What GMAT Score Do I Need for Harvard? Answers to Your Most Pressing GMAT and GRE Questions
Originally published on February 16, 2023. Updated on January 23, 2025.
As an MBA admissions consultant, I often see clients, particularly those just starting their MBA journey, feeling anxious and uncertain about standardized testing—namely the GMAT and GRE. Questions like “Should I take the GMAT or GRE?”, “When should I prepare and take the exam?”, and “What GMAT score do I need for Harvard?” come up frequently.
These are important questions to ask, but like most aspects of the MBA application process, the answers aren’t always straightforward. To help clarify, here are three commonly held beliefs about the GMAT and GRE that deserve a closer look.
Need personalized advice to navigate your testing strategy or other aspects of the MBA application process? Request a consultation with us.
FAQ #1: Since I come from a non-quant background, should I take the GRE as opposed to the GMAT?
According to GMAT/GRE experts in our network, the GMAT is a more rigorous exam, particularly when it comes to the quantitative section. For some applicants, especially those without a strong quant background, it might seem logical to take the GRE instead. But it’s not that simple.
If you have a lower GPA, a non-quant undergrad degree, or little quantitative experience, the admissions committee may wonder if you can handle the academic rigor of an MBA program. Achieving a competitive GMAT score can directly address those concerns. It also demonstrates your ability to rise to a challenge and excel in a quantitative setting.
That said, your ultimate goal should be to achieve the strongest score possible, whether you take the GMAT or GRE. If you have a liberal arts background, submitting a solid GRE score is a better option than a below-average GMAT result. Ultimately, choose the test that aligns best with your strengths and circumstances, rather than basing your decision on assumptions about who typically takes each exam.
FAQ #2: When is the best time to take the GMAT or GRE?
Many prospective MBAs assume they should study for and take the exam during the summer before applying. While this is possible, it’s not ideal. Schools typically release their applications (including essay questions) in the summer. By that point, you’ll want to have your GMAT or GRE behind you so you can focus on the other components of your application, which will require significant time and effort.
GMAT/GRE experts recommend beginning your test prep 10–12 weeks before your planned test date. It’s also important to leave time for two or three attempts, with each spaced at least 16 days apart for the GMAT or 21 days for the GRE, as required by the testing agencies. With this in mind, we recommend starting your preparation no later than early April.
Honestly, it’s never too early to get your testing out of the way. GMAT and GRE scores are good for five years and many of our clients achieved their best results while still in college or shortly after graduating since they were still in ‘study mode’.
If you’re working long hours or managing other commitments, starting early is especially important. Consistency and efficiency in your preparation will be key. Investing in a high-quality prep course or private tutoring can also make a big difference in your results. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re happy to share resources that have been most helpful to our clients. Email us at vantagepoint@vantagepointmba.com to learn more.
FAQ #3: What GMAT score do I need for Harvard?
Let’s get straight to it: a 685 (equivalent to 730 on the legacy GMAT exam) is an excellent GMAT score, and it’s close to the average for top MBA programs like Harvard. But does that mean you’re “done”? Not necessarily.
If your undergraduate GPA is below average or you’re part of an overrepresented applicant pool (bankers and consultants, I’m looking at you), you may want to consider whether you can improve your score further.
How can you decide if it’s worth another attempt:
- Look at your testing history. If you’ve taken the test three or four times and your scores haven’t improved, it might be time to move on.
- Evaluate your preparation. Did you follow a detailed study plan? Were your official practice test scores higher than your test-day results? If so, nerves or test-day circumstances might have impacted your performance, and another attempt could be worthwhile.
Deciding whether to retake the GMAT or GRE can be challenging. If you’re unsure, check out our article on how to determine if retaking the GRE or GMAT is right for you.
While a strong GMAT or GRE score is important, it’s only one piece of your application. Even a near-perfect score won’t guarantee admission. Instead of focusing solely on achieving a specific score, aim for a result that reflects your best effort. Once you’ve achieved that, shift your focus to crafting a compelling application.
If you’d like expert guidance on creating a personalized testing strategy or developing a standout MBA application, request an initial consultation. Having the right plan in place can make all the difference.
Katie is a passionate mentor and coach, helping her clients craft a unique, compelling story by leveraging her experience as a corporate executive, alumni interviewer, and campus recruiter. Before completing her MBA at Kellogg, Katie spent five years in banking where she learned practical finance skills as well as how to operate in a demanding, high pressure environment. She pursued an MBA in order to transition to an industry role where she could utilize her finance knowledge to drive change within an organization. Post-MBA, she worked in finance and strategy for a leading CPG firm, progressing to an executive role leading the finance function for a $2B business segment. Her experience managing diverse teams led to a passion for developing others. In addition to her day-to-day responsibilities, she led her firm’s MBA recruiting efforts and served as an alumni admissions interviewer for Kellogg.