✅ Average GMAT: Booth’s average GMAT score is 736, reflecting a highly competitive applicant pool.
💼 GMAT Focus: The average GMAT Focus score for Booth is 670, with a median of 675.
📊 No Minimum Score: Booth does not set a minimum GMAT or GRE requirement for admission.
⭐ Waiver Policy: GMAT/GRE waivers are only available to UChicago students or alumni with a GPA of 3.4+.
🎓 GRE Profile: The average GRE scores for Booth admits are 161 Verbal and 163 Quant.
Introduction
The Chicago Booth MBA is one of the most competitive MBA programs in the world. Every year, it attracts high-quality applicants from different backgrounds who are aiming for strong careers in consulting, finance, product, and leadership roles. Because the applicant pool is very strong, understanding the Chicago MBA GMAT score is an important part of planning your application.
According to the latest official class profile published by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the GMAT scores of admitted students typically fall within a wide range, and there is no fixed GMAT cutoff. Booth does not admit students based on test scores alone. Instead, the admissions team looks at your GMAT score alongside your academics, work experience, career goals, and overall profile. In this blog, we explain how the Chicago MBA GMAT score is evaluated and what it realistically means for your chances of admission.
What Is the Average Chicago MBA Gmat?
The average Chicago MBA GMAT is 736, with a typical range between 690 and 770. Booth also reports a median score of 740, showing how competitive the admitted class is. For applicants taking the new GMAT Focus, the average score is 670, with a median of 675.
Is There a Minimum GMAT Score for the Chicago Booth MBA?
The Chicago Booth MBA does not require a minimum GMAT or GRE score for admission. Booth accepts the GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, GRE, and the shortened GRE, and all applicants are reviewed holistically. A lower score does not remove you from consideration as long as the rest of your profile is strong.
Booth requires applicants to hold an undergraduate degree (or equivalent international degree) and submit either a GMAT or GRE score. International applicants must also submit valid English test results such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Booth focuses on your overall academic ability, work experience, and personal qualities rather than setting a fixed cutoff score.
GMAT Focus Edition for Chicago Booth MBA Applicants
Does Chicago Booth accept the GMAT Focus Edition?
Yes. The Chicago Booth MBA accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for MBA admissions. Booth treats it as a valid test to assess academic readiness, alongside the earlier GMAT format.
Chicago Booth does not publish a preferred GMAT Focus cutoff. Instead, scores are reviewed in context with academics, work experience, and overall profile strength. According to Booth’s official class profile, the average GMAT Focus score is around 670, reflecting the program’s strong analytical focus.
How Chicago Booth Interprets GMAT Focus Scores:
Percentiles matter more than raw scores
Scores are evaluated relative to the applicant pool
Strong quantitative and analytical performance is important
GMAT Focus and older GMAT scores are not directly comparable
For applicants, the Chicago MBA GMAT should be judged within its own format. Booth looks at how competitive your score is in context, not by converting it to older GMAT numbers.
How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the University of Chicago MBA?
Your Chicago Booth MBA GMAT score is reviewed in context, not in isolation. Chicago Booth compares your score with the current class profile and then evaluates it alongside your work experience, academics, and career goals. Here is how different GMAT score ranges are usually interpreted.
GMAT Below Class Average(≤720 GMAT / ≤650 GMAT Focus)
A GMAT score below the class average means your score is weaker compared to most admitted students, but it does not end your chances.
This range can still work if you have:
Strong academic results, especially in quantitative subjects
Solid work experience with clear career progression
Evidence of leadership or impact at work
You should be cautious if:
Your academics are weak
Your role lacks analytical or quantitative exposure
Your career goals are unclear
In this range, the rest of your profile must clearly compensate for the score.
GMAT Around Class Average (~720–740 GMAT / ~650–690 GMAT Focus)
This range signals that your GMAT score is competitive for the Chicago Booth MBA. Many applicants fall into this band.
At this level, the GMAT:
Neither helps nor hurts on its own
Meets Booth’s academic expectations
What decides outcomes here:
Quality of work experience
Leadership stories and impact
Career clarity and post-MBA goals
Common mistakes at this band:
Assuming the GMAT is “enough”
Weak essays or unclear goals
Generic applications
In this range, execution matters more than the score.
GMAT Above Class Average (740+ GMAT / 690+ GMAT Focus)
A GMAT score above the class average strengthens your academic profile and reduces concerns about classroom readiness.
What it helps with:
Signals strong analytical ability
Supports demanding career goals
What it does not guarantee:
Admission
Interview calls
Scholarships
Overconfidence hurts applicants when:
Essays lack depth
Leadership stories are weak
Career goals feel unrealistic
At this level, Booth expects the rest of your profile to match the score.
University of Chicago Booth MBA Class Profile
The Chicago Booth MBA class is diverse, experienced, and academically strong. Students come from many countries with a rich mix of industries and academic backgrounds. On average, Booth students have 5 years of work experience, and roughly 41% of the class are women, giving you a sense of the environment and peer group you may join.
This mix of backgrounds and experiences creates a learning environment where students learn from each other as much as from the classroom.
Should You Retake the GMAT for the University of Chicago MBA?
Many applicants struggle with this decision while planning their Chicago Booth MBA application. Retaking the GMAT can help in some cases, but it is not always the right move. The decision depends on your current score, overall profile strength, timeline, and application round. Retaking without a clear reason can add pressure and delay your application. This section explains when a retake helps, when it does not, and how to decide wisely before investing more time and effort.
When Retaking the GMAT Helps
Retaking the GMAT can make sense if:
Your score is well below the Booth class range
Your academic background is weak or not quantitative
Your career goals require strong academic or analytical support
You have enough time before application deadlines
In these situations, a higher GMAT score can reduce risk and improve overall competitiveness.
When Retaking the GMAT Does Not Help
Retaking may not be worth it if:
Your score is already around or above the Booth class average
Your work experience and leadership profile are strong
Your essays and career goals need more attention
You are close to application deadlines
In such cases, strengthening other parts of the application often has more impact than a small score increase.
Timing Risks and Deadline Considerations
Timing plays a major role in this decision.
Late retakes can clash with essay writing and applications
Rushed preparation often leads to similar or lower scores
Delaying submission to a later round can reduce competitiveness
If a retake pushes your application timeline, the risk may outweigh the benefit.
Opportunity Cost vs Benefit
Preparing again for the GMAT takes time and energy. Ask yourself:
Will a higher score clearly change my competitiveness?
Or would that time be better spent on essays, recommendations, and career clarity?
A retake only makes sense when the expected gain is meaningful, not marginal.
Chicago Booth MBA GMAT Waiver & GRE Option
Chicago Booth only offers a GMAT/GRE waiver to current University of Chicago students or UChicago graduates with a GPA of 3.4 or higher. All other applicants must submit a valid GMAT, GMAT Focus, GRE, or shortened GRE score because Booth does not waive the test requirement for any other reason.
Booth treats all test formats equally, and scores remain valid for five years. The school also does not participate in GMAT or GRE fee-waiver programs.
Average GRE Score for Chicago Booth MBA(2027)
The average GRE score for the Chicago Booth MBA is 161 in Verbal and 163 in Quantitative. These scores reflect the typical performance of admitted Booth students and show that the class is strong in both analytical and verbal skills. Booth also considers balanced section scores important when reviewing GRE applicants.
GRE Section
Average Score
Verbal
161
Quantitative
163
Typical Verbal Range
155 – 167
Typical Quant Range
156 – 169
GMAT vs GRE: Which One Should You Take for Chicago Booth MBA?
Understanding whether to take the GMAT or GRE for the Chicago Booth MBA comes down to which test highlights your strengths better. Booth accepts all test formats equally and does not prefer one over the other. Your aim should be to choose the exam where you can score higher and keep both sections strong and balanced.
GMAT
Best for applicants who are strong in Quant and analytical reasoning.
Common among candidates targeting consulting, finance, or data-heavy roles after Booth.
Focuses more on problem-solving, data interpretation, and structured reasoning.
Easier to benchmark since Booth publishes detailed GMAT averages and ranges.
GRE
Good for applicants who are stronger in verbal reasoning or prefer flexible question formats.
Useful if you're applying to multiple graduate programs alongside the Booth MBA.
Scores depend on percentiles, so balanced Verbal and Quant performance is important.
Less business-specific than GMAT, but equally accepted by Booth.
In the GMAT vs GRE decision, choose the exam where you can reach a competitive score and keep both sections strong. Booth evaluates both tests equally, so the right choice is the one that highlights your strengths the most.
Chicago Booth This or That: Daily Booth Life Edition
Tips to Prepare for University of Chicago Booth MBA GMAT
Preparing for the Chicago Booth MBA GMAT becomes easier when you focus on strong basics, steady practice, and balanced performance across sections. Booth values analytical thinking, clear reasoning, and consistency, so the right study plan can help you reach a competitive score. These tips will guide you toward a higher and more confident GMAT performance.
Start with a clear level check: Take one full mock test to understand your current score and identify problem areas before planning your study schedule.
Build strong Quant foundations early: Booth values analytical ability, so practice algebra, word problems, number properties, and data insights until you can solve them quickly.
Use official GMAT and GMAT Focus questions: These reflect the exact exam logic Booth expects and help you get used to real question patterns.
Review mistakes with detail: Note the question type, why you got it wrong, and the correct method, so you don’t repeat the same errors in future tests.
Keep both sections balanced: Aim for strong percentiles in both Quant and Verbal since Booth looks at section balance, not just a high total score.
Practice with full-timed mocks: Simulate real exam conditions to build stamina, speed, and accuracy, especially for long reasoning questions.
Strengthen basics before attempting tough questions: Improve reading speed, grammar rules, mental math, and core formulas to make advanced problems easier.
Seek guided coaching if needed: A structured GMAT prep class or tutor can help you stay consistent and improve your weak areas faster.
A consistent GMAT study plan combined with smart practice can help you reach a competitive score for the University of Chicago Booth MBA.
How to Improve your chances With Low GMAT?
A low Chicago MBA GMAT does not automatically close your chances of admission. Chicago Booth reviews applications by looking at the full profile, not just one test score. Strong academics, a clear career story, steady work experience, and strong recommendations can help balance a weaker score. If you focus on showing academic readiness, leadership potential, and real impact, you can still build a competitive Booth MBA application.
Show strong academic readiness: Highlight your GPA, quantitative coursework, or extra classes in statistics or accounting to prove you can handle Booth’s analytical curriculum.
Consider switching to the GRE: If the GMAT is not your strength, a stronger GRE score can show better balance and improve your overall academic profile.
Highlight real career impact: Mention leading projects, managing teams, driving revenue, solving major problems, or improving processes with measurable results. Booth values clear examples of responsibility and leadership.
Write focused, goal-driven essays: Explain your career goals, why Booth fits you, and how your past experience prepares you for its flexible and analytical MBA program.
Choose strong recommenders: Select direct managers, project leads, or senior colleagues who can give detailed examples of your work ethic, growth, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Add extra quantitative preparation: Online courses in Excel, finance, statistics, or data analysis can show Booth you are prepared for its data-heavy coursework.
Show consistent career progress: Point out promotions, new responsibilities, or achievements that demonstrate you can thrive in a demanding environment like Booth.
Prepare well for the interview: A confident interview with clear examples and well-explained goals can strongly support your application and offset a lower test score.
The Chicago MBA GMAT is an important part of the admissions process, but it is never judged in isolation. Booth looks at how your GMAT performance fits with your academics, work experience, leadership potential, and career goals. A high score can strengthen your application, but it cannot compensate for weak essays or unclear direction. What matters most is balance. Set a realistic target, understand where your score stands against the class profile, and retake the GMAT only if it clearly improves your competitiveness. A well-planned GMAT strategy, combined with a strong overall profile, gives you the best chance at a successful Booth MBA application.
Does Chicago Booth require a GMAT score for its MBA program?
Chicago Booth accepts either GMAT or GRE scores for its full-time MBA. You can choose whichever test highlights your strengths best. They also accept the GMAT Focus Edition and the shortened GRE. The admissions team focuses on how your score reflects your readiness for the program rather than which test you take.
Is there a minimum GMAT or GRE score needed for Booth MBA?
No, Booth does not set a minimum GMAT or GRE score. The school looks at your application as a whole — academics, work experience, essays, and recommendations all matter. However, most admitted students tend to have strong scores, often in the 730+ range on the GMAT.
Can I get a GMAT or GRE waiver at Chicago Booth?
Yes, but only in a few special cases. If you studied at the University of Chicago and have a GPA of 3.4 or higher, you can request a waiver. For everyone else, submitting a test score is required. Waivers are rare, so it’s best to plan on taking the GMAT or GRE.
How long is my GMAT or GRE score valid for Booth MBA admissions?
Your test scores remain valid for five years from your test date. So, if you took the exam recently, you can still use that score as long as it’s within this time frame.
Do I need to take an English language test to apply?
If English is not your native language, you’ll need to submit one of the following: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test. This helps the school ensure you can comfortably handle the coursework and discussions.
How important is the GMAT or GRE in Booth’s admission process?
Your GMAT or GRE score is important but not the only deciding factor. Booth uses a holistic approach, which means they also look at your academic background, work experience, leadership potential, and personal story. A strong score helps show your readiness, but a balanced profile matters most.
Can a strong GMAT score help me get an interview call from Booth?
Yes, a high GMAT score can improve your chances of getting an interview invite — especially if you’re from a competitive applicant pool like India. But Booth still evaluates your overall fit with their program. Great essays and recommendations can make a big difference too.
What GMAT score should Indian applicants aim for?
While there’s no fixed number, Indian applicants usually target a 730–760+ GMAT score to stay competitive. That’s because the applicant pool from India is highly qualified, and a strong score helps you stand out, especially if your GPA or work experience is average.
Can I apply with unofficial GMAT or GRE scores?
Yes, you can self-report your test scores while applying. Booth will only ask for official score reports once you’re admitted and decide to enroll. This means you can apply without waiting for official confirmation from the test provider.
Will a lower GMAT score hurt my chances of admission?
Not necessarily. Booth looks at the complete picture — your achievements, career growth, essays, and recommendations. A slightly lower score can be offset by strong professional success, leadership experience, or unique career goals that fit Booth’s values.
Know Your Author
Abhyank Srinet
|
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting. His passion is helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Abhyank earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, where he developed his skills in data-driven marketing strategies, driving growth in some of the most competitive industries.
Abhyank has helped over 10,000+ students get into top business schools with a 98% success rate over the last seven years. He and his team offer thorough research, careful shortlisting, and efficient application management from a single platform.
His dedication to education also led him to create MentR-Me, an AI-powered platform that offers personalized guidance and resources, including profile evaluation, application assistance, and mentoring from alumni of top global institutions.
Continuously adopting the latest strategies, Abhyank is committed to ensuring that his clients receive the most effective guidance. His profound insights, extensive experience, and unwavering dedication have helped his clients securing of over 100 crores in scholarships, making him an invaluable asset for individuals aiming to advance their education and careers and leading both his ventures to seven-figure revenues.
