Should I retake a 160Q / 163V GRE for HBS / SGB / Wharton?

Question

I have a GRE score of 160Q 163V. How much of a difference would a marginally higher score (1-2 points extra) make to my application? I currently work in finance in Europe and am only applying to HBS SGB Wharton and Columbia.

Keen to get your thoughts on my odds of getting in with my current GRE score (given my background).

Keen to get your thoughts on my odds of getting in with my current GRE score (given my background).

Goalisb · Answer

Yes, do retake. A higher score will definitely make a lot of difference at these schools. 163 Q and 162 V is the recent average score at Wharton, it is always a good idea to keep your scores 2-3 points above the average. It does matter. Your stories and profile also matter, but a strong score is always a plus.

All the best!

ExpertsGlobal · Answer

Hello  LondonMBA2025 ,

It is a good idea to retake the GRE as the improvement will help your overall case; the good news is that you have some time in hand so this should help.

All the best!

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Marginal improvements can sometimes be the tie-breaker, especially if you're trying to compensate for a slightly less differentiated profile. If you genuinely believe that a GRE 325-327 is within reach and your prep suggests you can bump up the Quant (which is often watched more closely in finance backgrounds), yes, it may be worth retaking. Good luck!

ARINGO · Answer

Hi LondonMBA2025
Priyanka here from ARINGO. A retake on your GRE can be a viable option if you can enhance your score above 325. But just to highlight again, your GRE/GMAT will not be the only parameter that adcoms will look at. Ensure that all other aspects of your application are strong, including your essays, resume, recommendations, etc.

At ARINGO, we are offering a FREE RESUME REVIEW by top consultants to 5 lucky applicants. CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR A FREE RESUME REVIEW

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Good Luck!

LondonMBA2025

I have a GRE score of 160Q 163V. How much of a difference would a marginally higher score (1-2 points extra) make to my application? I currently work in finance in Europe and am only applying to HBS SGB Wharton and Columbia.

Keen to get your thoughts on my odds of getting in with my current GRE score (given my background).

AdmitScholar · Answer

Your GRE score of 160Q/163V (323 total) is solid and generally within range for top schools like HBS, GSB, Wharton, and Columbia, especially when paired with a strong professional background in finance. However, these programs are ultra-competitive, and many admitted applicants often score in the 325–330+ range. That said, a 1 to 2 point increase won’t drastically change your odds unless you're currently sitting at or just below the median for your target schools.  
  What really matters at your level is the overall strength and cohesion of your application: career impact, leadership trajectory, personal narrative, recommendations, and fit with each program’s values. If you have a compelling story, strong performance reviews, and can articulate why an MBA now and why at that school you’re very much in the game.  
  If you're already exhausted from testing or feel that prepping further may hurt your focus on other parts of the app, you're likely better off doubling down on essays and storytelling. But if you do have the bandwidth to push your GRE into the 326–328 range without losing momentum elsewhere, it could offer a small edge.   
  If you want a more personalized take based on your full profile, Admit Scholar can help you weigh trade-offs and refine your positioning.  
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Should I retake a 160Q / 163V GRE for HBS / SGB / Wharton?

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