What is considered a good GMAT score for MBA admissions at top universities abroad?
For elite M7 programs, aim for a GMAT Focus score of 685 to 715 plus, roughly a Classic GMAT of 730 to 760. Top-tier schools like LBS and INSEAD want 655 to 675 Focus. Remember the Focus scale shifted down, so do not match old 700 plus standards to it.
A good GMAT score depends on both your target school tier and which version you took, because the new Focus Edition is scored 205 to 805 while the Classic GMAT ran 200 to 800. A common and costly mistake is matching the old 700 plus benchmark to the new 700 scale. Here is what a genuinely competitive score looks like by tier and region.
GMAT Targets By University Tier
| Tier | GMAT Focus Target | Classic Equivalent | Example Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite M7 | 685 to 715 plus | 730 to 760 plus | Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, Kellogg |
| Top-Tier Global | 655 to 675 | 700 to 720 | INSEAD, London Business School, NYU Stern, Ross |
| Competitive Regional | 615 to 645 | 650 to 690 | HEC Paris, Oxford Said, Cambridge Judge, ISB |
How Targets Shift By Region
| Region | Safe-Zone Focus Score |
|---|---|
| United States | 675 plus, often 695 plus for over-represented engineering profiles |
| Europe And UK | 635 to 655 plus, LBS looks for 655 plus while HEC Paris averages 635 |
| Canada | 625 to 665 for Rotman and Ivey |
| Asia | 645 to 665 for NUS and HKUST |
My Advice
Set your target from your specific shortlist rather than a generic 700, and always confirm whether you are looking at Focus or Classic numbers. If you come from a traditional feeder background like consulting or banking, aim above your school's class average to stand out. And if you land 20 points below target, do not spiral, because a sharp application with strong recommendations, clear post-MBA goals and rapid career progression can readily offset a modest score gap.
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