GMAT Cutoff 2025

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GMAT Cutoff Overview

GMAT cutoffs reflect the minimum scores top B-schools expect. The Verbal Reasoning section is scored between 60–90, and the total GMAT score ranges from 205–805 (in 10-point increments).

Understanding these score benchmarks helps you shortlist the right schools and plan your prep.


Projected GMAT Cutoffs 2025

Top-Tier B-Schools

  1. Harvard Business School: 730–750+ (Median: 740)
  2. Stanford GSB: 735–755+ (Median: 745)
  3. Wharton (UPenn): 720–740+ (Median: 730)
  4. MIT Sloan: 720–740+ (Median: 730)
  5. Columbia Business School: 720–740+ (Median: 730)


Second-Tier B-Schools

  1. Kellogg (Northwestern): 710–730+ (Median: 720)
  2. NYU Stern: 700–720+ (Median: 710)
  3. Duke Fuqua: 700–720+ (Median: 710)
  4. Cornell Johnson: 690–710+ (Median: 700)
  5. Georgetown McDonough: 680–700+ (Median: 690)


Competitive MBA Programs

  1. BU Questrom: 670–690+ (Median: 680)
  2. Emory Goizueta: 660–680+ (Median: 670)
  3. Notre Dame Mendoza: 650–670+ (Median: 660)
  4. Wake Forest: 640–660+ (Median: 650)


GMAT Score Trends (2020–2024)


YearAverage Median (Top 10 B-Schools)Change
2020715–
2021720+5
2022725+5
2023730+5
2024735+5


Key Observations

  1. Steady Increase: 3–5 points annually
  2. Rising Competition: Higher applicant pool post-COVID
  3. New GMAT Focus Edition: Could affect score distributions
  4. Standardized Testing Back in Focus


Category-Wise Score Expectations

International Applicants

  1. Cutoff Hike: Often need 10–20 points higher
  2. English Skills: Verbal section more critical
  3. Diversity Edge: Multicultural background adds value


Domestic Applicants

  1. Standard Range: Follow projected cutoffs
  2. Regional Advantage: Some schools value diversity by geography
  3. Work Experience: Can balance out lower scores


Scholarship Applicants

  1. Merit Aid: 90th percentile or higher
  2. Full Rides: Typically 750+
  3. Partial Aid: Above-median scores usually enough


B-Schools by Cutoff Range


RangeColleges
750+Harvard, Stanford, Wharton
720–750MIT Sloan, Columbia, Kellogg, Chicago Booth
700–720NYU Stern, Duke Fuqua, Cornell, Georgetown
650–700BU Questrom, Emory, Notre Dame, Wake Forest
600–650Regional MBA colleges, Part-time/Executive MBAs, Select global options


What Impacts GMAT Cutoffs?

Application Volume

  1. High Demand = Higher scores
  2. Recession Years = Spike in applicants


Exam Format Changes

  1. GMAT Focus Edition: May shift score patterns
  2. New Questions: Learning curve expected


B-School Policies

  1. Rankings Pressure: Schools protect medians
  2. Smaller Class Size: Often equals higher cutoffs
  3. Diversity Goals: Holistic evaluations common


External Factors

  1. Job Market Trends: Tech and finance influence scores
  2. Immigration Policies: Affect international intake


How to Improve Your GMAT Score

  1. Retake Option: Up to 5 attempts/year, no lifetime limit
  2. Strategic Prep: Invest in coaching or guided plans
  3. Sectional Focus: Improve weak areas first
  4. Time It Right: Spread attempts strategically


Bottom Line:

To break into top MBA programs in 2025, you’ll need a targeted prep strategy, awareness of cutoff trends, and smart planning around retakes and section focus. Aim above the median cutoff for your target schools to boost both admit chances and scholarship opportunities.

Let your GMAT score reflect your potential, not just your preparation.