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/.