Taking the GMAT can be one of the most dreaded parts of one’s journey of applying to a top MBA program.
The exam costs nearly $300 and takes over two hours to complete—not to mention months of studying and preparation. Of the nearly 600,000 individuals who took the GMAT between 2019 and 2024, the average score was about 550 out of 805. For context, the median score for fall 2023 entrants to schools on Fortune’s MBA ranking fell in the 78% percentile ranking of all test-takers.
Only a few dozen test takers have ever scored a perfect score.
But Julia Shackelford is one of them.
“It was very surreal,” Shackelford tells Fortune of when she first saw their 805 score. Their initial thought was it had to be an error. However, Shackelford had just spent 10 arduous months preparing for the graduate business admissions exam—and it had paid off.
Shackelford, who earned a bachelor's in finance from the University of Arkansas about a decade ago, decided last year it was time for a career upgrade after years working in consumer lending at a local Arkansas credit union. She had an interest in international business and moving abroad, so pursuing an MBA became her plan.
How long should you study to get a perfect GMAT score?
Shackelford expected to be able to study for a few weeks and be ready to take the GMAT, but she quickly realized that her short timeline was too ambitious for someone also working full-time.
Instead, for the next 10 months, Shackelford spent her weekends and evenings strategically studying for the GMAT. She utilized free and paid resources from websites like MBA.com and Target Test Prep. She created a study plan with the highest target score in mind—which enabled her to conduct in-depth preparation for all three GMAT sections: quantitive reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights.
Shackelford also took all six MBA official practice exams that are available with retired questions and later reviewed all of her answers with the correct ones.
What is the best advice to get a perfect GMAT score?
Their overarching advice, she admits is “not sexy” but is simple: “study a lot and really over-prepare.”
“I was pretty anxious and over-preparing was important to me because I really didn't want to have to take the test twice,” Shackelford tells Fortune—adding that for over-preparers like her, it is important to not to forget to exercise, sleep, and drink enough water.
“Give yourself plenty of time, but also take care of yourself,” Shackelford adds.
The typical GMAT test-taker is in their late 20s, but Shackelford says even those who haven't taken a standardized test in many years can do well if they put in the time. Those studying may have to give up their traditional weekends or evening plans in exchange for staying home and studying.
Ultimately while one's GMAT score is only part of one's application into business school, with admissions counselors considering all parts of one's application, including essay responses, resume, and professional references, getting a perfect score is very likely to boost one's application and help it stick out.
Shackelford applied to three schools—the University of Chicago (Booth), London Business School, and Copenhagen Business School—and is waiting to hear back. If all goes well, Shackelford could soon be among the new graduates of Booth earning median annual salaries of $180,000.
Clarification: This article was updated to reflect changes in the GMAT scoring scale, as the test was updated to a new version in 2023.
