What are the average GMAT scores of admitted students at Insead , LBS, and HEC?

Knowing the GMAT score expectations and acceptance rates is essential for those applying to INSEAD, London Business School (LBS), or HEC Paris. These schools take a holistic approach to admissions, but a strong GMAT score can significantly boost an application. This is especially important for candidates from highly competitive fields like consulting and finance.

INSEAD

• GMAT Score: 700 (average)
• Score Range: 670-750
• Acceptance Rate: 30-35%
• Competitiveness: More accessible than LBS and HEC Paris

INSEAD values international exposure, career progression, and leadership potential. While a strong GMAT helps, it is not the only factor. Applicants with global experience and leadership roles can still be competitive, even with a slightly lower score. Over 80% of students score above 680, and a strong GMAT can also improve scholarship chances.

London Business School (LBS)

• GMAT Score: 700 (average)
• Score Range: 600-770
• Acceptance Rate: 25-30%
• Competitiveness: More selective than INSEAD but slightly less than HEC Paris

LBS prioritizes leadership, career impact, and professional achievements. While a 700+ GMAT is competitive, those targeting finance or consulting may need a 710+ score to stand out. A significant number of admitted students come from consulting (40%) and finance (25%), making GMAT scores more competitive for these industries.

HEC Paris

• GMAT Score: 690 (average)
• Score Range: 640-710
• Acceptance Rate: 15-20%
• Competitiveness: Most selective among the three schools

HEC Paris focuses on academic excellence, strategic thinking, and leadership potential. With the lowest acceptance rate, a high GMAT score strengthens an application, especially for those without an elite academic background. GRE is also accepted, with scores in the top 80th percentile preferred.

Final Thought

All three schools are highly competitive, with HEC Paris being the most selective. While a 700+ GMAT is ideal, applicants with strong work experience, leadership skills, and a clear career vision can still secure admission. Scholarships are often tied to high GMAT scores, making a strong score even more beneficial.

 

The average GMAT scores for admitted students are INSEAD: 710-715 (acceptance rate 27-31%), LBS: 700-730 (acceptance rate 25-30%), and HEC Paris: 690-710 (acceptance rate 15-20%). A higher GMAT improves your chances, but these schools look at more than just test scores.

INSEAD values international exposure and leadership. LBS prioritizes well-rounded candidates with strong work experience. A slightly lower GMAT can be balanced by professional achievements. HEC Paris focuses on academic performance and leadership potential. Strong applicants with a lower GMAT can still get in if they have impressive profiles. Work experience, leadership, and career impact matter. Many students with lower scores have been admitted by showcasing strong achievements and a compelling personal story.

For INSEAD, the average GMAT score is around 710, but they accept a wide range—usually from 600 to 780, depending on the rest of your profile. LBS (London Business School) comes in slightly lower with an average around 700, and they also look at your overall application holistically.

HEC Paris is a bit more flexible, with an average score close to 690, but again, strong work experience and leadership can make up for a slightly lower GMAT. So yeah, if you're in the 680–730 range and have a solid profile, you’re in the game for all three!

Wondering if your GMAT score is enough? Check out these quick guides for INSEAD, LBS, and HEC to see where you stand.
 
 

 

If you're aiming for top European MBA programs, GMAT scores are a key part of your application. But each school has a slightly different range and focus. Here's what you need to know:

At INSEAD, the average GMAT score is 710. Most admitted students score between 670 and 750. INSEAD also looks closely at international experience and leadership, so you can still be competitive even if your GMAT is on the lower end—if the rest of your profile is strong.

London Business School (LBS) has an average GMAT of 708. Their GMAT range is quite wide—600 to 800. This means candidates with lower scores do get in, especially if they bring strong work experience, clarity in career goals, or diverse backgrounds.

For HEC Paris, the average GMAT is 690, and the typical range is 620 to 750. HEC looks at your motivation, fit with the program, and leadership potential. A slightly lower GMAT can be offset by a strong personal story or career achievements.

Read this blog on GMAT scores for top B-schools to know what you need to aim for.