Average GMAT Score by School: Business Schools Ranking 2026
Explore the average GMAT score by school for 2026. Compare top business schools, see score ranges, and understand what’s competitive today.
Posted January 12, 2026
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Table of Contents
The average GMAT score by school helps you understand how competitive MBA admissions are in 2026. Business schools use GMAT data to compare applicants from different academic and professional backgrounds. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) plays a major role in MBA admissions at business schools around the world. A strong GMAT score improves an applicant’s chances of getting into top MBA programs, making it an important part of the MBA application process.
In 2023, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) replaced the traditional GMAT with the GMAT Focus Edition. The updated exam introduced a new scoring scale and revised test sections. As the current standard for MBA admissions, GMAT Focus Edition scores are now fully integrated into how business schools evaluate applicants.
This article explains how the GMAT Focus Edition differs from the previous version, breaks down the average GMAT score by school, and provides data on the median GMAT score for the top 25 MBA programs.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam used by business schools to evaluate applicants for MBA programs and other graduate business programs. It measures a candidate’s quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning skills, which are critical for success in MBA classes.
The GMAT Focus Edition, which replaces the previous version of the test, includes significant updates to the scoring scale and format. The exam now consists of:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses problem-solving and numerical skills.
- Verbal Reasoning: Measures reading comprehension, grammar, and logical reasoning.
- Data Insights Section: Evaluates analytical skills related to data interpretation.
Understanding GMAT score percentiles is crucial as they indicate how a test taker's score compares to others, highlighting the competitive nature of the exam.
Note: The GMAT Focus Edition no longer includes the analytical writing section (AWA). The exam now lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes and is divided into three 45-minute sections.
Read: 3 Things You Need to Know About the New GMAT Focus Edition
GMAT Score Distribution
Most GMAT test takers score around the middle of the scoring scale, with recent data placing the average GMAT score in the low 600s under the GMAT Focus Edition. Score expectations vary by school of business, but top business schools typically report much higher median GMAT scores, often in the 700+ range, reflecting the level of competition in selective MBA programs.
How Important Are GMAT Scores in Business School Admissions?
Business schools use GMAT scores as one factor in a holistic admissions process. While they do not solely determine admission, they carry significant weight as a standardized measure that helps schools compare candidates.
Why Do Business Schools Consider GMAT Scores?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) assesses quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data analysis skills, all of which are important for success in an MBA program. Since applicants come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, GMAT scores provide a common benchmark that admissions committees can use to evaluate academic preparedness.
How Much Do GMAT Scores Matter?
The importance of GMAT scores varies by school of business. Some top MBA programs place a strong emphasis on high GMAT scores, while others consider them as one part of a broader application review.
Many business schools also consider median scores, which represent the middle point of all applicants' scores, to assess the overall competitiveness of their applicant pool.
Factors that influence the weight of GMAT scores in MBA admissions include:
- School Ranking: Top business schools, like Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Chicago Booth, typically have higher average GMAT scores and consider strong test performance a key admissions factor.
- Class Profiles: Schools use GMAT scores to shape their incoming MBA classes, ensuring a mix of academic and professional backgrounds.
- Alternative Metrics: Some schools may consider work experience, undergraduate GPA, leadership experience, and personal essays more heavily, especially if an applicant’s GMAT score is below their median score.
What Is a Good GMAT Score in 2026
A good GMAT score depends on where you apply. Many MBA programs publish score ranges so prospective students can judge competitiveness.
| GMAT Score Range | Competitiveness | Typical School Type |
|---|---|---|
| 730–805 | Very strong | Top MBA programs |
| 700–729 | Strong | Highly ranked schools |
| 650–699 | Solid | Well-ranked programs |
| 600–649 | Acceptable | Flexible admissions |
| Below 600 | Limited | Fewer options |
Note: A good score aligns with the class profiles of your target schools.
Do All Business Schools Require GMAT Scores?
Some business schools offer GMAT waivers or accept the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) as an alternative. MBA programs that accept both GMAT and GRE scores consider factors like academic background, professional experience, and career goals when evaluating applicants.
Many schools have test-optional policies for candidates with extensive work experience or advanced degrees. However, for applicants aiming for top business schools, a strong GMAT score remains an important factor in the MBA admissions process.
Balancing GMAT Scores with Other Admissions Factors
While a high GMAT score can strengthen an application, it is not the only factor that admissions committees consider. Candidates should focus on building a well-rounded application that includes:
- A strong resume with leadership and professional experience
- Well-written essays that demonstrate clear career goals
- Letters of recommendation from supervisors or mentors
- A solid undergraduate academic record
Expert Tip: For test takers with lower GMAT scores, highlighting strengths in these areas can improve their MBA admissions chances.
How Are GMAT Scores Calculated?
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test. This means the test adjusts as you go. When you answer a question correctly, the next question usually becomes harder. If you answer a question incorrectly, the next one is usually easier. This helps the test estimate your skill level more accurately.
Your final GMAT score is not based only on how many questions you get right. It also depends on how difficult the questions were and how consistently you performed throughout the section.
Because of this adaptive system, answering harder questions correctly generally leads to a higher score. However, missing easier questions early can limit how high your score can go, even if you answer harder questions later.
Note: Since the exam adapts to each test taker, answering more difficult questions correctly leads to a higher score.
GMAT Score Ranges and Approximate Percentiles
GMAT scores are reported on a 200–800 scale. Percentile rankings show how a score compares to other test takers and can change slightly over time as testing populations shift. The ranges below are approximate and meant for general comparison only.
| GMAT Score Range | Approximate Percentile Range |
|---|---|
| 760–800 | 99th percentile |
| 740–750 | High 90s |
| 720–730 | Low to mid-90s |
| 700–710 | High 80s to low 90s |
| 650–690 | 70s to low 80s |
| 600–640 | Around the median |
| 500–590 | Below average |
How Important Are GMAT Scores in Business School Admissions?
The Role of GMAT Scores in Admissions
Business schools use GMAT scores as one of several factors in the MBA admissions process. While they do not guarantee admission, they provide a standardized measure to compare candidates.
Admissions committees evaluate GMAT scores alongside:
- Undergraduate GPA
- Work experience
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal essays and interviews
Note: While some B-schools emphasize high GMAT scores, others focus more on work experience or leadership potential.
How Much Weight is Given to GMAT Scores?
Different MBA programs assign varying importance to GMAT scores:
- Some top business schools, like Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business, use GMAT scores as a key component of admissions decisions.
- Others, like UNC Kenan-Flagler and Emory Goizueta, take a more holistic approach, considering work experience, essays, and recommendations alongside GMAT scores.
Expert Tip: Applicants should research class profiles of their target schools to understand how much weight is placed on test scores.
Average GMAT Scores by Business School (2026)
Schools continue to report GMAT statistics using the traditional 200–800 scale. GMAT Focus Edition scores are accepted, but official Focus averages are not published. Focus ranges below reflect competitive equivalents, not school-reported data.
| Business School | Recent GMAT Avg / Median (Traditional) | Competitive GMAT Focus Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | ~737–738 | ~740–755 |
| Harvard Business School | ~730 | ~735–750 |
| Wharton School | ~722–733 | ~725–745 |
| Columbia Business School | ~729–730 | ~735–750 |
| MIT Sloan | ~720 | ~725–740 |
| Chicago Booth | ~724–730 | ~730–745 |
| Kellogg School of Management | ~728–731 | ~730–745 |
| UC Berkeley Haas | ~727 | ~730–745 |
| Yale School of Management | ~720 | ~725–740 |
| Dartmouth Tuck | ~722 | ~725–740 |
| Michigan Ross | ~719 | ~720–735 |
| NYU Stern | ~719–723 | ~720–735 |
| Virginia Darden | ~716 | ~720–735 |
| Cornell Johnson | ~715 | ~720–735 |
| UCLA Anderson | ~714 | ~715–730 |
| Duke Fuqua | ~710 | ~715–730 |
| Texas McCombs | ~704 | ~705–720 |
| Carnegie Mellon Tepper | ~690 | ~695–710 |
| UNC Kenan-Flagler | ~696 | ~700–715 |
| Emory Goizueta | ~709 | ~710–725 |
| Georgetown McDonough | ~695 | ~700–715 |
| Indiana Kelley | ~685 | ~690–705 |
| USC Marshall | ~679–682 | ~685–700 |
| Minnesota Carlson | ~680 | ~685–700 |
| Florida Warrington (Hough) | ~681 | ~685–700 |
Note: GMAT Focus ranges are estimates based on GMAC guidance and admissions-consulting consensus. Schools do not publish official Focus averages.
How to Improve GMAT Scores
Effective Study Techniques for GMAT Prep
- Create a study plan based on strengths and weaknesses.
- Use official GMAT prep materials, including the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) practice tests.
- Take full-length practice exams to simulate test conditions.
- Focus on weaker areas, whether in quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, or data insights.
- Join study groups or work with a GMAT coach.
Read: How Long Should You Actually Study for the GMAT?
Resources for GMAT Preparation
- Official Guide for GMAT Review: Published by GMAC, this book includes real test questions.
- GMAT Club and Manhattan Prep: Online forums and practice materials.
- Adaptive Learning Platforms: AI-based tools that customize GMAT prep based on performance.
The Bottom Line
With the GMAT Focus Edition in full swing, applicants must recalibrate what ‘competitive’ means. Don’t just chase a score. Understand how your target programs weigh testing, and build a strategy that highlights your full story. For many, a 720 paired with compelling leadership experience may outperform a 760 with a generic narrative.
A high GMAT score helps, but many MBA programs also consider work experience, GPA, essays, and recommendations. A strong application includes both a good GMAT score and a clear story of professional growth and career goals. Test takers should focus on GMAT prep, research class profiles, and build a well-rounded application.
Get GMAT Prep Help from Expert Coaches
Work with a GMAT test prep coach to improve your score and feel confident on test day.
Read these articles next:
- GMAT vs. GRE for an MBA – Which Should You Take (and How to Ace Both)
- How Late Can You Take the GMAT/GRE for MBA Applications?
- The Do's and Don'ts of the GMAT: Demystifying the Exam
- GMAT Study Plan: Strategies to Ace Your Prep and Achieve Success
FAQs
What is the top 1% GMAT score?
- A top 1% GMAT score is typically 760–800, which corresponds to the 99th percentile among test takers.
Is 525 a bad GMAT score?
- A 525 GMAT score is below average and may limit options at competitive MBA programs, but it is not “bad” in all cases. Some programs accept it when paired with strong work experience, GPA, or other strengths.
How hard is the GMAT?
- The GMAT is considered challenging because it tests reasoning, data interpretation, and time management rather than memorization. Its adaptive format makes the difficulty increase as performance improves.
Is a 750 GMAT impressive?
- Yes. A 750 GMAT score is very impressive and typically falls in the 98th–99th percentile, making it competitive at nearly all top MBA programs.
What is the top 10% GMAT score?
- A top 10% GMAT score is usually 700 or higher, which places a test taker around the 90th percentile.
What is the average GMAT score?
- The average GMAT score worldwide is around 550–560, while top MBA programs often report class averages in the 700–730 range.
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