In the competitive landscape of business education, aspiring MBA candidates often find themselves faced with a crucial question: Where should I pursue my graduate studies, and how do my average GMAT scores compare to those of top business schools?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test designed to assess a candidate’s readiness for the rigors of a business school curriculum, and it is a critical component of the admissions process for many MBA programs worldwide.
In this article, we will delve into the average GMAT scores for business schools in the United States, Europe, and Canada. These scores not only provide valuable insights into the calibre of students admitted to these institutions but also offer prospective applicants a window into the competitiveness and expectations of each region’s business education landscape.
So, let’s explore the average GMAT scores and their significance.
On November 7, 2023, GMAC introduced a new version of the GMAT exam. The earlier version is now referred to as the GMAT Classic Edition. Along with this update, a new scoring system was also introduced.
To help you better understand and compare scores across different years, we have:
- Converted the 2024 average GMAT scores to the new scoring scale using the official concordance table provided by GMAC.
- Continued to display the Classic Edition scores for past years (2023 and earlier), as they remain valid.
Reminder: GMAT Classic Edition scores are still valid for five years from the date of the exam.
US Business Schools : Average GMAT Scores
| Business School | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Converted Scores |
Classic Edition |
Classic Edition | |||
| Stanford GSB | 695 | 738 | 738 | 737 | 738 |
| Harvard Business School | 695 | 740 | 740 | 730 | 730 |
| The Wharton School | 685 | 732 | 728 | 733 | 733 |
| MIT Sloan | 685 | 730 | 729 | 730 | 729 |
| Columbia Business School | 685 | 732 | 730 | 732 | 729 |
| Northwestern (Kellogg) | 685 | 733 | 731 | 729 | 729 |
| Chicago (Booth) | 685 | 729 | 731 | 729 | 732 |
| UC Berkeley (Haas) | 685 | 730 | 733 | 729 | 729 |
| Yale SOM | 675 | 730 | 730 | 726 | 725 |
| NYU (Stern) | 685 | 733 | 732 | 730 | 729 |
| Dartmouth (Tuck) | 685 | 727 | 726 | 726 | 724 |
| Virginia (Darden) | 675 | 718 | 716 | 720 | 715 |
| Duke (Fuqua) | 685 | 660–760 | 718 | 718 | 713 |
| Michigan (Ross) | 685 | 728 | 719 | 720 | 722 |
| Cornell (Johnson) | 665 | 710 | 710 | 711 | 710 |
| UCLA (Anderson) | 665 | 714 | 710 | 711 | 714 |
| Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) | 655 | 697 | 705 | 702 | 691 |
| Texas–Austin (McCombs) | 655 | 704 | 704 | 706 | 708 |
| UNC (Kenan–Flagler) | 665 | 707 | 696 | 706 | 696 |
| Emory (Goizueta) | 655 | 705 | 709 | 700 | 692 |
The landscape of business education in the United States is as dynamic as it is competitive, with a multitude of renowned institutions vying for top candidates from around the globe.
A critical aspect of evaluating the quality and selectivity of these programs lies in the average GMAT scores of admitted students, and it is fascinating to observe the trends in this data over the past few years.
- Stanford Graduate School of Business consistently ranks as one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the United States, and its GMAT scores reflect its reputation. In 2024, the average GMAT score for admitted students was an impressive 738, a testament to the school’s stringent selection process and the caliber of its students. This score remained largely consistent with slight fluctuations in the previous years, reflecting Stanford’s commitment to academic excellence.
- The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania maintains its prestige with a 2024 GMAT average of 732, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence. The consistently impressive GMAT scores of The Wharton School reflect their enduring commitment to enrolling students demonstrating exceptional aptitude and leadership potential in the business realm
- NYU Stern, situated in the heart of New York City, has seen a steady rise in its GMAT scores over the past few years. In 2024, the school reported an average GMAT score of 733, signifying the institution’s increasing competitiveness and the attractiveness of its programs.
- Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management maintain consistently high GMAT averages at 740 and 730 respectively. These M7 business schools have long been leaders in the field of business education, and their GMAT scores reflect their enduring reputation for academic excellence.
- The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University has seen a steady rise in GMAT scores, reaching 733 in 2024 – up from 729 in 2021 – highlighting its growing selectivity and appeal to top-tier talent.
- The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago has maintained a consistently strong GMAT average, reporting 729 in 2024, in line with previous years, underscoring its continued draw among competitive applicants worldwide.
- Columbia Business School, UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, and Dartmouth Tuck School of Business all maintain high GMAT averages, indicating their continued ability to attract and admit exceptional students.
- Yale School of Management stands out with its 2024 GMAT average of 730, which remains consistently strong over the years. This Ivy League business school’s emphasis on a diverse and collaborative learning environment is mirrored in its admissions process.
- Further down the list, Michigan Ross, Virginia Darden, and Duke Fuqua all maintain respectable GMAT scores, showcasing the strong educational offerings in the Midwest and the South.
In conclusion, these average GMAT scores offer valuable insights into the competitive landscape of business education in the United States. They reflect the commitment of these institutions to attracting the brightest minds and preparing them for leadership roles in the business world.
Curious how applicants turn strong GMAT scores into top U.S. MBA admits?
Check out how Dhruv made it to Yale, McCombs, and UNC with a well-rounded application strategy:
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European Business Schools : Average GMAT scores
| Business School | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Converted Scores |
Classic Edition |
Classic Edition | |||
| INSEAD | 665 | 710 | 710 | 708 | 708 |
| London Business School | 665 | 708 | 708 | 708 | 708 |
| University of Cambridge (Judge) | 655 | 697 | 682 | 690 | 690 |
| HEC Paris | 645 | 690 | 690 | 690 | 690 |
| IESE Business School | 555–715 | 580–750 | 580–750 | 690 | 690 |
| Oxford (Saïd) | 635 | 680 | 680 | 690 | 690 |
| IMD | 555–715 | 585–755 | 680 | 680 | 680 |
| Warwick | 615 | 670 | 660 | 650 | 650 |
| Alliance Manchester Business School | 615* | 660* | 660 | 660 | 660 |
| ESADE | 615 | 660 | 660 | 660 | 660 |
*estimated scores
The European business school landscape is a diverse and thriving one, offering an array of world-class MBA programs. As you explore your options, understanding the trends in GMAT scores can provide crucial insights into the admission standards and overall competitiveness of these institutions.
- INSEAD, consistently ranked among the top global business schools, boasts a 2024 average GMAT score of 710. This score is a testament to INSEAD’s reputation for academic excellence and its ability to attract high-caliber students from around the world. Despite a slight fluctuation in recent years, INSEAD’s GMAT averages remain competitive.
- London Business School, another stalwart of European business education, reports an average GMAT score of 708 for 2024, indicating a commitment to maintaining high academic standards. Like INSEAD, LBS has kept its GMAT averages consistently competitive over the years.
- Cambridge Judge Business School and HEC Paris reported GMAT averages of 697 and 690 respectively in 2024, showcasing their dedication to admitting students with strong academic aptitude and potential for leadership roles in the business world. While both schools have shown consistency in GMAT scores over the years, Cambridge has seen a recent increase, underscoring its emphasis on high academic standards.
- IESE Business School reported 2024 GMAT range of 580-750, while Oxford Saïd Business School maintains an average of 680. Both schools have upheld competitive GMAT score averages in recent years, reflecting their ambition to attract high-achieving candidates to their programs.
- IMD, located in Switzerland, maintains a competitive GMAT range of 585-755 in 2024. This consistent score signifies the school’s commitment to its rigorous curriculum and its focus on nurturing future business leaders.
- ESADE Business School, with an average GMAT score of 660 in 2024, provides a more accessible option for candidates looking for a top-notch education in Europe. While slightly lower than some of its counterparts, ESADE’s GMAT average is still competitive and aligns with its mission to offer a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
In summary, the average GMAT scores of top European business schools reveal a landscape of competitiveness and academic excellence. You can use this data to gauge your own qualifications and align your aspirations with the admission requirements of these prestigious business schools.
Curious how applicants turn strong GMAT scores into top European MBA admits?
Check out how Neeraj made it to HEC Paris and Oxford Saïd with a well-rounded application strategy:
Whether you aim for the consistently high scores of business schools like INSEAD and London Business School or opt for the diversity and accessibility offered by schools like ESADE, the European business education scene presents a wealth of opportunities for those seeking to further their careers in the world of business.
Canadian Business Schools: Average GMAT scores
| Business School | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Converted Scores |
Classic Edition |
Classic Edition | |||
| University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management | 720 | 672 | 672 | 673 | 674 |
| McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management | 700 | 650 | 676 | 676 | 675 |
| Western University – Ivey Business School | 720 | 665 | 661 | 662 | 660 |
| York University – Schulich School of Business | 710 | 660 | 662 | 663 | 661 |
| Queen’s University – Smith School of Business | 700 | 650 | 652 | 653 | 651 |
| University of British Columbia – Sauder School of Business | 700* | 650* | 651 | 652 | 650 |
| University of Alberta – Alberta School of Business | 680* | 630* | 632 | 633 | 631 |
| HEC Montréal | 680* | 625* | 626 | 627 | 625 |
*estimated scores
Canada is increasingly becoming a sought-after destination for business education, with its top-tier business schools consistently raising their standards to attract the best and brightest talent. Analyzing the GMAT scores of these institutions over the past couple of years provides valuable insights into their competitiveness and their commitment to academic excellence.
- University of Toronto – Rotman School of Management is one of Canada’s leading business schools and maintains a GMAT average of 672 in 2024. This score, while slightly lower than the previous year, reflects Rotman’s ongoing dedication to admitting students with strong academic potential.
- York University – Schulich School of Business and Queen’s University – Smith School of Business share a GMAT average of 660 in 2024. These scores are indicative of the competitiveness among Canadian business schools, as they aim to attract candidates with strong academic backgrounds and leadership potential.
- Western University – Ivey Business School, known for its case-based teaching methodology, boasts a GMAT average of 665 in 2024, signalling its commitment to academic rigor and excellence.
- McGill University – Desautels Faculty of Management reports an average GMAT score of 650 in 2024, demonstrating its consistency in maintaining high admission standards. This score positions McGill as a competitive choice for those aspiring to pursue an MBA in Canada.
- University of British Columbia – Sauder School of Business and University of Alberta – Alberta School of Business both maintain a GMAT average of 651 in 2023. This consistent score reflects their commitment to admitting students who meet their rigorous academic standards.
- HEC Montreal, with an average GMAT score of 626 in 2023, provides an option for candidates looking for a more accessible path to business education. While its average GMAT score is lower than some of its peers, HEC Montreal remains a reputable institution that caters to a diverse range of students.
In conclusion, the GMAT scores of top Canadian business schools reveal a landscape of competitiveness and academic rigor. The country’s business schools are committed to fostering future business leaders who can make a significant impact on a global scale.
You can use this data to evaluate their qualifications and align their aspirations with the admission requirements of these esteemed business schools.
Whether you aim for schools with consistently high scores like Rotman and Desautels or seek accessibility and diversity in their MBA journey, Canada offers a range of options for individuals looking to excel in the field of business.
Final Thoughts
As you reflect on the average GMAT scores for business schools in the United States, Europe, and Canada, several key takeaways should be at the forefront of your mind.
First and foremost, these scores act as a barometer of the competitiveness and rigor of business school admissions.
In the United States, where some of the world’s most prestigious institutions reside, the high average GMAT scores signify the intense competition for coveted spots in MBA programs.
The same holds true for Europe, where many schools maintain rigorous admissions standards to attract top-tier candidates from across the globe. In Canada, while average GMAT scores may be slightly lower on average compared to the US and Europe, they still reflect a commitment to academic excellence and a desire to foster future business leaders.
Furthermore, these scores are not just numbers on a page; they also offer insights into the caliber of your peers. When considering applying to a particular business school, remember that the average GMAT score can give you a sense of the intellectual diversity and talent pool you’ll be surrounded by. It’s an indicator of the caliber of your future classmates and the potential for collaborative learning and networking opportunities.
Moreover, the significance of GMAT scores extends beyond admissions. They often play a role in securing scholarships and financial aid. Higher scores can open doors to funding opportunities, potentially lightening the financial burden of pursuing a graduate business education.
Your GMAT is Just the Start.
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It’s crucial to remember that GMAT scores are just one piece of the puzzle. Admissions committees also consider your work experience, academic background, essays, letters of recommendation, and your fit with the program’s culture and values. So while these scores matter, they’re not the sole determinants of your fate in the admissions process.
In conclusion, as you contemplate your business school journey, use these average GMAT scores as a benchmark for your aspirations and ambitions. Let them inspire you to aim high and pursue excellence, but also keep in mind that they are just one facet of your application.
Ultimately, your unique experiences, skills, and goals will shape your path to success in the world of business education.