Key Takeaways:
•Discover proven methods on how to improve your GMAT score through personalized study plans and targeted practice
•Implement time-tested strategies that have helped candidates increase scores by 30-50 points on average
•Focus on high-yield content areas where most test-takers lose valuable points
•Practice with official GMAT questions to build familiarity with actual test patterns and difficulty levels

Getting a good GMAT score is important if you want to get into a top business school. Most top MBA colleges look for scores around 700 or more. With the average GMAT score being around 720 at top schools, doing well in this test can really improve your chances of getting selected.

In this blog, we’ll explain how to improve your GMAT score with proven tips, smart strategies, and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you're preparing for the first time or retaking the exam, this guide will help you study better and aim for a higher score.

What Is a Good GMAT Score?

What Is a Good GMAT Score?

A good GMAT score is one that aligns with the average scores accepted by your target business schools. The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, and most top B-schools prefer candidates with scores of 700 or above. However, what counts as a “good” score also depends on your profile, work experience, and the competitiveness of the program.

Admissions teams use GMAT scores to evaluate your academic readiness for the rigors of a master’s or MBA program. Scoring well can also increase your chances of receiving scholarships or financial aid.

Average GMAT Scores for Top Business Schools

Here’s a quick look at the average GMAT scores for some of the world’s top MBA programs. These numbers give you a benchmark to aim for:

Business School	Average GMAT Score (Latest)
Stanford GSB	738
Wharton (UPenn)	728
Harvard Business School	730
Booth (University of Chicago)	728
Kellogg (Northwestern)	729
INSEAD	710
London Business School	708
IESE Business School	681

How GMAT Scores Are Calculated

Your total GMAT score (200–800) is mainly based on your Quantitative and Verbal sections, each scored between 6 and 51. These two sections are combined using a proprietary algorithm to calculate your overall score.

Here’s how it works:

Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses math skills, logic, and number sense.
Verbal Reasoning: Tests grammar, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning.
Integrated Reasoning (IR): Scored 1–8 separately, tests data analysis across formats.
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Scored 0–6, based on an essay.

Only the Quant and Verbal scores contribute to the 200–800 range. A balanced score across both is ideal. For example, even if you do well in Quant but poorly in Verbal, your total score may still fall short.

For more information in depth, you can check out this: GMAT Score calculator

Why Your GMAT Score Matters for MBA Admissions

Your GMAT score is one of the most important parts of your MBA application. It acts as a common measure for business schools to assess candidates from different academic and professional backgrounds. A high GMAT score not only strengthens your profile but also shows that you are ready to handle the academic rigor of a top MBA program.

Admissions committees use GMAT scores to filter applicants during the early stages of selection. Along with GPA and work experience, your GMAT score plays a key role in getting shortlisted for interviews and scholarship opportunities. It also helps you stand out in a competitive pool of candidates from similar regions or industries.

If you're aiming for top-tier schools, knowing how to improve your GMAT score can give your application a strong edge.

Impact of GMAT on Your MBA Application

The GMAT isn’t just about numbers. Here's how a strong score influences your overall application:

Academic readiness: It proves your ability to handle data, logic, and reasoning—key skills in an MBA.
Benchmarking tool: Since applicants come from diverse fields, the GMAT helps schools compare candidates fairly.
First-round shortlisting: Many schools use GMAT scores as an initial filter in their selection process.
Scholarships: Higher scores often increase your chances of receiving merit-based financial aid.

Here’s a quick look at how some top schools weigh GMAT scores in their admissions process:

School	Weightage of GMAT (Est.)
Stanford GSB	~22–25%
Harvard Business School	~20–25%
INSEAD	~20%
Wharton (UPenn)	~25%
London Business School	~20%

GMAT Score vs. Work Experience and GPA

While your GMAT score is crucial, it’s just one part of the full application. Schools consider other key factors too:

Component	Importance in Admissions
GMAT Score	Shows academic readiness (20–25%)
Work Experience	Shows leadership & growth (30–35%)
Undergraduate GPA	Indicates academic consistency (15–20%)
Essays & Interviews	Reflect personality & goals (20–30%)

For example, a candidate with average GPA but a high GMAT score may still have a strong application. Similarly, solid work experience can help balance a slightly lower score. That’s why it’s important to know how to improve your GMAT score while also strengthening the other parts of your profile.

How to Improve Your GMAT Score

How to Improve Your GMAT Score

Improving your GMAT score isn’t just about studying more—it’s about studying the right way. The GMAT tests how well you can think, solve problems, and manage time. With the right plan, you can increase your score in a few weeks or months.

Below is the simple and effective steps to help you get a better GMAT score. Whether you're starting your prep or trying again, these tips will guide you clearly on how to improve your GMAT score.

Step 1 – Set a Target Score Based on Your Dream School

The first step is knowing what GMAT score you need. Top MBA programs like Stanford and Harvard have average GMAT scores above 720. Others like IESE or NUS may accept scores around 680–700. Your target should be based on the schools you’re applying to.

Step 2 – Take a Diagnostic Test to Identify Weak Areas

Before you begin studying, take a full-length GMAT practice test under real conditions. This helps you understand your baseline score and highlights your strengths and weaknesses.

A diagnostic test will also tell you which sections (Quant, Verbal, IR, AWA) need more attention. Without this step, you may end up spending time on areas that don’t need improvement.

Step 3 – Create a GMAT Study Plan That Works

Build a structured study plan based on your test date and availability. Ideally, allow 8–12 weeks for preparation, studying 1–2 hours per day. Your plan should include:

Weekly goals
Section-wise focus
Timed practice tests
Review sessions

Consistency is key to long-term improvement. If you’re serious about how to improve your GMAT score, treat it like a project—track your hours, progress, and goals.

Step 4 – Focus on High-Value Topics First

Not all GMAT topics carry equal weight. Focus on the areas that are frequently tested and easier to score on, such as:

Problem Solving
Sentence Correction
Data Sufficiency

Avoid getting stuck on rare question types in the early phase. This prioritization helps you build accuracy and speed, both of which are crucial for improving performance.

Knowing which topics to tackle first is a practical way to approach how to improve your GMAT score effectively.

Step 5 – Practice With Official GMAT Questions

Use official GMAT materials like the GMAT Official Guide and GMATPrep software. These give you access to real past questions and simulate the actual test experience.

Practicing with third-party content is helpful too, but make official questions the core of your prep.

Step 6 – Track Progress and Adjust Your Approach

Every 1–2 weeks, take a full-length practice test to see how much you've improved. Track your accuracy and timing per section.

If progress is slow in one area (e.g., Verbal), adjust your study plan accordingly. Flexibility helps you avoid burnout and stay motivated.

Tracking performance regularly ensures you’re always refining your approach, a key factor in mastering how to improve your GMAT score in a focused and efficient way.

Best Study Resources to Improve Your GMAT Score

The right GMAT prep materials can help you study better, save time, and score higher. But with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel confused about which ones actually work.

Top scorers usually follow a smart strategy: they use the Official GMAT Guide, combine it with a trusted online course, and take mock tests regularly. These resources help you practice real questions, understand tricky topics, and track your progress.

Most Trusted GMAT Study Resources

Resource	Best For	Why It's Good
GMAT Official Guide	Everyone	Real questions from past exams, made by GMAT creators
GMATPrep (mba.com)	Practice Tests	Free full-length mock tests that feel like the real exam
Manhattan Prep	Strong Quant & Verbal foundation	Great explanations and strategy-based learning
E-GMAT	Non-native English speakers	Easy-to-follow video lessons, very strong in Verbal
GMAT Club	Community + Question Bank	2M+ questions, solutions, tips from toppers, and free mocks
Magoosh GMAT	Budget learners	Affordable, with short videos and study plans
Target Test Prep	Quant-focused students	Best for improving Quant score with deep concept drills
Kaplan GMAT Prep	Personalized coaching	Offers adaptive practice and tutor support

These study tools are popular among students who want to study smart, not just hard. Start with a mix of official questions, a good course, and regular practice tests. This simple formula is the foundation of how to improve your GMAT score effectively.

To know more insights, you can check out this: GMAT free resources

Common Mistakes That Lower GMAT Scores

Common Mistakes That Lower GMAT Scores

Many students lose marks on the GMAT not because they don’t study, but because they make small mistakes that add up. The GMAT is not just about knowledge—it’s about how smartly and calmly you take the test.

Below are the most common mistakes that can lower your GMAT score. If you avoid these, you’ll be on the right path for how to improve your GMAT score.

Common GMAT Mistakes to Avoid

Poor time management: You run out of time or rush at the end and make silly mistakes.
Not reviewing your mistakes: If you don’t check where you went wrong, you’ll keep repeating the same errors.
Spending too much time on very hard questions: This wastes time. It’s better to get easy and medium questions right.
Skipping the basics: Not knowing basic math or grammar rules makes the harder questions even tougher.
Just memorizing instead of understanding: You need to know how to apply what you’ve learned—not just remember formulas.
Taking too many full-length tests early: You’ll get tired and won’t improve if you don’t fix weak areas in between.
Not using official GMAT materials: Other resources may not match the real test format.
Not building focus for a 3-hour exam: Many people lose attention in the second half of the test and make mistakes.

Fixing these small mistakes can help you study smarter and score higher. That’s one of the most effective ways for how to improve your GMAT score without adding extra study hours.

How Long Does It Take to Improve Your GMAT Score?

The time it takes to improve your GMAT score depends on your current level, target score, and study habits. On average, most students need 2 to 3 months of focused study to see real progress. If you’re aiming for a big score jump—like from 550 to 700+—you may need 3 to 5 months of smart and regular preparation.

If you’re only trying to improve by 30–50 points, even 4–6 weeks can make a big difference with the right plan.

Before you begin, take a practice test to see your current level. That will help you decide how much time you need and where to focus. Tracking progress is key if you're serious about how to improve your GMAT score.

Time Needed Based on How Much You Want to Improve

Score Boost Goal	Study Time Needed	How Long It May Take
30–50 points	60–80 hours	4–6 weeks
50–100 points	100–120 hours	2–3 months
100+ points	150+ hours	3–5 months

You don’t have to study all day just make your study time count. Stick to a schedule, use official materials, and review your mistakes. That’s the smart way for how to improve your GMAT score without stress.

Final Tips to Improve Your GMAT Score Fast

Final Tips to Improve Your GMAT Score Fast

If your exam is coming up soon, don’t worry there’s still time to improve. Small changes in your study plan can help you score better. Focus on what works, not on learning everything.

Below are some simple, last-minute tips that can help with how to improve your GMAT score in a short time.

Easy Last-Minute Tips to Boost Your GMAT Score

Take 2–3 full mock tests: It helps build stamina and makes you feel ready for test day.
Review your mistakes: Don’t just practice new questions—check where you went wrong before.
Focus on Quant and Verbal: These two sections decide your main GMAT score (out of 800).
Don’t start new topics in the last week: Stick to what you already know and improve your speed and accuracy.
Practice your timing: Learn how to manage time so you don’t rush or leave questions.
Get good sleep before the test: Being well-rested helps you stay sharp and focused.
Stay calm and confident: Don’t stress believe in your prep and stay positive.

Even with a few days left, following these tips can make a big difference. The goal now is not to do more, but to do it smarter. That’s the key for how to improve your GMAT score fast.

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Conclusion

A good GMAT score can help you get into top business schools and even earn scholarships. It shows your academic readiness and makes your profile stand out.

Focus on smart prep, avoid common mistakes, and stay consistent. That’s the simple way for how to improve your GMAT score and reach your MBA goals.