Average GMAT Score for Top Business Schools: Harvard, Stanford, Yale & More

Dreaming of an MBA from a top-tier business school? A Master of Business Administration can double your salary, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).  Now, wondering what GMAT score will make you stand out? Getting into top-ranked B-schools is challenging. Typically, the top business schools require GMAT scores as high as 730.

Let’s uncover the average GMAT scores you need to hit to unlock the doors to the world’s most prestigious MBA programs!
 

What is GMAT

The GMAT is a computer-based standardized test that measures analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. It’s essential for admission into top business schools, especially for those of us looking to study abroad. High GMAT scores can significantly improve our chances of getting into prestigious programs.

What is a Good GMAT Score for Top Business Schools

The top business schools' average GMAT score typically ranges from 700 to 750. For elite institutions like Harvard and Stanford, a score of 730 or higher is often necessary. If you know what a good GMAT score is, you can set realistic goals and focus your study efforts strategically.

Average Score Requirements for GMAT

The GMAT Focus Edition score ranges between 205 to 805, and the average total score is 565. The GMAT score requirement for top business schools increases every year. The GMAT score, which is between 650 to 690 is considered good, but for top-ranked universities such as Harvard University, and Stanford University you will need a score of 730 or higher. The average GMAT score for most business schools in Europe falls in the range of 630 to 750.

Average GMAT Scores Accepted by Top Business Schools 

The top-ranked universities for MBA programs offer attractive career opportunities, and hence, boast strong competition. To be eligible for admissions to the best B- schools worldwide, you will need a high GMAT score. Let me give an idea of the average GMAT scores of top business schools globally with an example of Harvard University.

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GMAT Score Required at Harvard University

From my experience, getting admission to Harvard University is very difficult. Harvard University features among the top 10 universities for MBA courses for international students. Getting admission to Harvard University is very difficult.

• For MBA programs, aspirants require a GMAT score of 730 and must also fulfill the GRE score requirements. 
• The GRE score requirement at Harvard ranges from 260 to 340. It means a score above 300 is a good one to get admission and meet the eligibility criteria for MBA programs there. 
• The scores of applicants need to be between 155 to 166 for the verbal portion and 155 to 174 for quantitative analysis.

Average Harvard GMAT Score

I knew the competition was tough when I applied to Harvard Business School (HBS). Harvard Business School (HBS) MBA Class of 2025 has a competitive average GMAT score. While there’s no minimum GMAT score requirement, the median total is 740. 

This highlights the academic strength and analytical skills of HBS students. Compared to other universities’ GMAT scores, 

Harvard’s median score is among the highest average GMAT scores for top MBA programs.

Harvard GMAT Range

When preparing my application for Harvard Business School, I found it helpful to know that HBS accepts a wide range of GMAT scores, showcasing the diversity of its student body. For the MBA Class of 2025, GMAT scores for Harvard are as follows:

Category	Range	Median
Total GMAT Score	500 - 790	-
Verbal Section Score	25 - 51	42
Quantitative Section Score	31 - 51	49

These numbers show that HBS students have strong verbal and quantitative skills. Knowing the GMAT score required for Harvard helps you understand what it takes to join one of the top business schools.

GMAT Score Required at Top 100 B-Schools

If you aim to study at one of the top 100 business schools, you’ll need a strong GMAT score. Let us look at some of the most popular B-schools and their average accepted GMAT scores.

University	Average GMAT Score Requirement
Stanford University	738
University of British Columbia	550
Harvard University	740
University of California, Berkeley	733
Northwestern University	731
Chicago-Booth	729
University of Pennsylvania	728
Dartmouth College	726
Yale University	720
University of Massachusetts	690
MIT	730
University of Michigan	719
London Business School	700
University of Melbourne	630
Cornell University	710
University of Cambridge	682
Rice - Jones	702
University of Oxford	650
Michigan State University	670
Arizona	684
Pittsburgh	600
Penn State	540
Purdue	633
Concordia	580
Boston College	576
Missouri	630
Iowa State	610
Memphis	550
Saskatchewan	500
Kent State	559
Clark Atlanta	550
Virginia Commonwealth	540

Know More About GMAT:

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Conclusion

You must meet the GMAT and GRE score requirements to get into top business schools. Given the low acceptance rates, I remember how crucial a strong GMAT score was during my application process. For detailed insights on average GMAT scores for top MBA programs and tips on achieving top MBA GMAT scores, contact the experts at upGrad Abroad. Good luck with your application journey