Many prospective MBA students wonder, “What is a good GRE score for a top MBA?” before applying. The importance of this issue is well-known to me due to my considerable background in MBA admissions consulting. Although average GRE scores for top MBA programs affect your chances of admission, in my opinion, they are just one factor among many.
Let’s look at the broader context of GRE scores and the standards to strive for.
What Is a Good GRE Score for Top MBA Programs?
Most top-tier business schools set a benchmark of average GRE scores for top MBA programs at 325 or higher, though some schools may have slightly lower or higher expectations depending on their applicant pool.
A competitive GRE score for top MBA programs generally falls within the following ranges:
- Verbal Reasoning — 160-165
- Quantitative Reasoning — 160-165
- Analytical Writing — 4.5-5.0
These ranges provide a strong foundation for competitiveness. Your application will stand out more to admissions officers if you score at or above these benchmarks, signaling that you are ready for the rigorous coursework they provide. But I can tell you from personal experience that GRE scores aren’t the only thing schools look at.
Remember that various programs give differing weight to GRE scores. For example, highly quantitative programs may prioritize a strong Quantitative Reasoning score, while others might value balance across all sections.
A well-rounded application can still make you a strong contender if your GRE score isn’t as high as you’d hoped. Many successful candidates have secured places at elite schools by excelling in areas such as work experience or crafting compelling personal statements.
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What Are the Average GRE Scores for Top MBA Programs?
Below is a list of average GRE scores for some of the leading MBA programs.
| Business School | Average GRE Quantitative | Average GRE Verbal | Total GRE Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford Graduate School of Business | 164 | 164 | 328 |
| Yale School of Management | 166 | 164 | 330 |
| Harvard Business School | 163 | 163 | 326 |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | 163 | 162 | 325 |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | 163 | 163 | 326 |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 162 | 162 | 324 |
| MIT Sloan School of Management | 163 | 162 | 325 |
| Columbia Business School | 161 | 161 | 322 |
| Dartmouth College (Tuck) | 161 | 161 | 322 |
| University of California – Berkeley (Haas) | 163 | 161 | 323 |
| University of Michigan (Ross) | 162 | 160 | 322 |
| New York University (Stern) | 163 | 163 | 326 |
| Duke University (Fuqua) | 159 | 159 | 318 |
| University of Virginia (Darden) | 159 | 160 | 319 |
| Cornell University (Johnson) | 163 | 161 | 324 |
| University of California – Los Angeles (Anderson) | 164 | 162 | 326 |
| University of Texas – Austin (McCombs) | 161 | 160 | 321 |
| Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper) | 165 | 159 | 324 |
| University of North Carolina (Kenan-Flagler) | 159 | 159 | 318 |
| University of Southern California (Marshall) | 163 | 160 | 323 |
Note: these figures are based on the most recent class profiles available and may vary annually.
How to Evaluate Your GRE Score for Your Dream MBA?
One of the first things I advise students to do is check their GRE scores’ percentile rankings. While the total score is essential, the percentile ranking provides context on how competitive your score is relative to other test-takers. For example, a GRE score of 320 might place you in the top 10% for specific programs but could fall short for highly competitive ones like Stanford or Wharton.
Take the time to review the published average GRE scores for top MBA programs for your target schools and identify where your score stands relative to those benchmarks. This process will help you set realistic expectations and refine your application strategy.
If your score is below the program’s average, consider whether other application parts can compensate for this gap. However, if you believe you can improve your score significantly, retaking the GRE might be a good idea.
From my perspective, deciding whether to retake the GRE comes down to a realistic assessment of your improvement potential. Retaking the test is worth it if you can significantly boost your score in one or more sections. For instance, it may be worth the effort if you scored a 155 in Quantitative Reasoning but feel confident you could push it to 160 or higher with more preparation.
However, balance is key. Don’t let GRE preparation consume all your time and energy at the expense of other critical application components. As I said above, admissions committees look at the entire application package.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the average GRE scores for top MBA schools is important, but remember that these numbers do not determine your value. I’ve found that candidates who approach the application process with confidence and a clear plan are the most successful.
What, then, is a good GRE score for a top MBA? The answer rests on what you want to achieve, which schools you apply to, and how well your application meets their needs. Focus on your goals and prepare well. If you need help, you can contact the best MBA admissions consultants.