What Is Concordance table on the GMAT?
Concordance tables on the GMAT are the official score-mapping charts published by GMAC that show how your old GMAT score (200–800) corresponds to a GMAT Focus score (205–805) based on percentile rank. They matter because they let you compare your performance across the two exam formats, whether you're applying with an old score or a new one.
What Is a Concordance Table?
A concordance table is a statistical mapping that aligns scores from two different test versions by their percentile ranks. For the GMAT, GMAC created a concordance table to show how scores on the classic GMAT (taken before February 2024) compare to scores on the GMAT Focus Edition. The table pairs old scores with new scores that represent the same percentile of test-takers.
Why It Matters on the GMAT
Business schools receive applications from candidates who took either exam version. Admissions committees use concordance tables to evaluate applicants fairly, regardless of which test they took. As a test-taker, you can use the table to:
- Estimate how your practice test score on one format translates to the other.
- Set target scores for the GMAT Focus based on old GMAT score requirements.
- Understand how your percentile rank compares across formats.
A Concrete Example
Suppose the official concordance table shows that an old GMAT score of 700 corresponds to a GMAT Focus score of 645, and both represent the 89th percentile. If you know a school's average old GMAT score is 700, you now know that a GMAT Focus score of 645 is an equivalent target. Conversely, if you took the GMAT Focus and scored 655, the table might show that this aligns with an old GMAT score of 710, helping you communicate your performance to admissions.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a linear relationship: The concordance is not a simple formula like 'old score minus 50.' It varies by percentile, so you must use the official table.
- Ignoring percentiles: Scores alone don't tell the full story; percentiles are the basis for concordance, so always check the percentile column.
- Using outdated tables: Only use the official GMAC concordance table, as it's based on the most recent data and is accepted by schools.
How to Practice It
When taking practice tests, note both your scaled score and your percentile. Then, use the official concordance table to see what your score would be on the other format. This helps you set realistic target scores and understand how your performance stacks up. You can also review school admission stats to see if they report old or new scores, and convert accordingly.