Which US university would ask me for the highest average GMAT score if I apply for an MBA?
Among top US MBA programs, Stanford University asks for the highest average GMAT score at 733, just ahead of the University of Pennsylvania at 732. Harvard, Chicago Booth, and NYU each average 730, so aim well above 700 if you are targeting these schools.
Stanford University currently asks for the highest average GMAT score among top US MBA programs, so if you are aiming for a competitive business school you should know where you stand. Your target score should be benchmarked against the schools you are shortlisting, since even a few points can separate the top ten.
Average GMAT Scores at Top US MBA Universities
| University | Average GMAT Score |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | 733 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 732 |
| University of California, Berkeley (Haas) | 727 |
| Columbia University | 726 |
| Harvard University | 730 |
| University of Chicago | 730 |
| New York University | 730 |
| Yale University | 720 |
| Dartmouth College | 720 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 719 |
How These Universities Rank Overall
Your GMAT score is only one piece of the puzzle. According to the Best Graduate Schools rankings by U.S. News and World Report, several of these same universities also top the overall MBA rankings.
| University | US News MBA Rank |
|---|---|
| Stanford University | #1 |
| University of Pennsylvania | #2 |
| University of Chicago Booth | #3 |
| Northwestern University | #4 |
| Harvard University | #4 |
| MIT Sloan | #6 |
| NYU Stern | #7 |
My Advice
Treat 730 plus as your working target if you want to be competitive at any of the schools above, and start your GMAT prep early so you have room to retake it if needed. Pair your score with a strong overall profile, since these universities also weigh your work experience and essays heavily.
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