My Journey in an MBA Career: Achieving Harvards First GMAT Increase in 13 Years

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

My MBA Career – Harvard Business School’s MBA Class of 2025: A Holistic Approach to Admissions

Harvard Business School’s MBA Class of 2025 profile has recently been revealed, shedding light on the changing landscape of business school admissions. One notable trend is the diminishing importance of GMAT scores in the application process. The range of GMAT scores for successful admits during the 2022-2023 cycle was 500-790, indicating that applicants with scores in the 20th percentile were accepted. This suggests that admissions committees are taking a more holistic approach, considering strengths in other areas to compensate for weaknesses in GMAT scores.

In the past, average GMAT scores were a key indicator of an applicant’s chances of acceptance. However, Harvard Business School has stopped reporting average scores since 2010, instead opting to focus on median scores. For the past 13 years, the median GMAT score has remained consistent at an impressive 730.

Despite the overall trend of diminishing reliance on GMAT scores, Harvard Business School experienced a slight decline in the number of MBA applications this year. However, this decline was not significant compared to the previous two cycles, with only a 1.4% decrease. The total number of applications for the Class of 2025 reached 8,149.

Interestingly, despite the decline in applications, Harvard Business School was able to increase its median GMAT score to 740, marking the first increase in many years. This suggests that the school is attracting highly qualified candidates who excel in various areas of the application process.

Another noteworthy change in the applicant pool is the shift in the submission rate of GMAT scores compared to GRE scores. The percentage of applicants submitting GRE scores increased to 34%, while the GMAT submission rate decreased to 69%. This indicates a growing acceptance of GRE scores as an alternative to GMAT for business school admissions.

In terms of demographics, the Class of 2025 at Harvard Business School showcases impressive diversity. Women comprise 45% of the class, while international students make up 39%. However, the profile also reveals a decrease in racial diversity, with 50% of the class being White students according to federal reporting standards. Asian Americans contribute 22% of the class, while Black students account for 10% and Hispanic/Latino students decreased to 11%.

One positive aspect of the Class of 2025’s profile is an increase in military students, who now make up 6% of the new class. Their inclusion enhances the diversity and unique perspectives within the MBA program.

Academically, the Class of 2025 is highly accomplished, with an average undergraduate GPA of 3.73, which sets an all-time school record. When considering their undergraduate majors, most MBA candidates at Harvard Business School have backgrounds in economics or business. However, there has been a notable increase in the representation of STEM majors, who now make up 42% of the class. Arts and humanities majors account for 4%, further highlighting the diverse range of academic backgrounds within the MBA program.

Overall, Harvard Business School’s MBA Class of 2025 presents a dynamic and diverse group of individuals who have excelled in various areas of the application process. This growing emphasis on attributes beyond GMAT scores reflects the changing nature of business school admissions and showcases the invaluable qualities that applicants can bring to the program.