Recently, top US universities have quietly begun releasing their latest admissions data, which includes applicants' average academic backgrounds such as GPA, GRE scores, and more.
MIT Master of Finance GRE Quantitative Median Score Hits 170
Today, the importance of the GRE is still undeniable. Let's take a look at the GRE score ranges of admitted students to popular programs at Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and MIT, and feel the pressure from top US universities!
Harvard University
Harvard University graduate schools almost all have GRE requirements (Required or Optional).
Harvard Business School
Image source: Harvard University official website
The data shows that Harvard Business School (HBS) 2023-2024 academic year MBA program continues to present a highly competitive landscape. The total global application volume reached 9,856, up 14.8% from last year, with only 930 admitted freshmen. The acceptance rate has fallen for three consecutive years, to just 9.4% this year. In terms of student composition, the proportion of international students remains stable at 35%.
Applicant Academic Background
Among admitted students, those with undergraduate business majors accounted for the largest share, at 28%, followed by engineering at 22%, and economics at 19%. The average GPA was 3.69.
Image source: Harvard University official website
MBA students averaged 5 years of work experience, with most having backgrounds in consulting, venture capital, private equity, and technology. High GPAs and rich work experience undoubtedly form a very strong foundation for applicants.
Image source: Harvard University official website
But applicants are not satisfied with just that. According to GRE data disclosed by Harvard Business School, the GRE verbal and quantitative median scores for admitted students were both 163.
63% of the Class of 2026 submitted GMAT scores, 41% submitted GRE scores, and some even submitted both.
Image source: Harvard University official website
Most applicants believe that a convincing GRE score can enhance their application competitiveness, so it is strongly recommended that students planning to pursue US graduate studies prepare to achieve a satisfactory GRE score as early as possible.
Stanford University
1. Stanford Graduate School of Business
In the past year, Stanford Graduate School of Business's MBA program received a total of 7,295 applications, with 424 students enrolling. Nearly 39% are international students from 72 countries.
Image source: Stanford University official website
Applicant Academic Background
The admitted students' academic backgrounds are also very strong. The average undergraduate GPA was 3.75, and 16% of students hold advanced degrees.
Image source: Stanford University official website
In addition, applicants generally had an average of 5.1 years of work experience, coming from various industries. The most common fields were investment management, consulting, and technology.
Image source: Stanford University official website
It's worth noting that the GRE is a required component for applying to Stanford's MBA program! The average GRE score was 327.
2. Stanford Graduate School of Education
Stanford Graduate School of Education 2024-2025 received a total of 1,991 applications, ultimately admitting 144 students, with an acceptance rate of 7.2%, lower than last year.
Applicant Academic Background
In terms of academic background, students from social science undergraduate majors accounted for the highest proportion, at 31%.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
1. Sloan School of Management Master of Finance
In 2025, the Finance program's class size was 118, with 93% international students. The average work experience of admitted students was 13 months.
Image source: MIT official website
Applicant Academic Background
According to MIT admissions statistics, among enrolled students, 31% had an undergraduate major in science or math; 19% had a computer science background; and business-related majors such as business or economics together accounted for 36%.
Over 92% of students held STEM-related undergraduate degrees.
Image source: MIT official website
The admitted students' median GPA was as high as 3.9, and the median GRE quantitative score reached 170. Additionally, 80% of applicants' verbal scores fell within the 156-167 range. This program's admission data reflects the growing importance of standardized test scores.
2. Sloan School of Management Master of Business Analytics
In 2025, the BA program's class size was 80, with 60% international students, and an average work experience of 15 months.
Image source: MIT official website
Applicant Academic Background
Among enrolled students in the class of 2025, 38% had an undergraduate major in science or math, followed by engineering at 24%.
87.5% held STEM-related undergraduate degrees, underscoring the program's preference for students with quantitative backgrounds.
Image source: MIT official website
The BA program's admissions standardized test score requirements are also very high. The admitted students' average GPA was an astonishing 3.92, the GRE quantitative median was 169, and 80% of applicants' verbal scores fell between 154 and 166.
So, to stand out among many outstanding applicants, extra effort is needed, which also highlights the importance of GRE scores.
Princeton University
According to data from the Princeton University Graduate School, applications surged this year. The Graduate School received a total of 19,931 applications and admitted only 1,465 students, for an overall acceptance rate of about 7%, lower than last year.
Image source: Princeton University official website
In this application cycle, there were 12,435 international applicants, of whom 601 were admitted, resulting in an overall international student acceptance rate of 5%. Among international students, Chinese applicants constituted the largest group, with 29,395 applicants, and an acceptance rate of 6.8%.
Image source: Princeton University official website
Specifically, by graduate program discipline:
Engineering had the highest number of applicants at 2,168, but very low admission numbers, with only 74 admitted, for an acceptance rate of 3%.
Anthropology had the fewest applicants but the highest acceptance rate, at 14%.
Image source: Princeton University official website
Applicant Academic Background
Princeton University did not publish applicant academic backgrounds on its official website. However, according to authoritative statistics from US News, popular programs like engineering had an average GRE verbal score of 160-161 and quantitative of 166-167.
Image source: US News official website
Competition is fierce, and having a qualifying GRE score will make the application process smoother.
Yale University
1. Jackson School of Global Affairs
The MPP program's Class of 2026 admitted only 34 students, but these students come from 16 countries and regions worldwide, with 32% international students.
Image source: Yale University official website
Applicant Academic Background
Admitted students had an average GPA of 3.7, with GRE quantitative and verbal median scores of 161 and 166 respectively, and an average writing score of 5.
Image source: Yale University official website
2. School of Management
Asset Management is a highly popular but high-barrier program at Yale School of Management. The Class of 2025 admitted a total of only 60 students, 75% of whom are international.
Image source: Yale University official website
Applicant Academic Background
73% of applicants provided GRE scores, with 80% having quantitative scores in the 167-170 range and verbal in the 158-168.5 range. Undergraduate GPAs fell between 3.58 and 3.97.
Image source: Yale University official website
In terms of undergraduate majors, economics students comprised the largest share, followed by business and finance backgrounds.
Image source: Yale University official website
From the above data, it's clear that competition for top institutions is becoming increasingly fierce, and admitted students have very high standardized test scores and comprehensive strength!
Therefore, to stand out among numerous applicants, a strong GRE score is essential. Whether it's GRE preparation or graduate application planning, it's recommended that students start preparing as early as possible!
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