The GMAT Exam Means Business: How Your Score Gives You An Edge

The GMAT exam is the most widely used exam for business school admissions—more than 70,000 MBA and business master’s candidates take the test each year.

The GMAT remains the most popular admissions exam for b-schools. The exam is generally preferred to the GRE by b-schools and test takers, as it prepares students for what they can expect in the MBA classroom and proves to schools they are ready for the demands. 

Why do business schools value the GMAT?

The GMAT exam is a purpose-built admission test designed specifically for business schools, and your score can help predict your success in a program. That’s why business schools look to the GMAT exam to determine if you’re ready to handle the academic rigor of their programs. Every year, top business schools like Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford receive thousands of applications with GMAT scores.

The GMAT is the only admissions test specifically designed for graduate management programs. Your score will demonstrate to business schools your readiness and commitment to preparing for an MBA or business master’s program.

Unlike the GMAT, the GRE is used by a variety of graduate programs, many of which aren’t focused on business. Only by taking the GMAT can you ensure that the admissions team reviewing your application won’t be second-guessing your commitment to a business school and graduate management education—and that’s why many candidates opt for the GMAT exam.

For example, 63% of the Harvard MBA class of 2026 and 58% of the Stanford MBA class of 2026 took the GMAT.

What does your GMAT score say about you?

The GMAT exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. 

Silvia Barbieri, admissions head at Bocconi University, says the GMAT gives the school an overall picture of a candidate’s profile.

“We normally look at the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the score as well as at the total score. Bocconi University has economics-based MSc courses, so the Quantitative section is especially important and gives an idea on the quantitative skills of the candidate.”

If you have a less than stellar GPA, a solid GMAT score can also help business schools better evaluate your application.

“Each applicant is unique, and it is important to consider testing as one component, which helps admissions advisers learn about the unique qualifications of each candidate,” says Elizabeth Hutchinson, head of admissions at IE Business School.

How can your GMAT score help you stand out?

Scoring well on the GMAT can help you make up for gaps in other areas of your application.

For example, if you’re applying to an MBA program with a liberal arts background, a strong score on the Quant section of the GMAT can demonstrate that you’re a qualified, prepared, and well-rounded candidate.

Speaking to BusinessBecause, leading US-based MBA admissions consultant Stacy Blackman says:

“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.”

Sameer Kamat, admissions consultant and founder of MBA Crystal Ball in India, agrees. He says banking and consulting firms assess GMAT scores when recruiting.

Plus, many business schools offer scholarships based in part on your GMAT score, so taking the GMAT can even help reduce the cost of business school. Be sure to ask the programs you’re applying to about scholarship opportunities.

While your GMAT score is not a guarantee into every top business school, it will help you stand out among the crowd of candidates, supporting your application to business school and your career beyond.

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