Your GMAT score unarguably plays a vital role in the MBA application process. However, most of the times, it’s seen that candidates are often stuck with this one part of the application.
Some applicants, in spite of multiple attempts at the GMAT, are unable to improve their GMAT scores and often get frustrated in the process. This also leaves them with very less time to work on the remaining elements of the application – essays, recommendations, resume, interview.
If you’ve scored very low on your GMAT, it’s advisable to try to improve your score. However, if your GMAT score shows no improvement and all your efforts are proving futile, maybe it’s time to move on i.e. choose colleges where the low GMAT scores won’t be a deal-breaker and focus on the rest of the application.
This list is for those with a low GMAT score. Did you know that The Financial Times Global MBA ranking also includes a lot of business schools with a low average GMAT score?
Colleges Accepting Low GMAT Scores
How would you define a low GMAT score? Quite subjective, right? We used 650 as the threshold for this article. Here’s the list of schools having their GMAT average lower than 650.
| School name | Location | Average GMAT score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Warwick Business School | Coventry, UK | 647 |
| 2 | George Washington University School of Business (GWSB) | Washington D.C, USA | 646 |
| 3 | The Lisbon MBA | Lisbon, Portugal | 645 |
| 4 | Rutgers University | New Jersey, USA | 643 |
| 5 | Purdue University (Krannert) | Indiana, USA | 640 |
| 6 | Temple University – Fox School of Business | Philadelphia, USA | 640 |
| 7 | Erasmus University-Rotterdam School of Management(RSM) | Netherlands | 640 |
| 8 | University of Manchester – Alliance Manchester Business School | Manchester, UK | 640 |
| 9 | ESMT Berlin | Berlin, Germany | 640 |
| 10 | CUHK Business School | Hong Kong, China | 634 |
| 11 | City University – Cass Business School | London, UK | 630 |
| 12 | AGSM – UNSW Business School | Sydney, Australia | 630 |
| 13 | University College Dublin (Smurfit) | Dublin, Ireland | 625 |
| 14 | University of St. Gallen – Executive School of Technology, Management & Law | Switzerland | 620 |
| 15 | Grenoble Ecole de Management | Grenoble, France | 620 |
| 16 | University of Pittsburgh (Katz) | Pennsylvania, USA | 613 |
| 17 | Lancaster University Management School | 600 | |
| 18 | Macquarie Graduate School of Management (MGSM) | Sydney, Australia | 600 |
| 19 | University of Strathclyde Business School | Scotland, UK | 600 |
| 20 | University of Edinburgh Business School | Edinburgh, UK | 585 |
| 21 | Babson College | Massachusetts, USA | 632 |
| 22 | University of Birmingham (Birmingham Business School) | Birmingham, UK | NA |
| 23 | Durham University Business School | Durham, UK | NA |
| 24 | University of Connecticut (UConn) | Connecticut, USA | 639 |
| 25 | EDHEC | France | 64 |
These numbers are likely to change over time. So make sure you refer to the original source (the bschool website) to get the latest GMAT scores.
If you go through the entire Financial Times (FT) ranking, you’ll also find schools that have average GMAT scores in the range of 650-700.
It wouldn’t be right to simply assume that all schools that figure in the FT rankings necessarily expect a high average GMAT score because that’s not the case. Each of the ranking agencies uses a different methodology based on several criteria related to the business school and not just the GMAT score.
Before you shortlist your b-schools, you need to do your research. Compile information and gather facts related to the program including the course duration, course fees, geographical location, scholarships and other funding options, work experience requirement as well as placement statistics. Read up and find out what alumni or those who’ve got into the program have to share about their experience.
Finally, your choice of the MBA programs would greatly depend on parameters that are of priority to you.
Be aware that a low GMAT score doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot aim for the top ranked schools. There are several instances where candidates with a strong profile but a low GMAT score have managed to secure a place in some of the best business schools.
It’s really heartening to read such success stories, so don’t let a low GMAT score affect your spirit. So, go ahead and give it your best shot!
Leap Quest has helped several low GRE and GMAT scorers get into reputed MBA/MS programs, by helping them with the rest of your application (essays, resume, recommendations, interview).
Our team of expert MBA admissions consultants helps you push for more, find your voice, and tell your story in the most compelling way possible. We have helped a large number of applicants convert their dream of attending top schools around the world.
Leap Quest MBA Admission service includes all elements of MBA applications that consist of:
- Shortlisting the list of target B-Schools
- Guidance in building MBA application essay write-ups (how to draft essays for MBA application)
- MBA essay editing and guidance in organizing any other aspect of MBA application.
- Guidance in preparing CV/Resume
- MBA Interview preparation service in the event an MBA applicant gets an interview call from a shortlisted B-School
- Any other related part that is inside the scope of B-School application process
- Social Media Consulting
- LinkedIn Assistance
- Drafting Scholarship letters
- Application Form Guidance
If you’re confused about the decision and want to be sure you’re taking the right decision , here’s something that may help. Drop in a email to Info@theleapquest.com for professional help
At Leap Quest, we’ve done a lot of research into this topic. Having spent several years in the industry, we’ve gathered loads of information and data.
There is a greater deal of human involvement to judge the non-objective aspects of your profile too – your clarity of career goals, your ability to connect the dots and make an overall good impression on the Admissions Officer.
