Total score for Q49 V34?

Question

Hi all

I am very confused with GMAT scoring. My score is Q49 V34 and my total score is 680. I have noticed in this forum that some people who got exactly the same Q49 V34 score have higher total score than me (690/700). How is this possible and does anyone knows how to calculate the total score from the Q & V scores?

Thanks!

bb · Answer

gmat-scores-83890.html The total score and section scores are calculated using 2 different algorithms and one does not depend on the other, though there are clear correlations between the two. That is why it is possible to have multiple scores with the same sectional scores.... You will find all you need in the link above.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Just to clarify, the GMAT does not use two different algorithms for the total and sectional scores. The score that each section produces is on a different (and slightly more precise) scale. The more precise estimate is then mapped onto the normal 6-51 scale that is exposed to the test taker.

greenzie , this means that your performance (most likely your quant performance) was  slightly  lower than the performance of someone who got a higher total score with the same scaled sectional scores.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi greenzie,

To take all of this a step further (especially if you're concerned about your scores) - Business Schools Admissions Officers are savvy professionals. They understand that the Score that you receive on the Official GMAT is within about +/- 30 points of actual ability, which is why an applicant who receives a 690 or a 700 is rarely granted any type of preference over one who scored 680. With a 680/Q49, you have a fantastic GMAT score (it's just a bit shy of the 90th percentile overall), so you should apply to any Business Schools that interest you. Remember that if you're planning to apply to any really competitive Programs that you need to have a strong OVERALL application AND you need to 'market yourself' correctly to each School.

1) When are you planning to apply to Business School?
2) What Schools are you planning to apply to?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

greenzie · Answer

Hi all, thanks for all the replies!

bb , I have seen that link before but according to the table there, Q49 V34 should result in 680 (exactly my score) but there is no indication on that table it can result in anything higher.

AjiteshArun , thanks for the explanation. I wish I could understand the scoring system a bit deeper but it seems no one except GMAC knows for sure how to calculate the score exactly. Why do you think that it is most likely because of my Quant performance and not Verbal? Just curious...

Rich, thanks and I understand that. I have already sent my applications to a few schools so we'll see.

AjiteshArun · Answer

They're very guarded when it comes to the algorithm, but otherwise they've been quite candid about other parts of the process. For example, they've shown us the internal score scale on multiple occasions. And the internal scale (for quant) is more accurate than the external scale. The internal scale for verbal is also more accurate, but the difference is less pronounced.

They always use the internal scale for the total score, so the accuracy of that score is not impacted by the scaled sectional scores shown to test takers. Just keep in mind, though, that although a 690 or 700 might look better, schools would not really hold a 20 point difference against you.

sukanyar · Answer

Can you explain this in more detail. What is "internal score" and if they have shown this to you, can you show it to us :-D

sukanyar · Answer

Hi, can you please answer my above query on "internal score".

AjiteshArun · Answer

The internal scale is different from and more accurate than the 6-51 scale. What I'm trying to get across is that the scaled sectional scores that we (as test takers) see are  not  the ones used to calculate the total score.

sukanyar · Answer

Thanks I got that from your previous mail. What you've also mentioned in your last post is: they've shown us the internal score scale on multiple occasions So, I was wondering if you could share this "internal score scale" on this forum, unless GMAT organizers have a policy to share it with only few people :roll:

.

AjiteshArun · Answer

They've shown it to us. They didn't give us a copy

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