MBA Admissions

Best MBA for Entrepreneurship: Top Programs for Founders, Startups & Family Business Owners

If you’re serious about building a company, joining an early-stage startup, or scaling a family business, choosing the right MBA matters. The “best” program isn’t simply the one ranked highest - it’s the one whose ecosystem, resources, and culture align with how you want to build. Our team at Vantage Point works with ambitious applicants targeting top...

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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 February 17, 2026.

As an MBA admissions consultant, I often see clients, particularly those just starting their MBA journey, feel 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.

 
 
 
 
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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. However, the decision is 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 far better than a below-average GMAT result. Ultimately, choose the test that aligns with your strengths and circumstances, rather than 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 essays questions, during the summer. By that point, you’ll want to have your GMAT or GRE completed so you can focus on the other components of your application, which 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, 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, when 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 meaningful difference. If you’re unsure where to begin, 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 a higher score is achievable.

How can you decide if it’s worth another attempt:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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 highest level of effort. Once you reach that point, shift your focus to crafting a compelling application.

If you would like help thinking through your testing strategy or developing a standout MBA application, request an initial consultation. Having the right plan in place can make all the difference.

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MBA Application Deadlines and Essays for 2025-2026

The 2025-2026 MBA application season is underway as schools begin sharing their deadlines and essays for the upcoming cycle. While many schools have kept their questions the same as last year, however, we still expect some marquee changes this year. Round 1 MBA Application Timeline Regarding the Round 1 timeline, applicants should be “pedal to the metal” while...

How to Stand Out in Your MBA Application: What Really Matters

If you're wondering how to stand out in your MBA application, you're not alone. Before meeting with my MBA applicant clients, I review a background write-up that they put together. Inevitably, when they are asked about their strengths as an applicant, I see the same answers come up—quantitative and analytical thinking, effective communication and teamwork, trustworthiness,...

Yellow road sign with the word 'WAIT' against a blue sky with clouds, representing the concept of being on an MBA waitlist.

What to Do When You’re on the MBA Waitlist – A Step by Step Action Plan

Waitlisted for your dream MBA program? Understanding the MBA waitlist acceptance rate is only part of the equation. Developing a strong MBA waitlist strategy is key to improving your chances of acceptance. This MBA waitlist strategy should highlight what makes you a strong candidate and address any weaknesses in your original application....

The Best MBA Programs for Technology

  2023 was a tough year for graduating MBAs looking to enter the technology industry. Tech companies over-hired during the pandemic. Now, facing recession threats, these same companies implemented hiring freezes. They laid off over 250,000 workers. The good news is that the technology industry is expected to recover in 2024 as the economy improves and over-hiring adjusts....

Decoding Your Undergraduate Transcript for MBA Admissions

If you’re anything like most MBA applicants, you probably haven’t dusted off your undergrad transcript and taken a close look in several years. Most applicants are understandably focused on their overall GPA (because MBA programs publish a mean or range for each admitted class) and the brand associated with their undergraduate institution (because they have an...

Who Gets into Stanford GSB?

A recent article from Fortuna Admissions shared eye-opening data regarding  Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School (HBS) admissions. While these programs tout diverse class compositions, the data reveals a clear preference for specific professional and academic backgrounds. Who actually gets into Stanford? This is the million-dollar question for many applicants. Navigating the competitive landscape of Stanford MBA...

The HBS Interview – What to Expect, How to Prepare & Sample Questions   

If you’ve been invited to interview Harvard Business School, congratulations — you’ve cleared one of the most competitive hurdles in MBA admissions. Only about 20% of applicants are invited to interview and from this point, 50-60% of interviewees will be admitted. The HBS interview is an important component of the evaluation process and a final...

How to Ensure Your Tuck MBA Essays Are Stellar

If you thrive in tightknit communities and value experiential learning, particularly in an international locale, Dartmouth Tuck might be the perfect fit for your MBA journey. Speaking of ‘fit’, this concept should be central to your Tuck MBA essays to ensure their content resonates with the Tuck admissions committee. So, what exactly entails ‘fit’ with Tuck? Fortunately,...

Columbia Business School – What’s New (a Lot!) and How to Wow the Adcom with Your Essays

[vc_row el_class="chicago-post"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] Several key things have changed this year when it comes to the Columbia Business School application. First, they’ve done away with rolling admissions for their fall cohort as well as the option to apply early decision. There will now be rounds that mirror most peer schools. Having seen clients stress about when to hit submit...

MBA Letter of Recommendation Questions and a HBS Letter of Recommendation Sample

Letters of recommendation play a vital role in MBA applications. These MBA recommendation letters, crafted by trusted individuals who have witnessed the applicant's professional journey, validate what applicants assert about themselves and provide additional context about their accomplishments, character, and potential. When we first speak with clients about this component of the application, they are often unclear...

Virtual MBA Admissions Events – A Comprehensive List by School

You must align your professional goals with a specific MBA program  to create a competitive application. Relying on school websites is rarely sufficient for due diligence. Instead, you should seek qualitative insights. Specifically, these details help your candidacy stand out. One effective strategy is attending virtual events hosted by your target schools. Furthermore, these sessions offer...

Booth – An Insider’s Guide

Think of Booth as just a ‘finance school’? Think again. Booth’s marketing and entrepreneurship departments are also fantastic. Marketing is distinguished by its focus on analytics and its recent exclusive partnership with Nielsen. The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship is recognized as a highly influential incubator. These assets and more helped Booth retain the top spot on...

Will Gen Z Kill the MBA?

  You may have seen headlines in the past few weeks with outtakes from GMAC’s latest survey of prospective graduate business students (i.e., people who have registered for the GMAT and submitted a survey response). GMAC asked important questions around the types of graduate business education today’s students (Gen Z, that’s you!) are seeking and why they...

Kellogg – An Insider’s Guide

  To continue our ‘Insider’s Guide’ series, this week we’ll turn our attention to Kellogg. You may have heard of Kellogg’s reputation as a marketing school. Yes, it has a very strong marketing department with renowned faculty members and a strong recruiting pipeline into marketing roles. However, most students at Kellogg actually aren’t focused on marketing. The...

Wharton – An Insider’s Guide

  This week, we provide a peek behind the curtain at Wharton! You may think of Wharton as ‘the finance school,’ but that is not all this top ranked program has to offer. It also boasts a world-renowned curriculum in areas such as Real Estate, Healthcare, Entrepreneurship, and Marketing. Curious what else might surprise you? Read on...

Harvard Business School – An Insider’s Guide

[vc_row el_class="chicago-post"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""] This week we’re kicking off a new series! Follow along as we share ‘Insider's Guides’ for many of the top MBA programs, beginning with – you guessed it – Harvard Business School. We’ll go beyond the published facts and statistics, sharing what it’s really like to attend some of the most highly sought-after schools...

Top MBA Program Comparison and How to Use It

Deciding where to apply? Our newly updated Top MBA Program Comparison tool can help! This sortable table ranks the top business schools on dimensions such as class size, average post-MBA salary, top recruited industries and more. It also includes the key criteria (GPA, GMAT, etc.) to help assess where you are likely to be a competitive...

MBA Application Deadlines for 2022-2023

It’s that time of year! Top business schools are starting to release their MBA application deadlines and essay questions for the 2022-2023 application cycle. If you are applying in Round 1, now is the time to pick your first school and start drafting essays. Remember, when you apply matters. Early action programs tend to have higher acceptance...