The GMAT cut off score is a crucial benchmark for MBA and select MS admissions worldwide. It guides applicants toward top-tier programs in popular destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Singapore.
Generally, the average GMAT cut off for elite MBA programs is around 700, though competitive MS programs often have lower or more varied requirements depending on the specialization. Each program sets its GMAT cut off based on applicant averages, so checking individual school requirements is key to planning your ideal score.
Whether you’re aiming for an MBA or a specialized MS, a clear understanding of the GMAT cut off can position you for success in your application journey and ultimately help you reach your academic and career goals.
Average GMAT Scores
The Total GMAT Score and the average GMAT score play a significant role when applying to top business schools worldwide. The GMAT cut off for elite MBA programs typically hovers around 700, while mid-tier schools may have lower expectations, often ranging from 600 to 650.
However, the appropriate GMAT cut off depends on the specific school, as each institution evaluates the GMAT score differently.
Given the emphasis placed on the GMAT exam score, knowing the GMAT cut off for your desired program is essential to set realistic goals and ensure you’re well-prepared.
| GMAT Score | Percentile | Remarks |
| 800-760 | 99 % | Best |
| 750-700 | 98% -90% | |
| 690-650 | 84% -70% | Competitive |
| 640-600 | 64% -50% | Good Enough |
| 550 | 38 % | |
| 500 | 25% | Average |
| 450 | 15% | |
| 400 | 10% | |
| 350 | 5 % | |
| 300 | 3 % | |
| 250 | 1 % | |
| 200 | 0% |
The GMAT Total Score ranges from 205 to 805, with score intervals of 10 and a standard error of measurement between 30-40 points. Section scores for Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights range from 60 to 90, with intervals of 1 and a standard error of measurement of 3 points each.
| Score Category | Score Range | Score Intervals | Standard Error of Measurement |
| Total Score | 205-805 | 10 | 30-40 points |
| Quantitative Reasoning Score | 60-90 | 1 | 3 points |
| Verbal Reasoning Score | 60-90 | 1 | 3 points |
| Data Insights Score | 60-90 | 1 | 3 points |
GMAT Cut Off for Top B Schools India
The GMAT cut off is a major factor for candidates seeking admission into premier programs like those at ISB, IIMs, and XLRI. Generally, the GMAT cut off at these institutions ranges between 680 and 740, with some flexibility depending on the program and applicant pool.
| University | Average GMAT Cut Off |
| IIM Ahmedabad | 705 |
| IIM Bangalore | 695 |
| SP Jain | 655 |
| IIM Kolkata | 705+ |
| BITS Pilani | 605+ |
| IIM Lucknow | 685+ |
| ISB (Indian School of Business) Hyderabad | 715 |
| IIM Indore | 695 |
| IMT Ghaziabad | 685 |
| IFMR | 645+ |
| IIT Madras | 655+ |
| IIFT | 655+ |
GMAT Cut Off 2024 for USA
The GMAT cut off for top US business schools in 2024 is a key consideration for international and domestic applicants alike. Leading programs like those at Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton often set a GMAT cut off around 720 or higher.
While a strong GMAT exam score can improve your chances, understanding the GMAT exam syllabus and targeting each section can make a difference. Mid-range schools may have a GMAT cut off closer to 650, giving more flexibility for candidates. A well-rounded performance on the GMAT exam syllabus will help students meet the expectations of this competitive market.
| University | Average GMAT Cut Off | GMAT Score Range |
| Stanford University | 737 | 630-790 |
| Northwestern University | 731 | 620-780 |
| Yale University | 720 | 680-760 |
| University of Chicago | 728 | 600-780 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 700 | 530-790 |
| Harvard University | 730 | 540-790 |
| Columbia University | 730 | 610-790 |
| Dartmouth College | 726 | 610-790 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 730 | 690-760 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 711 | 660-760 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 730 | 700-760 |
| University of Michigan | 720 | 680-760 |
| New York University (NYU) | 733 | 640-800 |
| University of Texas at Austin | 706 | 660-750 |
| Cornell University | 710 | – |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 702 | 640-750 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 690 | 640-730 |
| Boston University | 683 | 640-730 |
GMAT Cut Off Europe 2024
Europe’s top B-schools, such as INSEAD, LBS, and HEC Paris, often set a high GMAT cut off for their competitive MBA programs, usually around 700. While some programs offer flexibility, meeting the GMAT cut off is crucial for a solid application.
| University | Average GMAT Cut Off |
| INSEAD | 710 |
| London Business School | 708 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 708 |
| University of Navarra (IESE) | 580-750 |
| HEC Paris School of Management | 690 |
| University of Cambridge | 690 |
| University of Oxford | 690 |
| ESADE Ramon Llull | 670 |
| The University of Warwick | 650 |
| Bocconi University | 650-750 |
| Copenhagen Business School | 650 |
| Erasmus University Rotterdam | 640 |
| Imperial College London | 600+ |
| The University of Manchester | 600+ |
GMAT Cut Off Canada 2024
In Canada, the GMAT cut off for top business schools like Rotman and Schulich typically ranges from 660 to 700. Applicants to Canadian programs will find that while the GMAT cut off varies, a strong GMAT exam score is highly valued.
| University | Average GMAT Cut Off |
| McGill University | 670 |
| University of Toronto | 550+ |
| York University | 660 |
| University of British Columbia | 550+ |
| Queen’s University–Kingston | 600 |
| Université de Montréal | 630 |
| University of Alberta | 550+ |
| McMaster University | 600 |
| Simon Fraser University | 550 |
| The University of Western Ontario | 530-760 |
| Concordia University | 580 |
GMAT Cut Off Australia 2024
Australia’s leading B-schools, such as UNSW and Melbourne Business School, often set the GMAT cut off between 650 and 700. Aiming for a competitive GMAT exam score is essential, especially with increasing application numbers. Familiarity with the GMAT exam syllabus helps ensure that candidates meet the GMAT cut off and excel in the sections that matter most to these programs.
| University | Average GMAT Cut Off |
| The University of Melbourne | 560 |
| The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) | 679 |
| The Australian National University | 600+ |
| The University of Sydney | 600+ |
| RMIT University | 550+ |
GMAT Cut Off Asia 2024
For Asia’s top business schools, including ISB, NUS, and HKUST, the GMAT cut off can vary from 660 to 720. Achieving a strong GMAT exam score can significantly enhance your application, especially given the competitive applicant pool.
| University | Average GMAT Cut Off |
| The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology | 660 |
| Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) | 600 |
| Tsinghua University | 660 |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 670 |
| Seoul National University | 650 |
| Peking University | 670 |
| The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | 680 |
Factors Influencing GMAT Cutoffs
- School Ranking and Reputation: Top-tier institutions like Harvard, INSEAD, and IIMs tend to have a higher GMAT cut off due to their prestige and competitive applicant pool. These schools often set a GMAT cut off that reflects the calibre of their rigorous programs.
- Program Type and Focus: Specialized programs, such as those focused on finance or analytics, may require a higher GMAT cut off due to their quantitative demands. Knowing the GMAT exam syllabus helps students prepare strategically for these areas.
- Applicant Pool Strength: If a school receives a high volume of strong applications, it may raise the GMAT cut off to narrow the field. A high GMAT exam score becomes essential to stand out.
- Diversity and Inclusion Goals: Many schools adjust the GMAT cut off to build a well-rounded, diverse class, allowing flexibility based on applicant backgrounds. This approach balances the class with unique perspectives alongside strong GMAT exam scores.
- Course Rigor and Requirements: Programs with intensive curricula may set a higher GMAT cut off to ensure incoming students are well-prepared for the coursework. Familiarity with the GMAT exam syllabus aids in targeting sections where applicants need improvement.
- Yearly Trends: Market and economic conditions impact applicant numbers. For instance, in competitive years, schools may increase the GMAT cut off as they become more selective. A solid GMAT exam score remains a valuable asset.
- Scholarship Opportunities: A higher GMAT cut off may be in place for applicants seeking merit-based scholarships, where an impressive GMAT exam score demonstrates academic excellence and commitment.
- Regional Variations: Schools in different regions may set their GMAT cut off based on the average applicant score for that area. Adapting study plans to cover the entire GMAT exam syllabus ensures a balanced performance across all regions.
Understanding the GMAT cut off scores is a critical step toward achieving your academic and career goals in top-tier programs worldwide. Aiming for the right GMAT exam score can make a substantial difference in admissions. Whether you’re targeting an MBA or an MS, knowing the cut-off requirements for your desired programs enables you to set realistic goals and prepare effectively.
Ready to start your journey? Contact Manya—The Princeton Review today for expert guidance on GMAT preparation and get the support you need to achieve your target score!
