Average GMAT Score by School: Business Schools Ranking 2025
Discover the average GMAT scores required for admission to top business schools.
Posted March 13, 2025
Table of Contents
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) plays a major role in MBA admissions at business schools around the world. A strong GMAT score improves an applicant’s chances of getting into top MBA programs, making it an important part of the MBA application process.
In 2023, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) introduced the GMAT Focus Edition, which replaces the traditional GMAT. This update changes the scoring scale, test sections, and overall exam structure. Test takers now need to understand how their GMAT scores will be evaluated by business schools that are adjusting to this new format.
This article explains how the GMAT Focus Edition differs from the previous version, breaks down the average GMAT score by school, and provides data on the median GMAT score for the top 25 MBA programs.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used by business schools to evaluate applicants for MBA programs and other graduate business programs. It measures a candidate’s quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills, which are critical for success in MBA classes.
The GMAT Focus Edition, which replaces the previous version of the test, includes significant updates to the scoring scale and format. The exam now consists of:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses problem-solving and numerical skills.
- Verbal Reasoning: Measures reading comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning.
- Data Insights Section: Evaluates analytical skills related to data interpretation.
Understanding GMAT score percentiles is crucial as they indicate how a test taker's score compares to others, highlighting the competitive nature of the exam.
Note: The analytical writing section was removed, and the test duration was reduced to two hours.
Read: 3 Things You Need to Know About the New GMAT Focus Edition
GMAT Score Distribution
Most test takers score between 400 and 600, with the median GMAT score around 540. However, the required GMAT score for admission varies by school of business. Many top business schools expect higher GMAT scores, often in the 700+ range.
How Important Are GMAT Scores in Business School Admissions?
Business schools use GMAT scores as one factor in a holistic admissions process. While they do not solely determine admission, they carry significant weight as a standardized measure that helps schools compare candidates.
Why Do Business Schools Consider GMAT Scores?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data analysis skills—all of which are important for success in an MBA program. Since applicants come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, GMAT scores provide a common benchmark that admissions committees can use to evaluate academic preparedness.
How Much Do GMAT Scores Matter?
The importance of GMAT scores varies by school of business. Some top MBA programs place a strong emphasis on high GMAT scores, while others consider them as one part of a broader application review.
Many business schools also consider median scores, which represent the middle point of all applicants' scores, to assess the overall competitiveness of their applicant pool.
Factors that influence the weight of GMAT scores in MBA admissions include:
- School Ranking: Top business schools, like Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Chicago Booth, typically have higher average GMAT scores and consider strong test performance a key admissions factor.
- Class Profiles: Schools use GMAT scores to shape their incoming MBA classes, ensuring a mix of academic and professional backgrounds.
- Alternative Metrics: Some schools may consider work experience, undergraduate GPA, leadership experience, and personal essays more heavily, especially if an applicant’s GMAT score is below their median score.
What Is a Competitive GMAT Score?
A good GMAT score depends on the business school you are applying to, especially if you are targeting a top MBA program.
| GMAT Score Range | Competitiveness | School Type |
|---|---|---|
| 730–760+ | Highly competitive | Top MBA programs (Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, MIT Sloan) |
| 700–730 | Strong | Many top business schools (Chicago Booth, Columbia, Berkeley Haas, Northwestern Kellogg) |
| 650–700 | Competitive | Well-ranked MBA programs (Duke Fuqua, Virginia Darden, UCLA Anderson) |
| 600–650 | Acceptable | B schools with flexible admissions (Emory Goizueta, UNC Kenan-Flagler, USC Marshall) |
| Below 600 | Less competitive | Some schools may still accept based on work experience, GPA, and essays |
Do All Business Schools Require GMAT Scores?
Some business schools offer GMAT waivers or accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as an alternative. MBA programs that accept both GMAT and GRE scores consider factors like academic background, professional experience, and career goals when evaluating applicants.
Many schools have test-optional policies for candidates with extensive work experience or advanced degrees. However, for applicants aiming for top business schools, a strong GMAT score remains an important factor in the MBA admissions process.
Balancing GMAT Scores with Other Admissions Factors
While a high GMAT score can strengthen an application, it is not the only factor that admissions committees consider. Candidates should focus on building a well-rounded application that includes:
- A strong resume with leadership and professional experience
- Well-written essays that demonstrate clear career goals
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors or mentors
- A solid undergraduate academic record
Expert Tip: For test takers with lower GMAT scores, highlighting strengths in these areas can improve their MBA admissions chances.
How Are GMAT Scores Calculated?
The GMAT exam is a computer-adaptive test (CAT). This means:
- The difficulty level of each question changes based on whether the test taker answers correctly or incorrectly.
- The final GMAT score is determined by both the number of questions answered correctly and their difficulty level.
Note: Since the exam adapts to each test taker, answering more difficult questions correctly leads to a higher score.
GMAT Score Ranges and Percentile Rankings
GMAT scores are reported as GMAT score percentiles, which show how an applicant compares to other GMAT test takers.
| GMAT Score | Percentile Ranking |
|---|---|
| 780 | 100% |
| 750 | 98% |
| 720 | 93% |
| 700 | 89% |
| 650 | 74% |
| 600 | 52% |
| 500 | 24% |
For example, a GMAT score of 650 means the applicant performed better than 74% of other test takers.
How Important Are GMAT Scores in Business School Admissions?
The Role of GMAT Scores in Admissions
Business schools use GMAT scores as one of several factors in the MBA admissions process. While they do not guarantee admission, they provide a standardized measure to compare candidates.
Admissions committees evaluate GMAT scores alongside:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Work experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essays and interviews
Note: While some B-schools emphasize high GMAT scores, others focus more on work experience or leadership potential.
How Much Weight is Given to GMAT Scores?
Different MBA programs assign varying importance to GMAT scores:
- Some top business schools, like Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business, use GMAT scores as a key component of admissions decisions.
- Others, like UNC Kenan-Flagler and Emory Goizueta, take a more holistic approach, considering work experience, essays, and recommendations alongside GMAT scores.
Expert Tip: Applicants should research class profiles of their target schools to understand how much weight is placed on test scores.
Average GMAT Scores by Business School (2025)
Average GMAT Scores for Top-Ranked MBA Programs
The average GMAT score by school varies, with the most competitive MBA programs requiring higher scores. Below is a table showing the average GMAT scores for top business schools, along with estimated GMAT Focus Edition equivalents.
| Business School | Traditional GMAT Score | GMAT Focus Edition Score |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 737 | 742 |
| Harvard Business School | 730 | 735 |
| Wharton (University of Pennsylvania) | 722 | 727 |
| Columbia Business School | 730 | 735 |
| MIT Sloan | 720 | 725 |
| Chicago Booth | 724 | 729 |
| Northwestern Kellogg | 728 | 733 |
| UC Berkeley Haas | 727 | 732 |
| Yale School of Management | 720 | 725 |
| Dartmouth Tuck | 722 | 727 |
| Michigan Ross | 719 | 724 |
| NYU Stern | 719 | 724 |
| Virginia Darden | 716 | 721 |
| Cornell Johnson | 715 | 720 |
| UCLA Anderson | 714 | 719 |
| Duke Fuqua | 710 | 715 |
| Texas McCombs | 704 | 709 |
| Carnegie Mellon Tepper | 690 | 695 |
| UNC Kenan-Flagler | 696 | 701 |
| Emory Goizueta | 709 | 714 |
| Georgetown McDonough | 695 | 700 |
| Indiana Kelley | 685 | 690 |
| USC Marshall | 679 | 684 |
| Minnesota Carlson | 680 | 685 |
| Florida Hough | 681 | 686 |
Applicants should aim for a GMAT score that aligns with their target schools’ class profiles.
How to Improve GMAT Scores
Effective Study Techniques for GMAT Prep
- Create a study plan based on strengths and weaknesses.
- Use official GMAT prep materials, including the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) practice tests.
- Take full-length practice exams to simulate test conditions.
- Focus on weaker areas, whether in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, or data insights.
- Join study groups or work with a GMAT coach.
Read: How Long Should You Actually Study for the GMAT?
Resources for GMAT Preparation
- Official Guide for GMAT Review: Published by GMAC, this book includes real test questions.
- GMAT Club and Manhattan Prep: Online forums and practice materials.
- Adaptive Learning Platforms: AI-based tools that customize GMAT prep based on performance.
Read: Top 50+ Free Resources for GMAT & GRE Practice
Final Thoughts
The GMAT exam is an important part of MBA admissions, especially for top business schools, but it is not the only factor. With the GMAT Focus Edition, applicants need to understand the new scoring scale and test format while preparing for quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. A high GMAT score helps, but many MBA programs also consider work experience, GPA, essays, and recommendations. A strong application includes both a good GMAT score and a clear story of professional growth and career goals. Test takers should focus on GMAT prep, research class profiles, and build a well-rounded application.
Get GMAT Prep Help from Expert Coaches
Work with a GMAT test prep coach to improve your score and feel confident on test day.
Read these articles next:
- GMAT vs. GRE for Business School – Which Should You Take (and How to Ace Them Both)
- How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
- Two Proven Techniques to Supercharge Your GMAT and GRE Sessions
- The Do's and Don'ts of the GMAT: Demystifying the Exam
- GMAT Study Plan: Strategies to Ace Your Prep and Achieve Success
FAQs
Is 650 a bad GMAT score?
- A 650 GMAT score is not bad, but it may be below the average for top business schools. Many MBA programs have median GMAT scores above 700, but a 650 can still be competitive for business schools with more flexible admissions. Strong work experience, GPA, and essays can help balance a lower GMAT score in the application process.
Is 750 GMAT good for Harvard?
- A 750 GMAT score is strong for Harvard Business School (HBS). The average GMAT score for HBS is typically around 730-740, so a 750 is above the median score and competitive. However, MBA admissions at Harvard are based on more than just test scores, including work experience, leadership, and personal statements.
Is 750 a good score on GMAT?
- Yes, a 750 GMAT score is excellent. It places a test taker in the 98th percentile, meaning they scored higher than most applicants. A 750 is competitive for top MBA programs like Stanford, Wharton, and MIT Sloan, but schools also consider other application factors beyond test scores.
Is a 570 GMAT score good?
- A 570 GMAT score is below the median GMAT score for most MBA programs. Many top business schools have average GMAT scores above 700, and even b schools with lower requirements often see admitted students scoring 600 or higher. However, some MBA programs accept lower GMAT scores if an applicant has strong work experience, leadership skills, and a compelling application.
