Thinking about starting your GMAT preparation? Wondering what is a good GMAT score for MBA programmes intake? If you answered yes to both questions, you’ve arrived at the right place. If not, you can still benefit with some information on MBA and its admission requirement that may come in handy.
In this article, we’ll cover all essential aspects of GMAT scores when applying to various MBA programmes and how to set a GMAT target score that meets the requirements of your targeted business school’s MBA programme. Furthermore, we’ll also explore what is the explicit GMAT score for top 100 MBA programs and what you should do to strengthen your profile.
What are the Requirements for an MBA Program?
One of the key metrics to secure admission in a business school of high repute is to have a good GMAT score. It is essential to note that most reputed business schools mandate the GMAT because of its nature.
As a psychometric test, the GMAT reveals to the admissions committee that an applicant has the intelligence to cope with the rigorous demands of the MBA curriculum designed by the business school. Hence, top ranking business schools across the globe always prefer competitive applicants who have a score of 720+ on the GMAT. Given the large number of applicants, the top 20 ranking business schools often set a cut off GMAT score of 85th percentile or above. Therefore, if you wish to get an admit into a top-tier MBA program taught at a prestigious business school then you have to aim for a higher score on the GMAT.
However, if you check the GMAT score for a top 100 MBA programmes, then you will notice that the GMAT score required is slightly lower than those business schools ranked higher on global rankings. For instance, the GMAT score for Cornell MBA is between 650 and 740 and the university is ranked 33rd on the QS Global MBA Rankings; whereas, HBS sets a GMAT score of 760+ and is ranked in the top 5 on the same ranking. Hence, it is important to set your GMAT targets based on the MBA programme that suits your career needs and economic feasibility.
Wondering does IIM accept GMAT score for MBA? Yes, most top-ranking IIMs do accept GMAT scores; however, only for foreign students. Indian applicants still need to apply for an MBA at an IIM through CAT scores.
Do Business Schools Have High Cut-Off for GMAT Scores?
It is essential to understand that your GMAT scores are not the only criteria that an admissions committee at a business school will use to gauge your profile. Members of the admissions committee use a weightage system to allocate certain weights to aspects of your application. Hence, your GMAT scores can only guarantee you admissions to the extent of importance given by the admission committee of the business school to GMAT scores.
In addition to a good GMAT score, the Ivy League schools and most other top ranking business schools look for unique and extraordinary applications. Applications that demonstrate leadership experience through community service, working with NGOs, leading projects at a full-time job, strong statement of purpose and convincing letters of recommendations gain a lot of strength. Hence, don’t just focus on scores and take a broader approach to building your overall profile even if it requires you to delay your MBA by a year or two.
How to Find the GMAT Requirements for Your Targeted MBA Programme?
Well, simply reach out to the school’s admissions office and ask them “what GMAT score do I need for MBA?” or browse through the requirement page on the business schools’ website. You can usually find out the score required by your targeted MBA programme by checking the average or median GMAT score of the incoming class for the previous intake published by the institution. Furthermore, you can also gain insights on the class’s profile which should help you understand admission criteria based on which the admissions were granted to these applicants.
In addition to the average GMAT score for MBA programmes, you should watch out for essential information such as ratio of female students to male students, percentage of international students, average age and the average number of years of experience of the class. Data of the class profile helps you set the right targets for your targeted MBA programme and helps you strengthen your overall profile, accordingly.
To conclude, there are various factors which contribute towards your application process to a business school of your choice. Moreover, business schools don’t just consider your GMAT scores when applying but look at your overall skills, academic GPAs, age, work experience, and leadership potential which make you unique and a strong candidate to pursue the management program. However, always remember to set a high GMAT score to gain competitive advantage in your application and offset any low GPAs that you may have acquired during your undergraduate programme.
Now that you know what is the GMAT score for MBA programmes, how important are GMAT scores and where to find the GMAT score requirement of your targeted business school, you’re better positioned to plan your higher education goals.