What GMAT Focus Scores Do You Need for M7 and Top European Business Schools?

Planning to apply to the world’s top MBA programs? Your GMAT score still matters — especially now with the new GMAT Focus Edition.

Whether you're targeting the prestigious M7 schools in the US or elite European B-Schools, knowing what score makes you competitive is key. This blog breaks down the numbers and gives you a clear picture of what it takes.

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What is M7?

M7 stands for the “Magnificent Seven” — a group of the most prestigious business schools in the United States. These include:

• Harvard Business School

• Stanford Graduate School of Business

• Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)

• MIT Sloan School of Management

• Chicago Booth School of Business

• Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern University)

• Columbia Business School

These schools are known for world-class faculty, global reputation, and incredible career outcomes. Admission is tough, and a strong GMAT score can give your application a big boost.

GMAT Focus Scores for M7 B-Schools

Here's how the top US schools compare based on the new GMAT Focus Edition scale:

School	Average GMAT Focus Score	Middle 80% Range
Stanford GSB	740 to 755	715 to 775
Harvard Business School	730 to 745	705 to 770
Wharton	735 to 750	710 to 770
Chicago Booth	730 to 745	705 to 765
Kellogg	725 to 740	700 to 760
MIT Sloan	725 to 740	700 to 760
Columbia	725 to 735	700 to 750

What This Means for You

• A score above 720 is considered very strong

• Scores below 700 may need to be backed by exceptional achievements

• Don't just aim for a high total. Keep your section scores balanced

Admissions teams don’t just want a great number. They want to see consistency across the board.

GMAT Focus Scores for Top European B-Schools

Top B-Schools in Europe may have slightly lower average scores, but they’re still competitive. Here's a quick comparison:

School	Avg. GMAT (Old)	Avg. GMAT Focus	Competitive Range (Focus)
London Business School	702 to 708	~700	680 to 750
INSEAD	700	655 to 700	680 to 750
HEC Paris	690	635	670 to 740
IESE	680	~680	660 to 730
Oxford Saïd	680	~670	650 to 730
Cambridge Judge	697	~690	670 to 740

How to Interpret These Scores

• LBS and INSEAD see 700+ as strong, but mid to high 600s are often enough with a great profile

• HEC Paris recommends at least 635

• IESE suggests aiming for 680 or above

• Balance across all sections helps, especially at INSEAD and HEC

Remember, European schools also value diversity, international experience, and career impact — not just the score.

Summary Table: GMAT Focus Score Targets

School Group	Target GMAT Focus Score	Notes
M7 (US)	720 to 755	Balanced scores matter
Top European	680 to 710+	High 600s can be enough if the profile is strong

Conclusion

Your GMAT Focus score is still a big piece of the puzzle. If you’re aiming for the M7, shoot for 720 or higher. For top European schools, a score in the high 600s to low 700s puts you in a good spot.

But remember — a high score alone won’t guarantee admission. Build a well-rounded application with strong academics, leadership, work experience, and clear goals.

Always check the latest class profile data on the official website of your target schools. Requirements may change, and staying updated helps you plan better.