What Is a Good GMAT Score? Answer These 5 Questions to See If You Should Consider a Retake

This article was originally published on May 19, 2022. It was last updated on August 14, 2025.

“What is a good GMAT score?” is a question we field frequently from clients. Perhaps they have taken the GMAT or GRE at least once but aren’t sure if their score is “enough” to get them into their dream program.

At the end of the day, the answer to ‘what is a good GMAT score?’ isn’t cut and dry. It varies by school and by applicant, quite frankly. For those that come from an overrepresented applicant pool (i.e., consultants, bankers), a higher GMAT score might be needed to stand out relative to someone with a less traditional background.

At the end of the day, there is really no downside to retaking the test, except for the time and associated fee it requires, so it’s an option worth considering. If you’re applying to the top MBA programs, you want to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward at every opportunity. Request a free consultation with one of our experts to talk through your score and decide on the right next steps for your application.

If you’re on the fence about whether to take the GMAT or GRE again, here are a few questions to consider:

1. Is your score below average for your target schools? If so, by how much?

If your GMAT score is 30+ points below your target schools’ average (or 6+ points below average for the GRE), you are part of an overrepresented applicant pool and your undergrad GPA is also below average, it’s probably worth seeing what you can do to bring your score up.

However, if everything else about your application wows, including unique work experience, a stellar undergrad GPA, and impressive extracurriculars, you may feel more comfortable applying with a so-so test score.

2. How many times have you taken the test and how far have you come since your first attempt?

If you took the GMAT or GRE once and were disappointed by your score, it likely makes sense to retake it. Most applicants take their chosen standardized test more than once; our clients have typically taken it at least 2-3 times. The admissions committee actually looks favorably upon multiple attempts, as it shows dedication to the application process.

However, if you’ve taken it four or more times and still haven’t achieved your target score, you may want to focus on other areas of the application and adjust your school list so that you’re hedging your bets. That said, if you’ve made moderate gains with each retake, you may still have runway and should probably try again.

3. How hard did you study? Did you really give it your all?

Ask yourself if, in your heart of hearts, you have upside left in your score. If you took a reputable course, did all the homework, drilled incessantly on your weak areas, and took real practice tests then you may not. You could retake the test and possibly squeeze out another 10 points (in the case of the GMAT), but it’s arguably not worth it for that little movement.

On the other hand, if you took the test without a clear structure or strategy in your prep, there’s a good chance you can meaningfully improve your score. Take the time to study intentionally and then schedule a retake. Whether your score is currently competitive or not quite where you want it to be, if there’s room to improve and you know you haven’t hit your ceiling, it may be worth taking the opportunity to strengthen your application.

4. How does your score compare to your practice test performance?

This is another way to determine if you might have upside in your score. If you took full simulated practice tests and consistently scored better than you did on the actual test, you may have just had an off day.

If your actual score reflects your practice test performance and you were simply hoping to get lucky and do better, it’s probably not worth planning a retake.

5. How much time do you have left before the deadlines?

If you’re reading this at the time of this article’s publication in mid-August, the first Round 1 deadlines are less than 3 weeks away, which means your time is at a premium. If you still have significant work left on your applications, your energy is best spent on high-impact components like crafting compelling essays and refining your story. At this point in the timeline, trying to squeeze in a test retake could distract from the areas that truly make your application stand out.

If your current score isn’t competitive and you know it doesn’t reflect your potential, postponing to Round 2 may be the smartest move. It gives you the runway to focus on test prep without the pressure of looming deadlines and to submit an application that truly represents your strengths. While it’s not always easy to wait, applying in Round 2 with a stronger overall application is often a better strategy than rushing to submit in Round 1 with major gaps.

At the end of the day, the question at the beginning of this article should really be ‘what is a good GMAT score for me’ as the answer is nuanced and individualized. If you’re torn about whether a retake is warranted, our team is happy to help!

Not sure what your next move should be? Schedule a free consultation with our team to get expert insight on your score, a clear-eyed evaluation of your profile, and guidance on the best path forward.