A 620 GMAT score can be a stepping stone to your dream business school journey. But what does it mean relative to other scores?
- Understanding the GMAT Scoring System: Learn how scores are derived, including the importance of the verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning and analytical writing assessment sections in determining your total GMAT score.
- How Good is a 620 GMAT Score?: Discover how a 620 GMAT score fares against admission averages in top-tier and mid-tier business schools.
- 620 GMAT Score: Know the equivalent GRE score and your percentile rank.
Boosting your 620 GMAT score calls for tailored strategies and meticulous preparation. Stay tuned as we unpack it all.
Understanding the GMAT Scoring System
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test widely accepted by business schools globally. It measures the verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills of applicants. The scoring system is comprehensive, giving a complete picture of a candidate’s abilities.
Overall GMAT Score
A total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800. This overall score is calculated based on the Verbal and Quantitative sections only. According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), about 66 percent of test takers score between 400 and 600. A score of 620, for instance, falls within this average range.
GMAT Section Scores
Aside from the overall score, the GMAT comprises four sections, each with its own scoring scale:
- Verbal Section: This section tests your skills in reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Scores range from 0 to 60.
- Quantitative Section: It evaluates your problem-solving and data sufficiency capabilities. Similar to the Verbal section, scores range from 0 to 60.
- Integrated Reasoning Section: This section assesses your ability to evaluate information from multiple sources. Its scores range from 1 to 8.
- Analytical Writing Assessment Section: The section in which you analyze an argument and rate from 0 to 6 in half-point intervals.
Thus, a 620 GMAT score is calculated based on your performance in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections.
Is 620 a Good GMAT Score?
Understanding the weight of a 620 GMAT score requires context. First, let’s look at it from a broader view—an average GMAT score is around 570. So a 620 GMAT score is definitely above the global average, providing the test-taker with an advantageous position.
However, the desirability of a 620 GMAT score significantly varies when taking into consideration the business school you’re aiming for.
620 Score Regarding Top-tier Business Schools
If your dream is to enter top-tier schools like Stanford GSB or Harvard Business School, this 620 score might come up short. To illustrate, the median GMAT score at Stanford GSB is around 730 and at Harvard Business School, it’s similar. Clearly, a 620 score may limit your chances of being admitted to such highly competitive business schools.
620 Score Regarding Average Business Schools
Now, if we consider less competitive business schools, a 620 GMAT score could be viewed more favorably. For instance, schools such as Simon Business School have an average GMAT score around 650. Compared to this average, the applicant with a 620 GMAT score stands a fair chance.
Is 620 a Bad GMAT Score?
As we’ve established, whether a GMAT score of 620 is “good” or “bad” largely depends on the business schools you’re applying to.
620 Score Drawbacks
For highly competitive business schools and scholarship programs, a score of 620 might be less than optimal. Top-tier schools such as Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School typically require high scores averaging around the 730 mark. At the same time, many scholarship programs allocate funding based on GMAT scores. Therefore, a 620 GMAT score could potentially cause you to miss out on these opportunities.
However, it’s worth mentioning that while the GMAT score is a significant component, the admission process takes into account other factors such as work experience, personal essays, and recommendations. An impressive profile in these areas can balance a moderate GMAT score.
620 GMAT Score Percentile
A 620 GMAT score corresponds to the 50th percentile rank. This means you have scored more than 50 percent of GMAT test-takers around the globe. While this percentile rank is an exact mid-rank, remember, admission decisions also depend on other factors like previous academic work, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation, and work experience.
How Hard Is It to Get a 620 GMAT Score?
The difficulty level of achieving a 620 GMAT score is subjective and directly tied to one’s current knowledge base, testing skills, and level of dedication. In order to fully unpack this concept, let’s take a look at a few key factors involved.
Current Knowledge Base and Testing Skills
The GMAT measures your verbal, quantitative and reasoning skills — skills that should have been developed throughout your educational journey. Therefore, if you have a solid grounding in these areas, achieving a 620 GMAT score might be less challenging.
Preparation and Study Plan
A well-structured study plan is vital for good GMAT performance. This involves understanding the structure and pattern of the test, knowing what to study, allocating appropriate time for each section, and periodically tracking progress.
Test-taking Strategies
Efficient test-taking strategies can significantly boost your score. For example, understanding how to answer questions accurately without wasting much time can help maximize your score.
Determination and Persistence
Finally, your determination and persistence play a key role in your GMAT journey. You’ll need to maintain a consistent study schedule, tackle practice tests regularly, review mistakes diligently, and stay motivated – all crucial for achieving your target GMAT score.
620 GMAT Score to GRE
One of the common questions that arise when dealing with GMAT scores is the equivalent on the GRE scale. Understanding this conversion can help you weigh your options when you’re considering which test to take, or when comparing program requirements that accept both GMAT and GRE scores.
Understanding the GMAT to GRE Conversion
Several tools have been developed to convert between GMAT and GRE scores. One of the most used is the ETS GRE Comparison Tool, which was designed to help both students and admission councils understand how scores from the GMAT and the GRE correspond.
According to this converter, a 620 GMAT score roughly correlates to a total GRE score of 308, considering both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
But remember, a successful application isn’t only about the entrance exams or their scores. The scores of these exams are just components of your entire application. Each school values aspects of the application differently, so it’s important to check other requirements such as work experience, academic qualifications, and letters of recommendation.
Should You Report or Cancel a 620 GMAT Score?
Different factors should influence your decision about whether to report or cancel a 620 GMAT score. This depends on your consideration of several factors, including:
- Target program GMAT averages: How close is 620 to your desired program’s average GMAT score? Thoroughly research your target schools and know their requirements and preferences when it comes to GMAT scores.
- Scholarship prospects: Will a 620 GMAT score limit your scholarship opportunities? This is a crucial factor for students relying on scholarships to finance their education.
- Efforts and Costs: Are you prepared for another bout of intense GMAT preparation, not forgetting the additional costs of retaking the exam?
- Improve or Not: Do you genuinely believe you can improve your score if you do choose to retake the GMAT?
Thus, the decision to report or cancel a 620 GMAT score should be a strategic one based on your unique circumstances.
620 GMAT Score: Suitable Business Schools
Applicants with a 620 GMAT score might find it challenging to secure admission in top-tier business schools. However, that doesn’t rule out other reputable business schools where a 620 GMAT score could be competitive. Below are a few examples of schools where a 620 score can be within their acceptance range:
- Case Western Reserve University – Weatherhead School of Management: Their full-time MBA program has an average GMAT score around 620.
- University of South Florida – Muma College of Business: Their average GMAT score hovers around 600.
- University of Alabama – Manderson Graduate School of Business: Their average GMAT score is around 650.
Remember, while GMAT scores are crucial, business schools also consider other aspects of your profile like work experience, leadership qualities, recommendation letters, and academic background.
620 GMAT Score: Scholarships
Securing scholarships based on a 620 score could be challenging, especially in top-tier business schools where the average GMAT scores of recipients are often considerably higher. However, various other scholarships might still be within reach:
- School-Based Scholarships: Some business schools offer merit-based scholarships, where your total profile is more important than your GMAT score alone.
- External Scholarships: Various organizations offer MBA scholarships based on different criteria; it might not always be about the highest GMAT score.
- International Scholarships: If you’re an international student, you may find scholarships specifically designed for students from certain countries.
To maximize your chances, remember to start your scholarship search early, draft compelling essays, and prepare a robust application.
Tips to Improve your 620 GMAT Score
While a 620 score is commendable, you might still want to give it another shot, aiming for a higher score, especially if you’re targeting top-tier business schools. Here are some strategies that can help:
Understand the Test Structure
Knowing the format and type of questions can enable you to plan your preparation efficiently. Find out your weak spots. Focus on those areas to lift your overall score.
Use Official Resources
Begin your preparation with the official GMAT starting guide. Subsequently, proceed with the official advanced questions to understand the more difficult questions. Consistent practice will aid in solidifying your concepts and improving your problem-solving speed.
Time Management
Time management is crucial in GMAT preparation. You must be able to complete each section within the designated time. Regular practice under timed conditions can assist in developing this skill.
Analyze Your Mistakes
After every test or practice session, take time to analyze your performance, especially the questions you got wrong. Understanding mistakes and improving on them can significantly boost your score.
Consider a GMAT Prep Course
A GMAT prep course may be beneficial in providing structure, resources, and strategies that can help elevate your score from 620.
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 |
Embracing Your GMAT Score & Planning Your Law School Journey
A 620 score can open doors to respectable business schools if it’s part of a strong, well-rounded application. But, if top-tier schools are on your horizon, you might consider retaking the GMAT to reach a higher score.
Embrace Your Score
Recognize that while your GMAT score is an essential part of your application, it’s not the only factor admission committees consider. Your overall profile, including your work experience, GPA, extracurricular contributions, and recommendation letters, can compensate for a moderate GMAT score.
Plan A Retake If Necessary
If after evaluating all aspects you still believe that a higher GMAT score is essential, then you might want to consider a retake. Prepare a realistic timetable considering the amount of improvement you want and the time you’re willing to commit to achieve that.
Explore Your Admission Options
Research prospective schools to understand their admission requirements in detail. Aim for programs where a 620 score is in line with their averages. Otherwise, ensure that you’re boosting the other aspects of your application to compensate for it.
Remember, while striving for a high GMAT score is commendable, it’s equally important to keep perspective about what’s truly significant: investing in your future by obtaining a quality education from a business school that aligns with your career objectives.