Average GRE Scores for Top MBA Programs
Average GRE scores for top MBA programs have become increasingly relevant as business schools for GRE aim to recruit candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. Recently, GRE scores for MBA admissions have gained significant popularity among both test takers and admissions officers at universities globally. B-schools are increasingly treating GRE test MBA and GMAT test MBA on an equal footing in their admissions decisions, offering no preferential advantage to either. This shift underscores a broader effort to diversify MBA cohorts and attract talent with a diverse range of academic and professional experiences.
You may have a lot of questions in your mind regarding the GRE MBA scores, and you might be searching for the answers to your questions; well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’ll go through all of the aforementioned topics and provide you with some insight.
Here is the Snapshot of the article:
One thing to keep in mind before going further in the article, unlike other examinations, GRE grading scales are separated into three categories: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing.
What is a Good GRE Score for Top MBA Programs
It is very subjective as it depends on which you are targeting. Nevertheless, we aim to provide you with an overview to help you assess your position and plan accordingly. A 45th percentile score is merely ordinary, not exceptional. Because the average score for graduate schools is above 303, it will not be an acceptable result for highly competitive programs.
Also, a 75th percentile GRE score is considered decent, while a 90th percentile GRE score is considered exceptional and will allow you to apply for top B schools. A score of 318 or higher is considered good, with a score of 329 or above being deemed exceptional. On the other hand, a score of 300 or above is considered average, while falling below 292 is considered poor.
| Best GRE Scores | Competitive GRE Scores | Good GRE Scores | Below Average GRE Scores | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE Verbal | 163 – 170 | 158 – 162 | 152 – 157 | 151 or Below |
| GRE Quantitative | 165 – 170 | 159 – 164 | 153 – 158 | 152 or Below |
| GRE Writing | 5.0 – 6.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 or Below |
The commonly asked question by many applicants is whether to opt for the GMAT or the GRE for an MBA. The choice depends on the type of MBA program you’re interested in. The GMAT and GRE are distinct tests that assess applicant skills differently. For MBA programs, it is recommended to take the GMAT.
However, If you’ve already undertaken the GRE and wish to assess average GRE scores for MBA programs, it’s crucial to recognize that admissions officials don’t weigh all sections equally. The Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections of the GRE are categorized into three groups. We have given you the GRE score range below.
Section Wise GRE Score RangeThe GRE’s mathematical and verbal reasoning sections are evaluated on a range of 130 to 170, with 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing component is considered on a scale of 0 to 6, with 0.5-point increments.
| Test Section | Scoring Range |
|---|---|
| GRE Verbal | 130 – 170 |
| GRE Quantitative | 130 – 170 |
| GRE Writing | 0 – 6 |
| Total | 260 – 340 (Verbal + Quantitative) |
In the meantime, we have listed down the average GRE score trend from 2018 to 2024 to help you analyze what schools are expecting from applicants each year.
What is GRE Scorecard and What it Contains
After analyzing the trend and comparing every aspect of the GRE, let’s delve into how your GRE Scorecard would appear with your overall GRE scores. During test registration, as a part of the GRE fee, you are required to designate four graduate institutions to receive your GRE Scores.
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GET A FREE PROFILE ANALYSISWhat it Contains
- Contact information
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Intended graduate major
- GRE test date
- GRE test score(s) and the associated percentile ranks
- A cumulative record of scores reported within the last five years
A good GRE score will get you into the programs of your preference, but what is an example of a good GRE score
Let’s take an example and break down the GRE score.
1.Except for the top and very top schools, an average GRE score of 320, or an 80+ percentile rating, will put you in excellent standing for most programs.
2.An average GRE score of 330 or above, equal to a GRE percentile rank of 90 or higher, will allow you to apply to any of the world’s top business schools (which includes your dream school)
According to a study, individuals who undertook the GRE exam the previous year have expressed their intention to enroll in an MBA program. They obtained an average score of-
- 162+ for Quantitative Reasoning
- 157+ points for verbal reasoning
- 4.0 for analytical writing
Based on the profile of the class of 2024, this information was obtained from school websites.
| US News Rank | Full-Time MBA Program | Composite GRE Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | 330 |
| 2 | University Of Chicago (Booth) | 325 |
| 3 | University Of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | 324 |
Each GRE essay undergoes evaluation from distinct sources. A specially trained rater assesses the first essay using a 6-point scale to determine its quality, while the second essay is analyzed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to gauge writing proficiency. The final score is an average of both evaluations. In cases where the two scores differ, a third evaluator, a human-trained rater, assesses the essay, and the ultimate score is the average of the two human scores.
How are Verbal and Quantitative Sections ScoredThe assessment of verbal and quantitative sections is straightforward. Marks are awarded based on the number of correct answers, constituting the raw score that indicates the number of accurately answered questions. As there is no negative marking, we recommend attempting all questions, even if you are not entirely certain. The GRE raw test score undergoes conversion to a scaled score through a formula called Equating. This converted score represents your final section score.
The GRE Percentile RankAlong with a scaled score, you are provided with a percentile rank. These percentiles gauge your performance relative to other GRE test takers. In essence, a percentile rank signifies the comparison between your performance and that of your competitor who took the same test.
GRE Percentile Score for Verbal Reasoning| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 – 162 | 90th |
| 161 – 158 | 80th |
| 157 – 156 | 70th |
| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 – 162 | 90th |
| 161 – 158 | 80th |
| 157 – 156 | 70th |
| Scaled Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 170 – 162 | 90th |
| 161 – 158 | 80th |
| 157 – 156 | 70th |
The GMAT exam and the GRE exam are the two most commonly accepted admissions examinations for MBA and business master’s admissions.
Let’s cut to the chase: 4 out of 5 candidates prefer the GMAT over the GRE, asserting that the GMAT is a more advantageous choice for top MBA schools. Here are several crucial factors that offer insight into whether you should opt for the GMAT or GRE tests.
| GMAT | GRE |
|---|---|
| The GMAT exam is intended for business schools, meaning that it targets MBA programs in particular. | GRE takes the opportunity to leave schools guessing whether or not you are genuinely devoted to an MBA or a master’s diploma in business. |
| The GMAT test assesses the higher-order abilities needed to thrive in a graduate business programme and in your professional life. | For most test-takers, the quantitative part of the GMAT is more complex than the quantitative section of the GRE; however, because the GRE has more geometry questions, the GMAT may be simpler for individuals who prefer logic problems over geometry questions. |
| 2300 business schools provide over 7000 programs. | When it comes to the GRE, many fewer business schools accept it compared to the GMAT. |
Visit this page to learn everything there is to know about the GRE and GMAT tests, as well as which one you should take.
What it Contains
- Average GPAs at Top 25 MBA programs
- Creating a solid MBA profile along with acing GMAT preparation
- How Important is GMAT and How to Overcome a Low GMAT
The GRE exam comprises three sections: verbal, quantitative, and analytical. The maximum GRE score for the Verbal Section is 170, the maximum GRE score for the Quantitative Section is 170, and the maximum GRE score for Analytical Writing is 5.0. Therefore, the overall GRE max score is 340, excluding the GRE Analytical section.
With this, we come to an end, we hope we are able to give you each and every detail of the average GRE and that you are able to decide your position. If you need an upper hand, our consultants are always there to give you the right direction.
We offer a limited number of complimentary profile evaluations each week. We pair you with students and alumni from leading B-Schools based on your background and target schools. In this call, the experts will try to dig out your USP for top B-schools and provide you with honest feedback on your profile and chances to your target schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
Who Accepts the GRE
Thousands of graduate institutions and business schools accept GRE scores. You should look into the requirements for specific graduate programs to see what examinations they require.
2.
What Is the GRE’s Scoring System
Both the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning portions of the GRE are graded on a scale of 130-170, with 1-point increments. On a scale of 0-6, with 0.5-point increments, the Analytical Writing component is graded.
3.
What is the Average GRE Score for MBA Programs
The GRE is approved by the majority of the world’s leading business schools. Most international business schools consider a score of 325 or above to be competitive enough to get into your dream school.
4.
Do All MBAs Accept GRE
GRE scores are accepted by business institutions providing MBA programs all around the world. Students who want to study MBA in any nation can take the GRE and apply for some of the top B-schools around the globe. But Students should constantly check the specific prerequisites and eligibility criteria of the college/university/program they wish to enroll in according to the courses.
5.
Do Top MBA Programs Accept GRE
Yes, GRE scores are accepted by over 1200 MBA programs worldwide, including some of the best B-schools such as Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, Kellogg, and many others.
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