Stanford MBA GMAT: Average Score, Range & Admission Insights

What Is the Average Stanford MBA GMAT Score?

Stanford Graduate School of Business runs one of the most selective MBA programs globally, so GMAT scores are often a key concern for applicants. Based on official data, the average GMAT score for the Stanford MBA class is 738, and there is no fixed cutoff score.

GMAT scores are reviewed as part of the full application. A strong score can support your profile, but it does not guarantee admission. At the same time, a score below the class average does not automatically mean rejection. Stanford looks at GMAT scores along with academics, work experience, leadership exposure, and career clarity.

Stanford MBA GMAT Score Overview

Minimum GMAT Score Accepted by Stanford MBA

There is no minimum GMAT score requirement for the Stanford MBA program. Students with a wide range of GMAT scores are admitted each year. Applicants with lower GMAT scores are still considered if the rest of the profile shows strong academic ability, meaningful work experience, leadership potential, and clear post-MBA goals. GMAT scores are mainly used to understand academic readiness, and final decisions are always based on the overall strength of the application.

GMAT Focus Edition for Stanford MBA Applicants

Does Stanford accept the GMAT Focus Edition?

Yes. Stanford Graduate School of Business accepts the GMAT Focus Edition for MBA admissions. Stanford treats the GMAT Focus as a valid test to assess academic readiness, just like the earlier GMAT format. Applicants can submit either the GMAT Focus or the GRE, and both are reviewed equally.

Stanford does not give preference to one test over the other. Because the GMAT Focus uses a new scoring scale, scores are reviewed within the context of the Focus Edition itself rather than being compared directly with older GMAT scores.

How Stanford Interprets GMAT Focus Scores:

• Percentile performance matters more than the raw score
• Scores are reviewed in context with the overall applicant pool
• Strong percentiles help demonstrate quantitative and analytical readiness
• GMAT Focus and older GMAT scores are not directly comparable

How Competitive Is Your GMAT Score for the Stanford MBA?

Your Stanford MBA GMAT score is always reviewed in context, not in isolation. Stanford looks at how your score compares with the current class profile and then evaluates it alongside your academics, work experience, leadership impact, and career goals. Below is how different GMAT score ranges are generally viewed for Stanford MBA applicants.

GMAT Below Class Average (Below ~700)

A GMAT score below the class average means your score is weaker compared to many admitted candidates, but it does not end your chances.

This range can still work if you have:

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

You should be more cautious if:

• Your academic background is weak
• Your profile lacks quantitative exposure
• Your career goals are unclear or not well-explained

In this range, the rest of your application must clearly compensate for the GMAT score.

GMAT Around Class Average (700–750)

This range generally indicates that your GMAT score is competitive for Stanford. Many strong applicants fall within this band.

At this level, the GMAT:

• Neither strengthens nor weakens your application on its own
• Meets Stanford’s academic expectations

What matters most here:

• Quality of work experience
• Leadership stories and impact
• Clear career direction and post-MBA goals

Common mistakes at this range:

• Assuming the GMAT score is “enough.”
• Submitting generic essays
• Not clearly explaining long-term goals

At this level, execution matters more than the score itself.

GMAT Above Class Average (760+)

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 ambitious or demanding career goals

What it does not guarantee:

• Admission
• Interview calls
• Scholarships

Overconfidence can hurt applicants when:

• Essays lack depth or clarity
• Leadership experience is weak
• Career goals feel unrealistic or poorly thought out

Even at this level, Stanford expects the rest of your profile to match the strength of your GMAT score.

Should You Retake the GMAT for the Stanford MBA?

Many applicants struggle with the decision of whether to retake the GMAT while planning their Stanford 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 how ready the rest of your application is. This section explains when a retake makes sense, when it may not help much, and how to think through the decision carefully.

When Retaking the GMAT Helps

Retaking the GMAT can make sense if:

• Your GMAT score is well below the current class range
• Your academic background is weak or lacks quantitative exposure
• Your career goals require strong academic or analytical support
• You have enough time before application deadlines to prepare properly

In these situations, a higher GMAT 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 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, improving other parts of the application often has a bigger 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 application preparation
• Rushed GMAT preparation often leads to similar or lower scores
• Delaying submission to a later round can reduce competitiveness

If a retake pushes your application timeline too much, the risk may outweigh the benefit.

Opportunity Cost vs Benefit

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

• Will a higher score clearly improve my competitiveness for Stanford?
• 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.

No. Stanford does not offer a GMAT waiver for its MBA program. Applicants are expected to submit a valid GMAT (including GMAT Focus Edition) or GRE score as part of the application. Test scores are required to help Stanford assess academic readiness for the MBA classroom. If you do not plan to take the GMAT, the GRE is a fully accepted alternative and is reviewed in the same way.

Average GRE Score for Stanford MBA

Stanford does not publish a single combined GRE average score. However, based on official class profile data, the average GRE score is around 164 in Verbal and 164 in Quantitative. These scores reflect the typical academic level of admitted students.

Stanford has no preference between GMAT and GRE. GRE scores are reviewed in the same context as GMAT scores and are assessed alongside academics, work experience, leadership impact, and career goals. A strong GRE score helps show academic readiness but does not guarantee admission on its own.

GMAT vs GRE: Which One Should You Take for Stanford MBA?

Stanford treats GMAT, GMAT Focus Edition, and GRE equally. The right test depends on your strengths, not on which exam appears more impressive.

You should consider the GMAT if:

• You are comfortable with data analysis and problem-solving
• Your background is strong in quantitative subjects
• You want to clearly demonstrate analytical readiness

You should consider 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

Also check: GMAT vs GRE: Which Test Should You Choose for an MBA?

Tips to Prepare for the Stanford MBA GMAT Score

Preparing for the Stanford MBA GMAT does not mean chasing a perfect score. Stanford looks for strong academic readiness, not perfection. A smart preparation plan focuses on improving weak areas, staying consistent, and keeping a good balance between sections.

Below are some practical tips that can help you prepare calmly and effectively:

• Set a realistic target score: Aim for a score that is close to the Stanford class range. Setting an overly high target often adds stress without improving your chances.
• Follow a simple study plan: Create a weekly plan that covers Quant, Verbal, and regular mock tests. Studying consistently is more helpful than long, irregular study sessions.
• Avoid weak sections: Even with a good overall score, very low performance in Quant or Verbal can raise concerns. Try to keep both sections at a reasonable level.
• Use mock tests wisely: Take full-length mock tests to check progress, improve time management, and feel more comfortable with the exam format.
• Know when to stop: If your scores stop improving, it may be better to shift focus to essays and applications instead of pushing hard for a small score increase.

How to Improve Your Chances With a Low GMAT at Stanford MBA?

A low GMAT score does not automatically mean rejection from the Stanford MBA. Stanford looks at the full application, not just test scores. If your GMAT is below the class average, the rest of your profile needs to clearly show that you can handle the MBA program and grow as a leader.

Here are a few ways to strengthen your application:

• Show real impact at work: Talk about what you have actually done at work. This could be leading a project, improving a process, managing people, or delivering results. Clear examples work better than broad claims.
• Highlight your academic strength: If you did well in college or studied subjects that involve numbers or analysis, make sure this is clearly mentioned. This helps show that you can manage the academic side of the MBA.
• Write honest and focused essays: Use your essays to explain your career choices, leadership experiences, and why Stanford makes sense for your goals. Avoid generic answers and be specific.
• Choose recommenders carefully: Pick people who know your work well and can talk about your strengths with real examples, not just titles.
• Prepare well for interviews: Clear communication, confidence, and a strong understanding of your goals can help offset concerns about a lower GMAT score.