Average GMAT Score and Scores for Top MBA Programs in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What is the average GMAT score for all test-takers in 2025?

The average GMAT score across all test-takers in 2025 provides an important benchmark for those preparing their applications. GMAC data shows that the mean score for recent testing years has remained in the mid-600s, reflecting steady competitiveness among candidates. While this figure is lower than the averages reported at top MBA programs, it gives applicants a clear sense of where most test-takers fall within the score range.

It is important to note that the GMAT remains heavily associated with MBA admissions. In testing year 2024, candidates submitted 91,440 GMAT scores, with over 80% of these directed to MBA programs. This underscores the GMAT’s continued role as a primary evaluation tool for business school applications.

Applicants deciding between different graduate business paths may also consider related options. For example, those interested in healthcare administration might explore what is the difference between MHA and MBA, as the GMAT is more directly tied to MBA programs, while other graduate degrees may weigh different criteria.

What GMAT score is considered competitive for top MBA programs?

For those targeting leading institutions, the definition of a “competitive” GMAT score often differs significantly from the global average. Many top MBA programs report average scores above 700, with institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton consistently in the 730–740 range. This means that applicants aiming for elite MBA programs typically need to target a GMAT score well above the overall mean to be considered strong candidates.

GMAC’s data from testing year 2024 highlights this reality. That year, nearly 45,964 GMAT scores of 700 or higher were submitted, representing candidates scoring in approximately the top 10% (89th percentile or higher).

Importantly, 86.5% of these high scores were sent to MBA programs, confirming that top schools consistently attract the strongest test-takers. For applicants, this demonstrates both the level of competition and the concentration of high-scoring candidates in elite MBA admissions pools.

Students may also explore specialized program options where GMAT expectations can vary. For example, those interested in business leadership roles within HR may benefit from fastest online MBA in human resource management programs, which may weigh professional experience alongside test performance.

How have average GMAT scores changed over the past five years?

Average GMAT scores have shifted over the past five testing years, reflecting both candidate preparation and institutional admissions trends. In U.S. programs, mean scores rose from 627 in 2020 to 661 in 2024, indicating a steady increase in candidate performance. Candidate age has also risen slightly, from 25.8 years in 2020 to 26.6 years in 2024, suggesting a growing pool of experienced applicants pursuing graduate business education.

At the same time, GMAC data distinguishes between the GMAT (10th Edition) and the GMAT Exam formats, with the latter introduced more recently. In 2024, the GMAT (10th Ed.) mean stood at 661, while the GMAT Exam mean was 622, showing a clear score difference based on the format taken. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding how the chosen version of the test may be viewed by MBA programs.

Applicants should keep in mind that while averages have generally risen, admissions outcomes still depend on a holistic review. Some schools, including those with specialized focus areas such as fast-track online MBA in sports management, may evaluate scores alongside professional achievements, leadership skills, and career goals.

Is it possible to get admitted with a lower GMAT if you have strong work experience?

While a strong GMAT score is valuable, MBA admissions committees evaluate applicants through a comprehensive process that weighs academic performance, career trajectory, leadership qualities, and personal impact. This means that candidates with lower scores can still be admitted if they demonstrate significant professional accomplishments or unique contributions.

Admissions officers often note that applicants with extensive management experience, strong recommendations, and clear career vision may offset a below-average GMAT score. For example, candidates with 10+ years in leadership positions or those who have made measurable impacts in their industries may still earn admission to selective MBA programs.

This holistic evaluation approach benefits applicants who have built strong careers but may not have tested at the top percentile. In fact, certain programs, such as fast-track MBA in healthcare management online, emphasize professional expertise in healthcare leadership, which can balance or even outweigh a lower GMAT score.

Ultimately, while applicants should aim to achieve the highest GMAT score possible, they should also recognize that MBA programs value a combination of quantitative ability, professional maturity, and leadership potential.

Do MBA programs prefer GMAT over GRE in 2025?

When applying to business schools, one common question is whether admissions committees favor the GMAT over the GRE. In 2025, most MBA programs officially accept both exams, but the GMAT continues to be more widely used and remains closely associated with business school admissions. This is partly because the GMAT was specifically designed to measure skills aligned with management education, while the GRE is broader and used for a wide range of graduate programs.

For candidates focused solely on business education, submitting a GMAT score can sometimes signal commitment to the MBA track. However, applicants with a strong GRE score are not necessarily disadvantaged, especially as schools broaden access to diverse applicant pools. 

Students interested in new business fields, such as accelerated entrepreneurship MBA programs online, may find flexibility in which test they choose to submit. Ultimately, both tests are valid, but the GMAT remains the more traditional benchmark in MBA admissions.

Does a higher GMAT score increase MBA scholarship opportunities?

Yes, a higher GMAT score often improves the chances of receiving merit-based financial aid. Many MBA programs use test scores not only as an admissions factor but also as a benchmark for awarding scholarships. Since scores provide a standardized measure across a diverse applicant pool, strong GMAT results can help applicants stand out when schools allocate merit-based funding.

That said, scholarship decisions also weigh leadership experience, career impact, and diversity of background. For instance, candidates applying to specialized programs such as the shortest online MBA in non-profit management may qualify for aid based on mission-driven achievements alongside academic performance. 

Applicants aiming for scholarships should therefore view the GMAT score as one factor among several that business schools use to identify high-potential candidates.

Can international students qualify for GMAT-based MBA scholarships?

International applicants frequently ask whether GMAT-based scholarships are open to them, and the answer is yes. Business schools worldwide use GMAT scores as a standardized measure, which allows them to fairly compare candidates from different countries and educational systems. Strong scores can therefore directly contribute to scholarship eligibility, regardless of citizenship.

The U.S. is a particularly significant destination for international talent. With more than 550 business schools accredited by AACSB, EFMD, or AMBA, the U.S. hosts one of the largest networks of graduate management institutions in the world. 

In fact, 44% of global candidates report preferring to pursue graduate management education in the U.S., highlighting its status as a top study destination. For international applicants, this means that high GMAT performance not only strengthens admissions chances but also increases access to funding opportunities at U.S. institutions. This mirrors other career-aligned incentives, such as evaluating the cybersecurity master's salary, which demonstrates how postgraduate credentials can translate into significant financial benefits worldwide.

How can I improve my GMAT score quickly in 2025?

Improving a GMAT score in a short timeframe requires a focused and structured approach. Test-takers should begin by identifying their weakest areas through practice exams, then prioritize targeted study of those sections. Concentrated review of quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and integrated reasoning can lead to measurable gains, especially if supported by official GMAT preparation materials.

Time management is another key factor. Many candidates find that timed practice sessions help simulate testing conditions, improving both pacing and confidence. Intensive preparation courses, whether online or in person, can also provide strategic guidance and help students master problem-solving approaches efficiently. 

For those balancing busy careers and limited study time, even short daily sessions of focused practice can lead to significant score improvements within a few weeks. Some also take advantage of accelerated formats such as colleges offering 6-week online courses, which help build discipline and test readiness quickly.

Will MBA programs continue to require GMAT scores in the future?

The role of the GMAT in MBA admissions continues to evolve, but current data suggests that it remains an integral part of business school applications. In testing year 2024, there were 2,038 MBA programs in the U.S. accepting GMAT scores, a slight decrease from 2,046 in 2023 but still well above 2,000. This consistency underscores the test’s continuing relevance in admissions decisions.

While some schools have adopted test-optional policies in recent years, especially during the pandemic, the majority still recognize the GMAT as a reliable measure of academic readiness. For applicants, this means preparing for the GMAT remains a worthwhile investment, particularly for those targeting competitive schools or seeking merit-based scholarships.

As MBA programs adapt to shifting applicant demographics and global trends, the GMAT is expected to remain a widely accepted and valuable part of the admissions process. This parallels broader professional requirements, like pursuing a CFE certification, which remains a respected standard in finance and auditing despite evolving industry practices.

What are the average GMAT scores for MBA programs in the U.S. vs. Europe?

Regional differences in GMAT scores highlight the importance of understanding the competitive landscape across markets. In 2024, European graduate management programs received a median of 203 total applications per program, compared with 108 per program in the U.S. This higher application volume in Europe often contributes to slightly different score dynamics, with schools balancing diverse applicant pools and varied professional backgrounds.

Generally, U.S. MBA programs are associated with higher average GMAT scores at the top-tier level, particularly among institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. European programs, meanwhile, often emphasize professional experience, international exposure, and career maturity in addition to test results. 

For applicants, comparing GMAT expectations between the U.S. and Europe can help determine where their profiles may be most competitive and how their scores align with regional admissions standards. This decision process is similar to evaluating whether RN to MBA bridge programs align with long-term career goals, where regional context and program design strongly influence competitiveness.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Average GMAT Score and Scores for Top MBA Programs

Other Things You Should Know About Average GMAT Score and Scores for Top MBA Programs

What is the minimum GMAT score required for top MBA programs?

Most top MBA programs do not publish strict minimum GMAT score requirements, but the lowest admitted scores are often in the mid-600s. For example, schools with averages above 730 may still admit applicants with lower scores if they present exceptional work experience or leadership achievements. This shows that while a high score improves chances, admissions remain holistic. Candidates should aim for the highest possible GMAT score while also strengthening other parts of their applications. Ultimately, the “minimum” is less about a fixed cutoff and more about demonstrating readiness for the program.

Can you get into an MBA program with a GMAT score below 600?

Yes, some MBA programs accept candidates with scores below 600, especially if they demonstrate strong professional accomplishments. These programs may emphasize experience, career growth, and leadership qualities over standardized testing. However, applicants targeting highly ranked schools will face greater challenges with a score in this range. It is often advisable to retake the exam or consider programs with a more flexible admissions policy. Applicants should research each school’s admitted student profile to understand how their GMAT score compares.

Is the GMAT mandatory for all MBA programs?

Not all MBA programs require the GMAT. Some schools offer test-optional admissions, particularly in response to changing applicant needs and the introduction of alternative exams like the GRE. While the GMAT remains the most widely recognized test, the number of programs waiving or making the exam optional has grown. Candidates should verify each school’s policy before applying. Choosing whether to take the GMAT depends on personal strengths, goals, and the competitiveness of the target programs.

How many times should you retake the GMAT for the best chance at admission?

Most applicants take the GMAT more than once, and retesting can improve scores significantly. Admissions committees generally do not penalize multiple attempts, instead focusing on the highest score achieved. GMAC allows candidates to take the test up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, though careful preparation before each attempt is essential. Retaking the exam can demonstrate persistence and a commitment to improvement. Applicants should balance the time investment with other priorities in their MBA application process.