What is a good GMAT score for MiM and MiF programmes?

Anyone considering a masters in business has definitely taken some time to consider the GMAT – and perhaps already begun studying for this incredible undertaking. It is, after all, the marker that enables administrators to compare apples with apples – and it’s perhaps the only aspect of an application that allows for that comparison.

But, that’s when it comes to MBA applications, right?

Difference between MIM and MBA?

The key difference between an MBA and MIM program is their admission criteria, where work experience requirements vary.

An MBA aims at admitting students with professional experience and academic qualifications and achievements. While a MIM similarly looks at their academic qualifications, work experience is not considered an important eligibility criterion.

So it's safe to say that while MBA programs prefer trained professionals, MIM programs are for recent graduates.

What are the requirements for an MIM program in Europe?

The following are the basic requirements for you to be able to apply for an MIM course in Europe:

• A bachelor’s degree

• Any experience, as required by the university you are applying for

• Complete English Language proficiency exams

• A GMAT or GRE test (as required by the university)

Does MIM require GMAT or GRE?

Whether you need to appear for a GRE or GMAT exam for an MIM program depends on the university/business school that you choose. There are certain schools that don’t require GRE or GMAT for admission. You also may or may not require work experience for MIM.

What is the average GMAT score requirement for MIM?

The GRE or GMAT scores required for MIM depend on the university you choose.

GMAT scores for top MBA programmes - how important is GMAT?

In short, a good GMAT score opens up more career opportunities for you. For instance, the London Business School average GMAT score is 730, so if you manage to score that high, you will most likely attend LBS, which will provide ample exposure for your future career possibilities.

While there are certainly cases where applicants with sub-par GMAT scores are admitted to top business schools, it’s not the norm. Most candidates do their best to craft an unquestionable application – and that means awesome standardised test scores. But what is a good GMAT score?

The minimum & maximum GMAT score required for a Masters's program

With the GMAT maximum score being as high as 800, if you’re like many others, you’ll be wondering, is 700 a good GMAT score? Well, while 700 or higher is excellent, it’s the average GMAT score for most MBAs globally. In the United States, the top MBA programmes (including Wharton, Harvard, Kellogg, and Yale) boast average GMAT scores around the 730 mark. (Stanford's GMAT average is 733.) Columbia, MIT, Tuck, and Haas, on the other hand, have average GMAT results closer to 720 out of a maximum GMAT score of 800.

730 is a good GMAT score for Harvard Business School, 660 to 740 is the range of the average GMAT score at Duke Fuqua, while the average for Esade’s MiM GMAT score is 670.

Across the Atlantic, GMAT scores for top European MBA programmes are slightly lower. Only INSEAD and LBS GMAT scores have average results over the 700 mark while the majority of programmes sit closer to 670 or 680.

Top Asian schools typically fall in the same range.

There are plenty of reasons for the discrepancies, with some sources suggesting it’s a matter of reduced selectivity while others argue that European programmes admit higher numbers of non-native English speakers.

A third reason, and probably the one closer to the truth, suggests one-year programmes (as most European MBAs are) rely more on previous experience than two-year courses which include internships within their structure.

It doesn’t matter how you dice it, most MBA applicants need a solid GMAT score to round off their applications.

Do you need the GMAT for MiF and MiM programmes?

Not all business masters are MBAs however. Executive MBAs, though graduates can still claim the same letters and degree, aren’t always required to sit for the GMAT exam when applying to programmes (international or otherwise).

Students pursuing a Masters in Finance (MiF) or Masters in Management (MiM) also fall into a different category, even though you’ll find these programmes at the same top universities and elite business schools. MiF and MiM students are usually younger, with a minimum of one year professional experience rather than the average of five that MBA ad comms prefer to see.

It stands to reason, given the age differences – and the reduced number of applicants that GMAT expectations also change. And they do.

Many of these programmes list the GMAT as optional – if needed at all.

Is GMAT required for a Master’s in Finance?

The requirement to have a GRE or GMAT for Master in Finance programme will depend on the university you choose. While some Business schools require you to have GMAT scores for admissions to the MiF programme, some don’t.

For example, at Warwick Business School, there is no GMAT requirement for admission to the finance masters programme, though they do state that a score over 700 may strengthen your application.

London Business School, on the other hand, has a waiver programme, though there is no up-front guarantee that you won’t need the GMAT for their Masters in Finance degree. If it’s your dream school, it’s best to start studying.

At Michigan Ross, the Masters in Management programme allows for GRE scores instead of GMAT scores, and they suggest that many applicants prefer the GRE, which does give these applicants some degree of choice.

It is worth noting that while many of the masters in finance or management programmes are technically hosted by the business faculties alongside MBA classes, they aren’t all business degrees.

Indeed, many schools (across the globe) offer Masters of Science degrees, such as a Master of Science in Finance – and as a science rather than a business field of study means programmes are perhaps more willing to accept those GRE scores which some students find slightly easier than the GMAT.

Do you need 700+ GMAT for MiM and MiF programmes?

If you’re applying to Warwick, you know there isn’t much point in submitting GMAT scores with your MScF application unless you have a stellar result. But, do you need to reach that target for other schools?

It absolutely depends on the programme.

An example of this is the GMAT for the London Business School (LBS). The LBS has both a GMAT score requirement for MIM as well as an MBA. The LBS average GMAT score for the MBA programme is 708, but the LBS MiM average GMAT score is 681

The average ESADE MiM GMAT score requirement is 655 for management masters and 668 for an MBA. In the US, the MBA average at Duke Fuqua is 695, but the average for the MMS programme is 660.

But, lower GMAT scores for alternative business programmes aren’t always universal. In some cases, where the business school ranks higher on the relevant Financial Times ranking for a management or finance programme than for their MBA, the average GMAT scores for these programmes are commensurate or even higher than their average MBA scores.

You’ll see this in MIT’s Sloan School of Business. The MBA ranks ninth on the FT Global MBA Ranking and carries an median GMAT score of 716. Its finance master's programme is seventh on the FT MiF Ranking and has an average GMAT of 726.

It’s the same story at Imperial College Business School. The MBA comes in at 51 on the list and has a GMAT average of 654. Their MScF programme, however, falls in ninth and has around a 700 GMAT average.

HEC Paris comes in at 21 on the Global MBA list and the GMAT score is 690, but it’s number two on the MiM list. And the MiM GMAT score is 710.

ESSEC has an average GMAT score of 650 for its MBA programmes. However, the ESSEC MiM GMAT average is 600+ and Masters in Finance GMAT average is 710.

At Cass, you’ll find that the average GMAT scores for the MBA, MScF, and MScM programmes are all around the 650 mark (the MBA score is a little lower than their finance GMAT averages), even though they fall at different points on the rankings; that’s 46, 20, and 18 respectively.

Some Important Business schools for Masters in Management

The following are business schools that offer the top MiM programmes:

London Business School

The London Business School, being one of the most prestigious business schools, has its MiM programme ranked #4 in the world by the Financial Times.

It doesn’t necessarily require work experience, but an experience of up to 2 years can strengthen your application.

ESSEC

The ESSEC business school based in France has its campuses in 4 locations including Singapore and Morocco.

Its MIM programme is ranked #6th in the world and #2 in France by the Financial Times.

HEC Paris

HEC Paris, again a B School in Paris, admits students from across the world with or without professional experience.

Its MIM programme is ranked #2 in the world by The Financial Times and you can submit your GRE or GMAT Test reports as supporting documents while applying for the course.

INSEAD

INSEAD is also a prestigious institute that offers an MIM program. You can submit your application along with your CV, work experience, letter of recommendation and GRE or GMAT scores.

Some other schools that offer top mim programs:

Esade Business school, Barcelona, Spain

IE Business school, Madrid, Spain

Imperial College Business school, London, UK

Bocconi University, Milan, Italy

ESCP Business School

GMAT is only part of MiF and MiM applications

The truth of the matter is that the average GMAT score for any business master's programme is somewhat irrelevant. While it’s the easiest way to compare applicants, it is only one aspect of an application.

There’s always a story or two about successful applications with lower than average scores because it demonstrates that schools are after more than simply high numbers; they want well-rounded applicants.

It’s true for the MBA – and it’s the same for MiM and MiF programmes. Across all masters-level business programmes, you’re after your best possible application package. In some cases, that means a GMAT score you want to boast about; at other times, it means skipping the heavy test preparation in favour of a compelling essay the ad comms just can’t put down.

And, as is always the case with post-grad education, it’s a matter of researching every school and choosing the right programmes to apply to. If you’re considering an MiF or MiM rather than an MBA, you may just be lucky enough to dodge the GMAT, but you should always keep in mind that scholarships and financial aid are often linked to your score. So, you may find yourself prepping for the test even after you have an acceptance letter in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a master's in finance in Canada without GMAT?

Yes, there are a lot of universities in Canada that accept applicants without a GMAT.

Is it possible to get into Master In Management in the US without GMAT?

Yes, a number of US universities let you apply for their MiM programme without GMAT, it may work for you as an advantage, but is not a requirement.

Is GMAT compulsory for MBA in the US?

Yes, GMAT is mostly required for almost every MBA programme in the top universities in the USA.

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Post updated for accuracy and freshness on October 9, 2019. Originally published on December 22, 2017.