GMAT 515 Score: What Percentile Is It?

What percentile is a 515 GMAT score?

A GMAT Focus total score of 515 is approximately the 14th percentile. This means that out of 100 test-takers, about 86 scored higher than you. It's a rough equivalent to a 510 on the legacy GMAT scale.

Is it a good score?

For most competitive MBA programs, a 515 is below the middle 80% range of accepted students. It is classified as a 'Developing' score, indicating that your performance is not yet at the level expected by top-tier business schools. However, it's not a definitive barrier—some lower-ranked or part-time programs may consider it, especially if other parts of your application are strong.

Which schools are competitive with a 515?

With a 515, you should target schools where the average GMAT is around 550 or lower. These might include regional programs, part-time MBAs, or schools ranked outside the top 50. For example, some public universities and smaller private schools may have more flexible criteria. However, for elite programs like Harvard, Stanford, or Wharton, a 515 is far below their typical range, and your application would likely be rejected unless you have extraordinary compensating factors.

How to improve from here

If you're aiming for more competitive schools, consider retaking the GMAT. Focus on your weakest sections—quantitative reasoning often offers the most room for improvement. Use a GMAT score calculator to set target section scores. Review your error patterns and consider a structured prep course. Also, check out our GMAT percentile guide to understand how score improvements translate into percentile gains. A jump of 50-100 points can significantly boost your percentile and admissions chances. For more context on what constitutes a competitive score, see our good GMAT score guide.