Thoughts on Average GMAT Scores and What They Mean


Nov, 30, 2022


Categories: Admissions Consulting | Advice | Columbia Business School | Darden | Duke | GMAT | GRE | NYU Stern | School Selection

When looking at average GMAT scores at top MBA programs (see https://poetsandquants.com/2022/11/25/average-gmat-scores-at-the-top-u-s-mba-programs/2/) there are a number of factors for applicants to consider:

1. For applicants worried about not meeting the GMAT minimum: Average is just that. It does not mean minimum. You should look at the GMAT range for admits to get a full sense of what is going on. This also applies to looking at GRE scores as well. Also, when selecting programs to apply for, the test score is just one factor to consider.

2. The GMAT average is based on reported GMAT but since schools are not exclusively using GMAT, it is important to remember that this does not include all admits at a particular school, just those admitted on the basis of GMAT.

3. Any school (most notably CBS, Darden, Duke and NYU) that has been admitting applicants on the basis of the Executive Assessment or that allows for GMAT/GRE waivers can be assumed to have over-inflated GMAT numbers. EA and waivers are a perfect way for any school to report an elevated GMAT/GRE number. These numbers are factored into ranking and indicative of relative exclusivity and hence there is an institutional interest in keeping them as high as possible.

4. If you are not doing well on GMAT, try GRE or if EA or waiver options are available, go for them. The point is to get in.

5. Geographic variations in average scores should also be factored in. See https://www.gmac.com/-/media/files/gmac/research/geographic-trends/gmat-geographic-trend-report-testing-year-2021.pdf. As someone who works with applicants worldwide, I see the difference in geographic origin playing out with what kind of score will work. In this respect, admits coming from countries with high average test scores will typically have higher scores than admits coming from countries with lower scores.

6. For every rule there is an exception. Exceptional candidates can transcend test scores, but unfortunately not everyone is exceptional.

For more about school selection strategy, see https://www.adammarkus.com/the-portfolio-approach-to-graduate-school-application-strategy/.



-Adam Markus
I am a graduate admissions consultant who works with clients worldwide. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation, please complete my intake form. Please don't email me any essays, other admissions consultant's intake forms, your life story, or any long email asking for a written profile assessment. The only profiles I assess are those with people who I offer initial consultations to. Please note that initial consultations are not offered when I have reached full capacity or when I determine that I am not a good fit with an applicant.

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