What is a good GMAT score?

GMAT has three scores. Quantitative (0-60), Verbal (0-60), and the Total Score (200-800).

For most students, a good GMAT score gives them a likely chance to be admitted to the business school/ program of their choice. The target score differs for each individual. The factors to consider are the GPA, extracurricular activities, the admission essays, work experience, and what programs you are planning to apply to.

A good general number that is often cited is the average GMAT score to the top business school which ranges from 700-720. However I find the best way to answer the question is by, early in preparing for the GMAT, setting your target school like Harvard, researching what the average GMAT score of those admitted and use that as your target score. Doing that any score that is close to or surpassing your target score is a good score. Again the GMAT score is not the only factor in admissions but still a big one.

It is also interesting to note re-taking the test too many times in a short period may raise red flags for some schools. It is suggested to try take the test no more than three times.

Stanford University 720
U Penn (Wharton) 714
Dartmouth College (Tuck) 710
Columbia University (NY) 708
UC Berkeley (Haas) 707
Harvard University 707
University of Chicago 703
MIT (Sloan) 702
Northwestern (Kellogg) 702
New York University (Stern) 700

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Best Business Schools