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 | 640 |
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!
MBA Crystal Ball has helped several low GRE and GMAT scorers get into reputed MBA programs, by helping them with the rest of your application (essays, resume, recommendations, interview). Send us an email if you’d like some professional help to tackle the low GMAT score: info [at] mbacrystalball [dot] com
Here are a few low GMAT admission success stories like Katz MBA Admit with Scholarship: Low GMAT Success Story.
Also read
– Top MBA in Asia, at HKUST, admit with scholarship despite below average GMAT score
– How to apply with an unbalanced GMAT score – Low Quant and High Verbal
Hi,
I have been away from work since 2012 post my daughter’s birth and have also moved from UAE to Canada. My experience includes 4.5 year of customer service role with Emirates & 2 years of experience with KLM airlines ( passenger handling ). and a year long Sales consultant role ( travel agancy). I hold a bachelor’s degree in Science & diplomas in travel and tourism (IATA/UFTAA – Foundation & consultancy ).
Is it advisable to pursue MBA or EMBA in fields like event management or HR.
I have 15 yrs experience and have done an exec PGDIB (18 mts. Part time) from IIFT. Am also certified PMP, six sigma GB, and a certified trainer and have done many moocs (finance, acctg, strategy etc). Iwas thinking about a FT MBA but was advised against due to age, ROI, opportunity cost etc. Instead, I was advised to go for exec programs for most b-schools MIT program in general MGT, IIM-C for Sr. Professionals (10+ yrs). Which in your opinion is better, FT or PT? Plz suggest.
Hey.. Need your help..
I have completed my Btech in Petrochemical Engineering and I want to do an MBA from USA, which stream will be better to do an MBA either operation or anything else. And I have only 1 year experience so will it possible to get admission in a good college
Hi Sameer,
I have done Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from one of the institute in Kolkata which is affiliated by Napier university in Scotland and i am a working professional from last 6 years but now i want to pursue MBA in marketing. I want to check, if my degree eligible for pursuing MBA in India from a good College.
Hi Sameer this is Niharika.. just doing my btech now.. I would like to know whether it is good to do mba after my BTech or do mba after working for few years (2-3 years)
Hi sir, I am joshitha here. I have completed my BBA from PESIT university this may 2017. Is there any possibility to do admission in any university without any work experience or any entrance exams . Plzz do reply early as soon as possible.
@Dipti: A full-time MBA will help more than a part-time executive MBA (EMBA). Event management may not require an expensive MBA, since actual exposure to the field matters more than the theory you learn in a class.
Read this to see how another mom has managed the admissions process. https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2015/12/18/mba-for-indian-mom-with-kids/
@Ankur: You can consider full-time options designed for senior professionals, such as the Sloan Fellows or Stanford MSx programs.
@Shrutika: Not a good time for you to go for an MBA. Work for at least 2 years more and try to find out more about the career paths. That’ll help you tackle the MBA specialisation dilemma as well.
Read this: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2016/08/01/mba-specializations-list/
@Shilpi: Was it a 3-year degree? If so, there might be some universities that may not consider it (since they insist on 16 years of education). However, there are also others that accept 15 years of education. See this: https://www.mbacrystalball.com/blog/2012/10/08/usa-mba-accepting-15-years-education-indian-universities/
@Niharika: Yes, spend some years working. That’ll prepare you well for the intense MBA experience.
@joshitha: Read the earlier response to Niharika.
Hi sir, Shreyas here..i have just completed Bachelor’s in Computer Application and want to study MBA abroad..so am i eligible for it or do i need professional work experience.
HI sir
I am an INDIAN DENTIST ,currently working in DUBAI,UAE.I have a work experience of more than 5 years.I am planning to pursue MASTER IN HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION. I have already taken GMAT and scored 580. COuld you pls guide me with schools and my scope of getting into one such school
Regards
Hii,
GMAT score of 630, CFA level-2 passed, Work exp – 8 years in NTPC, Engineering background
I can definitely increase the GMAT score by 40-50 points in next attempt but is it advisable to re-attempt or shall i apply for MBA with this score?.
I am also looking for scholarship and MBA from a college under 50 ranking.
please advise