✅ LBS MBA GMAT Score: The average GMAT score for the LBS MBA class is around 645, with a typical score range of 555–805 and no fixed cutoff.
💼 Test Requirement: London Business School does not offer a GMAT waiver. Applicants must submit a valid GMAT or GRE score.
📊 GRE Option: LBS accepts the GRE and prefers scores of 160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections.
🌍 GMAT Focus Edition: LBS accepts the GMAT Focus Edition and evaluates scores based on percentiles rather than raw score comparison.
💡 Low GMAT Strategy: A lower LBS MBA GMAT score can still be competitive with strong academics, work experience, leadership impact, and clear career goals.
Introduction
London Business School offers one of the most competitive MBA programs globally. Every year, it attracts strong applicants from across the world, including many Indian students aiming for careers in consulting, finance, and leadership roles. Because of this high competition, understanding the LBS MBA GMAT score is an important part of the application process.
According to official data, the typical GMAT score range for the LBS MBA class is 555 to 805, and there is no fixed cutoff score. LBS reviews applications carefully and looks beyond test scores alone. In this blog, we explain how the LBS MBA GMAT score is evaluated and what it means for your chances of admission.
What Is the Average LBS MBA GMAT Score?
The average GMAT score for the LBS MBA class is around 645, based on official data from London Business School. The typical GMAT score range is 555 to 805, and there is no fixed cutoff score. A higher GMAT score can strengthen an application, but it does not guarantee admission. In the same way, a score below the class average does not automatically rule out a candidate. LBS reviews the GMAT as one part of the overall application, along with academics, work experience, leadership, and career goals.
LBS MBA GMAT Score Overview
GMAT Metric
Official LBS Data
Average GMAT Score
645
Typical Class Range
555 – 805
Minimum Cutoff
No fixed cutoff
Preferred GRE Score
160+ in Verbal and Quantitative
Test Preference
GMAT and GRE treated equally
Average Work Experience
5.5 years
Minimum GMAT Score Accepted by LBS MBA
London Business School does not publish a fixed minimum GMAT score for its MBA program. Based on official class data, the lowest GMAT score typically seen in the class is around 555.
Applicants close to this range are reviewed carefully. LBS expects strong performance in other areas, such as academics, work experience, leadership roles, and clear career goals. A lower GMAT score can still work if the rest of the profile shows clear readiness for the MBA program.
GMAT Focus Edition for LBS MBA Applicants
Does LBS accept the GMAT Focus Edition?
Yes. London Business School accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for MBA admissions. The school treats it as a valid test to assess academic readiness, just like the earlier GMAT format.
LBS does not publish a preferred GMAT Focus score. Instead, the admissions team reviews your result in context with the rest of your application. Because the GMAT Focus uses a new scoring scale, LBS does not directly compare these scores with older GMAT results.
How LBS Interprets GMAT Focus Scores:
Percentiles matter more than raw scores under the GMAT Focus format
Scores are reviewed relative to the overall applicant pool
Strong percentiles help show quantitative and verbal readiness
Old GMAT and GMAT Focus scores are not directly comparable
For applicants applying in 2025 and beyond, understanding this difference is important. A GMAT Focus score should be judged by how competitive it is within its own format, not by comparing it to older GMAT numbers.
How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the LBS MBA?
Your LBS MBA GMAT score is reviewed in context, not in isolation. London Business School 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 (≤660)
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 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 (670–720)
This range signals that your GMAT score is competitive for LBS. Many applicants fall into this band.
At this level, the GMAT:
Neither helps nor hurts on its own
Meets academic expectations
What decides outcomes here:
Quality of work experience
Leadership stories
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 (730+)
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 is weak
Career goals feel unrealistic
At this level, LBS expects the rest of your profile to match the score.
LBS MBA Class Profile 2025
The LBS MBA class brings together professionals from diverse industries and nationalities. Students come from consulting, finance, technology, and other sectors, with strong international representation. This diversity helps applicants understand how their GMAT score fits within the broader class context.
Class Profile Component
Overview
Industry Background
Consulting, Finance, Technology, Consumer Goods, Energy, Healthcare, and other sectors
Nationality Diversity
Highly international class with students from multiple countries and regions
Professional Experience
Mix of early-career and experienced professionals with varied leadership exposure
Academic Background
Students from engineering, business, economics, science, and liberal arts
Many applicants struggle with this decision while planning their LBS 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 class range
Your academic background is weak or not quantitative
Your career goals require strong academic 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 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.
LBS MBA GMAT Waiver & GRE Option
No. London Business School does not offer a GMAT waiver for its MBA program. Applicants are expected to submit a valid GMAT or GRE score as part of the application process. If you do not plan to take the GMAT, the GRE is a fully accepted alternative at LBS. The sections below explain how GRE scores are evaluated and how to choose between GMAT and GRE for the LBS MBA.
Average GRE Score for LBS MBA (2025)
The average GRE score for LBS MBA applicants in 2025 is typically 160 or above in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. London Business School does not publish a single combined GRE average, but it clearly states that it prefers scores of over 160 in both sections.
LBS has no preference between GMAT and GRE. GRE scores are reviewed in the same way as GMAT scores and are assessed alongside academics, work experience, leadership, and career goals. A strong GRE score helps demonstrate academic readiness but does not guarantee admission on its own.
GMAT vs GRE: Which One Should You Take for LBS MBA?
London Business School has no preference between GMAT and GRE. Both tests are accepted and reviewed in the same way. The right choice depends on your strengths and background, not on which test looks better on paper.
You should choose the GMAT if:
You are comfortable with data analysis and problem-solving
Your target roles are in consulting or finance
You want to strengthen your quantitative profile
You should choose the GRE if:
You perform better in verbal reasoning
You already have a strong GRE score
You are applying to a mix of MBA and non-MBA programs
The key is to submit the test where you can score higher and show academic readiness clearly. LBS focuses more on how strong your score is, not which exam you take.
Preparing for the LBS MBA GMAT requires a clear plan and realistic targets. London Business School does not expect perfection, but it does expect strong academic readiness. Your preparation should focus on improving weak areas while maintaining balance across sections.
Here are some practical tips to prepare effectively:
Set a realistic target score: Aim for a score that fits within the LBS class range, not an unrealistic jump that increases pressure.
Build a structured GMAT study plan: Create a weekly GMAT study plan that covers Quant, Verbal, and mock tests. Consistency matters more than long study hours.
Focus on section balance: A strong overall score with very weak Quant or Verbal can raise concerns. LBS looks for balanced performance.
Use mock tests strategically: Take full-length mock tests regularly to track progress, manage time, and reduce exam-day stress.
Know when to stop preparing: If your practice scores have plateaued, shifting focus to essays and applications may be more effective than pushing for a marginal score increase.
A focused GMAT study plan aligned with LBS expectations helps you prepare smarter and avoid last-minute panic.
How to Improve your chances With Low GMAT?
A lower LBS MBA GMAT score does not automatically end your chances. London Business School reviews applicants based on their overall profile, not just test scores. If your GMAT is below the class average, the rest of your application needs to clearly show readiness for the MBA.
Here’s how you can strengthen your profile:
Highlight measurable career impact: Show clear results from your work, such as leading projects, improving processes, managing teams, or driving revenue. Numbers and outcomes matter.
Show strong academic readiness: If your undergraduate GPA is solid or you studied quantitative subjects like finance, engineering, math, or statistics, highlight this clearly.
Write focused and honest essays: Use your essays to explain your career progress, leadership experiences, and why LBS fits your goals. Avoid generic answers.
Choose strong recommenders: Pick managers or seniors who know your work well and can give real examples of your leadership and problem-solving skills.
Perform well in interviews: Strong communication, clarity of goals, and confidence during the LBS interview can offset concerns around a lower GMAT.
Even with a lower GMAT, a clear, consistent, and well-prepared application can still be competitive at LBS.
London Business School (LBS) is a top choice for career growth, offering a global network and strong industry connections. While a LBS MBA GMAT score matters, LBS values leadership, experience, and personal achievements. Build a strong application to increase your chances of success!
What is a good GMAT score for the LBS MBA?
A good GMAT score for the LBS MBA is one that fits within the class range of 555 to 805, as LBS evaluates scores in context rather than using a fixed cutoff.
Is there a minimum GMAT score required for the LBS MBA?
No. London Business School does not publish a fixed minimum GMAT score. Applicants are evaluated based on the overall strength of their application.
What is the average GMAT score for LBS MBA ?
The average GMAT score for admitted students is around 645, with a typical range between 600 and 800.
Does LBS accept GRE scores instead of GMAT?
Yes, LBS accepts GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT.
Are there any GMAT waivers available for applicants?
LBS typically requires a GMAT or GRE score for MBA applications and does not offer waivers.
Does LBS prefer GMAT over GRE for MBA admissions?
No. LBS has no preference between GMAT and GRE. Both tests are accepted and reviewed equally as part of the MBA application.
Should I retake the GMAT for the LBS MBA?
A GMAT retake usually makes sense if your score is far below the lower end of the LBS MBA class range (around 555–600). If your score is already within the range, strengthening the rest of your profile may have a bigger impact.
Is GMAT mandatory for the LBS MBA?
Yes. Applicants are expected to submit a GMAT or GRE score. London Business School does not offer a GMAT waiver for its MBA program.
What GRE score is good for the LBS MBA?
A good GRE score for the LBS MBA is typically 160 or above in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. London Business School reviews GRE scores in context and does not publish a fixed cutoff.
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.
