Berkeley Haas MBA GMAT: Scores, Requirements & GRE Policy

What is the average Berkeley Haas GMAT Score?

The average GMAT range for the Class of 2026 is 733.

The average GMAT score for admitted students at the Berkeley Haas MBA Program, one of the best MBA colleges not just in the US but with a reputation comparable to the leading institutions in the UK, is 733. However, this average GMAT score is merely a benchmark, and prospective applicants must recognize that Berkeley Haas doesn't enforce a strict cutoff for GMAT scores.

Many successful candidates have been admitted to the program with scores that fall below this average, demonstrating the holistic approach to admissions that is valued highly, akin to practices at the top MBA colleges in the USA and worldwide.

Is There a Minimum GMAT Score for Berkeley Haas MBA?

Berkeley Haas does not set a minimum GMAT score, but most admitted students have very competitive scores. For the latest class, the average GMAT is around 730, and many applicants score 700+ to stay within the competitive range. Haas uses a holistic review, so your leadership, work experience, impact, and essays also matter as much as your score.

GMAT Focus Edition for Berkeley Haas MBA Applicants

Does Berkeley Haas accept the GMAT Focus Edition?

Yes. UC Berkeley Haas accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for MBA admissions. Haas treats the GMAT Focus as a valid test to check academic readiness, similar to other standardized test options.

Berkeley Haas does not publish a minimum or preferred GMAT Focus score. Instead, the admissions team reviews your score in the context of your full application, including academics, work experience, and overall profile strength. Since the GMAT Focus uses a new scoring scale, GMAT Focus scores are not meant to be directly compared with older GMAT scores.

How Berkeley Haas Interprets GMAT Focus Scores:

• Percentiles matter more than the raw score
• Scores are reviewed relative to the overall applicant pool
• Strong percentiles help show academic readiness for the MBA curriculum
• GMAT Focus and older GMAT scores are not directly comparable

For applicants applying in 2025 and beyond, it is best to judge a GMAT Focus score by how competitive it is within the Focus format itself, not by trying to match it to older GMAT numbers.

How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the Berkeley Haas MBA?

Your Berkeley Haas MBA GMAT score is reviewed in context, not in isolation. UC Berkeley Haas looks at your score alongside your academic background, work experience, career growth, and overall fit with the program. There is no cutoff score, and no single number guarantees admission.

Below is how different GMAT score ranges are usually understood during the evaluation process, based on official admissions guidance.

GMAT Below Typical Class Range

A GMAT score on the lower side compared to the class profile does not automatically hurt your chances.

This range can still work if you have:

• Strong academic performance, especially in quantitative subjects
• Solid work experience with clear progression
• Evidence of leadership, initiative, or impact at work

You should be cautious if:

• Your academic record is weak
• Your role lacks quantitative exposure
• Your career goals are unclear or poorly explained

In this range, the rest of your profile must clearly balance the score.

GMAT Around the Class Range

This range is generally considered competitive for Berkeley Haas.

At this level, the GMAT:

• Meets academic expectations
• Does not stand out on its own
• Needs support from strong essays and work experience

What matters most here:

• Quality and impact of your professional experience
• Leadership stories and fit with the program
• Clear and realistic post-MBA goals

Common mistakes in this range:

• Assuming the GMAT alone is “enough”
• Submitting generic applications
• Weak explanation of career direction

In this range, execution matters more than the score.

GMAT Above the Class Range

A higher GMAT score strengthens your academic profile and reduces concerns about classroom readiness.

What it helps with:

• Showing strong analytical ability
• Supporting demanding or technical career goals

What it does not guarantee:

• Admission
• Interview invites
• Scholarships

Overconfidence can hurt when:

• Essays lack depth
• Leadership examples are weak
• Career goals feel unrealistic

At this level, Haas expects the rest of your profile to match the strength of your score.

Berkeley Haas MBA GMAT Waiver & GRE Option 

Berkeley Haas does not offer a GMAT waiver for its full-time MBA program. Every applicant must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score, and the admissions team has repeatedly shared that they treat both exams equally. Since there is no preference, the right choice depends on which test helps you perform better. The GMAT is often preferred by candidates with strong quantitative skills and a business-focused mindset, while the GRE suits applicants who want more flexibility or feel more confident with verbal reasoning. Your goal should be simple: choose the exam that allows you to score higher and present your strongest profile.

GMAT for Berkeley Haas MBA

The GMAT is the more business-focused exam and is preferred by applicants who want to show strong analytical and quantitative ability.

Why applicants choose GMAT:

• Shows quant readiness, which Haas values in the core MBA curriculum.
• Designed specifically for business schools, making the score highly relevant.
• A strong GMAT (usually 700+) signals academic strength to the admissions team.
• Useful for consulting and finance recruiting, where many firms still ask for GMAT scores.
• Good fit for applicants from engineering, finance, economics, and technical fields.
• Tests data sufficiency, problem solving, and logic, which match Haas coursework.
• Helps compensate for a weaker GPA if you perform well in Quant.

Who should choose GMAT:

• Students are comfortable with numbers.
• Applicants targeting consulting/finance.
• Candidates who score higher on GMAT mock tests than GRE mock tests.

GRE for Berkeley Haas MBA

The GRE is more flexible and is chosen by applicants who prefer verbal reasoning or want to apply to multiple graduate programs.

Why applicants choose GRE:

• Quant section is simpler and more direct than GMAT Quant.
• Verbal section suits students strong in reading, writing, and vocabulary.
• Works well for applicants from liberal arts, humanities, marketing, or mixed academic backgrounds.
• Accepted by multiple programs, giving application flexibility beyond MBA.
• Competitive Haas GRE range: 160–165 Verbal and 161–166 Quant.
• Helps applicants who struggle with GMAT pacing or adaptive Quant difficulty.

Who should choose GRE:

• Students with stronger verbal skills.
• Applicants applying to non-MBA programs too.
• Candidates whose GRE percentile is higher than their GMAT percentile.

Berkeley Haas MBA Class Profile 2025

The Berkeley Haas MBA Class Profile 2025 reflects one of the most diverse, competitive, and globally driven cohorts in the school’s history. With strong academic backgrounds, impressive professional achievements, and a clear focus on leadership, the Class of 2025 represents what Haas looks for in future business leaders. This class brings together students from multiple industries, nationalities, and academic fields, creating a dynamic learning environment. From high GMAT scores and solid work experience to strong gender and international representation, this profile gives you a clear understanding of what it takes to be part of the Berkeley Haas MBA community.

At Berkeley Haas, diversity is not merely a buzzword but a fundamental community pillar. As the class of 2025 is welcomed, the institution celebrates each student's distinctive contributions and perspectives. This celebration fosters an environment characterized by collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect.

Read More: Berkeley Hass Class Profile 

Should You Retake the GMAT for the Berkeley Haas MBA?

Many applicants wonder whether retaking the GMAT will improve their chances at UC Berkeley Haas. The answer is not the same for everyone. A retake can help in some cases, but in others, it can add stress without real benefit. The right decision depends on your current score, your overall profile, and how close you are to application deadlines.

When Retaking the GMAT Makes Sense

Retaking the GMAT may be a good idea if:

• Your score is clearly lower than what most admitted students have
• Your academic background is weak or not very quantitative
• Your career goals are demanding and need stronger academic proof
• You have enough time to prepare properly before deadlines

In these situations, a higher score can help reduce academic concerns and support your application.

When Retaking the GMAT May Not Help

A retake may not be worth it if:

• Your GMAT score is already competitive for Berkeley Haas
• Your work experience and leadership profile are strong
• Your essays and career goals need more work than your test score
• You are very close to application deadlines

In such cases, improving essays, recommendations, and career clarity usually has a bigger impact than a small score increase.

Timing and Deadline Risks

Timing is a key factor:

• Late retakes can clash with essay writing and applications
• Rushed preparation often leads to similar or even lower scores
• Delaying your application to a later round can reduce competitiveness

If a retake pushes your application timeline, the risk may be higher than the benefit.

Time vs Benefit

Preparing again for the GMAT takes time and energy. Ask yourself:

• Will a higher score clearly improve my chances at Berkeley Haas?
• Or would my time be better spent improving essays and career goals?

A GMAT retake makes sense only when the expected improvement is meaningful, not just a small increase.

Tips to Prepare for Berkeley Haas MBA GMAT

Preparing for the GMAT requires a focused and consistent approach, especially because Berkeley Haas looks closely at your quantitative and analytical strengths. These tips will help you build a strong score and show the admissions team that you are ready for the MBA curriculum.

Here are simple and effective ways to prepare for a strong score:

• Start with a diagnostic test: Take a full-length mock at the beginning to understand your current level. This helps you choose the right study plan and focus on areas where improvement is needed.
• Focus more on Quant: Haas values strong analytical ability, so make Quant your priority. Strengthening topics like algebra, word problems, and data sufficiency can give you a major advantage.
• Practice official GMAT questions: Use the GMAT Official Guide and GMATPrep software. These questions reflect the real test style, helping you understand patterns, difficulty levels, and logic.
• Review your mistakes deeply: Don’t just check what went wrong—figure out why it happened. Track your errors in timing, approach, or concepts to avoid repeating them.
• Take weekly mock tests: One mock per week helps you build test stamina, improve time management, and reduce exam-day pressure. Review each mock thoroughly.
• Use data-driven study tools: Adaptive tools like GMAT Club analytics or online prep dashboards help you identify weak areas faster and personalize your practice.
• Plan 8–12 weeks of preparation: Give yourself 2–3 months of consistent study. A steady routine prevents burnout and ensures a strong improvement curve.

How to Strengthen an Application with a Low GMAT

A low GMAT score does not automatically reduce your chances at Berkeley Haas. The school reviews your profile holistically, so strong performance in other areas can balance a weaker test score. Here’s how you can make your application stand out even with a lower GMAT:

• Show strong academic ability: If your GPA is high or you’ve completed tough quantitative courses like statistics, calculus, or finance, Haas will see that you can handle the MBA workload.
• Submit a strong GRE score: If your GRE score is much higher percentile-wise, submit it. Haas considers both tests equally, so a better GRE can offset a weaker GMAT.
• Highlight professional achievements: Share examples of leadership, problem-solving, or impact in your roles. Promotions, awards, and major projects show readiness for the MBA environment.
• Write powerful essays: Use your essays to explain your goals clearly and show maturity, clarity of thought, and purpose. Strong stories can greatly influence the admissions decision.
• Get strong recommendation letters: Ask managers or mentors who know your work well. Their examples of your leadership, teamwork, and results help justify your potential.
• Take online quantitative courses: Enrolling in courses from Coursera, edX, or Harvard Online shows that you are improving your quant skills and are prepared for MBA academics.
• Show career progress: Evidence of growth like promotions, new responsibilities, or measurable achievements—helps the committee trust your long-term potential, even with a low GMAT.

Get to know about the chances of Admissions at Berkeley Haas Full-time MBA

Berkeley Haas Full-Time MBA Celebration

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Conclusion

Berkeley Haas looks at the GMAT as a way to understand your academic readiness, not as a final decision-maker. While the class profile shows strong GMAT and GMAT Focus scores, there is no fixed cutoff, and many admitted students succeed because their overall profile makes sense. Your work experience, leadership impact, career clarity, and essays carry significant weight alongside your test score.

If your GMAT is strong, it supports your application. If it’s lower, you still have room to balance it with academics, career progress, and a well-thought-out story. The key is to be realistic about where your profile stands and focus on strengthening the areas that matter most. A clear, honest, and well-prepared application is what ultimately improves your chances at the Berkeley Haas MBA, not just one number.