Table of Contents
- What Is the Average ESADE MBA GMAT Score
- GMAT Focus Edition for ESADE MBA Applicants
- How to Get the Required GMAT Score With Apt Preparation?
- Choosing GRE for Your ESADE MBA: A GMAT Alternative
- Analysing the ESADE MBA Class Profile
- Key Factors to Boost Your Chances of Admission to the ESADE MBA Program
ESADE Business School offers a globally respected Full-Time MBA that attracts applicants from many countries who are aiming for strong career growth in consulting, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. Because the program is competitive, understanding the ESADE MBA GMAT score helps applicants plan their application better and set realistic expectations.
Based on ESADE’s official admissions guidance, there is no fixed GMAT cutoff for the Full-Time MBA. The admissions team reviews each application as a whole and does not make decisions based on test scores alone. A GMAT or GMAT Focus Edition score is used to check academic readiness, but it is always considered alongside work experience, career progress, essays, and interview performance. In this blog, we explain how the ESADE MBA GMAT score is evaluated and what it really means for your chances of admission.
What Is the Average ESADE MBA GMAT Score
To secure admission to the ESADE MBA program, the average GMAT score is 660. all applicants to the ESADE MBA program are required to take the GMAT test. ESADE accepts valid GMAT scores from classic and new Focus editions and evaluates them based on the percentile tables provided by GMAC.
In recent years, the ESADE MBA class has maintained an average GMAT score of approximately 660, or 615 when considering the Focus edition. This places students in the 75th percentile range for both formats.
ESADE MBA GMAT Score Overview
| GMAT Metric | Official ESADE Data |
|---|---|
| Average GMAT Score | Around 660 |
| Typical Class Range | Not officially published |
| Minimum Cutoff | No fixed cutoff |
| Tests Accepted | GMAT / GMAT Focus Edition / GRE |
| How It Is Used | Part of a holistic application review |
Minimum GMAT Score Accepted by ESADE MBA
ESADE does not publish a minimum GMAT score for its Full-Time MBA. Applicants with lower GMAT scores are still considered if the rest of their profile is strong. This includes solid academics, relevant work experience, leadership exposure, and clear career goals. The admissions team focuses on overall readiness and fit, not just one test score.
GMAT Focus Edition for ESADE MBA Applicants
Does ESADE accept the GMAT Focus Edition?
Yes. ESADE Business School accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for its Full-Time MBA admissions. ESADE treats the GMAT Focus as a valid test to assess academic readiness, just like the GMAT and GRE. This is stated in ESADE’s official admissions requirements.
ESADE does not publish a preferred or minimum GMAT Focus score. Instead, the admissions team reviews your result in the context of your full application. Since the GMAT Focus uses a new scoring scale, ESADE does not make direct one-to-one comparisons with older GMAT scores. The main goal is to understand whether your score shows you can handle the academic workload of the MBA.
How ESADE Interprets GMAT Focus Scores:
- Percentiles matter more than raw scores under the GMAT Focus format
- Scores are reviewed in comparison with the overall applicant pool
- Strong percentiles help show quantitative and verbal readiness
- GMAT and GMAT Focus scores are not directly comparable
How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the ESADE MBA?
Your ESADE MBA GMAT score is always reviewed in context, not in isolation. ESADE Business School compares your score with the current class profile and then evaluates it alongside your work experience, academics, leadership exposure, and career goals. Below is a simple explanation of how different GMAT score ranges are generally viewed, based only on ESADE’s official admissions approach.
GMAT Below Class Average (Below ~660)
A GMAT score below the class average does not automatically end your chances. However, it means the rest of your profile needs to clearly support your academic readiness.
This range can still work if you have:
- Strong academic background, especially in quantitative subjects
- Solid work experience with clear growth and responsibility
- Evidence of leadership or impact at work
You should be cautious if:
- Your academics are weak
- Your profile lacks quantitative exposure
- Your career goals are unclear or unrealistic
In this range, ESADE expects the rest of your profile to clearly compensate for the score.
GMAT Around Class Average (Approx. 650–700)
This range generally signals that your GMAT score is competitive for the ESADE MBA. Many admitted candidates fall within or close to this band.
At this level, the GMAT:
- Meets ESADE’s academic expectations
- Neither strongly helps nor hurts on its own
What matters most here:
- Quality and relevance of work experience
- Leadership exposure and career progression
- Clarity of post-MBA goals and fit with ESADE
Common mistakes at this level:
- Assuming the GMAT score alone is “enough”
- Weak essays or unclear career direction
- Generic applications without strong personal stories
In this range, execution of the overall application matters more than the score itself.
GMAT Above Class Average (700+)
A GMAT score above the class average strengthens your academic profile and reduces concerns about classroom readiness.
What this helps with:
- Showing strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Supporting demanding or ambitious career goals
What it does not guarantee:
- Admission
- Interview calls
- Scholarships
Even with a high GMAT, applications can be weakened if:
- Essays lack depth or clarity
- Leadership experience is limited
- Career goals feel unrealistic or poorly planned
At this level, ESADE expects the rest of your profile to match the strength of the GMAT score.
ESADE MBA Class Profile 2025
The ESADE MBA class brings together professionals from a wide range of industries, academic backgrounds, and nationalities. The Full-Time MBA is designed for candidates with international exposure and diverse career paths, creating a strong learning environment inside and outside the classroom. This diversity also helps applicants understand how factors like GMAT scores, work experience, and leadership potential are viewed within the broader class context.
| Class Profile Component | Overview |
|---|---|
| Industry Background | Consulting, Finance, Technology, Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Energy, Entrepreneurship, and other sectors |
| Nationality Diversity | Highly international class with students representing multiple countries and global regions |
| Professional Experience | Mix of early-career and experienced professionals with leadership and cross-functional exposure |
| Academic Background | Students from engineering, business, economics, science, social sciences, and liberal arts |
Source: ESADE MBA Admissions – Class Profile
Should You Retake the GMAT for the ESADE MBA?
Many applicants face this question while planning their ESADE 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, application timeline, and how well the rest of your application aligns with ESADE’s evaluation approach. Since ESADE follows a holistic admissions process, a retake should be considered carefully.
When Retaking the GMAT Helps
Retaking the GMAT can make sense if:
- Your GMAT score is clearly below the current class average
- Your academic background is weak or lacks quantitative coursework
- Your career goals require stronger academic proof
- You have enough time before application deadlines to prepare properly
In these situations, a higher GMAT or GMAT Focus score can reduce academic concerns and improve overall competitiveness.
When Retaking the GMAT Does Not Help
Retaking the GMAT may not be worth it if:
- Your score is already close to or above the class average
- Your work experience and leadership profile are strong
- Your essays and career goals need more clarity and depth
- You are very 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 recommendation preparation
- Rushed preparation often leads to similar or even lower scores
- Delaying submission to a later round can reduce competitiveness
If a retake puts pressure on your application timeline, the risk may outweigh the benefit.
Opportunity Cost vs Benefit
Preparing again for the GMAT takes time and energy. Before retaking, ask yourself:
- Will a higher score clearly improve my chances at ESADE?
- Or would that time be better spent on essays, recommendations, and career clarity?
A GMAT retake usually makes sense only when the expected improvement is meaningful, not marginal. ESADE values overall readiness and fit more than chasing small score gains.
Key Factors to Boost Your Chances of Admission to the ESADE MBA Program
In addition to the GMAT and GRE scores, the ESADE Admissions Committee considers several additional factors that are crucial for securing a seat in prestigious ESADE MBA program.
Significance of Work Experience in ESADE MBA Admissions
The role of work experience in ESADE MBA admissions is notably significant. Professional experience with a minimum of 2 years of work experience is required for admissions.
ESADE looks for applicants who showcase how their experiences have shaped their business acumen and leadership style. Candidates often present a variety of backgrounds, from traditional business roles to unconventional paths, each offering unique insights.
Focusing on Your Letters of Recommendation (LORs) Can Help
Your recommendation letters can add much value to your application. ESADE MBA admissions committees seek recommenders who know you personally and can share real-life stories and anecdotes demonstrating your personality, experience, and accomplishments. Writing perfect LORs can be challenging, but with the tips for writing MBA LORs, you can write the LORs that are suitable for securing your spot in the MBA program.
Building a Solid Resume will provide an Upper Edge
Your resume can help highlight your promotions, international experiences, and leadership roles, as well as your best work and the requisite skills for an ESADE MBA.
Building the perfect resume for getting into esteemed MBA programs like the ESADE MBA can be challenging, looking at the competition and the stellar academics and professional experience it demands. However, with the Essential Resume Format Guide, you can build a perfect resume for your ESADE MBA application.
Use Your Essays to Your Advantage
Your essays should emphasise your distinctive personality and life experiences. Focus on what excites you and why you should be accepted into the ESADE MBA program. You can also use the optional essay to provide additional information if you have a subpar Esade MBA GMAT score.
Answering the essays in the best possible way will enhance your chances of getting admission to the ESADE MBA program, but aligning your responses with the scope of the question can be challenging. You can refer to the Specialized Tips for ESADE MBA Essays to write the perfect responses.
Ace Your Interview for Better Chances
If you receive an interview invitation, the admissions committee will want to know more about you, apart from considering your GMAT score. Preparing for the Master's Interview is crucial; however, you can easily ace your interview with the right guidance and preparation.
With the following video, you can have an overview of the ESADE MBA program.
Esade's Full Time MBA in Barcelona
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- Esade Business School MBA Salary
- Esade Business School MBA Interview Questions
- Is Esade Business School MBA worth it
Conclusion
Doing an MBA at ESADE Business School is a smart choice for anyone who wants to grow as a leader and build a global career. The ESADE MBA GMAT score is an important part of the application, but it’s not the only thing that matters. ESADE also looks at your work experience, academics, essays, and motivation. With an average GMAT score close to 660, aiming higher will improve your chances, but your personal story and career goals are just as important. By preparing well, showing your strengths, and being honest in your application, you can earn a place at this top school in Barcelona.
