If you’re applying for an MBA in 2025 or 2026, you are likely looking at GMAT Focus Edition scores. While the test format has been the standard for some time now, the "target numbers" for elite programs have finally stabilized.

Even with a unified test, a clear trend persists: U.S. business schools generally demand higher GMAT scores than European programs. Understanding this regional gap is key to building a realistic and strategic school list.

The 2025 Score Benchmarks

In today’s admissions environment, a "good" score is no longer about hitting the old 700 mark. Because the current GMAT (scored 205–805) is more rigorous at the top end, the numerical averages have shifted, but the competition remains fierce.

For the U.S. "M7" and top-10 programs, the competitive range typically sits between 645 and 695. To put that in perspective, a 675 represents roughly the 96th percentile of all test-takers globally.

In Europe, elite schools like INSEAD, LBS, and HEC Paris tend to see averages in the 625 to 665 range. While still very high (the 86th to 93rd percentile), there is slightly more breathing room for candidates who bring other strengths to the table.

Why U.S. Scores Stay High

The reason U.S. scores trend higher isn't because the curriculum is "harder"—it’s about how the schools are ranked.

• The Ranking Factor: In the U.S., domestic rankings (like U.S. News) place a heavy weight on average GMAT scores. Schools are highly incentivized to admit high scorers to protect their standing.
• The "Stats" Culture: U.S. admissions committees often use the GMAT as a primary academic filter. A high score acts as a "security deposit" on your academic capability, allowing them to then look at your personal story.

Europe’s Holistic Approach

European programs—think INSEAD, HEC Paris, and IESE—have a different philosophy. They prioritize Internationalism and Impact over raw test scores.

• Professional Maturity: The average age and years of work experience are typically higher in Europe. Programs value a candidate who has managed cross-border teams or launched a startup more than someone who gained an extra 20 points on the Data Insights section.
• Balanced Profiles: European schools look for "flat" score profiles. They would rather see a solid, balanced 625 than a 695 with a perfect Quant score but a weak Verbal or Data Insights showing.

Strategy: Where Should You Aim?

• Targeting the U.S. (Harvard, CBS, Booth): You generally want to be at or above the 645 mark. If you are coming from a common "over-represented" background (like finance or engineering), aiming for the high-600s or low-700s is often necessary to stand out.
• Targeting Europe (INSEAD, LBS, Oxford): A score of 625 is very competitive. If your professional background is stellar or you bring significant international diversity, scores as low as 615 are frequently accepted.

Final Takeaway

Whether you're aiming for the M7 in the States or the top-tier in Europe, your GMAT score is the "engine" of your application—but the rest of the car still needs to be built.

At The Brujo Method, we don’t just help you master the GMAT Focus Edition; we help you understand the nuances of regional admissions so you can apply with confidence.