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GMAT & GRE

While we know that scores on standardized tests do not always portray your abilities accurately, they still play a helpful role in the evaluation process.

Your test scores are just one piece of your application. We consider your scores within the context of factors such as the resources available to you, the educational systems within your university and country, etc.

Either the Graduate Management Admission Test or the Graduate Record Examination is required for admission. You must take the test before submitting your application. We have no preference for one test over the other. If you take both exams, you may provide both scores. Candidates applying to joint-degree programs that require the GRE should not feel obligated to take the GMAT. We do not accept Law School Admission Test or Medical College Admission Test scores in place of the GMAT or GRE.

Score Requirement

There is no minimum GMAT or GRE score requirement for graduate study at Stanford, and we accept students with a wide range of scores. Please see the class profile for the range and average test scores. 

Score Validity

GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years from the date you take the test. Since we require the GMAT or GRE for admission, you must take the test before submitting your application. The scores you report must be valid as of the deadline date of the round in which you apply. If your GMAT or GRE score is still valid, you do not need to retake the GMAT or GRE General Test. If you require testing accommodations, initiate that process well in advance so you can take the test before the application deadline.

If you are applying in … You must have taken the GMAT or GRE on or after …
Round 1 (15 September 2020) 15 September 2015
Round 2 (06 January 2021) 06 January 2016
Round 3 (06 April 2021) 06 April 2016
Advice Regarding Test Scores
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Advice Regarding Test Scores
2,114 views
Kirsten Moss, assistant dean and director of MBA admissions and financial aid, talks about GMAT/GRE and how the admissions team evaluates test scores.

Score Reporting

You must take the test before the application deadline. You self-report your scores on the application, and we will verify them against your official score report. You must report all section scores from the same test date. We will review your application using the scores you report when submitting your application.

  • Although you must arrange to have the testing agency send your official test scores to us as part of the application process, those official scores may arrive after the application deadline.
  • Instruct either Pearson VUE (for GMAT) or Educational Testing Service (for GRE) to send an official score report directly to the Stanford MBA Program, using the school codes below. Please do not contact the MBA Admissions Office to confirm if official test scores have been received. If test scores have not been received, the MBA Admissions Office will notify you.
  • If your Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score is not available, leave this field blank. We will retrieve this score directly from Pearson VUE or ETS.
  • If you have already submitted your official test scores, it is not necessary to send them again.

Multiple Test Scores

Do not average test scores. If you have taken the GMAT or GRE more than once, report only the scores from one examination that you wish us to consider while reviewing your application. The scores you report must be from the same testing session.

School Codes

Use the following school codes to ensure proper delivery of your official test scores.

  • GMAT — Instruct Pearson VUE to send scores directly to the “Stanford MBA Program” (school code L9R-KW-09).
  • GRE — Instruct ETS to send your scores directly to “Stanford University” (school code 4704). Specifying a department will delay the processing of your test scores.
Last Updated 16 Jun 2020