Wondering where a 590 GMAT score can take you? Let’s explore.
- Understanding the GMAT Scoring System: Discover how a 590 score fits into the grand scheme of GMAT scoring.
- Is 590 a Good GMAT Score?: Unravel the potential opportunities and limitations of a 590 score in MBA admissions.
- Tips to Improve Your 590 GMAT Score: Glean practical strategies to raise your score and qualify for top-tier business schools.
It’s time to unlock the potential in your 590 GMAT score and strategize your next steps.
Understanding the GMAT Scoring System
In an attempt to comprehend what a 590 GMAT score denotes, one must first understand how the GMAT is scored.
Structure of the GMAT
The GMAT test comprises four main sections:
- Quantitative Section (Quant)
- Verbal Section (Verbal)
- Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
Each of these sections serves different purposes and is scored independently, which ultimately contributes to the total GMAT score.
Unveiling the GMAT Each Section Scoring
Quantitative and Verbal Sections: These sections are scored from 6 to 51 with increments of 1 point. This score is often referred to as your `quant score` and `verbal score`.
Interestingly, these two sections also provide you with percentile rankings, indicating the percentage of test-takers you have outperformed.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): The score for this section ranges between 0 and 6, with increments of 0.5.
Integrated Reasoning (IR): This section is calculated over a scale of 1-8, with single-digit increments.
Total GMAT score
Your total GMAT score is calculated based on your performance in the Quantitative and Verbal sections only. The score chart ranges from 200-800. In the case of a 590 GMAT score, this typically places you in the 34th percentile, suggesting you have outperformed up to 34% of test takers.
Is 590 a Good GMAT Score?
It’s natural to question if a 590 GMAT Score is a competitive score. The answer largely depends on your MBA aspirations.
Considering your Target Business Schools
A 590 GMAT score could lead to admission in one business school, but it could be inadequate for another. For top-tier programs such as Stanford’s GSB or Harvard Business School, where the average GMAT scores for incoming students are 738 and 730 respectively, a 590 GMAT score would unfortunately fall below the expected range.
However, not all schools require such high scores. For medium-tier institutions – such as Iowa State University (ISU) – Ivy College of Business that has an average GMAT score of 592, a 590 is a competitive score that can make your application stand out stoutly.
Simply put, the competitiveness of a 590 GMAT score varies as per the business school you are applying to.
Is 590 a Bad GMAT Score?
Contrary to belief, a 590 GMAT score isn’t necessarily a bad score. What matters is whether your goal aligns with the score in question.
Frame of Analysis Matters
A 590 GMAT score could appear lackluster when compared to the 730+ scores at Harvard Business School. But, against a slightly lesser competitive backdrop, such as the ISU – Ivy College of Business, where the average GMAT score stands at 592, a 590 score is reasonably strong.
Therefore, the concept of the ‘badness’ of a GMAT score is relative, balancing heavily upon the specific requirements of the program and business school to which you aim to apply.
590 GMAT Score Percentile
Understanding your GMAT score percentile helps provide a different perspective on your GMAT score.
Key Facts: GMAT Score Percentile
The GMAT percentile ranks you among test takers. So, if your GMAT score is in the 34th percentile – typically indicative of a 590 GMAT score – it implies you’ve done better than 34% of GMAT test takers. However, it also means 66% of test-takers received a higher score than you.
How Hard Is It to Get a 590 GMAT Score?
The level of difficulty of achieving a 590 GMAT score can vary greatly.
A Look at the Groundwork
Earning a 590 on GMAT could be challenging for some and moderately straightforward for others, largely contingent on one’s aptitude, preparation, and test-day performance. A robust understanding of Quant and Verbal sections alongside answering almost half of these section questions accurately might fetch you a 590 score.
Preparation and Strategy to Excel
- Start early: Beginning your studies early will help create a significant impact on how well you score on your GMAT exam.
- Understand concepts: The GMAT is designed to test your reasoning and problem-solving abilities more than factual knowledge. Understand the underlying concepts instead of trying to memorize them.
- Take practice exams: They help gauge your test-taking time, how well you understand the questions, and which question types you should focus on the most.
- Plan to study consistently: Consistency is key. Ensure to maintain a steady preparation rhythm to maximize the benefits.
- Analyze mocks: Identifying the areas of strengths and weaknesses and working on them can make a significant difference to your final GMAT score.
Remember that a good GMAT score is often the product of a smart study plan and a well-rounded understanding of the exam, not necessarily a demonstration of intelligence or business aptitude.
590 GMAT Score to GRE
Conversion Explained
A common query that encourages debate is how a 590 score may translate to its GRE counterpart. Conversion between these two standardized tests tends to rely on empirical data and statistical analysis.
According to current conversion formulae, a 590 score could translate to a total GRE score of roughly 314, comprising 157 in Verbal Reasoning and 157 in Quantitative Reasoning.
But, what is the implication of this? Let’s find out.
Interpreting GRE Scores
A GRE score is comprised of three parts: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing. With a scale of 130-170 for both quantitative and verbal sections, a 157 score in these areas indicates moderate competence, though it could be surpassed by plenty of students aiming for top-tier programs. Similarly, highly competitive programs usually look for scores in the 160s.
In general, while it is informative to convert your GMAT score to its GRE equivalent, determining the competitiveness of your score will come down to the specifics of the programs you’re considering.
Should You Report or Cancel a 590 GMAT Score?
Epiphany: It Depends
Deciding whether to report or cancel a 590 score primarily depends on your target MBA program criteria. If your score falls significantly below the program’s middle 80% GMAT range, you might want to consider retaking the test.
Telling Your Test Score Story
Remember, your GMAT score is only one aspect of a holistic admissions process. Many schools consider work experience, academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement just as closely as test scores. Nonetheless, a 590 GMAT score can be an asset for the right program and would not need to be cancelled then.
590 GMAT Score MBA Programs
Colleges at a Glance
There are numerous colleges throughout the world where a 590 score could be competitive. For instance:
- Iowa State University – Ivy College of Business: The average GMAT score here is about 592, making a 590 competitive.
- Hofstra University – Zarb School of Business: With an average GMAT score of around 583, a 590 score would be above average and quite appealing to the admissions board.
- Clarkson University – School of Business: At Clarkson University, the average GMAT score is approx. 572. Going above and beyond with a 590 score here would significantly bolster your application.
Bear in mind, while these options might not carry the same prestige as top-tier programs like Harvard or Stanford, they offer a rich curriculum and real-world learning experiences that can help solidify your career in business.
590 GMAT Score Scholarships
Scholarship Prospects
Several scholarship opportunities depend to a significant extent on GMAT scores. Generally, a higher score improves the likelihood of obtaining a scholarship. However, that doesn’t necessarily exclude you from scholarship opportunities if you scored 590.
Choosing to apply to schools where your 590 GMAT score is above average could increase the possibilities of securing merit-based scholarships, such as:
- Partial Tuition Waiver: Some programs may provide a partial waiver of tuition based on a strong application where a 590 score may be considered as an additional plus.
- Fellowships or Grants: Though often dependent on factors beyond academic excellence, like leadership or community engagement, they could also be opportunities worth exploring.
Tips to Improve your 590 GMAT Score
Perspective: Improvement is Always Possible
A 590 score on your GMAT is an excellent start. However, if you’re targeting a higher-tier business school or aiming for scholarship opportunities, you might find yourself needing a higher score. Here are some tips:
- Customize Study Plan: Create a study plan that caters to your specific needs. Identify your weak areas, allot more time to work on them while continually working to maintain your strengths.
- Practice, Practice, and Practice: Focus on practicing more GMAT style questions regularly. Reinforce this with frequent practice tests to gauge your progress.
- Invest in Prep Materials: Premium GMAT prep materials or a course could make a big difference in scores. They provide insights about the test that free materials may not cover.
- Manage Time Effectively: Time management during the GMAT exam is critical. Develop strategies to handle time better while solving problems.
- Regular Revision: Regularly review concepts, formulas and strategies. This helps in keeping them fresh in your memory leading up to your test.
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 MBA Journey
A 590 score is not a setback. Instead, consider it as a springboard to delve deeper into your MBA aspirations.
Realizing Your Full Potential
Rather than obsessing over the numerical value, think about what your GMAT score represents – your commitment to growth, resilience in the face of challenges, and capacity to succeed. A 590 score opens many doors in the realm of MBA programs. It’s important to explore the full range of options available to you.
Broadening Your Scope
Remember that top-business schools also consider other elements like work experience, letters of recommendation, and personal interview performance when assessing suitability of applicants. So, consider providing an equally strong profile alongside a 590 score.
Embrace this benchmark, strategize for advancement and embark on your path to an enriching MBA journey. You have what it takes. Purdue University graduates advise prospective students to “believe in their capabilities, regardless of their test score.”