Average GMAT Scores For The World’s Top MBA Programs

The GMAT exam is the world's premier business school admissions test, measuring your readiness for the academic demands of an MBA program.

Your skills are put to the test throughout the 2-hour and 15-minute exam, which assesses your abilities in three areas: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. Scoring high on the GMAT will make a good case for you to earn a seat on a top MBA.

So, what is a good GMAT score for an MBA program? A good idea is to aim for the average score of the MBA class you want to get into. To help you out, each year BusinessBecause highlights the average GMAT scores for the world's top MBA programs.

This year (2024) saw a change to the GMAT scoring system, alongside an updated exam structure. The GMAT exam still sees test-takers graded in 10-point intervals, but with the minimum score being 205 and the maximum score being 805 (a change from the previous range of 200-800). 

To reflect this change, when we discuss average GMAT scores below, we quote the 2023 scores as reported by schools, with a GMAT score range beside them based on the current scoring scale. These score ranges are based on their relative competitiveness to the 2023 scores according to a concordance chart, and so are not a direct conversion of the scores, but can offer you an idea of what you should be aiming to achieve. 

US schools: Average GMAT scores for Stanford, Harvard & more

A member of the prestigious M7 business schools, each year Harvard Business School cements its place as one of the best MBA programs, proved primarily by the quality of its candidates.

Along with Stanford, Harvard reports the class median, rather than the average GMAT score. For the class of 2026, this brings it to first place with a score of 740 (roughly as competitive as scores of 685-695 in the updated scoring system).

The average GMAT score for the Stanford incoming class of 2026 is 738 (675-685), the second-highest among the top MBA programs. New York University Stern School of Business is not far behind, with an average score of 733 (675-685).

Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management comes in fourth place at 731 (675-685).

These four leading schools are followed by MIT Sloan School of Management, Yale School of Management, Columbia Business School, and the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business, all of which have average GMAT scores of 730 (675-685).

The majority of the top US schools have average GMAT scores of 645 and above within the updated exam scoring system used from 2024. The average GMAT score for Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business is 727 (665-685), while the University of Virginia Darden School of Business sees MBAs typically score 712 (655-675).

As of 2024, a 645+ GMAT score means placing in the 87th percentile of GMAT exam takers. However, while most of the top schools report high-achieving average GMAT scores, securing a top score isn't everything 

Look a little closer at a school’s score range, and you get a better idea of how diverse candidate profiles can be.

Harvard and Stanford both see big GMAT ranges. For the Class of 2026, Harvard accepted students with GMAT scores of 540 all the way up to 790 (approximately as competitive as a score of 785+ in the new GMAT scoring system, just shy of the maximum score). Meanwhile, Stanford accepted candidates with scores as low as 600 in its most recent intake.

© Stanford University/Facebook 

European & Asian MBAs: INSEAD average GMAT score & more

While high GMAT scores remain an emphasis for US MBA programs, the numbers would suggest European and Asian business schools place a smaller focus on top scores. 

Of the seven non-US schools listed among the top 20 in the world by the Financial Times, few recorded higher average GMAT scores than US schools. 

The highest average GMAT scored achieved outside of the US is at INSEAD—a top-rated European business school—with an average GMAT of 710 (as competitive as scores of 655-665 under the new GMAT exam scoring system). London Business School also recorded an average score of 700 (645-655) 

France’s HEC Paris has an average score of 690 (635-645), while IESE Business School in Spain has an average of 670 (615). 

The best Asia-based program in the FT’s ranking—China’s CEIBS—in 21st place, scores 680 (615-620). 

* The school provides a median GMAT score

** Based on 2023 data

† These score ranges are based on relative competitiveness and are not a direct conversion of the 2023 scores. See the GMAC concordance chart for more information.

What is a good GMAT exam score?

If you're applying to a top MBA program, aim for the class average GMAT score. Average GMAT scores for MBA programs have been increasing over the years, so you'll need to be ready for the challenge. Consider your test prep options and practice GMAT sample questions.

At the same time, GMAT ranges vary. You don't always need to score over the 89th percentile to get accepted. But you'll need to demonstrate your quantitative ability and academic strength elsewhere in your application. You also need to show the school what unique qualities you bring to the classroom. 

A good GMAT score for MBA programs is important. Business schools look at your profile as a whole, but the GMAT remains an important factor.