GMAT Scoring

How the GMAT is Scored

The GMAT contains three sections, the Analytical Writing Assessment section, the Quantitative section and the Verbal section, each of which is graded separately. GMAT test takers also receive a Total Score, assessing combined performance on both the Quantitative and Verbal sections of the GMAT. The Analytical Writing Assessment section is graded on a scale from 0.0 to 6.0 in half point increments, with a 6.0 being the highest possible score. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are graded on a scale from 0 to 60, and the Total Score is based on a scale ranging from 200 to 800.

Total, Verbal & Quantitative GMAT Scores

The Total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, with 800 being a perfect score on the GMAT. The Quantitative and Verbal scores each range from 0 to 60, although scores above 44 and below 9 are relatively rare. The Quantitative and Verbal scores are based on a fixed scale, enabling valid comparison of scores across GMAT test administrations. Notwithstanding, unique measures and variables are used in the determination of Quantitative and Verbal scores; as such, valid comparisons cannot be made between the Quantitative and Verbal scores.

Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) GMAT Score

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) section of the GMAT consists of two essay topics, Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue, each of which are reviewed and rated individually. The AWA score is an average of the score ratings assessed to the submitted Analysis of an Argument and Analysis of an Issue response essays. The AWA score ranges from 0 to 6 in half point increments. The AWA score is computed completely separately from the Quantitative and Verbal sections and has no effect on the Quantitative, Verbal or Total scores.

Each AWA response essay is independently reviewed and assessed a rating twice, once typically by a human grader and once typically by an automated computer essay scoring program. AWA essay responses are reviewed with regard to numerous factors, including the overall quality of ideas, ability to organize, develop and express such ideas, relevant substantiating reasons and examples provided to support such ideas, and ability to effectively control elements of standard written English. In cases where the two ratings differ by more than one point, the given essay is independently evaluated by another expert grader to resolve the differences in the scores and assess a final score. The AWA score calculated by averaging the score ratings assessed to both essays.