What Do Schools Actually See on Your GMAT Score Report?

We hear all sorts of myths about GMAT scores:

• If I cancel a score, schools will still know.
• Business schools see every GMAT attempt I’ve ever taken.
• Accommodations or cancellations show up on my report.
• Maybe there’s even a picture of me attached!

Let’s clear it up. Here’s exactly what shows up when you send a GMAT score report — and how to use the information to your advantage.

The Basics: What’s On Your GMAT Score Report

Your official GMAT score report includes:

• Your personal information (as provided during registration)
• The name of the school/program you sent scores to
• Your total GMAT score and section scores (Quant, Verbal, Data Insights), with percentiles

That’s it. No photo, no secret notes, no mention of how many times you’ve tested unless you choose to send multiple scores.

You Control Which GMAT Scores Schools See

Here’s the single most important point: schools only see the GMAT scores you choose to send.

• If you test three times but only want to share one score, schools will only see that one score.
• If you choose to send multiple scores, schools will see each one, side by side.
• Schools cannot log in to see your full GMAT testing history.

So there’s no need to panic-cancel a score. If you’re not happy with it, just don’t send it.

Should You Send a GMAT Score You’re Unsure About?

It’s tempting to withhold a GMAT score you don’t love. But there are two big reasons to send the score anyway:

1. Free score reports: Your GMAT registration includes five free score reports. By sending them, you unlock a powerful feature: your report will show how your percentile compares to scores submitted to that program over the last five years. That insight can help you decide whether to retake.
2. Schools like to see progress: Admissions officers consistently tell us they appreciate seeing multiple scores if they show improvement. A “weaker” first attempt won’t hurt you — but it does show commitment and growth if you improve later.

What About GMAT Accommodations, Cancellations, or Online Testing?

• Accommodations: If you receive accommodations (extra time, private room, etc.) on the GMAT, schools will not see that. It never appears on your report.
• Cancellations: If your GMAT exam is terminated (due to a technical issue, for example), schools almost never see it. In 90–95% of cases, cancellations happen before you can even send the score.

Online vs. test center: Schools can see whether you tested online or at a center. But the GMAT exam is identical in content, scoring, and security, regardless of where you took it. Schools generally do not care which format you choose.

Beyond the Basics: How to Read Your Detailed GMAT Score Report

When you log into your mba.com account after the exam, you’ll see a much more detailed report. Here’s what’s worth paying attention to:

Percentiles Matter More Than Raw Scores

A score of 80 in Verbal isn’t equivalent to an 80 in Data Insights. Always interpret your performance using percentiles, not raw section numbers.

Performance by Program

If you sent scores to schools, your report shows how your score compares to those submitted to each program over the last five years. That’s incredibly useful when deciding whether to retest.

Timing Analysis

You’ll see data on how long you spent on each question. Look for “clumps” of slow times and errors — these can reveal stubbornness, nerves, or fatigue that you might not have noticed during the test.

Review and Edit Summary

If you revisited questions at the end of a section, you’ll see whether you changed answers and whether it helped. This can show if your reviewing strategy is paying off.

Content Breakdown

Your score report divides performance into categories (by skill, by question type). These are based on small samples, so don’t overanalyze minor differences. Focus only on big gaps (20+ percentile points).

How to Use Your GMAT Score Report Strategically

• Plan retakes based on meaningful weaknesses, not tiny fluctuations.
• Reflect on your test-day mindset using timing data.
• Use performance-by-program insights to decide where you’re competitive.

Don’t be afraid to send multiple GMAT scores — progress tells a positive story.

For more, watch the full videos with GMAC above, or log in to mba.com to explore your own score report in detail.

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