What GMAT scores do you need for top 20 business schools in the USA?
What GMAT scores do you need for top 20 business schools in the USA?
Apart from good GMAT scores, what are the other credentials required
to ensure admission to a top university for an MBA program? How to prepare for a successful application? When to submit?
This article will answer all the questions. You are one step forward to make your study abroad dream a reality. Go for it!
1. What are the top 20 business schools in the USA and the average GMAT scores in recent years?
If you want to study abroad, you need to know the top business schools to better set a goal for the GMAT exam. Here is a list of the average GMAT scores at the top business schools in the United States for admission to their MBA programs. Setting a GMAT goal helps you set the right study plan and cross the finish line strong.
| MBA | Average GMAT Scores |
| Stanford University | 733 |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 730 |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | 730 |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | 727 |
| Harvard University | 730 |
| MIT (Sloan) | 720 |
| Columbia University | 726 |
| University of California-Berkeley (Haas) | 727 |
| Yale University | 720 |
| Dartmouth College (Tuck) | 720 |
| New York University (Stern) | 723 |
| Duke University (Fuqua) | 700 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ross) | 710 |
| University of Virginia (Darden) | 703 |
| Cornell University (Johnson) | 700 |
| Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) | 680 |
| University of Southern California (Marshall) | 707 |
| UCLA (Anderson) | 706 |
| University of Texas-Austin (McCombs) | 710 |
| University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) | 694 |
Now you have a basic understanding of what score you need to get. Speaking from past experience, it is quite difficult to get accepted into a top 20 business school. For example, if you want to get into Ivy League schools like Harvard, your GMAT score should be in the 720-740 range. Top 20 business schools prefer students with 700+ scores.
In addition to the GMAT scores, there are many issues you need to consider before applying to an MBA program. For example, the school ranking, location (East or West Coast) and environment (urban or rural area). You also have to consider job opportunities. If you are eyeing a career in the tech industry, then Stanford may be your top choice since it has close ties with Silicon Valley. Choose the school the best suit you based on campus culture, career planning, and personal preferences.
2. In addition to a high GMAT score, what other requirements are necessary to get into MBA programs at top business schools?
If you are planning for a highly selective and a top-class university, you should aim for a TOEFL score of at least 100 in addition to a high GMAT score. For IELTS, you need to score at least 7 or 7.5. Besides, GPA is also very important. You will have a better chance to get into an MBA program with a GPA that is above 3.8. Top business schools receive tons of applications every year. Almost every applicant has high GMAT and TOEFL scores. If you have a low GPA, it may undermine your potential to the top MBA programs!
Some students may say, “Well, if I have a low GPA, is there anything I can do to improve the chances of getting into a top-tier MBA program?” In fact, there is. GPA is not a standalone determinant. Top business schools accept students who have rich work experiences even if they score lower in TOEFL and GMAT.
Generally speaking, people who want to apply for business schools have a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field like finance, accounting, economics, or business administration. They face fierce competition because they have similar background. Pursuing an MBA degree without a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field can give you a number of benefits. For one, business schools like enrolling students from non-business backgrounds because it makes a class more diverse. Diversity is always crucial in an MBA cohort. Sometimes, STEM majors stand out from the crowd.
If you have a low GPA or you fear your work experience will not impress admissions officers, you can compensate it by doing better on the GMAT test. The admissions officers are also aware that it is difficult to compare applicants’ GPA and work experience. GPA scores can vary so much by major and by school. Therefore, GMAT is more accurate in predicting your success in an MBA program than GPA. A high GMAT score definitely helps offset a low GPA.
In short, to get admit in a top business school, a candidate definitely needs a good GPA, a decent GMAT score and rich work experience. If you can’t meet all three requirements, you need to meet at least two to make you a competitive applicant for top-tier schools.
3. What are the application deadline for business schools? What are the require documents?
Some schools have only one round of application, while others have three rounds. For most schools, they are divided into spring and fall semesters. If you are applying for admission to fall semester next year, the application process will begin in September/October this year to February, March and May next year. The application for top business schools starts early. For top 20 business schools, you need to submit applications in September or October.
You may wonder, “Is it better to apply in the first round or to wait for the second or third round?”
The rule of thumb you should follow is “apply in the first round if you have a high GMAT score”. You are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Applying in the first round will increase your chances of acceptance, because there are more empty seats available. Admissions officers tend to be risk averse. They are unlikely to decline an A candidate in the first round just to save a seat for a hypothetical A+ candidate they hope to see in the second round.
Besides, diversity is a factor in MBA admissions. If your profile is likely to be over-represented in the applicant pool, you need to get your foot in the door as early as possible. Waiting until the second or third round could mean missing out on a spot as the class reaches its capacity for candidates with similar backgrounds.
However, if waiting until the second round means you can improve your GMAT score, it is worth waiting. It’s a great idea to spend more time to turn in the best application you can, and for this reason delaying until second or third round can be worth it.
Application documents include recommendation letters (at least three, preferably from professors at university or supervisors at work), and CV. You can also include additional documents such as, proofs of volunteer work. You have to show that you are a person with a business mindset, good interpersonal skills and the ability to bring people together to achieve goals. This kind of qualities can make you stand out in academic platform and workplace. When you achieve success in the future, you can contribute to the school.
Hopefully we will see you get admitted to the school of your dreams! Remember where there’s a will, there’s a way. You’re on your way!
