Wondering if a 660 GMAT score is good enough for your dream business school? Let’s take a look at how it stacks up.
- Understanding the GMAT scoring system: We’ll break down how the GMAT is scored, and what 660 GMAT score means in percentile rankings.
- GMAT score to college admissions: Understand which top colleges might consider a 660 GMAT score for admission.
- GMAT score and scholarships: Explore scholarship opportunities that could be possible with a 660 GMAT score.
Strategy is key: learning how to leverage your 660 GMAT score can put you on the right path.
Understanding the GMAT Scoring System
The Graduate Management Admission Test, or GMAT, is a standardized examination used by business schools worldwide as a measure of potential student proficiency. Understanding the scoring system is a vital element in your GMAT preparation, as it allows you to focus your study time and guide you towards your score goal.
Breakdown of the Score
The GMAT is divided into four separate sections: verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing. Here’s a brief explanation of each:
- Verbal: Measures your capacity to read and comprehend written material, reason and evaluate arguments, and correct written manuscripts in standard English.
- Quantitative: Tests your skills in solving mathematical problems, understanding quantitative problems and interpreting graphical data.
- Integrated reasoning: Assesses your ability to evaluate data gained from multiple sources and solve complex problems.
- Analytical writing: Tests your critical thinking ability and your ability to communicate your ideas clearly.
Each of these four sections contribute to your general score, which ranges from 200 to 800.
Calculation of Scores
Your scores on the verbal and quantitative sections are established based on three factors:
- Number of questions you answer correctly: Each question answered correctly contributes to a higher score.
- Number of questions you answer: Not answering will negatively impact your score.
- Difficulty and other qualifications of the questions you answer: The more difficult questions you answer correctly, the higher your score.
In contrast, the analytical writing and integrated reasoning sections are scored independently and don’t contribute to the 200-800 score.
Is 660 a Good GMAT Score?
Knowing where you stand with a 660 GMAT score will help you gauge your competitiveness for MBA programs.
How Comparative is a 660 Score?
A 660 on the GMAT places you above about 77% of all test takers. Simply put, a 660 score can be viewed similarly to scoring 77% on a test. While it’s not an ‘A,’ it is a very good score and a respectable achievement.
660 Score and Business Schools
Even though a 660 GMAT score is good in general terms, the meaning changes when considering your target business schools. For instance, the average GMAT scores for top-tier programs like Stanford (738), Wharton (740), and Harvard (730) are much higher than 660, so while 660 is a good score, it falls short for these institutions.
However, many well-regarded business schools have average GMAT scores around or even under 660. For example, the University of Massachusetts—Boston’s average GMAT score is 640, meaning your 660 would be competitive there.
The takeaway is: don’t fixate on just your GMAT score. Your overall application, including your academic record, letters of recommendation, professional experiences, and personal essays are also important considerations for admissions committees.
Is 660 a Bad GMAT Score?
An important perspective shift to make is that there really isn’t a “bad” GMAT score. Every score means opportunity depending on your aspirations. However, it’s worth exploring the potential setbacks of a 660 score.
Falling Short for Top-Tier Schools
As mentioned earlier, a 660 GMAT score may not carry as much weight when applying to top-tier business schools. But, don’t lose hope just yet!
Complementing Your Score With Other Strengths
This is where your overall application enters into play. If you have an exceptional GPA, strong professional experience, or a compelling story, many top-tier schools might still consider your application. Remember, the GMAT score is just one component of your business school application.
660 GMAT Score Percentile
So, if a 660 GMAT score is in the 77th percentile, what does this really mean for you?
Understanding Percentiles
In simple terms, having a score in the 77th percentile means that you have scored better than 77% of all GMAT test takers. It demonstrates that you have a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge tested in the GMAT, which may impress schools even if your score is below their average.
How Hard Is It to Get a 660 GMAT Score?
Obtaining a 660 GMAT score calls for diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the GMAT. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Determining Your Baseline Score
First, take a practice exam to determine your baseline score. This will give you an idea of where you currently stand and how much more you need to improve to achieve a 660 score.
Identifying Areas of Improvement
Take a careful look at your practice test results. Where are you getting stuck? By identifying your weaknesses, you can tailor your study plan to focus more on your areas of improvement.
Consistent, Strategic Studying
The key to effectively studying for the GMAT is consistency. Dedicate a specific amount of time each day to study. Attempt numerous practice questions daily and work on improving your speed.
Keep in mind: It’s essential not to overwhelm yourself or burnout during the preparation process. Make sure you’re taking care of your health, and remember to treat yourself to breaks. This will help you stay focused and improve your efficiency during your study sessions.
Consider a GMAT Prep Course
Lastly, if you find that self-study isn’t producing the results you’re aiming for, consider enrolling in a GMAT prep course. Scores of online and in-person courses can provide you with structured studying and provide resources such as practice questions and exams. Continue your determination for a 660 GMAT score; dedication to your studies will likely result in improvement.
660 GMAT Score to GRE
Understanding how your GMAT score stacks up in relation to the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score can be beneficial, particularly if you’re considering both tests. Your GMAT score can provide valuable context for gauging your performance.
The GMAT to GRE Conversion
Based on popular GRE to GMAT conversion charts, a 660 GMAT score is roughly equivalent to a 319 GRE score, considering both verbal and quantitative sections. The specifics are as follows:
- Verbal Scaled Score: Around 160
- Quantitative Scaled Score: Approximately 159
Remember that GRE and GMAT, while similar, test different skills and are structured differently. Therefore, the conversion should only serve as a rough comparison, not an exact match.
Should You Report or Cancel a 660 GMAT Score?
The decision to report or cancel your 660 GMAT score doesn’t necessarily have a one-size-fits-all answer. It critically depends on your specific circumstances, aspirations, and preparation.
When to Report a 660 GMAT Score
- The score aligns with your target programs: If the business schools you’re striving to attend often admit students with similar GMAT scores, it might be wise to keep and report your score.
- A balanced score across sections: Schools usually value balanced strength in Quantitative and Verbal sections. A 660 GMAT score with even distribution between both sections may be favorably regarded.
- Strong supplementary application factors: Your GMAT score is only one piece of your application. If you have strong academic records, essays, experiences, and recommendations, your 660 score can be seen as part of a well-rounded application.
When to Cancel a 660 GMAT Score
- Your practice scores were significantly higher: If you consistently scored far higher on practice tests, you may wish to consider canceling and retaking the GMAT.
- It is below the average for your target programs: If you’re aiming for top-tier schools where the average GMAT score is significantly above 660, retaking could be beneficial.
660 GMAT Score Colleges
A GMAT score of 660 might not get you into Harvard or Stanford, but there’s no need to be disheartened. There are numerous esteemed business schools where your score would be competitive.
Some Notable Business Schools
- University of Illinois: Known for its highly rated MBA program, the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign has an average GMAT score of 650, making a 660 score very competitive.
- University of Arizona (Eller): Eller’s full-time MBA program, consistently ranked among top public MBA programs, reports an average GMAT of 655.
- University of California, Davis: With an average GMAT score of 680, UC Davis sums up the list with a small, close-knit MBA program that emphasizes experiential and team-based learning.
660 GMAT Score Scholarships
While a higher GMAT score gives more scholarship opportunity, a 660 score certainly doesn’t disqualify you from securing financial aid. Several universities offer scholarships to competitive applicants with a 660 score.
Universities Offering Scholarships
- Ohio State University: Offers several merit-based scholarships for MBA applicants with impressive academic and professional accomplishments.
- University of Texas, Dallas: A 660 score might qualify you for a scholarship considering your overall application.
- Pennsylvania State University: Offers merit-based scholarships and assistantships for students with exceptional academic merit and professional experience.
Tips to Improve Your 660 GMAT Score
Improving from a good GMAT score to a great one requires understanding where you currently stand and what areas need improvement. Here are few tips to better your 660 score:
- Identify weaker areas: Analyzing your practice tests can provide insights into which regions need more focus.
- Revise core content areas: Regular revision of the core content areas can strengthen your knowledge and understanding.
- Improve time management: Being able to manage your time well during the test is critical. Practice answering questions more efficiently.
- Consistency is key: Study regularly, instead of cramming occasionally.
- Take plenty of practice tests: The more practice tests you take, the better you will get at understanding the exam and dealing with its pressure.
Remember: Confidence is key. Entering the exam room believing you have given the best preparation possible is already a win.
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 Law School Journey
A 660 score, while not in the top echelon, is a testament to your high level of skill and understanding. Remember, business school admissions committees look at an application holistically. They don’t only examine your GMAT score but also your academic record, personal and professional experiences, recommendations, and personal essays.
Embracing your score and conducting strategic planning can still help you land into a great law school. This could be your journey – a 660 GMAT score, an application that showcases your positive qualities and experiences, and a dream law school turning into reality. So, for anyone out there googling “660 score,” rest assured that opportunity isn’t just knocking on your door—it’s standing wide open.