Last visit was: 19 Nov 2025, 11:07 It is currently 19 Nov 2025, 11:07
Home
GMAT
Messages
Tests
Schools
Events
Rewards
Chat
My Profile
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
User avatar
mbaMissionJenK
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 25 Apr 2013
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 4,446
Own Kudos:
338
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,446
Kudos: 338
The mbaMission Blog 27 Apr 2025, 03:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FROM mbaMission Blog: GMAT Exam Overview: Sections, Question Types, Scoring, Alternatives, and Preparation Tips
The current GMAT exam, which is the admissions test that most MBA applicants choose to take, includes three sections—Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights—each of which tests different skills. The current version of the exam is two hours and 15 minutes long and includes 64 questions.

Section details are as follows, per GMAC, the organization that administers the GMAT:

Exam Section Number of questions Time length

Quantitative Reasoning 2145 min

Verbal Reasoning 2345 min

Data Insights 2045 min

Question types within Verbal Reasoning include Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. The Verbal section of the exam aims to assess your ability to read and understand material, and to evaluate arguments and reason logically.

All question types within the Quantitative Reasoning section are considered Problem Solving questions. Topics covered in the Quant section include number properties, arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. This section aims to assess your knowledge of algebra and arithmetic, as well as your analytical thinking skills.

Question types within Data Insights include Data Sufficiency, Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. This section aims to assess how you work with data in real-world situations.

Overall, the GMAT also tests your ability to analyze and use data, work with incomplete information, communicate, make decisions, and manage your time under pressure.

GMAT Score Breakdown

Total Scores for the current version of the exam (Focus Edition) range from 205 to 805, with scores ending in five (5). Scores on the prior version of GMAT (10th Edition) ranged from 200 to 800, with scores always ending in zero (0).

Specific section scores range from 60 to 90.

Total Score

Score range: 205–805

Score intervals: 10

Standard error of measurement: 30–40 points

Quantitative Reasoning Score

Score range: 60–90

Score intervals: 1

Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Verbal Reasoning Score

Score range: 60–90

Score intervals: 1

Standard error of measurement: 3 points

Data Insights Score

Score range: 60–90

Score intervals: 1

Standard error of measurement: 3 points

The GMAT is a computer adaptive test, which means that your score is calculated with an algorithm that adjusts the difficulty level of the questions you receive based on your performance as you proceed through the exam. In other words, you receive increasingly difficult test questions as you perform better and less difficult ones when you answer questions incorrectly. In this way, the exam aims to identify your precise ability level.

Your final GMAT scores take into account not just how many questions you got correct and incorrect but also the difficulty level of each question you answered. Your overall score is based on your results on all three sections, weighted equally.

What Qualifies as a “Good” GMAT Score

Two key considerations influence what would be considered a “good” GMAT score:

[*]Percentiles [/*]

[*]Average/median scores at your target schools [/*]
[/list]

Percentiles

To see how your specific overall and subscores compare to those of other test takers, you can reference the latest percentiles, which are compiled by GMAC.

Percentiles reveal how your score compares with those of everyone who has taken the exam globally. Scoring at the 50th percentile means that you have scored higher than 50% of test takers. Currently, a 90th percentile Total Score would equate to about a 655, for reference. Average scores at the top U.S. full-time MBA programs (such as Harvard Business School, the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Wharton, and Columbia Business School) have typically been around the 95th percentile (meaning that only the top 5% of test takers score at this level), which is approximately 675.

Sampling of GMAT (Focus Edition) Total Score Percentiles

GMAT Focus Total Score Percentiles

ScoreMean ScorePercentile Ranking

8050%

755100%

705100%

65599%

60593%

555546.0175%

50553%

45531%

40517%

3558%

3053%

2551%

2050%

Source: mba.com by GMAC

Average/Median Scores at Your Target Schools

Be sure to also research what the average and/or median test score is at each of your target programs. Your admissions chances will be higher if your score is equal to or higher than the averages/medians at your intended schools.

You can find the test scores of enrolled students at your target programs in several places online, including in the Class Profile for each individual school. Keep in mind that you might sometimes see scores for the previous version of the GMAT.

Median GMAT Scores at the Top U.S. Business Schools

School NameU.S. News & World Report Ranking (2025)Median GMAT Score (10th Edition) of Full-Time StudentsMedian Undergraduate GPAAcceptance Rate

University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)17403.720.50%

Northwestern University (Kellogg)2 (tie)7403.828.60%

Stanford University2 (tie)7403.86.80%

University of Chicago (Booth)47303.728.70%

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan)57303.714.10%

Dartmouth College (Tuck)6 (tie)7303.631.20%

Harvard University6 (tie)7403.711.20%

New York University (Stern)6 (tie)7403.725.10%

Columbia University97403.720.90%

Yale University107303.627.30%

University of California – Berkeley (Haas)11 (tie)7303.725.30%

University of Virginia (Darden)11 (tie)720NA33.90%

Duke University (Fuqua)13 (tie)7203.619.50%

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Ross)13 (tie)7303.428.90%

Cornell University (Johnson)157103.428.10%

University of Texas – Austin (McCombs)167103.537.90%

Emory University (Goizueta)177103.536.80%

Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)18 (tie)7003.326.60%

University of California – Los Angeles (Anderson)18 (tie)7203.530.70%

Vanderbilt University (Owen)18 (tie)7103.438.40%

Georgia Institute of Technology (Scheller)217003.418.20%

Indiana University (Kelley)22 (tie)6903.429.00%

University of Washington (Foster)22 (tie)7053.438.50%

Georgetown University (McDonough)247003.460.30%

Ohio State University (Fisher)24 (tie)6903.68.60%

University of Southern California (Marshall)24 (tie)7203.523.10%

Washington University in St. Louis (Olin)24 (tie)7403.618.30%

Source: U.S. News & World Report

How Schools Use GMAT Scores in the Admissions Process

Business schools look at your GMAT score, in combination with your undergraduate performance (overall GPA as well as specifics on your transcripts), to predict your ability to handle the academic rigor of their MBA program.

MBA admissions decisions are holistic and take into account many factors, including a candidate’s test score(s), academic background, work experience, leadership potential, recommender insight, extracurricular involvement, career goals, and fit with the program. GMAT scores alone will not get an applicant accepted to a program, but scoring well below the program’s average can certainly hold an applicant back and become a roadblock to acceptance. In addition, you will often be competing for a space in the class with many other well-qualified candidates who are also submitting strong test scores, so to maximize your chances, you want to score as high as possible on your test.

In the MBA admissions process, your Total Score (205–805) is the most important. This score will affect your MBA program’s class average, and the admissions committees use this score in their efforts to predict your level of success in their program. So even though you want to maximize your scores in all three sections, any number of score combinations can result in the same Total Score.

However, because the MBA is a quantitative degree in nature, a very low GMAT Quant subscore could become a red flag or concern for a candidate in a competitive application environment.

Comparing 10th Edition GMAT Scores with Focus Edition Scores

GMAC offers a Concordance Table on its website that shows the correlation between scores on the previous version of the GMAT and those on the current exam. Note that these are subject to change and that percentiles are also updated annually.

Excerpt from GMAC’s GMAT Score Concordance Table

GMAT Exam (10th Edition)GMAT Exam (Focus Edition)Percentile

800805100.00%

790805100.00%

790795100.00%

790785100.00%

780785100.00%

780775100.00%

78076599.90%

78075599.90%

77075599.90%

77074599.70%

77073599.60%

76073599.60%

76072599.20%

76071599.00%

75071599.00%

75070598.20%

75069597.70%

74069597.70%

74068596.20%

73068596.20%

73067595.30%

72067595.30%

When to Take the GMAT and How Long to Prepare for It

GMAT scores are valid for five years, so even if you are not planning to apply to business school for several more years, taking the exam sooner rather than later can be beneficial. Create a time frame for studying for and taking the exam that works with your professional and personal schedule.

Most candidates spend two to four months preparing for the GMAT. You might consider taking a preparation course and/or working with a tutor, which can help strengthen your quantitative and verbal foundations and maximize your score.

A thorough prep course will provide the following:

[*]Foundational content you must review to do well on test day (e.g., number properties, algebra)[/*]

[*]Specific strategies for approaching each question type and for times you get stuck [/*]

[*]Realistic practice in the form of full-length computer adaptive exams to ensure that you are ready for the actual test experience [/*]
[/list]

Test Prep Tips to Maximize Your GMAT Score

Follow these tips to give yourself the best chance of achieving your target GMAT score:

[*]Give yourself two to four months to prepare (on average, top scorers prepare for more than 80 hours).[/*]

[*]Set a study plan and stick to it (e.g., two to three hours a day, four or five days a week, for two or three months).[/*]

[*]Take five to eight full practice exams before test day. [/*]

[*]Do not study the day before the test; give yourself a mental break.[/*]
[/list]

Read tips on how to create your ideal GMAT study plan.

Retaking the GMAT

Retaking the GMAT is not something you need to avoid, because business schools will use your highest score when evaluating you for admission. We therefore recommend that you consider retaking the exam if you feel you can improve your score and/or you scored below your desired target for your intended business schools.

Taking the exam more than once is relatively common. Be aware that you must wait 16 days between exams, and build that into your timeline as you plan ahead. You can take the exam up to five times in a 12-month period.

Alternatives to the GMAT

The vast majority of business schools require applicants to take either the GMAT or the GRE exam and submit their score as part of their application. The GMAT has historically been the exam taken by most applicants to MBA programs and some specialized master’s degree programs in finance, management, and other business disciplines. However, schools generally do not have a preference between the two exams (GMAT or GRE), so you should take the one on which you feel you would score higher and would therefore help present you in the strongest possible light as an applicant.

We recommend taking a free online practice exam (available on each respective test developer’s website) early in your test preparation process to assess your comfort level with both exam options and generate a rough starting score, and then use that experience to determine which test to focus on. Note that some candidates actually take both exams to see which one they ultimately perform better on (the subject areas covered by the two tests overlap substantially).

A small but growing number of full-time MBA programs also accept a third admissions exam, the Executive Assessment (EA). The EA was created by the same organization that produces the GMAT and was initially intended for candidates applying for Executive MBA (EMBA) programs. The EA is accepted as an alternative to the GMAT or GRE at several elite U.S. full-time MBA programs, including Columbia Business School, NYU Stern, UVA Darden, Duke Fuqua, Texas McCombs, and Georgetown McDonough.

View a full list of programs that accept the EA, according to GMAC.

If you have taken practice exams for the different tests and are still unsure as to which one to focus on, or if you just need additional advice related to your test preparation, contact us to schedule a free 30-minute consultation with one of our experienced MBA admissions consultants, who can offer valuable input on your situation. We offer these complimentary advice consultations on a weekly basis across multiple time zones.

GMAT/GRE Test Waivers

Some MBA programs offer test waivers for applicants who either cannot take an exam or feel they have sufficient evidence to otherwise demonstrate their quantitative, analytical, and verbal reasoning skills. If you are considering applying for a test waiver, you must review the specific requirements outlined by the school in question, because policies tend to vary widely. In general, you will need to provide evidence that proves your abilities via past academics, work experience, and/or certifications or other graduate degrees.

Read more about test waivers and who should consider them.

Check out our list of top U.S. programs, test requirements, and waiver offerings. (Note that this information is subject to change; always review each school’s policy for the most up-to-date info on its requirements and options.)

Hear more advice on determining which test to take for MBA applications.

Have questions about your specific GMAT test plan or MBA application profile?

Sign up for a complimentary, 30-minute consultation at your convenience.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
mbaMissionJenK
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 25 Apr 2013
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 4,446
Own Kudos:
338
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,446
Kudos: 338
The mbaMission Blog 10 May 2025, 08:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FROM mbaMission Blog: Limited-Time Reapplication Strategy Support Special for Dinged Applicants!


Did you apply to business school in the 2025–2026 application season and were released from further consideration, otherwise known as “dinged”?

If so, we want to help you improve your chances of success in the coming application cycle.

Now through May 19, 2025, “dinged” applicants who plan to reapply have a chance to win an mbaMission “reapplicant strategy” service for a fraction of the typical cost. If selected as a winner, you will be able to sign on for our comprehensive (a $925 value) for just $100! And if you subsequently purchase one of our application packages, that $100 is applied to your costs—making the reapplicant strategy service totally free!

If you are selected, an mbaMission consultant will request a complete copy of your submitted application (including letters of recommendation, if available) and then thoroughly review it. Within two weeks of providing your application, you will have a phone call with that consultant, who will identify your application’s strengths and weaknesses, offer suggestions for improvements, and answer any questions you have about either the review or our recommended strategy for your reapplication.

But that is not all! As we noted earlier, if you then sign up for mbaMission’s Complete-Start-to-Finish Package, the $100 you paid will be credited toward the price of that package.

If you would like to be considered for the $100 reapplication strategy review service opportunity, simply complete this form by May 19, 2025. Good luck!
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
mbaMissionJenK
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 25 Apr 2013
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 4,446
Own Kudos:
338
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,446
Kudos: 338
The mbaMission Blog 15 May 2025, 08:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FROM mbaMission Blog: Inside the Darden MBA Experience: Case Method and Cold Calls
MBA students at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business are known to work quite hard amid the rigors of the case method. Each day, they are expected to read a business case and perform their own analysis of the situation presented. Then, they must compare and reason through their analysis with a small, diverse group of fellow students—their Learning Team. Students can often spend two to four hours prepping on their own and then two to three more with their teammates to arrive at an answer (as opposed to the answer). And what might be the reward for all this work? The student may be selected for a “cold call” to start off the class.

At Darden, most first-year and some second-year classes begin with a professor randomly selecting a student to lead the day’s discussion by presenting their case analysis. This student can be subjected to anywhere from five to 20 minutes of questioning, as the professor teases out key points of discussion for the broader class to explore. Many students have sweated through a cold call only to gain the applause of their peers at the end. (Others, of course, may not do as well.) These cold calls can be daunting, but they force students to prepare thoroughly and think on their feet—a key feature of the Darden learning experience.

Outside the Darden classroom, students can apply principles of the school’s general management program in the Darden Capital Management (DCM) club, where they evaluate equities to understand the entire firm while also specializing in asset management to further their careers in this finance industry niche. Many think that because Darden casts itself as offering a general management program, the school has no specialties. General management, however, is a philosophy that suggests that no business problem can be viewed in isolation—for example, a finance problem relates to marketing, a marketing problem relates to operations, and so on.

Through DCM, first-year students pitch long and short investment ideas to second-year student fund managers who oversee more than $30M of Darden’s endowment, which is divided among six funds, each with its own focal area. The first-year students ultimately “graduate” and run these funds themselves for credit in their second year, reporting on their investment decisions and performance to Darden’s finance board. Students who manage these funds report that they have had an advantage breaking into asset management, because this hands-on experience gives them plenty to discuss in interviews. Managing around $30M will do that...

For more information on Darden or 16 other leading MBA programs, check out our free mbaMission Insider’s Guides.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
mbaMissionJenK
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 25 Apr 2013
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 4,446
Own Kudos:
338
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,446
Kudos: 338
The mbaMission Blog 28 May 2025, 08:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FROM mbaMission Blog: Top-Paying MBA Programs: The Highest Post-MBA Salaries Among 2024 Graduates
The path to an MBA tends to be a demanding and expensive one. The MBA programs of top-ranked U.S. business schools come with a hefty price tag, not to mention the intensive workload that students navigate throughout their education. For many aspiring MBAs, the end result is what makes it all worthwhile: MBAs are known to earn notably high salaries, starting immediately after graduation. The average post-graduation salaries at all top-ranked business schools are high, but which schools offer the most lucrative financial prospects?

Generally, graduates of top-ranked business schools can expect an average base salary totaling upward of $150,000. For the Class of 2024, graduates of the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) full-time MBA program had the highest average base salary: $187,504. Many of the schools comparable to the GSB reported median salaries instead of average for the Class of 2024—for example, Harvard Business School, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Columbia Business School, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania all reported a median starting salary of $175,000. Out of the schools that reported average salaries, the MIT Sloan School of Management was the closest to the GSB, with an average starting salary of $169,370.

Business schools that typically rank a bit lower but still within the top 20 also often report average starting salaries of $150,000 or higher from their graduates. At Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, the Class of 2024 entered the workforce with an average starting salary of $153,868—comparable to such schools as the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin and the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, where 2024 graduates reported average starting salaries of $151,178 and $151,215, respectively.

Earning an MBA requires notable dedication of time, energy, and finances. However, the return on investment on an MBA from a top-ranked school is often remarkable as well. Whether you are a career changer or plan to stick to the field you were in prior to your studies, the career opportunities that an MBA offers are significant and may very well make the whole journey worthwhile. For more in-depth perspectives on how to maximize your MBA experience, check out the mbaMission OnTrack application platform.

Salary data: Schools’ employment reports.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
mbaMissionJenK
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 25 Apr 2013
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 4,446
Own Kudos:
338
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,446
Kudos: 338
The mbaMission Blog 17 Jun 2025, 10:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FROM mbaMission Blog: How to Assess and Fortify Your Academic Record for MBA Applications
As you contemplate your MBA candidacy, you might wonder, “Is my academic record strong enough to get me accepted to my target programs?”

For context, admissions committees evaluate your academic record because it is an important predictor of your ability to handle the rigors of an MBA program. Standardized testing is another essential component in this evaluation, but in this post, we focus on the academic record from your undergraduate studies and any other graduate programs you have already pursued.

So, where should you start with your assessment? First, check your overall (or cumulative) undergraduate GPA. Compare this to the average GPA of your target program’s most recently accepted class. To find this information, check each school’s class profile on its website.

If your GPA is above the program’s average, you should be fine, but you still need to review your transcript in detail to check for anomalies. As you do, ask yourself the following questions:

[*]Did I receive a failing grade—or a D grade—in any courses? [/*]

[*]Do I have only a small number of quantitative courses on my transcript? (Typically, these are math and statistics courses but can also include finance, economics, and accounting classes.) [/*]

[*]Did my GPA drop significantly in any individual term? [/*]

[*]Do I have multiple “withdrawals” on my transcript? [/*]

[*]Did I transfer schools? [/*]
[/list]

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you will most likely want to explain the issue in an optional essay. You might also want to consider pursuing supplemental pre-MBA coursework to close any gaps, even if your GPA is above average.

If you answered “no” to all these questions as you evaluated your transcript, and your GPA is above average, congratulations! The admissions committee should view your academic record positively. Although the caliber of your undergraduate university and the rigor of your major will both play a role to some degree, the top MBA programs accept applicants from a wide range of universities and majors, so neither of these factors will likely be a significant hindrance on its own. You can now move on to preparing other aspects of your applications!

If, however, your GPA is below the average for your target program(s), the degree to which this will affect your odds of acceptance depends on how far below the average it is. At most leading U.S. business schools, having a GPA under 3.3 (out of 4.0) will make your acceptance odds much more challenging. If you fall into this category, you should reflect even more deeply on your educational background using the following questions:

[*]Did I struggle with certain types of courses? [/*]

[*]Did I perform better in the courses for my major? [/*]

[*]Did I have a rough start in my first year? [/*]

[*]Did I perform better after switching my major? [/*]

[*]Did I check out early in my final year? [/*]

[*]Did my low grades coincide with other events (e.g., heavy extracurricular activities, health problems, family troubles, other personal issues)? [/*]

[*]Was I distracted by working to pay my tuition or fulfilling demanding athletic commitments? [/*]

[*]Was I lacking maturity? [/*]
[/list]

The purpose of this reflection is not to create excuses but rather to heighten your awareness about factors that negatively affected your academic record. After pinpointing the relevant issues, you can then make an action plan to mitigate them. For most applicants, this plan includes a combination of the following tactics:

[*]Invest more time preparing for standardized testing, because achieving an above-average test score is the best way to offset a weak academic record.[/*]

[*]Take supplemental pre-MBA courses and get A grades in them! [/*]

[*]Pursue a well-recognized professional certification (e.g., CPA, CFA Charter, Six Sigma). [/*]

[*]Write an optional essay (download our free Optional Essays Guide).[/*]

[*]Secure a supplemental reference letter (e.g., from an academic advisor).[/*]

[*]Wait to apply until you have gained additional work experience to demonstrate increased maturity.[/*]

[*]Use your resume to highlight your quantitative skills, and ask your recommenders to emphasize these skills as well.[/*]

[*]Adjust your list of target schools or apply to more safety schools.[/*]
[/list]

A well-balanced mix of these strategies should help you proactively address any weaknesses in your academic record.

We also want to address some special considerations for three specific groups of MBA applicants.

First, if you have already earned a graduate degree (e.g., Master’s in Management, Master’s in Engineering), that degree is also part of your academic record. Although making class average comparisons for master’s program GPAs is more difficult, having a weak GPA could still be a hurdle. On the other hand, a strong master’s program GPA can offer a nice boost to your academic profile. Most business schools ask you to list all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended, so if you started a master’s program but did not complete it, you will still need to include this information in your application and explain the situation in an optional essay.

Second, if you are an international candidate, your GPA might not be on the standard U.S. 4.0 scale. WES (World Education Services) can “translate” your transcript, but be aware that this is merely directional; it is neither a perfect translation nor required by business schools. Also, carefully review the English language requirements for your target MBA programs, because you might need to take an English proficiency exam (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo).

Third, if you were ever put on academic probation, involved in an academic or disciplinary hearing, or dismissed from a school, you must be up-front about the situation and carefully craft an optional essay to explain the circumstances. These kinds of academic violations can be a significant concern for admissions committees. Depending on the severity of the issue(s), you might choose to consult legal counsel.

To summarize, we encounter many MBA applicants who think that admissions committees will pay little attention to weak areas of their academic records. Or they think that simply not bringing attention to them is better. But trust us; these issues will not go unnoticed! Your best strategy is to be self-aware and proactively address any concerns the admissions committee could have about your academic record. Make good use of that optional essay!

If you would like targeted guidance on how your academic record could affect your competitiveness for business school, simply sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with an mbaMission admissions expert.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
mbaMissionJenK
User avatar
mbaMission Admissions Consultant
Joined: 25 Apr 2013
Last visit: 19 Dec 2022
Posts: 4,446
Own Kudos:
338
Given Kudos: 1
Expert
Expert reply
Posts: 4,446
Kudos: 338
The mbaMission Blog 02 Jul 2025, 11:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
FROM mbaMission Blog: EMBA versus MBA: Know the Differences
So, you are thinking about getting a master of business administration (MBA). Are you aware that you have multiple options for earning such a degree? In this post, we will compare two different options you might consider—a full-time MBA and an executive MBA (EMBA)—to help you determine which one might be “right” for you.

First, let us provide a little background. According to the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), more than 277,000 peopleenroll in MBA programs each year. Of that total, EMBA students represent just over 15%.

Although what you will learn is similar across both types of programs, certain other characteristics differ, including students’ level of professional experience, the time required to complete the program, and how the program is designed. Most applicants to full-time MBA programs would not be great candidates for an EMBA program and vice versa. In this post, we will discuss the primary differences between full-time MBA programs and EMBA programs, including how applicants vary for each program.

MBAEMBALocationFixedFluid (relative)Commitment2 years1–2 yearsFixed CohortYesYesEmployed During ProgramNoYesYears of Work Experience4–610–15Management ExperiencePreferredMandatoryFitting for Career ChangersYesNo

Full-Time MBA Programs

Generally speaking, full-time MBA programs are best suited for applicants who have four to six years of work experience. The bulk of these students are working professionals who typically fall between the ages of 25 and 30. Younger and older candidates therefore need to make a good case in their application as to why now is the right time for them to enroll in an MBA program. Most full-time MBA candidates do not have much management experience, if any, which is exactly why they want to attend business school, and many want to leverage the MBA to change careers.

Most full-time MBA programs span two academic years, beginning in August and continuing through May, when the full-time students begin their summer internships. The second year of the full-time MBA program starts in late summer, with students graduating the following May. In full-time MBA programs, students tend to begin and end their business education with the same cohort. The demands of a full-time MBA program mean that students must leave their jobs so they can dedicate themselves fully to their advanced business courses and extracurriculars within the school’s community. The all-encompassing nature of the traditional MBA program helps students build strong bonds with their classmates, establishing a network that can extend for many years beyond graduation.

Typically, students in full-time MBA programs attend classes in a fixed location for two academic years. Full-time students at Columbia Business School (CBS) can choose between two intake options for its MBA program: August entry or January term (J-term). In total, CBS welcomes approximately 900 students per class, just under 700 of whom arrive in August, while the other 200 or so arrive in January. The school’s August-entry MBA students follow the traditional timeline of taking classes across two academic years and completing a summer internship in between. January-entry students take spring and summer semester classes and then join the August-entry students to complete the second year of the MBA program. J-term students do not complete a summer internship, so prospective students for this option tend to come from family businesses or have career goals that can be achieved without needing an internship to provide them with experience.

Some business administration degree programs in the United States and abroad offer accelerated programs, including NYU Stern, Cornell Johnson, Northwestern Kellogg, and INSEAD. Another unique option is Wharton’s San Francisco program, in which 70 second-year MBA students travel to the West Coast for a semester. There, the students’ learning extends beyond the classroom to include networking events, connections with entrepreneurs, and internship opportunities.

EMBA Programs

Most EMBA candidates are working professionals with advanced levels of experience. Even though they are essentially pursuing the same degree as full-time MBA students do, they already possess notable management skills and leadership skills. Many EMBA programs specify how many years of work prospective students must have (usually at least ten) and want candidates to have demonstrated management experience. A good number of EMBA candidates have served in some kind of elevated professional role, such as executive director. The average age of EMBA students is higher than that of full-time MBA students; most are in their late 30s. EMBA students remain fully employed during their studies and typically want to remain within their current industry. Although earning an EMBA rarely leads to a career change, it typically results in career growth. In fact, in certain industries, attending an EMBA program might be required for someone to reach the next level of management at their firm.

EMBA programs often use a cohort format, in which all the students in a single class begin and end the program together. However, programs can vary greatly in terms of length, location, and graduation requirements. In some programs, EMBA candidates attend classes in the same location throughout the program. Wharton, for instance, offers a 24-month EMBA program at both its Philadelphia and San Francisco campuses, with students attending alternate Friday and Saturday classes, in addition to several extended sessions. Wharton also has a global MBA program, in which students attend synchronous and virtual classes every other weekend, plus eight in-person residencies in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and locations around the globe. In recent years, globally focused EMBA programs have become increasingly popular, with some offering students the opportunity to study in a foreign city. Since the pandemic, many schools have made virtual learning a part of their programs. UCLA, for instance, has a “blended biweekly” EMBA program, in which executive MBA students take courses for their MBA degree both on campus and via Zoom.

The prospect of being able to continue working as an EMBA student is attractive to many EMBA program applicants. Not only can EMBA students maintain their income while attending school, but they can also put what they learn in the classroom immediately into practice, rather than having to wait until they are EMBA graduates.

Comparing EMBA and MBA Curricula

So what is the difference between MBA and EMBA programs in terms of what students learn? The business education one receives is largely very similar, but a lot depends on what the candidate wants to gain from the experience. Many of the applicants to both types of programs did not major in business as undergrads and are therefore looking for the graduate program to provide them with crucial skills in foundational areas, including marketing, finance, operations, and strategy. Many full-time MBA and EMBA programs offer a “core” curriculum that builds students’ business knowledge base through a roster of required courses.

The courses students choose to complement the core curriculum largely depend on the students’ post-MBA goals. Full-time MBA students are more likely to be career changers, so they often take elective courses that will enhance their understanding of topics crucial to their new target role or industry. EMBA students focus on classes meant to deepen their grasp of topics related to their current careers. For example, an EMBA student working in brand management at a consumer products company who hopes to oversee a roster of brands after business school might look into marketing offerings and courses on new technologies at play in the space. A full-time MBA student hoping to move into brand management might take more foundational coursework in this study area. At some schools, such as Wharton, full-time students must declare a major, whereas EMBA students do not. Wharton states that its EMBA students can customize their courses based on their “professional interests and goals.”

As you consider the pros and cons of the two programs, be assured that you will have opportunities to enhance your management and leadership skills no matter which path you take. EMBA candidates who already have management experience might want to take on greater team responsibility and oversight post-MBA, while full-time MBA students might need a few more years to gain management experience. The EMBA student might therefore be more focused on such opportunities, while the full-time MBA student might be more focused on generalized learning.

The Communities at EMBA and MBA Programs

At full-time MBA programs, the experience is often all-encompassing. Much of your time is spent on campus, either taking classes or participating in extracurricular activities related to professional associations and personal interest clubs. You have a constant stream of social events to choose from, including happy hours and volunteering opportunities within the MBA program and wide-ranging opportunities within the city or town in which the MBA program is based. At some schools, students tend to all live in generally the same apartment buildings and socialize together on weekends. The goal of cultivating such a close-knit MBA community is to facilitate the formation of deep connections among students so that they have a strong network once they graduate and reenter the “real world.”

EMBA programs have the same networking goals for their students, but achieving them takes a bit more effort. Since EMBA students are not on campus day in and day out, and most do not live near the school they are attending—let alone in the same building—their bonding opportunities tend to be much more intense. For instance, many students who attend Wharton’s EMBA program on its San Francisco campus stay in the same hotel when they have classes, which makes meeting up with classmates easy, whether that is to work on group projects or simply grab dinner or drinks. And because EMBA students do not have the kind of access to clubs and associations that full-time MBA students do, they must make an independent effort to seek out classmates with similar backgrounds and interests. An advantage that students in EMBA programs enjoy is that they have a greater likelihood of truly getting to know their classmates well, because the executive MBA class size is typically smaller.

Cost Considerations

Attending business school is expensive any way you look at it, but when comparing the costs of these two types of graduate programs, you will quickly learn that EMBA programs tend to be a bit pricier. One reason for this is that EMBA programs run year-round, with no break during the summer months. The total estimated cost for UCLA Anderson’s two-year full-time MBA program is approximately $177,732, whereas the school’s EMBA program costs roughly $192,720. Neither of these figures includes housing, food, transportation, books/course materials, or personal expenses. Also worth noting is that some EMBA students have their business education sponsored by their company. In those cases, the cost pressures are far less for the sponsored candidates.

If you would like to discuss your profile in more detail or receive targeted guidance on your MBA or EMBA plans or application, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with an experienced mbaMission consultant.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
   1  ...  179   180   181