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Content Writer
Yes, you can get into the Oxford MBA with a low GMAT score, but it’s not easy. The average GMAT is around 690, so anything below 650 is considered low.
Oxford evaluates your full profile, not just the GMAT. Strong work experience, leadership, and clear goals can help balance a low score.
For example, one candidate with a 620 GMAT got in by showcasing 6+ years in social impact, global exposure, and aligned career goals.
Oxford values leadership potential, global mindset, and clarity of goals. If you demonstrate these, a low GMAT won’t hold you back. If your score is below 600, explain it in your optional essay and highlight your strengths in other areas like academics or job experience. You could also consider the GRE.
Want to know how a 680 GMAT helped someone get into Oxford? Watch the video for tips and insights!
Business analyst
While the median GMAT score for the current class is 680, Oxford Saïd Business School doesn't have a minimum GMAT requirement. They consider your entire application, including work experience, academic background, and personal statements.
A lower GMAT score doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it's important to demonstrate strong qualities in other areas of your application. Highlighting significant professional achievements, leadership experiences, and clear career goals can help strengthen your application.
Want expert tips to ace your GMAT? Read this BLOG to know what score do you actually need to get into Oxford
Yes, you can get into the Oxford MBA with a low GMAT score, but it will require you to excel in other areas of your application. Oxford Saïd Business School doesn't have a minimum GMAT score requirement, but they find scores of 650 and above to be competitive. The median GMAT score for the current class is 690, indicating that many successful applicants have strong scores.
If your GMAT score is below this range, you should aim to highlight your strengths in other aspects of your application. Oxford evaluates applicants holistically, so they will look at your entire profile, including your academic background, work experience, leadership qualities, and personal essays. If you have a strong professional background, particularly in leadership roles, this can significantly boost your application.
Make sure to submit a compelling supporting statement and get strong recommendations from your professional or academic contacts. Your supporting statement should reflect your motivations for pursuing an MBA and how you see the Oxford MBA helping you achieve your career goals. Additionally, the online assessment and interview are critical components where you can demonstrate your fit for the program and your potential for future success.
In your interview, be prepared to discuss your professional experiences, your achievements, and how you plan to contribute to the Oxford community. A well-prepared and articulate interview can make a significant difference, especially if your GMAT score is not as high as you would like it to be.
To sum up, while a lower GMAT score can be a hurdle, it's not an insurmountable one. By emphasizing your strengths in other areas and presenting a well-rounded application, you can still be a strong candidate for the Oxford MBA program.
Education Expert
If your GMAT score is low, don’t worry—you can still apply to the Oxford MBA. The school does not have a fixed minimum GMAT score. While the average score for the class is around 680, they look at many other things too, not just your test score.
Oxford Saïd Business School values your work experience, your leadership skills, and how clearly you can show your goals. If you’ve done well in your job, taken initiative, or made a strong impact at work, that can really help your chances.
Also, your essays and interview are very important. This is where you can show who you are, what drives you, and why you want to join Oxford. If the rest of your profile is strong and your story is clear, a low GMAT score won't stop you from getting in.
So yes, you can get in with a lower GMAT—just make sure the rest of your application shows your full potential.
Yes, it’s possible to get into the Oxford MBA with a low GMAT Focus score, but only if the rest of your profile is exceptional.
Oxford Saïd doesn’t have a strict cutoff, but the average GMAT score is around 680–690 (traditional) or ~645–665 (GMAT Focus). Candidates with GMAT scores in the 600–640 range (or ~615 Focus) have been admitted in the past, but they usually had leadership roles like managing teams across regions, launching social initiatives, scaling startups, or a GPA above 8.5/10 from a top-tier university.
Showing quant readiness through CFA, MBA Math, or strong academic transcripts also helps. Solid essays and powerful recommendations can make a big difference too.
It’s rare, but with the right mix of achievements and clarity in goals, a lower GMAT won’t necessarily block your chances.