From Dr. Shelle, MBAAdmit.com. Are you gearing up to apply to prestigious Executive MBA programs such as those at Columbia, Booth, Wharton, or INSEAD, which require a standardized test score and accept the Executive Assessment (EA) exam? Are you eyeing a full-time MBA program such as those of Columbia Business School and New York University, which accept the EA exam? You might be wondering what score is considered competitive. Is hitting above 160 necessary or is 153 sufficient? What about 150? Or is 155 the magic EA score for admissions success?
It can be hard to get a sense of things after doing internet research because many business schools do not publish their average or median Executive Assessment scores for accepted students. But, from conversations with representatives at top Executive MBA (EMBA) and MBA programs, we at MBA Admit.com have a firm understanding of desired test result ranges. On the whole, 155 is a great score and can keep you competitive at many programs, particularly if your quant is 12 or higher. But, you can do well in admissions even if you score lower than that, so let’s break things down more by school.
Increasing numbers of EA test-takers and how top schools see a score of 155.
In recent years, nearly all of our EMBA candidates at MBA Admit.com have chosen the EA over the GMAT or GRE. Increasing numbers of applicants to full-time programs that accept the EA are also choosing to take the EA over the GMAT or GRE. Most EA scores we observe fall within the range of 152-155, which top Executive MBA programs generally view as solid performances. Top full-time programs would prefer a score closer to 155 and may see 152 as insufficient. Scores around 148 appear notably low for many prestigious programs – EMBA and MBA alike. Standout scores are typically above 160.
Desired score ranges by school.
The desired EA score varies among top programs. Here’s some examples.
Wharton’s Executive MBA program is the pickiest about the EA, and its published median score for the EMBA class of 2025 is 155. The school prefers to see a quant score over 12, and will often reject candidates who cannot score above 10 on the quantitative portion.
Booth’s Executive MBA program has a published average EA score of 155, but its representatives state that 150 can be a reasonable score, with a quant score of 10 or higher.
Columbia’s Executive MBA program is willing to waive a standardized test requirement for EMBA candidates who demonstrate strong quantitative skills through other means. For those EMBA candidates who must submit an EA score, Columbia Business School prefers scores of 148 or higher.
INSEAD’s Executive MBA program prefers a score of 152 or higher with a quant score of at least 10.
Stanford’s MSx program, which is seen as the school’s Executive MBA-level degree, sees 154 with a quant score of 12 as a solid score.
Columbia’s full-time MBA program prefers scores around 154 or higher with quant of at least 12.
EA scores that can jeopardize a candidacy at Wharton EMBA.
Since Wharton is the pickiest about the EA score, it is useful to consider what EA score could jeopardize an EMBA applicant’s chances of acceptance at Wharton. For many male applicants, an overall score below 152 or a quant score less than 12 can pose a risk. For male candidates from overrepresented profiles, such as Indian foreign national men or East Asian foreign national men, Wharton often expects higher scores, so such individuals may need a score of 157 or higher to remain highly competitive. For women and underrepresented minorities – people of African or Latino descent – scores below 149 can signal trouble, especially if the quant score is 9 or lower.
Scores that can jeopardize a candidacy at other top programs like Columbia EMBA, Booth EMBA, and Columbia Full-Time MBA.
What EA score can jeopardize an application's chances of acceptance at other programs like Columbia and Booth, which are less picky when compared to Wharton? For many male applicants, including overrepresented profiles (South Asian and East Asian foreign national men) an overall score below 150 or a quant score less than 10 can pose a risk. For women and underrepresented minorities – people of African or Latino descent – scores below 147 can cause trouble, especially if the quant score is 9 or lower. For Columbia’s full-time program, a score less than 152 can pose a problem.
Exceptions.
Exceptions exist, of course. Candidates can sometimes compensate for a subpar EA score if their other qualifications are exceptional and excellently presented in their essays, recommendations, and resume. If you're aiming to offset a less-than-ideal EA score, be sure to thoroughly highlight your other strengths in your application and demonstrate what admissions committees refer to as "quantitative readiness" through your credentials.
Learn more about Dr. Shelle here: https://mbaadmit.com/about/about-dr-shel/.
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About Dr. Shelle and MBA Admit.com
MBA Admit.com was established by Dr. Shelle Leanne, a graduate of Harvard and Oxford who has experience with Harvard admissions and served in Stanford University’s Office of the President. Dr. Shelle, who has over 30 years of admissions advising experience, works one-to-one with clients. She is an accomplished writer whose works have been translated into 25 languages worldwide, and she has previous work experience with McKinsey & Company and Morgan Stanley. Her clients rave about her services and impact. Each year, nearly 95% of her clients receive scholarships, totaling over $10 million last year.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drshelle
