Are you worried that you wouldn’t get into a good European MBA because of your low GMAT score? While GMAT is almost mandatory to gain admission to any business school abroad. You would at least need 100 hours of preparation time to get a good score. It is especially tough for a candidate who does not possess quantitative skills.
With the rising demand for a skilled and qualified workforce in the job market. The competition for MBA admissions is only getting tougher. As a result, the average GMAT scores have been soaring year on year. Though it may appear that a good GMAT score is an ultimate road to an international MBA admission. You should remember that it is only one component of the admission process.
Most business schools officially claim that they do not have a cut-off GMAT score or even an average score. However, if you take the average GMAT score of any class of a business school. You will get at least a ballpark number. Also, you should know that business schools around the globe offer admission to outstanding candidates with below-par GMAT scores. Considering these two parameters. We have prepared a list of 10 European business schools you target if you have low GMAT scores:
BI Norwegian Business School – Oslo, Norway
A triple-accredited business school. BI Norwegian Business School has excellent quality validation and has a minimum GMAT accepted score of only 600. It also offers the candidates an opportunity to request a GMAT score waiver. However, this decision is only made based on every individual case. Exemptions are given if you are a graduate from partner institutions — numerous partner colleges are located across the globe.
Grenoble Ecole de Management – Grenoble Graduate School of Business (GGSB) – Grenoble Cedex 1, France
With an average of only 643. This triple-accredited French business school is one among the hot favorites of candidates with low GMAT scores. In 2019, Grenoble Ecole de Management was ranked number four in France in the Financial Times business school ranking. Also, it was ranked as the 28th best European MBA college in the same ranking series. This business is one of the elite Grande Ecoles French schools of management, making it reputable across the world.
University College Dublin (UCD) – Michael Smurfit School of Business- Dublin, Ireland
The Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is also one of the “triple crown” accreditation which is located in Ireland. It also has a remarkable reputation globally, with many business forums and magazines that have consistently given this school top rankings. In 2019, the average GMAT score of a class in this school was 640. As this business school is situated in the capital of Ireland— Dublin. You would get better opportunities in innovation, finance, and business.
University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS) – Edinburgh, United Kingdom
This business school was ranked 10th in the UK by the popular business magazine The Economist. University of Edinburgh Business School is also triple-accredited. And it needs only some candidates to take GMAT. Generally, people who don’t have a degree from an accredited institution or a reputed professional qualification. If you are one of the candidates who must take the test, aim to get a score of 600.
ESMT Berlin – Berlin, Germany
ESMT Berlin is one of the only three MBA colleges in Germany that have “triple crown” accreditations. Which is the AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS. For such an outstanding reputation for its MBA course, the average GMAT of ESMT Berlin is only 640. As per the FT’s Business Schools rankings, it ranked ESMT 24th in Europe. Also, the Economists ranked it 12th.
The University of St. Gallen – St. Gallen, Switzerland
As per the 2018 Financial Times Business School rankings. St.Gallen was ranked as the 4th best business school in Europe. This business school does not require a GMAT score and instead needs you to take an internal MBA admission test. You need to achieve at least an 80 percent score on the internal test. Even CPA, PhD or CFA Level 2 qualifications are also eligible for admission. However, if you want to take the GMAT, the current average score would be 656.
EMLYON Business School – Ecully, France
One of the FT newspaper’s globally ranked business school, EMLYON business school. It is one of the best MBA colleges in France. Also, this college does not require a minimum GMAT score. Candidates can also apply to this school even if they have not taken the GMAT. However, the exemption to this test is given depending on each case.
The University of Manchester – Alliance Manchester Business School – Manchester, United Kingdom
Alliance Manchester Business School’s admission process does not only emphasize the GMAT scores. Even if you get a more robust score, you have a higher probability of getting an admission. Likewise, if you do not have a good score, it does not mean your chances for admissions are nill. That said, MBA aspirants should aim for a GMAT score of 600 to be in a safe zone with this school’s admission. Alliance Manchester Business Schools has even offered admission to candidates with a GMAT score as low as 500. If you take the middle 80% of the class, the GMAT score will range from 550 – 700.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) -Rotterdam, Netherlands
As per the QS Global MBA rankings. Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands was ranked 25th in the best programs in the world. To get an admission from this school you would require a minimum 600 score. And the current class average is comparatively low at 633. As an additional benefit, MBA aspirants applying to Rotterdam need not complete the analytical writing assessment. And integrated reasoning sections of the GMAT exam.
ESADE Business School – Barcelona Campus – Barcelona, Spain
Though to apply to ESADE Business School, MBA aspirants must take the GMAT. This school located in Spain does not have a minimum score requirement in its admission criteria. The current average score at this school is 660. This score is very low for the kind of MBA quality this college offers. In the 2019 Global MBA rankings, the Financial Times have ranked ESADE Business school 21st in the world. Are you feeling better already that you have so many great options for your MBA application. Even if your score is less? This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you research correctly, you will find more options you can apply to despite your score.
All the Best for your MBA applications!