GMAT Scores for Top Business Schools

May 16, 2025

With most schools now accepting the GRE, prospective test-takers have two different exams from which to choose. But that doesn't mean the GMAT is any less viable in the eyes of admissions officers or that they don't still uphold strict standards for MBA admission. Elite schools require elite GMAT scores; this has always been true and will continue to be for top business schools. 

Are you aware of what most business schools publish about their GMAT scores, including the average scores of their GMAT applicants? Most students aren't, which is why we're devoting this article to sharing important data about it. While test scores aren't your entire application package, they are absolutely important and require a sharp eye for detail. As if studying for the GMAT wasn't hard enough, keeping up with a school's averages and percentiles can feel like its own part-time job! Don't stress—we've got you covered. Hopefully, this article will help debunk a few myths about top school averages and what it takes to be considered a viable high-GMAT-scoring applicant. Let's dive in!

The 411 on GMAT Scoring

Before we delve into GMAT scores for specific universities and programs, let's first examine what goes into a good GMAT score. Do you know all that goes into scoring the GMAT, including the range in which GMAC scorers must evaluate your answers? Many students don't, since they're so focused on the end result that they lose sight of what scorers are actually looking for and how each section is scored. This can provide you with greater insight into your own score, as well as a deeper understanding of how you can enhance your test-day strategies. This scoring information is for the GMAT Focus edition, the revamped version of the test that replaced the previous GMAT 10^th edition in February 2024.

As shown in the table, the range of scores for the GMAT vary on a scale of 205-805. In other words, 205 is the lowest score you can possibly get and 805 is the highest. The Qualitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections are all scored on a scale of 60-90 in 1-point increments. What was the last score you received on a mock exam? Did it align with your ideal score for your application purposes? Diagnostic practice exams are sources of tracking and identifying our own progress throughout the studying process. 

Following are the average scores from 2020-2022, according to GMAC, the makers, innovators, and administrators of the GMAT. They are for the previous 10^th edition of the GMAT, with a conversion provided for the Total Score to the current Focus edition's scoring scale, as well as its percentile. This chart includes the Analytical Writing Assessment section, which was eliminated in the Focus edition, and Integrated Reasoning, which was renamed Data Insights. 

Let's delve deeper now into specific schools and their own score averages. Hopefully, this will give you an idea of where you fit in along your preparation process and shed some light on your problem areas that need improvement. 

Business School GMAT Averages

This section is devoted to both domestic and international schools and their average GMAT scores. All scores listed are for the GMAT 10^th edition test, with a Focus edition score conversion provided. First, let's look at domestic elite schools with the highest GMAT averages, with data also shown below for the top schools that only provide median scores:

The top three schools in this 2024 table are Stanford, Northwestern-Kellogg, and NYU-Stern. Naturally, these are all very impressive scores, and since these are averages, some applicants actually scored higher. Regardless of the actual number, it's clear that top schools require a very good GMAT score. Retaking the exam might be a viable option if you aren't able to align with some of these averages. Improvement, enhancement, and progress is within reach with more and more practice! 

Below is a table for average GMAT scores for U.K. business schools based on recent data. Interested in applying to any of these schools? Take note of some of these scores—they very well could shape your rigorous course of study.

Below is a table chronicling the top business schools in Europe and their average GMAT scores. This table specifies the country of the MBA program to avoid any confusion. 

*Representative score

Are you interested in applying to schools in Canada? What a great country with so many unique cities from which to choose! Below are six top Canadian Business Schools and their average GMAT scores. 

Finally, we have data about average GMAT scores in Asia-Pacific, India, Singapore, China, and Australia. If you are interested in any of these schools, you will find the information you're looking for as it relates to your GMAT score and MBA program. 

*Representative score

The Takeaway

It's essential to have this data handy for your own studying purposes and to share with your GMAT tutor or teacher so they understand your ambitions and goals. Studying for the GMAT takes time and careful attention, so plan ahead and allow room for retakes if it can help you achieve your target score. While these are just averages, keep in mind the minimum and maximum could be well over 100 points different. Even a perfect score doesn't guarantee automatic admission. There are countless other important factors that go into your application package in addition to your GMAT results.