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GMAT Concordance Table: Master Your Score Like a Pro in 3 Steps

GMAT Concordance Table: Master Your Score Like a Pro in 3 Steps

GMAT Concordance Table: If you’ve recently taken the GMAT Focus Edition or are considering it, you’ve probably heard about the GMAT Concordance Table. But what does it mean? How do you compare your GMAT Focus score to the classic GMAT score? Let’s dive deep into the GMAT Concordance Table, understand its importance, and break down the numbers in a way that makes sense.


What is the GMAT Concordance Table?

The GMAT Concordance Table is a tool the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) provides to help test-takers, business schools, and admissions committees compare scores from the GMAT Focus Edition and the classic GMAT. Since the new format launched, comparing scores directly has become tricky — that’s where the concordance table comes in.

Why does this matter? Business schools need a consistent way to evaluate applicants who have taken different versions of the exam. For test-takers, it helps gauge how their performance stacks up in the context of the older scoring system.


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Why Was the Concordance Table Introduced?

When GMAC rolled out the GMAT Focus Edition, they redesigned the test to better align with the skills needed in today’s business environment. However, this meant changing the scoring scale and sections, creating a need for a reliable comparison method. The concordance table provides:

  • A Fair Comparison: Helps business schools evaluate applicants who took different GMAT versions.
  • Score Interpretation: Allows test-takers to understand what their new score means in the context of the classic GMAT.
  • Guidance for Test Prep: Provides insight into the performance levels required for top B-schools.

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Understanding the GMAT Concordance Table

The concordance table maps GMAT Focus scores (205–805) to classic GMAT scores (200–800). Here’s a quick look at how scores compare:

GMAT Focus ScoreClassic GMAT ScorePercentile (Approx.)
80580099th
75576095th
70571088th
65566076th
60561060th
55556045th
50551030th
45546016th
4054107th
3553602nd
3053101st

This table gives a general idea, but keep in mind that percentiles change as more test-takers take the Focus Edition.

Visualizing the Concordance

Here’s a simple infographic illustrating the score comparison:

GMAT Concordance Table

Section-Wise Concordance

In addition to total scores, GMAC provides concordance tables for individual sections:

SectionFocus Score RangeClassic Score Range
Quantitative Reasoning60–900–60
Verbal Reasoning60–900–60
Data Insights60–90N/A

Key Insight: The introduction of Data Insights adds a new dimension to your performance, measuring skills crucial in today’s data-driven business world.


    Score Ranges and Percentiles

    Percentiles help you understand where your score stands relative to other test-takers. As per GMAC:

    • A score of 805 is in the 99th percentile, meaning only 1% of test-takers score this high.
    • A score of 605 places you in the 60th percentile, meaning you’ve outperformed 60% of test-takers.
    • A score below 305 is in the bottom 1%.

    The percentile rankings aren’t static — they evolve as more test-takers sit for the GMAT Focus Edition. Historically, top-tier business schools expect scores in the 90th percentile or higher, which correlates with scores of around 755+.


    Why Business Schools Care About the Concordance Table

    For admissions committees, the concordance table offers a consistent way to evaluate applicants across different test versions. Key benefits include:

    • Uniform Evaluation: Helps compare applicants who took different versions of the test.
    • Benchmarking: Provides a benchmark to assess candidates against historical data.
    • Informed Decisions: Ensures fair consideration, regardless of the GMAT version taken.

    How to Use the Concordance Table for Your B-School Application

    1. Understand Your Standing: Use the table to interpret your score in the context of past applicants.
    2. Set Realistic Goals: Aim for a score that aligns with your target school’s average.
    3. Highlight Your Strengths: If your Data Insights score is high, emphasize your data-driven decision-making skills.
    4. Prepare Strategically: Focus on the sections that impact your target percentile the most.

    Common Myths About the GMAT Concordance Table

    • “It’s Just a Conversion Chart”: Not true. It reflects performance relative to peers.
    • “Percentiles Are Fixed”: Percentiles shift as more people take the Focus Edition.
    • “Data Insights Don’t Matter”: Schools are increasingly valuing this section.

    FAQs About GMAT Concordance Table

    Q: Do business schools prefer the classic GMAT over the Focus Edition? A: No, most schools view them equally. The concordance table ensures fair evaluation.

    Q: Should I retake the GMAT if my score is low? A: If your score is significantly below your target school’s average, a retake might be worth considering.

    Q: How often do percentiles change? A: GMAC updates percentiles annually as more test-takers complete the exam.

    The GMAT Concordance Table is more than just a score conversion tool — it’s a roadmap for understanding where you stand. Whether you’re targeting a top B-school or trying to gauge your performance, this table is your key to unlocking insights.

    Ready to make sense of your GMAT Focus score? Let’s strategize together. Connect with us and take the next step toward your B-school dreams!

    Reach us Out At:
    Email Address :
    tarunkaushik@aceyourtest
    Phone Number: +91-8800338783

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