The GMAT is a standardized score that is taken to gain entry into business administration programs. It will test mathematics and English language and measure a prospective student's ability to succeed in an academic program in graduate business studies. According to GMATCAT, the average score worldwide is a 570. However, there is no magic score that will allow entry into any program, and the required score will be relative to the school.
Getting ahead in business administration today often requires an advanced degree. This has caused an influx of highly qualified students that are taking the GMAT. In turn, most top-rated schools will be seeking the best students. For example, the Harvard MBA Program has a median GMAT score of a 720. Yale and Sloan's MBA programs have a median GMAT score of a 710. The highest score achievable on the GMAT is a 800. This means that the majority of students that gain acceptance into these highly coveted programs have scores that are near perfect.
Harvard, Yale and Sloan's MBA programs are all within the top five. For those seeking entrance into one of the Top 50 programs, the GMAT requirement will be high, but not as strenuous as those already listed. According to GMATCAT, the top 50 programs have an average score of approximately 650. It must be noted that for many of these top programs, the GMAT score is not the only thing that is considered when the application is reviewed. Exceptional personal essays, resumes, and interviews can also be used to supplement a lower GMAT score.
An acceptable GMAT score is more along the lines of an average score. These are scores that will not necessarily allow acceptance into the top programs but will gain entrance into many state college programs. Unlike other programs, some schools will require a minimum score for acceptance. For example, East Carolina University has a minimum GMAT score of 400 (and 450 for those whose GPA is lower than 3.5). Kansas State University has a minimum score of 500.
The main mantra to remember when searching for the right Business Administration program is that "It's All Relative." Just like any other standardized test for gaining acceptance into a higher education degree program, there will not be a listed "required" score by the school. The necessary score will depend on the prestige of the school and program, as well as the other contents of the application.