What GMAT Score Do You Need For Stanford?

Considering applying to the Stanford MBA? Find out the Stanford average GMAT, score range, and your chances of getting accepted

The Stanford Graduate School of Business MBA is one of the most prestigious and selective programs in the world. Not surprisingly, Stanford’s average GMAT score is the highest among top-ranked, full-time MBA programs.

With its stellar reputation, Stanford can afford to be rigorously selective, with an acceptance rate of only 8.9%.

Stanford is looking for only the best MBA candidates with strong GMAT scores. In 2020, from 7,324 applicants, only 651 students made the cut. Most scored 700+ on the GMAT.

Note that the scores discussed in this article are based on the pre-2024 edition of the GMAT exam, which was replaced by the GMAT Focus Edition of the test on February 1st, 2024. Where relevant, we have provided comparisons for these scores to those of the GMAT Focus Edition, based on the relative competitiveness of the scores.

Stanford MBA Average GMAT: 738

While there is no official minimum GMAT score requirement for Stanford, it’s pretty clear that GMAT scores are an important factor in applications.

76% of the 2023 Stanford MBA class submitted GMAT scores, while 25% submitted GRE scores (some students submitted scores for both tests).

For the Stanford MBA class of 2023, the average GMAT score is 738. This is within the 96th percentile, which makes its competitiveness similar to scores of between 685 and 695 on the GMAT Focus Edition of the test. This is up from 733 for the previous class.

The Stanford average GMAT is higher than most other top business schools. Its closest competition is Harvard, whose median GMAT score is 738.

Stanford MBA GMAT Range: 630-790

The Stanford GMAT score range for the MBA class of 2023 is 630 to 790 when converted.

This means Stanford accepted at least one student with a 630 GMAT test score (considered relatively low) all the way up to 790. A 790 GMAT score is in the 100th percentile, very close to a perfect score. The maximum GMAT Focus Edition score is 805.

When considering your GMAT score alongside the rest of your application, Stanford will also take into account factors like the educational systems in different countries.

Note that you will need to have your scores before submitting your application and Stanford will look at the component scores (i.e. your GMAT quantitative and verbal scores) along with your total score.

As the GMAT is valid for five years, you should start preparing for the test well in advance, to get the best score you are capable of. If you took the GMAT exam before the changes that came into effect in 2024, don't worry: Your test scores are still valid. To understand their competitiveness compared to scores on the GMAT Focus Edition, check this concordance table.

Should you apply to Stanford?

Stanford’s selectiveness is no accident: Stanford MBAs must measure up to one of the world’s most demanding programs. The rewards are worth it, however, especially for technologically inclined candidates who want to take advantage of the school’s close links to nearby Silicon Valley.

As with any top business school, your application to Stanford is about more than just a GMAT score—rather than looking for students who will get good grades, Stanford is looking for candidates who will make exceptional alumni.

More specifically, the Stanford MBA admissions committee looks for intellectual vitality, demonstrated leadership potential, and personal qualities and contributions.

The GMAT is therefore not the only area of your application that needs to reflect excellence.

The admissions committee will also look at your undergraduate Grade Point Average, or GPA, (Stanford’s average MBA GPA is 3.8), letters of recommendation, professional experience, and essays.

There are some short questions asking about your contributions and background, but the two main Stanford MBA essay questions are: ‘What matters most to you, and why?’ and ‘Why Stanford?’

Yes, the GMAT score Stanford MBA students submit is typically high and you may struggle with a sub-600 GMAT Focus Edition score.

But a good GMAT score is just one data point in your application: what a school like Stanford is looking for is potential and the character to realize it.