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Last Updated on November 23, 2023
If you’re thinking of pursuing an MBA at the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, you may be wondering whether you’ll have to take the GMAT and what kind of GMAT score you’ll need to be a competitive applicant.
In this article, I’ll answer some common questions about Tuck School of Business GMAT scores, including whether the GMAT is required, what the average GMAT score of Tuck MBA students is, and whether the GMAT or GRE is better for Tuck. I’ll also give you some tips on setting your score goal for the Tuck MBA program. (Note that I’ll focus on the full-time MBA program in this article.)
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Does Tuck Require GMAT Scores for MBA Admissions?
- Is the GMAT or GRE Better for Tuck?
- Tuck School of Business Average GMAT Scores
- What Is a Good GMAT Score for Tuck?
- In Conclusion
- What’s Next?
Let’s get started by discussing Tuck’s GMAT requirements.
Does Tuck Require GMAT Scores for MBA Admissions?
Prospective Tuck MBA students are allowed to submit either a GMAT or GRE score for admission to the full-time program. Keep in mind, you must choose one of those two exams, because test scores are required for applicants to the Tuck MBA program. There are no test waivers.
One bit of good news is that you can submit unofficial scores with your application. So, since you won’t have to wait for your official score to be sent to Tuck, you may have more time until you need to sit for your exam. Keep in mind that the scores you report will have to be within the standard validity window of 5 years for GMAT and GRE scores. Additionally, you will have to send your official scores if you are accepted to Tuck. So, make sure you don’t self-report invalid or inaccurate scores.
KEY FACT:
Prospective Tuck MBA students are allowed to submit either a GMAT or GRE score with their applications to the full-time program.
Of course, having the choice between two tests begs the question, is the GMAT or GRE better for Tuck?
Is the GMAT or GRE Better for Tuck?
You need not worry that Tuck prefers either the GMAT or the GRE., Tuck states the following on its website:
“We do not have a preference for one test over the other.”
Additionally, Tuck accepts either the online or in-person GMAT (and GRE).
So, you’ve got options when it comes to submitting test scores to Tuck.
The best thing you can do if you’re unsure of whether to take the GMAT or GRE is sit for a full-length official practice exam of each and see which test you perform better on.
KEY FACT:
The Tuck MBA program states that it has no preference between the GMAT and GRE.
Now, let’s take a look at what kinds of GMAT scores Tuck MBA students have.
Tuck School of Business Average GMAT Scores
As you might expect from an Ivy League business school such as Tuck, the average GMAT scores of Tuck MBA students are pretty impressive. In fact, the class of 2023 had a record-high GMAT average for the school, 724. Let’s take a look at some key GMAT score metrics of Tuck MBA students over the past 5 class years.
Tuck MBA Program GMAT Scores: Class of 2019-2023
As we can see in the table above, the average GMAT score of Tuck MBA students has stayed within the low 720s in recent years. Additionally, average section scores have stayed pretty steady over the years, although we do see a slightly higher bottom end of the Verbal score range in the class of 2023. That higher base may help account for the higher average total score we see in the class of 2023.
Notice also that Tuck MBA students have consistently boasted impressive Integrated Reasoning score averages, with the class of 2023 averaging an IR score of 7.
KEY FACT:
The average GMAT score of Tuck MBA students in the class of 2023 is 724, with average Quant and Verbal scores of 48 and 42, respectively, and an average IR score of 7.
So, going by the numbers above, can you simply conclude that scores of Q48, V42, and IR7 will make you a shoo-in at Tuck? As you might have guessed, the answer isn’t so easy. So, let’s discuss what a good GMAT score is for Tuck.
What Is a Good GMAT Score for Tuck?
On the one hand, it is true that generally speaking, a good GMAT score for an MBA program is one that is equal to the average GMAT score of admitted students.
On the other hand, students often don’t realize that the average GMAT score at business schools isn’t necessarily a competitive score for every applicant.
MBA admissions committees weigh multiple factors when considering applicants. Take Tuck, for example. Tuck states that it weighs the following when considering applicants:
“prior academic performance, the results of the GMAT or GRE, results of an English Language Proficiency test (if applicable), the nature of past coursework, and the nature of the applicant’s professional experience.”
So, your GMAT score is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to evaluating your candidacy for the Tuck MBA program. And since every applicant has a different academic and professional background, some applicants may need higher GMAT scores to be competitive, while others excel in other areas. In other words, a “good” GMAT score for one applicant may not be so good for another.
We can see this idea played out in the GMAT ranges we reviewed earlier, right? For example, the class of 2023 has a GMAT score range of 600-780 — a 180-point swing. What accounts for this large variance in test scores? Clearly, some applicants were impressive enough even with a lower-than-average GMAT score. At the same time, other applicants perhaps needed higher scores to compensate for weak points elsewhere in their applications.
TTP PRO TIP:
A “good” GMAT score for one applicant may not be so good for another.
Class Averages Are Just a Starting Point
In reality, the incoming class average GMAT score is just a starting point when you set your score goal for an MBA program. To figure out what score will help YOU be a competitive applicant, you’ll need to think like admissions. In other words, you need to evaluate all aspects of your application and, based on your other strengths and weaknesses, adjust your GMAT score goal up or down from the average.
TTP PRO TIP:
Evaluate all aspects of your application in light of the Tuck MBA class profile and, based on your other strengths and weaknesses, adjust your GMAT score goal up or down from the average.
To that end, you’ll want to look at the most recent Tuck MBA class profile to get a sense of how you stack up against admitted students in the key areas outlined above. For instance, let’s take a look at some key stats for the class of 2023.
2023 Tuck MBA Class Profile: Key Stats
Once again, looking at where you fit in compared to the “average” Tuck student is a good way to assess your strengths and weaknesses. For instance, does your GPA beat the average or come in near the top of the range? If so, put a checkmark under “strengths.” Or maybe you’re part of an underrepresented group, or you have 6 years of work experience in an impressive position. Again, consider those factors when deciding whether the average GMAT score will be high enough for your application to stand out among the pack.
Consider also that people in overrepresented groups typically need to earn higher GMAT scores than they otherwise would in order to be competitive at top schools. Let’s dive a little deeper into the class of 2023 data to get a fuller sense of what the “overrepresented” categories are.
Tuck Class of 2023: Undergraduate Degrees
Tuck Class of 2023: Top 3 Industries
Now, let’s say you’re a white male in the U.S. with a degree in the Humanities and 5 years of work experience in Consulting or Financial Services. Even with a higher-than-average GPA, you would certainly fit into the “overrepresented” category — in several respects — based on the data we see above. In other words, in all likelihood, there will be many other Tuck applicants with candidate profiles that look very similar to yours. Thus, having a stellar GMAT score could be a way to stand out as an exceptional candidate where you might otherwise blend in.
As a general rule of thumb, if you’re in an overrepresented group, you should aim for a GMAT score that beats the Tuck class average. Furthermore, if you’re in multiple overrepresented groups, you may want to aim for a score that is close to the top end of Tuck GMAT range.
Even if you’re in an underrepresented group, a safe bet would be to aim for a GMAT score that at least meets the Tuck class average, so 720+. If your applicant profile is fairly unique or impressive in multiple respects, you may feel comfortable with a GMAT score below the class average. However, only you can make that call. Just remember, you never want your GMAT score to be the reason admissions thinks twice about your readiness for their program.
You never want your GMAT score to be the reason admissions thinks twice about your readiness for their program.
In Conclusion
The Tuck School of Business acceptance rate is estimated to be around 22%-23%. (Tuck does not publicly disclose its acceptance rate.) So, needless to say, you can bet that admissions at Tuck will be competitive. Fortunately, if you’re strategic in setting your GMAT score goal, and you put in the time and the work to earn a competitive score, you’ll give yourself a great shot at standing out among your peers.
Remember, to set your GMAT score goal, complete the following 3 steps:
- Look at the average GMAT score in the most recent Tuck School of Business class profile. That score will be your baseline.
- Compare the other aspects of your applicant profile to the corresponding data points in the class profile.
- Adjust up or down from (or stay at) the baseline depending on how your profile stacks up to those of accepted Tuck MBA students.
Additionally, keep the following key points in mind:
- If you’re in an overrepresented group, aim for a GMAT score that beats the Tuck average. If you’re in more than one overrepresented group, consider aiming for a score close to the top end of GMAT range.
- Even if you’re in an underrepresented group(s), a safe bet would be to aim for a GMAT score that at least meets the Tuck average, so 720+.
KEY FACT:
The Tuck School of Business acceptance rate is estimated to be around 22%-23%.
What’s Next?
To get yourself started on your way to GMAT success, here’s a comprehensive guide to earning a GMAT score of 700+.
Then take your GMAT prep to the next level with a 5-day, all-access trial of the TTP GMAT Course for just $1. With personalized study plans and live, expert support, we’ve got your back!
Thinking of applying to other top business schools like the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business? Check out this guide to GMAT scores needed for top MBA programs.
