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

Updated on 14 February, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a lucrative course choice that fresh graduates or experienced professionals can pursue to open doors to unlimited prospects. However, getting admission to top-ranked B-schools worldwide takes a lot of work. Usually, the top B-schools require GMAT scores as high as 730. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer-based standardized test that measures students' analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills. Let us see the average GMAT scores for top business schools like Harvard, Stanford, etc.

Average Score Requirements for GMAT

The GMAT Focus Edition score ranges between 205 to 805 where an average total score, at the moment, 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, IIM Bangalore, and Stanford University you will need a score of 730+. The average GMAT score for most business schools of 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 of 700 or 730+. Let us take an idea of the average GMAT scores accepted by the top universities globally with an example of Harvard University.

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GMAT Score Required at Harvard University

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. 

GMAT Score Required at Top 100 B-Schools

The average GMAT scores for top 100 business schools fall in the same range and if you wish to study at one, you should aim for at least 700 and above. Let us have a look at some of the most popular B-schools and their average accepted GMAT scores.

UniversityAverage GMAT Score Requirement
IIM Bangalore740
Stanford University733
University of British Columbia730
Harvard University730
University of California, Berkeley727
Northwestern University727
Chicago-Booth724
University of Pennsylvania722
Dartmouth College722
Yale University720
University of Massachusetts720
MIT720
University of Michigan710
London Business School707
University of Melbourne703
Cornell University698
University of Cambridge693
Rice - Jones689
Oxford680
Iowa676
Michigan State University674
Arizona665
Pittsburgh640
Penn State639
Purdue634
Concordia633
Boston College625
Missouri620
Iowa State610
Memphis600
Saskatchewan587
Kent State559
Clark Atlanta550
Virginia Commonwealth540

 

Know More About GMAT:

How to Prepare for GMAT ExamGMAT Exam FeeMBA Without GMAT in Canada
MBA Without GMAT in GermanyMBA Without GMAT in IrelandHow to Score 700 in GMAT

 

Conclusion

The top-ranked business schools and universities worldwide need applicants to fulfill the GMAT and GRE score requirements to be eligible. The acceptance rate of top-ranked business schools is usually low, and hence a good GMAT score can make a big difference. To know more about the GMAT scores required for top business schools and the admission process to be followed, you can get in touch with the academic experts of upGrad Abroad or read our more articles on GMAT to better your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average GMAT score for top business schools like Stanford?

As per the official website, the average GMAT score for Stanford University is 738. However, if you are seeking admission to Stanford you should aim for 750 as the score keeps on fluctuating between 610 and 790.

How to get admission to Harvard Business School?

Apart from aiming for a good GMAT score to partake in Harvard admissions, you must satisfy additional criteria which are laid out below for your reference:

  1. Stellar Academic record
  2. Leadership skills
  3. Strong LOR from your professor
  4. Valid justification for the year gaps

What is a good GMAT score for Harvard?

Harvard's GMAT score cut-off falls n the range of 730 and above. If you wish to get admission to Harvard, you must have a stellar academic record along with other skills. However, these are not the only criteria that will help you in getting admission to Harvard Business School. In addition, you should have a strong application, GPA, impressive resume, and quality letter of recommendation to support your GMAT scores for top business schools.

What is the acceptance rate for Harvard Business School?

The Harvard Business School's admission process is highly competitive and has a low acceptance rate. It was 9.5% for the incoming Class of 2024. According to the Harvard Business School website, 69% of the Class of 2025 chose to submit GMAT scores in their applications.

What is the average GMAT score required for top business schools?

The GMAT scores needed to make it to the top business schools usually fall in the range of 590-750. The average GMAT score required for top business schools is mentioned in the table provided below:

University/SchoolAverage GMAT Score
Stanford University733
Harvard University730
The Northwestern University727
University of Pennsylvania722
Dartmouth College722

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.