Do I need a GMAT score to get a scholarship at Columbia MBA?If yes, what score is considered good enough?

Question

Shruti T · Accepted Answer

Yes, a strong GMAT score can improve your chances of receiving a merit-based scholarship at Columbia MBA. While the school doesn't list a minimum, most scholarship recipients tend to score in the 720&ndash;750 range. Columbia looks at the full profile, but the GMAT is often a key benchmark, especially when awarding merit aid without separate scholarship applications.
Applicants with a 740+ GMAT and solid work experience generally stand out more for funding. That said, it&rsquo;s not just about the score &mdash; a clear career plan, strong recommendations, and leadership experience matter too. One thing to note: applying in earlier rounds may also help, as scholarship budgets can shrink later in the cycle.

S Raghav · Answer

You don&rsquo;t always need a GMAT score to apply for a scholarship at Columbia MBA, but having one gives you a much stronger chance. Scholarships at Columbia are merit-based, and while the GMAT is not a strict requirement, it plays a big role in how competitive your profile looks to the admissions team.
As per Columbia&rsquo;s official scholarship page, all admitted students are automatically considered for merit fellowships. There&rsquo;s no separate scholarship application, but most scholarship winners have strong academic and professional records &mdash; and that usually includes a GMAT score of 700 or above. The average GMAT for the incoming class is 732, which gives you a benchmark for what&rsquo;s considered &ldquo;strong enough.&rdquo;
In short, you can apply without a GMAT, especially if you have other standout qualities. But if you&rsquo;re aiming for a scholarship, having a GMAT score of 710+ makes your case much stronger and helps you stand out among other high-achieving applicants.

Sudheer R · Answer

Getting a scholarship at Columbia MBA is possible without a GMAT score, but having one can make a big difference. Columbia offers merit-based scholarships, and while they don&rsquo;t officially require GMAT, the test score is often part of how they evaluate your academic strength.
According to Columbia&rsquo;s official financial aid page, all admitted students are automatically reviewed for scholarships &mdash; no separate application is needed. They look at your full profile, including academics, work experience, leadership, and test scores. While they don&rsquo;t mention a cut-off, the average GMAT score for the incoming class is 732, which gives you a clear idea of where the bar is.
Applicants with GMAT scores of 710 or above are usually seen as strong contenders for scholarships, especially when paired with good work experience or academic achievements. A lower score doesn&rsquo;t mean you won&rsquo;t get one, but it may reduce your chances unless other parts of your profile really stand out.
So, while GMAT isn&rsquo;t a hard rule for scholarship eligibility, it often plays a key role in making your application more competitive. For the best shot, aim for a score close to or above the class average.