GMAT 695 Score: What Percentile Is It?

What percentile is a 695 GMAT score?

A GMAT Focus total score of 695 is approximately the 91st percentile of all test-takers. That means you scored higher than about 91% of candidates worldwide, putting you in the top 9% of examinees. This is classified as an "Elite" score for MBA admissions purposes.

For context, a 695 on the GMAT Focus roughly corresponds to a 690 on the legacy GMAT scale, a score historically associated with admission to top-tier business schools. Use our GMAT score calculator to see how your Focus score translates to the old scale.

Is a 695 a good GMAT score?

Absolutely. A 695 is not just good—it's excellent. It places you in the elite category, well above the average score of most MBA programs. For reference, the average GMAT score at top-20 U.S. business schools typically ranges from 690 to 740, so a 695 is right in the competitive zone for many prestigious programs.

Here's what a 695 means for you:

• It demonstrates strong quantitative, verbal, and data-sufficiency skills.
• It makes your application competitive at most MBA programs worldwide.
• It can offset weaknesses in other parts of your profile, such as a lower undergraduate GPA.

Check our guide to what constitutes a good GMAT score for more context.

Which schools are competitive with a 695?

With a 695, you are a strong candidate for many top-tier MBA programs. Here's a breakdown by school tier:

• Top 10 U.S. programs (e.g., Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth): Competitive, though your overall profile (work experience, essays, recommendations) will be critical. The average scores at these schools are often 730+, so you are slightly below the median but still within range.
• Top 11-25 U.S. programs (e.g., Tuck, Fuqua, Ross, Darden): Very competitive. Your score is at or above the average for many of these schools, making you a strong applicant.
• Top international programs (e.g., INSEAD, LBS, HEC Paris): Competitive, as these schools often have average scores around 700-710.
• Other strong regional programs: You will likely be a top candidate with scholarship potential.

Remember, a 695 is just one part of your application. Your essays, recommendations, and interview performance are equally important.

How to improve from a 695

If you're aiming for an even higher score to boost your chances at the most selective schools, here are some targeted strategies:

• Identify weak areas: Use your score report to see which sections pulled you down. Focus on improving those specific question types.
• Practice with adaptive tests: Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions to build stamina and get used to the computer-adaptive format.
• Refine your pacing: A 695 suggests you're missing a few questions—maybe due to time pressure. Work on time management to ensure you answer all questions.
• Consider professional tutoring: If you're plateauing, a tutor can provide personalized strategies to break through.

Retaking the GMAT is an option, but only if you believe you can significantly improve. A 695 is already a strong score, so weigh the time and effort against other aspects of your application.