Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Does a 660 GMAT Score Mean for MiM Admissions?
- How Should You Target MiM Schools With a 660 GMAT?
- Which Reach MiM Colleges Accept a 660 GMAT Score?
- Which MiM Colleges Are Strong Targets With a 660 GMAT?
- Which Profile-Led MiM Options Should You Add?
- What Profile Makes a 660 GMAT More Competitive?
- What Should Indian Applicants Know About a 660 GMAT?
- Should You Retake the GMAT After Scoring 660?
- How Can You Build a Balanced MiM Shortlist?
- What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Targeting MiM Colleges?
Applicants researching MiM colleges with 660 GMAT score options can consider several respected European business schools, but the final shortlist should depend on the complete profile. ESADE, ESSEC, EDHEC and similar programmes may be realistic choices, while HEC Paris, INSEAD and London Business School are more ambitious. Build a balanced list containing reach, target and safer programmes rather than treating 660 as a guaranteed admission score.
Introduction
A 660 GMAT score can support a competitive MiM application, but it should not decide your entire shortlist. Business schools also consider academic performance, internships, leadership, international exposure, career goals, essays and interviews. The right question is not simply whether 660 is good, but which programmes match both your score and overall profile.
The score also requires the correct context because 660 belongs to the previous GMAT scale. Applicants should compare it carefully with the latest score information published by each school. A practical MiM school targeting by GMAT score strategy helps separate ambitious, realistic and safer options. In this blog, we explain which colleges to target, how to build your shortlist and when retaking the GMAT may help.
What Does a 660 GMAT Score Mean for MiM Admissions?

A 660 GMAT can be suitable for several MiM programmes, especially when supported by strong academics, relevant internships and clear career goals. However, its competitiveness changes from one school to another.
Schools that publish higher class averages may be ambitious, while programmes with score expectations closer to your result may be realistic targets. Published averages should be treated as reference points, not admission cutoffs.
| Score Reference | Result | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Previous GMAT edition | 660 | Use when a school reports scores on the former 200–800 scale |
| Current GMAT equivalent | Approximately 615 | Use when comparing your score with current-edition school data |
| Official percentile | 75.4th percentile | Use percentile when a school reports scores from both editions |
GMAC explains that raw totals from the two editions should not be compared directly because their score distributions differ. The official GMAT score concordance table is the correct reference for comparing the two editions.
How Should You Target MiM Schools With a 660 GMAT?
MiM school targeting by GMAT score should begin with official admissions requirements and published class information. Compare your score with the programme’s latest available data, but do not treat an average as a fixed admission cutoff.
Applicants researching MiM colleges with 660 GMAT score suitability should place each programme into one of three categories: ambitious, target or safer. The final category may change based on academic performance, internship quality, quantitative preparation and the strength of the application.
| School | Program | Official GMAT Position | Suggested Tier | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HEC Paris | Master in Management | Management test required; no official minimum disclosed | Reach | The rest of the application must be exceptionally competitive |
| INSEAD | Master in Management | GMAT or GRE required; no official minimum disclosed | Reach | 660 is acceptable but may not differentiate an applicant |
| London Business School | Masters in Management | A strong GMAT or GRE helps assess academic readiness; no current average disclosed | Reach | Strong academics, internships and career goals are essential |
| ESSEC Business School | Master in Management | GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE or CAT accepted; no official minimum disclosed | Reach/Target | The final tier depends on the strength of the complete profile |
| Esade Business School | Master's in International Management | Published average: 615 current or 660 previous GMAT | Target | The score matches Esade's recently published average |
| Imperial Business School | MSc in Management | GMAT/GRE recommended; previous-edition minimum 600 and average 653 | Target | 660 is slightly above the published previous-edition average |
| EDHEC Business School | Master in Management | A strong GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE or CAT score is required | Target | The score provides credible evidence of academic readiness |
| Warwick Business School | MSc Management | GMAT is not listed in the current entry requirements | Profile-led alternative | Academic performance and program fit carry greater importance |
Which Reach MiM Colleges Accept a 660 GMAT Score?
HEC Paris, INSEAD, London Business School and ESSEC can remain on your shortlist, but they should be treated as reach or upper-target options. None of these schools publishes a current MiM rule saying that a previous-edition 660 guarantees or prevents admission.
HEC Paris Master in Management
A 660 GMAT makes HEC Paris possible, not predictable. HEC requires an official management test score but does not publish a numeric MiM minimum on its current admissions page. The program should remain a reach unless the applicant also has high academic results, selective internships, clear career goals and evidence of contribution outside the classroom.
Applicants considering HEC should review the complete HEC Paris MiM program profile before deciding whether its curriculum and career opportunities justify a reach application.
INSEAD Master in Management
INSEAD requires a GMAT or GRE score and assesses academic performance, international motivation, ability to contribute and exposure to business. Because no official minimum is published, a 660 cannot be called sufficient or insufficient on its own. The score works best when supported by cross-cultural experience, quantitative ability and a specific reason for choosing INSEAD's multi-campus program.
The INSEAD MiM review can help applicants compare its program structure, class profile and career outcomes with their goals.
London Business School Masters in Management
LBS states that a strong GMAT or GRE score helps assess whether an applicant can succeed in the program, but its current MiM page does not disclose a score cut-off or class average. A 660 is a credible score to submit, yet LBS should remain a reach because the school also expects clear career direction, convincing essays and evidence that the applicant will contribute to its international class.
Use the LBS MiM review to check whether the school's London location, curriculum and recruiting focus match the role you want after graduation.
ESSEC Master in Management
ESSEC accepts the GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE and CAT for Indian applicants. Its current official MiM page lists the accepted tests and their validity but does not state a numeric minimum or average GMAT. A 660 can support the application, while academics, internships, motivation and the choice between the Flexible and Intensive tracks determine whether ESSEC is a reach or target for your profile.
Which MiM Colleges Are Strong Targets With a 660 GMAT?

Esade, Imperial and EDHEC are the strongest target options in this shortlist. This does not make admission certain. It means the score is aligned with or reasonably supported by each school's current official admissions information.
Esade Master's in International Management
Esade is the clearest score match. The school reports that its recent average has been approximately 615 on the current GMAT or 660 on the previous edition, equal to around the 75th percentile. Applicants must take the Esade Admissions Test, GMAT or GRE. A 660 therefore places your score at the published average rather than above the entire applicant pool.
The practical advantage is certainty of comparison. Esade's official MSc admissions page publishes information for both GMAT editions. Applicants must still demonstrate program fit, international interest and focused post-MiM goals.
Imperial MSc in Management
Imperial is a reasonable target because its current admissions page reports a previous-edition average of 653 and a minimum of 600 for applicants submitting that exam. A 660 sits slightly above the published average. For the current exam, Imperial asks for at least the 55th percentile. The GMAT or GRE is strongly recommended but not compulsory when the applicant can demonstrate good quantitative achievement.
Imperial's official MiM admissions criteria also show that the school considers academic background, quantitative preparation, essays, references and an interview. A score above the stated average helps, but it does not replace these parts.
EDHEC Master in Management
EDHEC requires a strong GMAT, GRE, TAGE MAGE or CAT score for its Master in Management, but it does not give a numeric minimum on its current international admissions page. A 660 is a sensible score to submit, especially when supported by consistent grades, relevant internships and a clear reason for selecting the Business Management, Finance or GETT route.
Which Profile-Led MiM Options Should You Add?
Warwick MSc Management is a useful profile-led alternative because its current entry requirements focus on the undergraduate degree, academic performance, university context and English proficiency rather than listing the GMAT. A 660 should be treated as optional supporting evidence rather than the centre of the application.
Applicants can also use the wider MiM colleges guide to identify more programs by country, career fit and budget. Before adding another school, verify its current program page because test requirements can differ by degree route, applicant nationality and intake.
What Profile Makes a 660 GMAT More Competitive?
A 660 GMAT becomes more persuasive when the rest of the application confirms academic readiness and career direction. Admissions teams do not assess the total score in isolation, so each application component should address a different part of the candidate's suitability.
The following factors can make a shortlist of MiM colleges with a 660 GMAT score more accurate and strengthen the final application.
- Consistent academics: Strong grades in quantitative or analytical subjects reduce concerns about classroom readiness.
- Relevant internships: Evidence of responsibility is more useful than collecting unrelated company names.
- Clear career goals: The target role, industry and location should connect logically with the selected MiM.
- Leadership and initiative: Student societies, projects, volunteering or entrepreneurial work can demonstrate contribution beyond grades.
- School-specific essays: Each essay should explain why the curriculum, location and recruiting market fit the applicant's plan.
- Balanced section performance: A reasonable total with one very weak section may raise concerns about readiness for particular courses.
What Should Indian Applicants Know About a 660 GMAT Score?

Indian applicants should treat a 660 GMAT as one part of their MiM profile rather than a guaranteed admission score. Since competition can be strong, support it with good academics, relevant internships, leadership experience and clear school-specific career goals.
Before finalising your MiM shortlist, Indian applicants should consider these points:
- Build a balanced list of ambitious, target and safer MiM programmes.
- Convert tuition and living expenses into INR before comparing total costs.
- Check official scholarship, deposit and application deadlines early.
- Compare employment outcomes in the country where you plan to work.
- Review post-study work and visa rules on official government websites.
- Explain how your academic background and internships prepare you for a MiM.
- Write separate essays based on each school’s curriculum and career opportunities.
When researching MiM colleges with 660 GMAT score options, choose programmes that fit your budget, career plans and overall profile. A practical MiM school targeting by GMAT score strategy can help you avoid applying only to highly selective schools.
Should You Retake the GMAT After Scoring 660?
Retake the GMAT when most of your preferred schools are reaches, your section scores are unbalanced or your academic record needs stronger quantitative evidence. A higher result may improve the academic side of the application and support scholarship consideration, but only if preparing again does not weaken your essays, references or deadline strategy.
Keep 660 when it already aligns with your main target schools, your academic record is strong and you need the remaining time to improve your application story. Esade's published average and Imperial's previous-edition average show that 660 can be a workable score at respected programs. Base the decision on your shortlist rather than assuming every applicant needs 700.
How Can You Build a Balanced MiM Shortlist?
A balanced shortlist should normally include two ambitious programmes, three or four target programmes and two safer alternatives. This MiM school targeting by GMAT score method reduces the risk of applying only to highly selective schools or choosing programmes that do not match your career goals.
Your shortlist should also consider curriculum, location, employment outcomes, tuition, scholarships and post-study work opportunities. A school is a good target only when its admissions expectations and career outcomes both fit your profile.
- Convert the score correctly and compare percentiles when schools use different GMAT editions.
- Remove programs that do not fit your academic background, experience level or career goal.
- Select no more than two highly selective reach schools at the current score.
- Add three or four programs where the score matches published guidance or sits near recent averages.
- Add two profile-led options where the GMAT is optional, not listed or only one part of the assessment.
- Recheck every official admissions page because requirements can change between intakes.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Targeting MiM Colleges?

The biggest mistake is treating an average score as a cut-off. An average describes a group of enrolled students; it does not prove that every admitted applicant scored at or above it. A published minimum only confirms basic eligibility and does not indicate the score required for admission.
Applicants should also avoid mixing old and current GMAT scores, calling any school “safe,” relying on unofficial acceptance rates or applying based only on ranking. A good shortlist includes programs that fit the applicant's career goal and profile, even if their names are less familiar.
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Conclusion
A 660 GMAT can support applications to several respected MiM programmes, but the right shortlist depends on your complete profile. When comparing MiM colleges with 660 GMAT score options, use official admissions information and consider your academics, internships, career goals and programme fit. A careful MiM school targeting by GMAT score strategy will help you combine ambitious, realistic and profile-led choices without limiting your options or relying too heavily on one number.