If you’ve just clocked a 640 GMAT Score, you’re likely wondering what this means for your business school ambitions.
- Understanding the 640 GMAT Score: Learn about the GMAT scoring system and how a score of 640 translates in percentile rankings.
- Implications of a 640 GMAT Score: Discern whether your score satisfies the requirements of your target business schools.
- Improving a 640 GMAT Score: Discover effective strategies to boost your GMAT score if you’re considering a retake.
As you navigate your path into business school, let’s embark on an insightful journey into the nuances of a 640 GMAT Score.
Understanding the GMAT Scoring System
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess specific analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills. It’s graded on a scale of 200 to 800, and these scores are divided into percentiles, allowing you to compare your performance with that of other test-takers.
Individual Section Scores:
There are four main sections of the exam:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Score ranges from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. It’s not included in the final cumulative score but is part of your full report.
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): Score ranges from 1 to 8 in single increments. This section is also not part of the cumulative 200-800 range.
- Quantitative Section: Score ranges from 0 to 60 but most people score between 6 and 51. This score contributes to the final score (200-800).
- Verbal Section: Score also ranges from 0 to 60 with the most common scores between 6 and 51. It’s critical to the overall score calculation, in conjunction with the quantitative score.
The last two modules, Quantitative and Verbal, are the ones that combine to form the GMAT score between the 200-800 range. As a test taker, this broad score is often the main focus of your preparation though you should not undervalue the other segments, as they deliver valuable insights to business schools about your individual skills.
GMAT scores are grouped into percentiles, which indicate the percentage of test takers you’ve outperformed. In other words, if you score in the 70th percentile, you’ve scored higher than 70% of test-takers.
Is 640 a Good GMAT Score?
Before labeling your GMAT score as ‘good’ or ‘bad,’ it’s essential to compare it to the averages for the schools you’re considering.
When is a 640 GMAT Score Good?
A 640 GMAT score is certainly not a low number by any stretch. If you’re targeting business schools where the average GMAT score is in the mid-600s or lower, then a 640 score would work favorably for your application.
Business schools such as Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University or Wisconsin School of Business offered admissions to a considerable number of students with an average GMAT score of 676 and 678, respectively. For these types of programs, a 640 score puts you in a position to shine and be competitive as long as your other credentials are likewise solid.
Elite Business Schools and a 640 GMAT Score
However, if you’re setting your sights on top-tier business schools like Stanford Graduate School of Business or Harvard Business School—where the average GMAT scores of the 2023 incoming class were 738 and 730, respectively—a 640 score may be perceived as underwhelming. In such cases, a 640 score may add less shine to your application. Despite this, it’s also crucial to remember that GMAT is just one of the various factors that business schools consider during admission.
Is 640 a Bad GMAT Score?
Labelling a 640 GMAT score as ‘bad’ would entirely depend on the context. It’s perfect for a lot of business schools, but it’s somewhat wanting if you’re looking to enter into an elite group of schools.
640 GMAT Score and Your Target Business Schools
If your target business school’s average GMAT scores range significantly higher than 640 (For instance, in the high 700s) then a 640 would fall short. However, if the averages hover around the mid-600s, then a 640 would place you squarely in the competition.
How Hard Is It to Get a 640 GMAT Score?
Achieving the 640 GMAT score isn’t a walk in the park, it necessitates serious study time, dedication and strategic preparation. It’s worth noting that there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to preparing for the GMAT—the experience and effort can vary greatly from one person to another, depending on their strengths and weaknesses.
Understanding the effort for 640 GMAT Score
Bearing in mind that a 640 GMAT score propels you into the best 30% test-takers worldwide, you need to be well-prepared. During prep, comprehensive mastery of both quantitative and verbal skills is paramount as these sections determine the cumulative score.
Concept clarity is critical, along with ample practice and a thorough review of all attempted questions. To attain this proficiency, both consistency and focus during preparation are key.
Tailoring a Study Plan for 640 GMAT Score
Above all, the GMAT measures intelligence as well as the ability to think systematically and solve problems effectively. It requires a systematic study plan including:
- Understanding all the types of questions in both sections – quantitative and verbal;
- Regular revision of the topics;
- Completing and reviewing all the practice tests under timed conditions;
- Working on weaknesses by taking targeted quizzes and focused practice;
- Ensuring that you’re familiar with the test format.
High-quality preparation resources, including the official GMAT prep books and online resources available, would provide an excellent foundation for your study regimen. The trick is to be thorough, regular and diligent in your preparation, do plenty of practice questions and test simulations to achieve your goal of 640 GMAT score.
640 GMAT Score to GRE
If you’re considering your post-graduate options and are looking at both business schools (which traditionally prefer the GMAT) and other graduate programs (which might require the GRE), you might find it useful to know the GRE equivalent of a 640 GMAT score.
As per the GRE-GMAT official score conversion table provided by ETS, a GMAT score of 640 is equivalent to a total GRE score of approximately 314-317 (158 in Verbal Reasoning and 156-159 in Quantitative Reasoning sections). However, please bear in mind that these conversions are approximate and individually interpreted by each institution.
The Importance of Understanding Conversion Rates
Understanding the approximate GRE equivalent of your GMAT score can help you navigate your postgraduate options more broadly.
This information can be especially handy if you’re contemplating programs that accept both GMAT and GRE scores. Moreover, the comparison can heighten your understanding of where you stand if you’re considering retaking either of these tests.
Should You Report or Cancel a 640 GMAT Score?
After taking your GMAT exam, you are presented with your unofficial GMAT score (excluding the AWA section), and you have two minutes to decide whether to keep or cancel this score.
Factors to Consider Before Cancelling
There are a few elements you should consider before deciding to cancel your score:
- Target Schools: If the average GMAT score of your target schools is significantly higher than your score (i.e., in the high 700s), you might consider retaking the test.
- Your Personal Potential: Assess your capacity for improvement. If you’re confident that you can significantly improve upon this score with additional preparation, you might consider cancelling.
- Overall Application Strength: Remember, GMAT is not the only determinant within your application; many other factors, including your GPA, work experience, essays, letters of recommendation, etc., weigh in on your acceptance. Consider the robustness of these components before making your decision.
Nonetheless, when in doubt, it might be beneficial to keep the score. In recent years, GMAC has introduced a feature called ‘Score Preview’, enabling you to view your GMAT score before you choose to accept or cancel it.
640 GMAT Score Colleges
One of the biggest questions you might be wrestling with is: What universities could potentially accept a 640 GMAT score?
Here are a few examples:
- Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business: As of the 2022 class, the average GMAT score for admitted students was approximately 666, meaning a 640 score would not be far off.
- SMU’s Cox School of Business: The median GMAT score for entering students is around 660.
- Northeastern’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business: The average GMAT score for full-time MBA students is 650.
Remember, these are just examples, and scores fluctuate from year to year. Make sure to do your research for each college, as some might weigh the GMAT score differently depending on their individual evaluation criteria.
640 GMAT Score Scholarships
Regardless of your score, you may still be eligible for various types of financial assistance. It is important to note that while some scholarships offer more to higher-scoring students, they are not only score-dependent.
High-Scoring Scholarships
While merit-based scholarships usually cater to higher GMAT scores (typically 700 and above), there are a substantial number of scholarships that also accommodate mid-range scores:
- Forté Fellows Program: This program carries out its selection based on leadership potential and commitment to women in business.
- National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Graduate Scholarships: These are awarded to members based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and a personal statement.
- The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans: In addition to the GMAT score, it looks at the financial needs and immigration statuses of applicants.
Research and Enquire
Another best practice is to reach out directly to the university’s financial aid office. The officials there can provide you with targeted assistance and information regarding potential scholarships and grants you may be eligible for.
Please remember, high GMAT scores do not always guarantee financial awards, and vice versa. Conduct thorough research and prepare solid applications for wherever you wish to study.
Tips to Improve Your 640 GMAT Score
If you are contemplating retaking the exam to improve your score, there are several strategies that can contribute to a higher GMAT Score:
Solidify Your Foundational Knowledge
- Focus on Your Weaknesses: It’s crucial to determine the specific areas where you particularly struggled on the test. Once you’ve identified your weakest subsections, concentrate on those areas during your study sessions.
- Leverage GMAT Prep Materials: Utilize designated GMAT prep books and online courses; these will contain effectively designed content to improve your score.
- Practice Timed Testing Understand this: The GMAT is a timed test. Hence, speed and efficiency are as important as accuracy. Practicing under similar test conditions can help bolster your speed.
However, increasing your score from 640 to 700+ typically requires more than just brushing up on the basics.
Develop Advanced Reasoning Skills
If you’re aiming to reach the top percentiles, fundamental skills won’t suffice. GMAT test takers at these percentiles are expected to demonstrate strong reasoning skills, and to achieve that, disciplined practice and plenty of preparation is key!
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
Whether you’re set on keeping or improving your 640 GMAT score, this number can play an important role in your admissions journey. While this score may not be appealing to some top-tier schools, it is important to remember that there are numerous business schools that value other aspects of an application like work experience or academic history, in addition to the GMAT score.
That said, remember your future is not simply dictated by a test score. The GMAT is only one piece of the admissions puzzle, and there are multiple pathways to achieving your MBA goals. Whatever your score, embrace it and use it as a springboard to plan your journey strategically. The key is to stay confident, work hard, and keep moving forward, after all, the business world values resilience and adaptability. Good luck as you continue your journey to business school!