The average GMAT score at top-10 MBA programs in 2026 is 729, with medians ranging from 718 (Yale SOM) to 738 (Stanford GSB). The middle-80% admitted range typically spans 700–760 at the M7. Across the top-25 US MBA programs, the average median GMAT is approximately 712.
\n\n2026 GMAT medians at top MBA programs
\nThe figures below are drawn from each school's most recently published class profile (Class of 2026, entering Fall 2024). Programs migrating to GMAT Focus Edition report scores on the new 205–805 scale; we map both for comparison.
\n\n| Rank | School | GMAT Median | Middle 80% | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford GSB | 738 | 700–780 | 6% |
| 2 | Wharton | 732 | 700–760 | 15% |
| 3 | Harvard Business School | 730 | 700–760 | 11% |
| 4 | Chicago Booth | 730 | 700–760 | 23% |
| 5 | Kellogg | 731 | 700–760 | 26% |
| 6 | MIT Sloan | 730 | 700–760 | 14% |
| 7 | Columbia Business School | 729 | 700–760 | 17% |
| 8 | Yale SOM | 720 | 690–760 | 26% |
| 9 | Berkeley Haas | 733 | 700–760 | 18% |
| 10 | Tuck (Dartmouth) | 726 | 700–760 | 34% |
| 11 | Ross (Michigan) | 720 | 680–760 | 32% |
| 12 | NYU Stern | 723 | 680–760 | 23% |
| 13 | Fuqua (Duke) | 716 | 680–760 | 25% |
| 14 | Darden (UVA) | 720 | 680–760 | 40% |
| 15 | UCLA Anderson | 714 | 680–760 | 33% |
What does each score band mean?
\n\n760+ (99th percentile): Above median at every program
\nYou're at or above the 80th-percentile mark of every top program. The score will not be a barrier anywhere. Focus your energy on essays and fit. Eligible scholarship candidate at most non-M7 programs.
\n\n720–760: M7 competitive
\nYou meet or exceed the median at every M7 program except Stanford GSB. This is the \"sweet spot\" range — it removes the score as a question without consuming additional months of study. Browse target programs in best MBA programs for a 720–740 GMAT.
\n\n700–720: Top-15 competitive, M7 stretch
\nYou're competitive at most top-15 programs and a stretch at the M7. Compensating strengths matter: high GPA, strong career trajectory, or under-represented background. See best programs for 700–720.
\n\n680–700: Top 20–40 territory
\nYour score sits below median at most top-15 programs. You can still apply, but the rest of your profile needs to be exceptional. Schools like Tepper, McCombs, Foster, and Marshall remain strong fits.
\n\n650–680: Top 30–60 territory
\nSolid range for many regional programs and one-year MBAs. Consider whether a retake would meaningfully improve your odds at top-15 programs.
\n\n\n\n\n\"A GMAT 30 points above a school's median doesn't get you in by itself, but it does buy you the right to take essay risks. A score 30 points below removes that flexibility.\"
\n— Linda Abraham, Founder, Accepted MBA Admissions Consulting
\n
How does GMAT compare to GRE for MBA?
\nAll top-30 MBA programs accept the GRE as a full substitute. Approximately 40% of MBA applicants in the 2025 cycle submitted GRE scores per GMAC's survey. For score conversion, see the GMAT-GRE converter and the comparison guide GMAT vs GRE for MBA Admissions.
\n\nWhat if your score is below the median?
\n- \n
- Diagnose the gap. Sub-scores often matter more than total. A 720 with Q40 (~40th percentile) is weaker for finance recruiting than a 700 with Q49. \n
- Demonstrate quantitative readiness elsewhere. Strong calculus/statistics grades or MBA Math certification. \n
- Consider a retake. Average score gain on retake is +20 points with structured prep. \n
- Apply where you're competitive. A median-fit application beats a stretch by 2–3x in admit rate. \n
Frequently asked questions
\nWhat's a \"good\" GMAT score for an MBA?
\n\"Good\" depends on your target schools. For top-10 programs, 720+ is competitive. For top-25, 690+ works. For top-50, 650+ is the floor.
\n\nDoes the AWA score matter?
\nLess than the quant/verbal split. Aim for 4.5+ on AWA. Below 4.0 raises essay-authenticity concerns at some programs.
\n\nHow many times can I take the GMAT?
\nYou can take it up to 5 times in a 12-month period and 8 times lifetime. Schools see all scores but evaluate on your highest.
\n\nShould I retake a 720 to chase a 740?
\nGenerally no, unless your application has a clear weakness the higher score offsets. The marginal admissions benefit at top-15 programs is small.
\n\nAre scholarship awards tied to GMAT?
\nYes, especially at top-25 programs ranked outside the top-10. A score 30+ points above a school's median materially increases scholarship odds.
\n\nWhat's the lowest GMAT score admitted to HBS?
\nHBS publishes a middle-80% range of approximately 700–760, meaning ~10% of admits scored below 700 and ~10% above 760. The lowest admitted score is rarely below 670, and only with exceptional profiles.
\n\nNext step
\nFind your target programs by score on the MBA Admissions Hub. Compare two schools head-to-head with the HBS vs Wharton or MIT vs Booth comparisons. For the full ranked list, see the 2026 MBA Rankings.
\n\nSources & References
\n- \n
- US News & World Report — 2026 Best Business Schools Rankings \n
- Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) — Application Trends Survey 2025 \n
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment Statistics, General & Operations Managers \n
- Individual MBA program class profile reports (Harvard, Stanford GSB, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg, MIT Sloan), 2025 entering class \n