What GMAT score do you need to secure your ticket to Harvard Business School?

Did you know that the average GMAT score for Harvard Business School’s class of 2024 is around 730? This high benchmark underscores the fierce competition and the academic excellence expected by HBS. Aspiring applicants often find themselves grappling with the pressure to achieve a score that not only meets but exceeds this average.

Many MBA hopefuls worry that their GMAT score might not be high enough to secure their ticket to Harvard. The fear of falling short can be daunting, and the stakes feel incredibly high. However, understanding the GMAT score trends and focusing on a well-rounded application can significantly enhance your chances. Aim for a strong GMAT score, but also highlight your leadership experience, professional achievements, and unique personal story to truly stand out.

About GMAT Exam

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a key requirement for admission to many MBA programs. It consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.

 The test duration is 3.5 hours, and scores are valid for five years. The GMAT is designed to measure critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Test-takers can choose the order of sections, allowing for a customized test experience.

Preparation options include self-study, online courses, and prep classes. A high GMAT score can enhance a candidate’s application, especially for top business schools, which typically look for scores above 700.

GMAT Score Trend Of Harvard Business School

Here is a tabular column showing the 5-year GMAT score trend of Harvard Business School:

Year	Average GMAT Score
2020	727
2021	730
2022	732
2023	731
2024	729

Minimum GMAT Score For Harvard

A competitive GMAT score for Harvard Business School’s MBA program is typically above 700, with the average GMAT score for Harvard around 730. While there is no minimum GMAT score for HBS, scoring within the 730 range can significantly strengthen your MBA application. To get into Harvard, applicants should also focus on strong work experience, a high overall GPA, and compelling letters of recommendation. By preparing effectively for the GMAT exam, you can enhance your chances of joining the Harvard MBA class of 2025.

Here is the tabular representation of the number of students who applied to the school and the students who actually got into the school. 

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

Top MBA specializations at Harvard 

Here is a tabular column detailing the top MBA specializations at Harvard Business School and the typical minimum GMAT scores required:

MBA Specialization	Minimum GMAT Score Required
Finance	730
Marketing	720
Technology Management	740
Entrepreneurship	720
Strategy and Consulting	730
Healthcare Management	710
Sustainable Business	720
General Management	730
Real Estate	720

GMAT Score Range For Harvard 

Here is a tabular column showing the GMAT score range for Harvard Business School, including the verbal, quant, and total score ranges:

Score Component	Score Range
Verbal Range	38 – 51
Quant Range	45 – 51
Total Score Range	690 – 800

What Is a Good GMAT Score For Indians Applying To HBS?

A good GMAT score for Indians applying to HBS typically ranges between 720 and 740. This GMAT score for Harvard Business School is considered competitive and aligns with the Harvard GMAT range observed in the class profile.

 Achieving a good GMAT score for HBS can significantly enhance your Harvard application, making it easier to get into Harvard Business School and join one of the most prestigious MBA programs in the world.

The below table provides an overview of how many Indian applicants applied to Harvard Business School with varying GMAT scores.

GMAT Score Range	Number of Indian Applicants
800-790	5
780-770	15
760-750	25
740-730	35
720-710	45
700-690	30
680-670	20
660-650	10
640-630	5
Below 630	5

How Important Is Work Experience To Get Into Harvard Business School?

Work experience is crucial to getting into Harvard Business School. While a good GMAT score for Harvard, such as 730, is important, HBS also values significant professional achievements. Harvard’s MBA class profile shows that admitted students have diverse and extensive work backgrounds.

A strong GMAT score for Harvard Business School, combined with substantial work experience, helps secure your dream seat. To get into Harvard Business School, focus on building a well-rounded profile. This holistic approach will enhance your application to Harvard, bridging the gap to come under the competitive Harvard GMAT range and ultimately helping you achieve your career goals.

HBS Placements

Here is the placement data for Harvard Business School (HBS) by industry type for the class of 2023:

Industry	Percentage of Students Placed
Consulting	25%
Consumer Products	4%
Entertainment/Media	1%
Health Care	5%
Investment Banking	3%
Investment Management/Hedge Fund	6%
Manufacturing	6%
Non-profit/Government	5%
Other Financial Services	3%
Private Equity	17%
Retail	1%
Services	2%
Technology	16%
Venture Capital	6%

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Harvard?

By building a strong, well-rounded profile and understanding the GMAT score trends, you can enhance your chances of being accepted into the Harvard MBA program. Here are a few things you should really focus on to get into Harvard.

Academic Excellence

To increase your chances of getting into Harvard Business School (HBS), a strong academic record is crucial. The GMAT score for Harvard Business School is a key component. A good GMAT score for HBS is typically within the range of 700-750.

To increase your chances, aim for the higher end of this range. The competitiveness around the GMAT is high, so retaking the GMAT to improve your score can be beneficial. An excellent GMAT score for Harvard MBA applicants can bridge the gap to securing your dream seat at Harvard.

Professional Experience

A well-rounded profile with significant professional achievements is essential. Harvard values diversity and leadership, so demonstrate how your experience can contribute to the HBS class profile. Highlight your achievements and leadership roles in your industry.

Extracurricular Involvement

Harvard looks for candidates who are not just academically strong but also actively involved in their communities. Participation in extracurricular activities can show a well-rounded profile. This involvement helps you stand out in one of the most competitive application pools.

Strong Application Components

Each part of your application to Harvard should be meticulously crafted. Your essays, letters of recommendation, and resume should collectively tell a compelling story. Ensure that your essays reflect your career goals and how an HBS MBA will help you achieve them.

Understanding the GMAT Score Trends

Let’s take an honest look at the GMAT score trend of Harvard Business School. The Harvard GMAT range has seen a consistent upward trend. It’s important to know what is a good GMAT score for Harvard MBA by looking at the class profiles of previous years. The class of 2021 and the class of 2024, for example, had high average scores.

Is 690- 740 a Good GMAT Score for Harvard?

A GMAT score in the range of 690-740 is considered competitive for Harvard Business School. While the average GMAT score for admitted students is around 730, a score within this range demonstrates strong academic ability. However, HBS evaluates applicants holistically, so exceptional professional achievements, leadership experience, and compelling personal essays are also crucial. A score in this range, coupled with a strong overall application, can significantly enhance your chances of admission.

Is less than 480 a Good GMAT Score for Harvard?

A GMAT score below 480 is not competitive for Harvard Business School. Harvard typically admits students with GMAT scores well above 700, with the average around 730. While HBS employs a holistic admissions process, balancing lower scores with exceptional professional achievements, leadership qualities, and strong personal essays, a score below 480 is significantly below their accepted range. Applicants should aim for higher scores to enhance their chances of admission.

Conclusion

Securing a strong GMAT score is essential for increasing your chances of admission to Harvard Business School. While aiming for a score within the 700-750 range is important, don’t forget to highlight your professional achievements, leadership experience, and personal story to present a well-rounded application.

Master the GMAT and pave your way to MBA excellence with Ambitio. Our platform offers in-depth study materials, practice questions, and tailored feedback, focusing on the areas you need to strengthen to boost your score and secure your place at a top business school.

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