMAT Scores 200 to 800
| 200 | 210 | 220 | 230 | 240 |
| 250 | 260 | 270 | 280 | 290 |
| 300 | 310 | 320 | 330 | 340 |
| 350 | 360 | 370 | 380 | 390 |
| 400 | 410 | 420 | 430 | 440 |
| 450 | 460 | 470 | 480 | 490 |
| 500 | 510 | 520 | 530 | 540 |
| 550 | 560 | 570 | 580 | 590 |
| 600 | 610 | 620 | 630 | 640 |
| 650 | 660 | 670 | 680 | 690 |
| 700 | 710 | 720 | 730 | 740 |
| 750 | 760 | 770 | 780 | 790 |
| 800 |
Conclusion: Embracing Your GMAT Score & Planning Your Business School Journey
Navigating the GMAT journey can be challenging, particularly when your score sits at 390. However, it’s crucial to remember that your GMAT score is just one component of your entire MBA application. Your admission is influenced by multiple aspects of the application, including your recommendation letters, essays, and experiences.
More importantly, remember, as cliched as it sounds, life is more than a test score. Even with a 390 score, there are myriad possibilities, from applying to business schools that prioritize features other than GMAT score, opting for an international MBA, to utilizing GMAT to GRE score conversion to widen your prospects.
While the weight of the GMAT is significant, never underestimate the strength of your overall profile and the story you convey through your application materials. Ultimately, while striving for improvement, it’s equally important to embrace your journey and stay positive and confident. After all, the GMAT is only the first step of an exciting journey that culminates in a rewarding career in business management.