{"id":26119,"date":"2014-11-03T06:10:14","date_gmt":"2014-11-03T13:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/2014\/11\/setting-a-gmat-score-target\/"},"modified":"2014-11-03T06:10:14","modified_gmt":"2014-11-03T13:10:14","slug":"setting-a-gmat-score-target","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmatclub.com\/blog\/setting-a-gmat-score-target\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting a GMAT Score Target"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Set<\/a><\/p>\n

Hit the mark every time by setting a great GMAT score target.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What should your\u00a0GMAT score<\/a>\u00a0goa lbe?\u00a0 This is one of the biggest initial steps in your GMAT process. \u00a0We can help you set \u00a0your\u00a0target score as well as achieve it, but it’s not as simple a process as you might imagine.<\/p>\n

Setting a GMAT Score Target<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Research your possible MBA programs.<\/strong>\u00a0 Compile a list of all the\u00a0programs<\/a>\u00a0you\u2019d like to attend.\u00a0 Be thorough in your research and clearly identify\u00a0why<\/em>\u00a0you would like to attend each institution that makes it onto your list.<\/li>\n
  2. Find out the average GMAT score<\/strong>\u00a0for admitted students to each of your listed programs.\u00a0 If, for some reason, you cannot find that information online, call the\u00a0admissions<\/a>\u00a0office and ask. \u00a0Don’t be afraid to reach out!<\/li>\n
  3. Set an above-average target GMAT score. \u00a0<\/strong>Take a look at the highest average score on your program list; to be safe, you want to hit above the average. \u00a0Add on twenty points or so and set that as your\u00a0target score<\/em>.\u00a0 Remember, an average is comprised of scores that are higher and lower than the mean presented.\u00a0 You want to be on the top side of that range.\u00a0 In other words, you want to be \u201cabove average.\u201d<\/li>\n
  4. Make your target score your official GMAT goal. \u00a0<\/b>Write that number on a sticky note and put it on your computer, your notebook, your test prep textbook, your dashboard, or all of those places.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    A target score, like any goal, needs to be aggressive but achievable.\u00a0 Don\u2019t set an unrealistic score or a score that has nothing to do with where you will apply.\u00a0 Remember, the list of programs you compile is\u00a0your<\/em>\u00a0list.\u00a0 In other words, aim for a target that is relevant to your academic goals, not the goals of someone else.\u00a0 If the most competitive score in your list is a 620, then your target ought to be anchored near there (say, a 650).<\/p>\n

    Setting a target score matters.\u00a0 You need to give yourself something to aim at.\u00a0 Make it relevant, make it bold, and make it yours!<\/p>\n

    Once you’ve set your target GMAT score…<\/strong><\/p>\n