You’ve finally set your sights on your dream business school but are probably unsure about what makes a winning MBA application.
While there’s no set formula, the GMAT, one of several key ingredients in a strong application, is a firm favorite among savvy students looking to stand out and land a place at their target business school.
In fact, 88% of business schools responding to a recent survey said that submitting a competitive admissions exam score will help your application.
These schools offer GMAT and GRE waivers. That means you don’t have to take an admissions test to apply. But, by not doing so, you might put yourself at a disadvantage.
Why do business schools value the GMAT?
For students unsure of whether the months of work that goes into GMAT test prep is worth it, knowing the reasons behind why many top MBA programs still value the GMAT can help you decide on whether to climb the GMAT mountain.
Responding to the survey by Kaplan/Manhattan Prep, business school admissions officers explained why they still favor the GMAT:
“Anything an applicant can do to stand out from the pack is helpful. A good GMAT score shows us that they are willing to invest time to prepare for the MBA and that they have the baseline knowledge to begin.”
“Our scholarships are based on GPA, GMAT score, and interview experience, so strong GMAT scores have a very important impact on admissions and scholarship offers.”
“In situations where an applicant's GPA is lower than we would typically consider, strong scores might lead to us giving the applicant additional consideration.”
For business school admissions teams, your GMAT score is evidence that you can handle the academic rigor of an MBA program. Schools will then consider your GMAT score alongside other factors like your soft skills and work experience to assess your suitability for a program.
“The GMAT score is important for assessing a candidate’s aptitude for being able to have a successful MBA experience. The exam is designed to demonstrate essential critical thinking and reasoning skills that will be required in an MBA program and beyond,” explains Nora Colton (pictured), director of the University College London (UCL) Global Business School for Health.
Charlotte Marinus, program manager for the Full-time MBA at Nyenrode Business University, agrees. The GMAT, she says, is a useful precursor to a face-to-face interview.
“The GMAT focuses on several areas of intelligence. This helps us to go into an in-depth conversation with the applicant about that person’s analytics, writing, and reasoning skills.”
Moreover, what few business schools will openly admit is that while major MBA rankings tables continue to consider GMAT scores in their methodologies—where the quality of an MBA class is based on the average GMAT— their preference for the GMAT is unlikely to go away.
The GMAT’s not just for business school—it’s for life
You can see what kind of score you need to achieve to land a place on an elite MBA program by looking at average GMAT scores for top business schools. Get an above average GMAT score and your application will stand out.
But even beyond business school, the GMAT can help you gain a competitive edge, explains Stacy Blackman (pictured), founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting.
“Strong test scores show the top MBA programs that the candidate can commit to the academic exercise of test prep and score improvement through hard work and perseverance, and such attributes are proxies for success within and outside the classroom of a graduate program,” she says.
Some companies across management consulting, financial services, and investment banking, consider GMAT scores when reviewing job and internship applications.
Having a strong GMAT score could help you stand out, particularly if you’re applying from a lesser-known business school that doesn’t have access to as many career opportunities as a top-ranked MBA program.
Studying for a highly intensive exam like the GMAT requires dedication and determination to succeed, and these are qualities that will stand you in good stead in an evolving business landscape.
While the GMAT isn’t the be-all-and-end-all of your business school journey, admissions experts say a good GMAT score will ensure you remain at the top of the pile when MBA admissions teams review your application.
Computer Science at L'aquila University (L'Aquila, Italy) is one of the best for few reasons like:
- young teachers extremely motivated and skilled
- small campus that facilitates the learning experience, for example in some courses we were approx. 15 people maximum (in the last two years)
It is important to promote quality over quantity and the fact that the campus is not over crowded make the whole education experience extremely worthy.
Student
Verified
9/01/2024
Online
Good
It is a good university overall.
A bit of discrimination.
Otherwise it's a great university with good structure, good environment.
Their Degree is recognized world wide, qualified lectures and improved laboratory.
Student
Verified
12/10/2023
On Campus
Review
The institution has remained one of the top notch universities in the glob because of it academic impact on students both in academicical discipline and in all ramifications and they have also in the paste years raise up academic heroes.
Jean Claude
Verified
6/03/2024
On Campus
Class Reprisentative
computer science
i like the course of this university
nothing i donot like
becouse is so good school to achieve my gools \with being good mood of the school so every one i ac enreage him or her to joint this schoo.
Student
Verified
28/10/2024
Online
Empowering Business Education at Nyenrode
Nyenrode Business University is a unique institution that combines rigorous academic programs with a strong focus on practical business experience. The campus, located on a beautiful estate, offers a picturesque setting for learning. The classrooms are designed to encourage collaboration and engagement, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
Students benefit from small class sizes, which promote personalized attention from professors who often have extensive industry experience. The university emphasizes leadership development and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers in business. Overall, Nyenrode provides a distinctive blend of academic excellence and practical insights, making it an excellent choice for aspiring business leaders.Studying at Nyenrode Business University can be a transformative experience. The university's strong focus on practical learning helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. This approach not only enhances understanding but also builds valuable skills that are essential in the business world.
The supportive environment, with small class sizes and accessible professors, allows for personalized guidance and mentorship. This can significantly impact personal and professional development, helping students grow their networks and gain insights from experienced professionals. Overall, the blend of academic rigor and practical application can greatly influence one's career trajectory and personal growth.
Yasir
Verified
4/05/2025
On Campus
A formative and inspiring journey
My experience at Nyenrode Business University has been truly transformative. The program combines rigorous academic instruction with real-world business challenges, allowing me to grow both professionally and personally. One of the most striking aspects is the emphasis on leadership and personal development—elements that are not only taught but also practiced. The small class sizes foster close relationships with professors and fellow students, creating a strong and supportive learning environment. The beautiful and peaceful campus is ideal for focusing on your studies. Overall, I highly recommend Nyenrode to anyone looking to further their business skills while developing as a responsible leader.
Shinyun
Verified
13/06/2025
On Campus
International environment and practical learning
Nyenrode Business School offers a very international environment with students from many different countries. I really liked the practical focus of the courses. Many professors shared real industry experience which made the classes very engaging.
For me, the small class sizes helped a lot with participation and building connections. One thing to improve would be the speed of some administrative processes. Overall, I would recommend this school to students looking for a flexible and business-focused program in Europe.
