What GMAT Score Do You Need?
GMAT test-takers increased in 2008 versus the previous year, and MBA programs report increasing numbers of applicants for the 2008-2009 application cycle. This makes for a competitive time to apply to business school, and you'll need to make sure that your application can stand out from the crowd.
Snapshot on Test Scores
While approximately two-thirds of all GMAT test-takers score between 400 and 600, the average score for those accepted to the top schools is often close to 700 or higher. The average GMAT score for a few of the top schools is noted below:
| School | Average GMAT Score |
| Stanford | 721 |
| Harvard | 713 |
| Dartmouth (Tuck) | 713 |
| Penn (Wharton) | 712 |
| Berkeley (Haas) | 710 |
B-schools look for strong GMAT scores because they use them as a way to predict your success in your first-year. The GMAT is not a math or an English test, though there are quantitative and verbal sections. Rather, it tests critical thinking and analysis skills through questions on math topics, grammar, reading comprehension, and more.
The good news is that your GMAT scores can be improved with focused and dedicated preparation. Find out more about Kaplan's GMAT programs.
