GMAT Score Comparison at the Worlds Leading MBA Programs – My MBA Career

Last Updated on February 4, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Changes in GMAT Testing and Impact on MBA Admissions

Subtitle: New GMAT Focus Edition, test waivers, and declining scores create adjustments in B-school admissions

In a significant development for MBA hopefuls, the old Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) will no longer be available after January 31. This change comes as the new GMAT Focus Edition takes its place, ushering in a shorter exam duration and a restructured scoring scale. The alterations have garnered attention from both prospective students and top-ranked B-schools across the United States.

For the 2023-2024 application cycle, fifteen prestigious U.S. B-schools have decided to offer test waivers, allowing applicants to bypass the GMAT requirement. This move intends to attract a wider pool of candidates and provide opportunities to those whose schedules or circumstances may make it difficult to take the exam.

Though the overall trend of GMAT scores had been positive in 2022, indicating a strong performance by applicants, there was a slight downturn in 2023. This may be attributed to the transition to the new GMAT format or other factors influencing candidate performance. Nevertheless, the new streamlined version of the exam aims to improve efficiency and expedite the completion time.

The revamped scoring system of the GMAT Focus Edition is expected to yield lower scores in comparison to the old test. This shift may create challenges for individuals aiming to achieve high scores and may prompt candidates to showcase their abilities in other areas of their application, such as work experience, leadership qualities, or personal achievements.

Furthermore, the top-ranked B-schools in the United States have reported varying average GMAT scores, with some experiencing declines in 2023. This divergence highlights the diverse nature of the applicant pool and indicates that B-schools consider a range of factors beyond test scores when evaluating candidates.

Over the years, GMAT scores have generally witnessed an upward trend across schools, albeit with slight fluctuations. Notably, European B-schools have routinely provided vague information about the GMAT scores of their MBA classes, making it challenging for prospective students to gauge the competitiveness of their applications.

Despite the lower scores on the new GMAT, B-schools are well aware of the changes and have adjusted their admissions process accordingly. Admissions committees now consider a holistic evaluation approach, focusing on a candidate’s entire profile rather than solely relying on test scores. This shift allows for a more comprehensive assessment of an applicant’s potential.

In conclusion, the implementation of the new GMAT Focus Edition, along with the availability of test waivers and declining scores, has ushered in a period of adaptation for both applicants and B-schools. As the admissions process evolves, prospective MBA candidates must showcase their multifaceted abilities, while B-schools recalibrate their evaluation strategies to identify the most promising talent.