MBA Acceptance Rates in

MBA Acceptance Rates in the US

In this table we’ll look at the acceptance rates and average GPA and GMAT scores accepted by the top 100 MBA programs in the US.

MBA Acceptance Rates in Canada

Asper School of Business - University of Manitoba

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Average GPA: 3.5

Average GMAT: 570

Athabasca University MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: Not Required

Beedie School of Business - Simon Fraser University

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Average GPA: 3.5

Average GMAT: 624

Dalhousie University MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Average GPA: 3.7

Average GMAT: 650

DeGroote School of Business - McMaster University

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Average GPA: 3.3

Average GMAT: 621

Desautels Faculty of Management - McGill University

Acceptance Rate: 30-35%

Average GPA: 3.5

Average GMAT: 681

Edwards School of Business - University of Saskatchewan

Acceptance Rate: 52%

Average GPA: 2.75

Average GMAT: 575

Goodman School of Business - Brock University

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Average GPA: 2.5

Average GMAT: 214

Haskayne School of Business - University of Calgary

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Average GPA: 3.25

Average GMAT: 620

HEC Montreal

Acceptance Rate: 38%

Average GPA: N/A

Average GMAT: 643

John Molson School of Business - Concordia University

Acceptance Rate: 40%

Average GPA: 3.8

Average GMAT: 640

Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business - University of Regina

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Average GPA: 2.75

Average GMAT: N/A

Lakehead University Faculty of Business Administration

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Average GPA: N/A

Average GMAT: 550

Laurentian University

Acceptance Rate: 60-70%

Average GPA: 2.75

Average GMAT: 550

Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Business

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Average GPA: N/A

Average GMAT: 590

Odette School of Business - University of Windsor

Acceptance Rate: 73%

Average GPA: 2.75

Average GMAT: 560

Peter B. Gustavson School of Business - University of Victoria

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 627

Richard Ivey School of Business - University of Western Ontario

Acceptance Rate: 8%

Average GPA: N/A

Average GMAT: 671

Rotman School of Management - University of Toronto

Acceptance Rate: 82%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 665

Royal Military College of Canada

Acceptance Rate: 10%

Average GPA: 2.74

Average GMAT: 560

Royal Roads University

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Average GPA: N/A

Average GMAT: N/A

Sauder School of Business - University of British Columbia

Acceptance Rate: 6%

Average GPA: 3.7

Average GMAT: 647

Schulich School of Business - York University

Acceptance Rate: 25-30%

Average GPA: 3.3

Average GMAT: 665

Shannon School of Business - Cape Breton University

Acceptance Rate: 92%

Average GPA: N/A

Average GMAT: 580

Smith School of Business - Queen's University

Acceptance Rate: 48%

Average GPA: 3.35

Average GMAT: 656

Sobey School of Business - Saint Mary's University

Acceptance Rate: 60-70%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 571

Sprott School of Business - Carleton University

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 624

Ted Rogers School of Management

Acceptance Rate: 12-15%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 612

Telfer School of Management - University of Ottawa

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 612

Thompson Rivers University MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: 81.6%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 550

Trinity Western University

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: Optional

University of Alberta School of Business

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Average GPA: 3.4

Average GMAT: 630

University Canada West School of Business

Acceptance Rate: 80%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: Not Required

University of New Brunswick MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 550

Université de Moncton

Acceptance Rate: 50-60%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: N/A

University of Northern British Columbia MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: 75%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: N/A

Université de Sherbrooke

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Average GPA: 2.7

Average GMAT: N/A

Vancouver Island University MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: 25%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 650

Wilfrid Laurier University MBA Program

Acceptance Rate: 60%

Average GPA: 3.0

Average GMAT: 600

École des Sciences de la Gestion - Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

Acceptance Rate: N/A

Average GPA: 3.2

Average GMAT: 650

How Competitive are MBA Programs?

MBA acceptance rates are generally very competitive, especially at the top-ranked schools like Stanford Business School and Wharton School of Business, which both have notoriously low acceptance rates and are some of the best MBA programs in the world. MBA programs are extremely popular, with most schools receiving thousands of applications per year from both domestic and international students. MBA graduates continue to be in demand, so earning an MBA from a top school is considered pretty competitive, even with average acceptance rates going up in recent years.

There are around 560 MBA programs in the US alone, and the acceptance rate, average accepted GPAs and GMAT scores vary greatly depending on the school. At the top 10 schools like Harvard Business School and Kellogg Business School, the average acceptance rates sits at around 18%.

To get into the best MBA schools, you’ll need a strong and diverse application to stand out. While you can get into an MBA program with a low GPA, you’ll want to bring your best to every part of the MBA application.

Admission requirements vary quite a bit from program to program, but most MBA schools will require high GMAT or GRE scores. Even if these tests are not required, submitting them can bump up your application a bit. The overall reported average GMAT score for MBA students was 609, which is quite high but not unattainable. Average accepted GPA scores at MBA programs are also relatively high at 3.5 and above out of a 4.0 scale.

Along with test scores and impressive transcripts, getting into an MBA program requires stellar MBA admission essays, on average two MBA letters of recommendation and of course your MBA resume to demonstrate your work experience. While professional experience isn’t always a requirement, it is preferred by many schools and goes a long way towards convincing admission committees.

Need some tips for an MBA resume? Read this helpful infographic.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into an MBA Program

The most important thing to remember when putting together an application for a business school is to start early. Top MBA programs often ask for a comprehensive application package, not just your school transcripts and GMAT scores but an MBA letter of intent but multiple letters of recommendation and some personal essays or an MBA video essay. It will take some time to put it all together and review it before you apply. For feedback on your application, you might run it by an MBA essay consultant or MBA admission consulting service first, which may also take some of your prep time.

As well as applying early, it’s also common for MBA applicants to think that they need to create the “perfect” business school application with the right resume, personal essays and work experiences in particular fields. The truth it, most business schools aren’t particular about what your career aspirations are, they mostly want to know that you are committed to your ambitions and that their MBA program is the right fit. They want to know why you want to pursue an MBA and how you think their program will contribute to your professional development. That being said, it’s also crucial to set yourself apart and stand out. Some students can do this by including an MBA diversity essay, but you’ll need a little more to get accepted to the top business schools. Here’s a quick guide on diversifying and strengthening your MBA application.

FAQs

1. What is the average MBA acceptance rate?

The acceptance rate at MBA programs varies greatly, but the average acceptance rate at the top schools hovers around 18%. 

2. Which MBA has highest acceptance rate?

One of the MBA program in the US with the highest acceptance rate is Loyola University Sellinger School of Business and Management in Maryland, which has an acceptance rate of 99%.

3. Which MBA program has lowest acceptance rate?

Stanford Business School has long held a notoriously low acceptance rate, most recently of around 6%.

4. What GPA do I need for MBA?

On average, MBA applicants have a GPA of 3.5 or higher to get into the top schools. It’s possible to get into a good MBA program with a low GPA, but a high one helps to stand out in a crowd of eligible candidates.

5. What GMAT score do I need for MBA?

The average GMAT score for MBA applicants is over 600, which is high but can be achieved with excellent GMAT prep. The GMAT is not a requirement at all MBA schools, but an impressive score can also help increase your chances of getting in.

6. Is it hard to get into MBA school? How low are MBA acceptance rates?

While getting into MBA programs is challenging, it is not impossible. MBA programs are very popular and the top schools can be extremely selective, but there is a wide variety of programs to choose from with a wide range of acceptance rates and admission requirements.

7. Is GMAT required for MBA programs?

Not all schools require a GMAT as part of their admission requirements, but some may suggest submitting GMAT test scores to improve a weaker application.

8. Can you get into MBA with a low GPA?

Yes, it is possible to get into an MBA program with a low GPA. There are a few different ways to make up for a low GPA, including addressing it in an MBA cover letter or in the MBA interview.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting 

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