Setting a clear and achievable target score for the GMAT™ is essential to your preparation journey. It's not enough to aim for arbitrarily high numbers you've heard others talk about, like a 99th percentile. Instead, you want to base your target score on your personal goals, research, and realistic self-assessment. In this article you will learn about the steps you need to undertake in order to arrive at an ambitious but realistic target score.

Researching Target Scores

Start by researching what scores your dream schools and programs typically see as their average or median scores. This will give you a realistic baseline to aim for. Once you have identified the lower limit, or the acceptable score that you would apply with, it's also important to determine what a good score would be—one that would positively impact your application. Additionally, make a distinction between target scores for different sections of the GMAT, such as Quantitative, Verbal, and Data insights. This way, you know exactly what kind of score would be sufficient for you. Once you start diving into actual GMAT questions we also recommend taking a an actual GMAT mock test to better compare your GMAT base level with your target score. You can read more about how to approach this first mock test in the following article: 1.5 | The first mock test

Assessing Realistic Goals

After setting your initial target scores, the next step is to ensure these goals are realistic based on your competencies. While it's challenging to estimate this precisely, you can compare your target GMAT scores with your performance on similar tests you took in university that required substantial reasoning skills. Do you normally score above or below average? This historical comparison can help you determine if your target score is realistic, especially considering the time and resources you have available for studying.

Reevaluating Motivation

Understanding your motivation for achieving a high GMAT score is critical for maintaining effort throughout your preparation. Be critical of yourself and ask why you really want to get a good GMAT score. Consider questions like why not apply to a university that doesn't require a GMAT score, or why it's important for you to attend one of the top five schools. This self-reflection is important because there will be times when you feel like you are plateauing, and it helps to be reminded of your motivation to achieve your target score.

Creating a Comprehensive Plan

Finally, document your considerations of your target score and midterm milestones to achieve it (such as mock tests and studies hours). This document should include your research on target scores, details of your realistic assessments based on past performance, and a clear outline of your motivations. Integrate this document with your study plan, mapping your desired progress against your planned study time. This will serve as a final check to ensure your aspired target score and study plan are realistic and aligned. If you sign up for our emailing list, you will receive our pre-made study plan that allows you to add your target score.

Conclusion

Setting a well-researched, realistic, and motivated GMAT goal is vital for a successful application process. By aligning your aspirations with practical considerations and maintaining a clear record, you can enhance your preparation strategy and stay motivated throughout your GMAT journey. In case you want our Study Plan including a question log, as well as a mistake analysis you can get it here.