When it comes to knowing everything about the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score for Harvard MBA, applicants often see the GMAT score as the only determinant of their admission. But in the admission process of Harvard Business School (HBS), the GMAT is just one part of getting in, as the admissions committee considers many factors besides a student’s test scores. So, what GMAT score is required for Harvard? This article looks at what GMAT scores signify for Harvard applicants, including the range of scores they accept and the importance of these scores in the application process.
A Poets&Quants survey found that GMAT scores have a big impact on business school admissions, carrying 21.7% of the total weight. The total score makes up about 16% of this, while the Quantative score breakdown adds another 6%.
Harvard Business School (HBS) adopts a holistic approach to admissions, focusing on the following primary areas:
Your GMAT score aims to assess how well you are prepared for the academic challenges of top-tier graduate business programs. If we talk about Harvard’s MBA class profile of 2025, 69% of students turned in GMAT scores, 34% submitted GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scores, and some students handed in scores from both exams.
To apply for the 2024-2025 cycle, your GMAT or GRE test dates must fall within the following ranges:
When you apply, you can report GRE or GMAT scores you got on test day or official scores if you have them. Make sure your scores are valid and verified to meet the requirements of admission.
GMAT Focus and Writing Assessment
Adaptations for GMAT Focus Edition: Writing Assessment
For the full-time MBA program, you need good writing skills. Therefore, every student who gets in must submit an official writing test. Harvard Business School has updated its requirements to align with the GMAT Focus edition, which does not include a writing section. Here’s what you need to know:
There is no officially stated good GMAT score for Harvard. However, if your mind has questions like “what GMAT score do I need for Harvard?”, we have the scoop for you. According to the HBS website, the GMAT scores they accept fall between 500 and 790. This shows Harvard has let in students with GMAT scores as low as 500. However, if you want to be in the running for Harvard Business School, you should aim to score above 740. Scoring above this will put you in the top 10% of test-takers.
When it comes to the minimum GMAT score for Harvard Business School, you will be pleased to know that there is no official minimum score to apply or get admitted. Harvard has admitted students with scores ranging from 500 to 790, demonstrating their commitment to diversity in test performance.
The average GMAT score for Harvard Business School falls between 730-750, with a median total of 740. This shows how tough the competition is for spots at Harvard Business School. As an applicant, you should try to score above the median to boost your chances of getting in.
This breakdown of range of GMAT scores and the median total score gives you a clearer picture of how the scores are spread out:
|
Category |
Score Range (Class of 2025) |
|
Median GMAT Total |
740 |
|
Total Range |
500-790 |
|
Verbal Range |
28-51 |
|
Quant Range |
32-51 |
When it comes to the GMAT cut-off for Harvard Business School, Harvard University does not set a specific cut-off score for getting into its graduate programs. To apply for the Harvard Business School MBA program, you do not need a minimum score to apply. However, the Class of 2025 had a median GMAT score of 740, with scores ranging from 500 to 790. This means that while you don't have to have a high GMAT score, it can boost your application.
As for the Harvard Kennedy School's Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) program, there is no hard and fast rule about GMAT or GRE scores. But, you are in a good position if you score 48 or above on the GMAT's Quant section.
Keep in mind that Harvard has a comprehensive evaluation process taking into account many aspects beyond just exam results. Some programs, like the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration, don't require GMAT scores.
The GMAT score has a significant role in Harvard Business School's (HBS) holistic review process, but it is not the only determining factor for admission. Here's how the GMAT score fits into the overall evaluation:
While a strong GMAT score can enhance your application, it is only one component. Ensure that your application presents a well-rounded profile showcasing your unique strengths, experiences, and potential contributions to the HBS community.
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Speak with CounsellorYour GMAT score can boost your Harvard scholarship chances. But, Harvard does not set a specific GMAT score to give out scholarships. They look at the whole application when deciding who to admit and how much financial help to offer, not just test scores.
Harvard's scholarship program is designed to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The process for determining financial aid is as follows:
Keep in mind that Harvard gives out scholarships based on need, not merit. This means your test scores, including GMAT scores, do not affect whether you get a scholarship or how much you get. Harvard encourages students to seek additional outside scholarships, which can be used to replace the term-time job expectation and might even lower the amount of scholarship money you need from the university.
The GMAT score stays valid for Harvard MBA and other graduate programs for 5 years from the test date to the application deadline. This means if you are mba applicant for HBS, your GMAT scores need to be no more than five years old when you submit your application. For example, if you were applying for Fall 2024 admission, your GMAT scores would need to be from no earlier than December 1, 2018.
HBS doesn't set a specific GMAT score cut-off for MBA program admission, including for the Class of 2024 or any other year.
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GMAT Online Class GMAT Offline Class GMAT Private TutoringNo, one can't enter most Harvard graduate programs, including the MBA program, without taking the GMAT or GRE. But some specific programs, like the Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School, don't mandate the GMAT/GRE.
Yes, most top MBA programs offer several application rounds each year, typically starting in the fall (Sep or Oct) and the last one in the spring (Mar-Apr).
Yale School of Management stands out as the only Ivy League business school to share the middle 80% GMAT score range, which is between 680 and 760, for students they accept. Harvard doesn’t provide any such score range. But for the Class of 2025, admitted students' total GMAT scores ranged from 500 to 790, with 740 as the median score.
Harvard does not officially state that certain sections are weighted more heavily. However, they do provide median scores for Verbal (42) and Quant (49) sections, suggesting that both are considered.
Yes, Harvard Business School and other Harvard graduate programs accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT.
Harvard explicitly states that they do not have a preference between the GMAT and GRE.
Harvard looks at the whole picture when reviewing applications. They take into account many factors besides test scores. While a high GMAT exam score helps other parts of the application can balance out a lower score.
You can take the GMAT five times a year, or eight times in your lifetime. Each time you take it counts as one of those five attempts.
No, there is no official information suggesting that GMAT scores are evaluated differently across application rounds.
For MBA admissions at HBS, GMAT scores must be valid as of the application deadline. For the 2024-2025 cycle, scores must be dated between September 4, 2019, and September 4, 2024, for Round 1, and between January 6, 2020, and January 6, 2025, for Round 2.
The GMAT score makes up about 22% of the overall decision to admit someone to HBS. It's a big part, but HBS looks at the whole picture when deciding who to admit.