What is the acceptable GMAT score for Harvard?

The GMAT exam

The GMAT has 80 questions and a time limit of 3 hours and 7 minutes. The exam has no set syllabus and consists of questions designed to assess analytical and reasoning abilities. Each section of the GMAT exam has a time limit, which varies depending on the section. Here are some facts about the GMAT exam:

• Candidates are given the option of attempting the GMAT exam in one of three different order combinations.
• Multiple-choice questions are used in the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections.
• Non-MCQs make up Integrated Reasoning.
• The GMAT Exam has no negative marking.
• The sections for Integrated Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning are computer adaptive, which means that questions cannot be skipped, pages cannot be returned, and answers cannot be changed once marked.
• There are optional 8-minute breaks between exams; the timing of whom must be chosen when selecting the order.
• The Analytical Writing Assessment is made up of an essay question.

The GMAT score trend of Harvard business school

Let’s take a look at the average GMAT score of Harvard business school for five years.

Year	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GMAT score	730	729	729	729	725

As can be seen, the average GMAT score for the incoming class has been 729 since 2016, and it has risen to 730 in 2019. So, that leads to the question, what is the acceptable range of GMAT scores for Harvard?

What is an acceptable GMAT score for Harvard?

If your GMAT score is between 750 and 800, and your work experience is sufficient, you can consider yourself on the right track for Harvard. However, you will be surprised to know that Harvard Business School has even admitted a few students whose GMAT scores lay in the range of 500 to 600. Other factors that add credibility to your application include your overall GPA, resume, and recommendation quality. Keep in mind that even a score of 800 will not guarantee admission to Harvard. In fact, every year, approximately 10% of students with this score are rejected.

Once the desired score has been obtained, the next step is to prepare for the other critical components of your application. Polish your application, collect strong letters of recommendation and write an outstanding essay. Begin interview preparations as soon as you know your score is within the required range, as the chances of moving on to the next stage of admission are high.

A breakdown of how many individuals within each score were called for an interview and how many of them got accepted into the Harvard MBA program.

GMAT score	Applications	Interview invite	Admitted
800	2	2	1
790	1	1	0
780	8	3	2
770	19	6	3
760	30	11	3
750	26	11	7
740	26	11	9
730	28	10	6
720	19	8	3
710	22	8	5
700	18	2	0
690	3	0	0
680	2	0	0
650	1	1	0
620	1	1	0
610	1	0	0

Making your Harvard university application stand out

• Your letters of recommendation are a critical component of your application. Request these at an appropriate time from former college teachers or managers you have worked with in your current or previous job. 
• Conduct thorough research. Before you begin preparing for your GMAT exam, make sure you are aware of the most recent trend in GMAT score cutoffs for Harvard, so you can set a goal for yourself.
• Build your profile carefully, consider whether your current work experience is sufficient for your Harvard application, and consider completing an internship or similar in your field of interest to add to your profile.
• Create an excellent essay. Be genuine and succinct.

Key takeaways

• GMAT is crucial for acceptance into the Harvard business school’s MBA program.
• A score between the range of 750 and 800 will set you on the right track for acceptance into Harvard.
• You must also focus on the other areas of your application, as your GMAT score only makes up 22% of the weightage in your application.

Summing it up, the GMAT exam plays an important role in securing a seat in the Harvard MBA program. Thus, preparation is crucial. For some tips on how to ace the GMAT exam, visit the iSchoolConnect website.

FAQs

Question 1: Is the GMAT required for an MBA?

Answer 1: However, the GMAT exam is required for the vast majority of full-time MBA programs, and there are several important reasons why you should strive for a competitive GMAT exam score when applying for full-time admission.

Question 2: Is the GMAT a difficult test?

Answer 2: GMAT is taken by over 200,000 people each year, with only 6% scoring 720 or higher. These data points indicate that the GMAT is a difficult exam and that scoring 700+ requires effort.

Question 3: Is the GMAT penalized?

Answer 3: If you’re wondering if there is a negative marking in the GMAT exam, the answer is no. GMAT test takers are not penalized with negative marks for incorrect answers.

Question 4: How long is the GMAT valid?

Answer 4: The GMAT test score is valid for five years after the test date.