CMU Tepper MBA GRE: Average Scores, Ranges, and What You Need to Know

The Tepper MBA Class of 2027 shows strong GRE performance across all sections, with an average Quantitative score of 163 and an average Verbal score of 159, reflecting a combined average of 322. These scores position Tepper as a highly selective program that attracts applicants with both strong analytical ability and solid verbal reasoning skills. The middle 80% range for Quantitative spans from 156 to 170, while Verbal ranges from 152 to 166, demonstrating that Tepper welcomes a diverse group of test-takers, though the upper end of these ranges shows the caliber of some admitted candidates.

When you evaluate what a competitive GRE score means for Tepper, understand that you should target somewhere in the 160-166 range for Quantitative and 156-162 for Verbal to be viewed as a strong candidate on the test component alone. Falling below 156 on Quantitative or 150 on Verbal puts you at a disadvantage, as Tepper's focus on analytical decision-making and data-driven leadership means the admissions team expects demonstrated quantitative capacity. That said, a below-average GRE score does not automatically eliminate you if your professional background is exceptionally strong, your essays clearly articulate your vision, and your recommenders speak to your impact as a leader.

What matters most when Tepper reviews your GRE score is whether it confirms you can handle a rigorous, quantitative MBA curriculum, not whether it guarantees you a spot in the class. Many applicants with GRE scores in the 165-170 range are rejected because their overall narrative is weak, their career goals are unclear, or they lack meaningful professional achievements that Tepper values. Your test score is a threshold that verifies you possess fundamental analytical skills, but it does not differentiate between competitive applicants in a pool where most scores cluster in the 160-165 range. If your GRE is below 156 on Quantitative, you should seriously consider retaking it or requesting a test waiver if you have exceptional quantitative coursework or professional experience in analytics or a technical field.

Tepper is not test optional in the traditional sense, though the school does offer a selective test waiver option for qualified candidates. You are expected to submit a GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment (EA) score with your application unless you request and receive an approved waiver from the admissions committee. The waiver is evaluated case-by-case and requires you to demonstrate academic readiness for Tepper through strong quantitative coursework, advanced degrees in analytical fields, professional certifications like the CFA or CPA, or extensive work experience in quantitative roles. Importantly, receiving a waiver does not signal admission, and even if approved, Tepper may require you to complete additional academic preparation before or during your enrollment.

When Tepper evaluates your GRE score, the admissions committee views it as one component of your overall readiness for the program, not as a standalone indicator of your potential for success. The school takes a holistic approach, meaning your test performance is considered alongside your undergraduate GPA, work experience, professional accomplishments, leadership examples, essays, and recommendation letters. A GRE score of 165 combined with weak work experience, unfocused essays, or mediocre recommendations will not move you forward in the process, while a score of 157 paired with a compelling narrative about launching a successful startup or managing complex analytical projects may open doors for you. Tepper is explicit about seeking collaborative leaders who drive innovation with data, which means the admissions team is looking for evidence that you can apply quantitative thinking to real business problems, not just that you scored well on a test.

The school makes clear that a strong GRE score is necessary but not sufficient for admission to Tepper, especially given the program's 28.5% acceptance rate and its focus on quantitative problem-solving. Your GRE is one way you demonstrate intellectual rigor, but it is eclipsed by the totality of your profile when the admissions committee makes a decision. What truly separates admitted candidates is the combination of solid test performance (usually at or above the middle 80% range), a clear and authentic career narrative, demonstrable leadership in professional settings, strong recommendation letters that speak to your analytical abilities and interpersonal skills, and essays that show you understand Tepper's philosophy of management science and innovation. You should invest time in preparing for the GRE and aiming for a competitive score, but not at the expense of crafting a compelling application story and building relationships with recommenders who can advocate for your potential.

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