Test scores are extremely important to business schools when evaluating potential candidates. The two most commonly accepted admissions examinations, the GMAT and the GRE, give Admissions Committees a standardized measure for comparing applicants. Although there are differences between the exams in terms of content and structure, most MBA programs have no stated preference for GMAT vs. GRE scores.
The GMAT has a history of being the most prominent business school entrance exam, but the GRE has gained popularity in recent years; at many schools, more candidates now submit GRE than GMAT scores. Accepted by 1,200+ MBA programs worldwide, the GRE exam measures test takers’ skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
This article will compare average GRE scores of admitted applicants at the world’s leading business schools. Drawing from published GRE figures from school websites, the following tables can help you determine whether your GRE score is competitive enough to earn you a spot, and possibly scholarship money, at top MBA programs.
This table highlights the average GRE scores for MBA programs in the US.
Note that there is a lot of inconsistency in how schools are reporting this data. Some schools either haven’t released their class profiles yet or haven’t included any GRE data in them, and the data they do choose to include varies widely.
What’s in the table below is the fullest data currently available.
| MBA Program | Quant | Verbal | Total |
| Stanford GSB | 164 | 164 | 328 |
| Harvard Business School | 164* | 164* | – |
| UPenn Wharton | 163 | 162 | 325 |
| Northwestern Kellogg | 162 | 162 | 324 |
| Chicago Booth | 163 | 161 | 324 |
| Columbia Business School | 163 | 163 | 326 |
| MIT Sloan | 159–170† | – | – |
| Dartmouth Tuck | 160 | 162 | 322 |
| Berkeley Haas | 162* | 161* | – |
| Virginia Darden | – | – | 322 |
| Yale SOM | 166* | 163* | – |
| Duke Fuqua | – | – | 307–328‡ |
| Michigan Ross | 163 | 160 | 323 |
| UT Austin McCombs | – | – | 310–332‡ |
| Cornell Johnson | – | – | – |
| UCLA Anderson | 163 | 162 | 325 |
| NYU Stern | 164 | 163 | 327 |
| CMU Tepper | 163 | 159 | 322 |
| UNC Kenan–Flagler | – | – | – |
| Emory Goizueta | – | – | – |
| USC Marshall | – | – | – |
| Georgetown McDonough | – | – | 318 |
| Indiana Kelley | – | – | – |
| UW Foster | 158* | 160* | – |
| Rice Jones | 160 | 157 | 317 |
A good GRE score is subjective, depending on your target schools. Therefore, rather than using ETS-published percentile scores to determine how competitive your score is, you should focus on the averages from previous incoming classes of specific programs. Most international business schools consider a score of 325 or above to be a good GRE score, and an average GRE score above 330 will allow you to apply to top MBA programs worldwide.
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If you see that your current GRE score is lower than the average for your target programs, check out our free GRE study materials for advice on how (and what) to study. A low GRE score can keep you out of your dream school of business, so it is vital to adequately prepare if you plan to retake the GRE exam.
If your score falls at or just above your target school’s average, you still might want to retake the exam as an impressive GRE score increases your chances of winning merit-based scholarships, in addition to distinguishing you from other applicants.
Good GRE scores alone do not ensure admission to top MBA programs—there are many other factors Admissions Committees consider, such as your resume, letters of recommendation, and application essays.
Prospective students should research their target programs beyond statistics about test scores. Looking at class profiles can help you get a sense of the undergraduate major, work experience, and demographics of previous incoming students. The more knowledge you have about your target MBA program, the better you can tailor and refine your application.
If you are applying to highly competitive programs, you need to ensure that every aspect of your MBA application makes you stand out from other candidates. This includes setting a high enough target MBA GRE score. Consider pursuing a GRE prep course or working with a GRE tutor to ensure your score isn’t limiting your potential.
Jennifer Post Draeger
GMAT / GRE Tutor
Education: BA, MA, MBA
With 12 years of experience coaching the GMAT and GRE, Jennifer helps ambitious test preppers sharpen their mindset, build confidence, and optimize their performance under pressure. She excels at training students in the techniques and thought patterns that power top scores.
