GRE scores for MBA Programs
Historically, schools only accepted GMAT scores for admissions into their GRE Scores for MBA programs. However, according to a study, more than 90% of MBA programs in the USA and Europe now accept either GRE or GMAT. The same study found that 75% of the schools are indifferent to which test scores are submitted.
Thus, let’s look at how much GRE scores for MBA Programs you need to get accepted into the best programs.
Average GRE Scores
Below is a list of top 10 MBA programs and their average GRE scores of accepted, incoming students:
| Program/University | GRE Requirement |
| University of Chicago (Booth) | Average 163 Quantitative, 161 Verbal |
| University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) | Average 162 Quantitative, 162 Verbal |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) | Average 165 Quantitative, 162 Verbal |
| Columbia University | Average 167 Quantitative, 158 Verbal |
| University of Michigan, Ann-Arbor (Ross) | Average 160 Quantitative, 160 Verbal |
| New York University (Stern) | Average 166 Quantitative, 160 Verbal |
| Duke University (Fuqua) | Average 317 in GRE (Quant/Verbal combined) |
| University of California, Berkeley (Haas) | Average 162 Quantitative, 161 Verbal |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) | Average 158-169 Quantitative, 157-168 Verbal |
| University of California, Los Angeles (Anderson) | Average 167 Quantitative, 162 Verbal, 5 Analytical Writing |
Quantitative Scores
The average GRE Quantitative scores for top MBA programs are all above 160, while the minimum Verbal score is 157. You may realize that the competition for MBA programs is high; thus, the required GRE scores are also higher than for most other programs.
Although most MBA programs are indifferent to the score on the Analytical Writing section, the GRE Quant and Verbal scores are very important to them. These scores can be a way to get accepted and funding in the form of fellowships, scholarships, and/or teaching assistantships.
Between the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections, it has been found that the MBA admissions committee gives more weightage to the Quant section (hence the high average) because they believe that high scores in the Quant section will help them gauge the ones who will do better in their graduate program.
Most of the skills tested in the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE are what applicants may need in their MBA graduate program. Therefore, while preparing for your GRE for an MBA program, give more importance to the Quantitative Reasoning section and aim to get more than 165 to increase your chances of acceptance into a prestigious and highly ranked program.
Verbal Scores
Unlike Computer Science and Engineering programs, MBA programs also emphasize the Verbal Reasoning section. That’s why you have to make sure that you also set aside sufficient preparation time for that. Aim to get 160 in the Verbal Reasoning section to stand amongst the best qualifying candidates.
In conclusion, the average GRE score for an MBA program is 320+ combined, with slightly more edge to quantitative reasoning.
Read on: MBA Scholarship Step-by-Step Guide
