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

The Wharton MBA Class of 2027 demonstrates exceptional GRE performance, with an average Quantitative score of 163 and an average Verbal score of 162, yielding a total combined average of around 325. These averages place you in the top tier of all GRE test-takers and reflect the caliber of the highly selective applicant pool competing for admission to Wharton. The school attracts candidates who score consistently in the 162 to 170 range on both sections, signaling that you should aspire to achieve strong performance on each component of the test to be positioned competitively.

To position yourself as a credible candidate at Wharton, you should aim for GRE scores of 161 or higher on the Verbal section and 162 or higher on the Quantitative section, with an ideal combined score approaching or exceeding 325. The reality is that Wharton receives applications from exceptionally talented professionals, many of whom come from consulting, finance, and technology backgrounds with already-strong academic credentials, making every point on the GRE matter when competing for limited spots. If either your Verbal or Quantitative score falls significantly below 160, you should seriously consider retaking the exam because a score in that range may make admissions officers question whether you are prepared for Wharton's demanding quantitative curriculum and case-based learning environment. However, scoring below the average on the GRE does not automatically disqualify you if other dimensions of your profile, such as exceptional work experience, compelling career narrative, or demonstrated leadership, offset a weaker test performance.

A strong GRE score at Wharton is one that demonstrates you can handle the analytical rigor of the MBA curriculum, but here is what you must understand: achieving a score of 165 or higher on both sections will not guarantee your admission, no matter how impressive it may feel. Many applicants with stellar GRE scores in the 168 to 170 range are rejected because their professional story feels unfocused, their career goals are not clearly articulated, or their recommenders cannot speak to meaningful leadership impact. Wharton's admissions committee views your GRE score as a credential that confirms you have the intellectual horsepower to succeed academically, but it is not the primary factor that separates admitted candidates from strong rejection decisions. If your GRE score is in the 155 to 159 range on either section, you will need to carefully weigh whether retaking the exam is the best use of your time, because the adimissions bar is high and you may be better served strengthening other areas like your work experience narrative, your post-MBA vision, and the quality of your recommendations.

Wharton is not test optional. All applicants are required to submit either a GRE or GMAT score as part of the application, with no exceptions and no waivers offered regardless of your background or professional accomplishments. The school treats both the GRE and GMAT equally in the review process, with roughly 60 percent of applicants submitting the GMAT and 40 percent submitting the GRE, meaning you have genuine flexibility in choosing which test better aligns with your strengths. Wharton accepts scores from tests taken at a test center or online with a human proctor, and you may self-report your score in the application, though official verification will be required if you are admitted.

When Wharton evaluates your GRE score, the admissions committee places it within the context of your entire professional narrative and academic background rather than treating it as an isolated number. Your test score serves as evidence that you possess the foundational analytical and verbal reasoning skills required to thrive in a quantitatively rigorous program, but it does not predict whether you will lead a team, drive business impact, or become an exceptional member of the Wharton community. The admissions officer reviewing your file will examine your score alongside your undergraduate GPA, your progression through your professional roles, your demonstrated ability to solve complex problems under pressure, and what your recommenders observe about your capacity to influence and inspire others. If you have a strong GRE score but your resume shows minimal responsibility, your essays lack clarity about what you want to achieve post-MBA, or your recommenders are lukewarm in their assessments, your application will not advance. Conversely, if your GRE score is slightly below the 162 to 163 average, a compelling narrative about your career growth, measurable accomplishments in your current role, and enthusiastic endorsements from people who have worked closely with you can absolutely move you forward in the process.

The school explicitly states it takes a holistic approach to admissions, and this principle shapes how every piece of your candidacy is evaluated, including your test score. A GRE score that exceeds 165 on both sections is excellent and removes any concern about academic readiness, but it is a threshold that says you are prepared for the work, not a differentiator that separates strong applicants from exceptional ones in Wharton's competitive pool. What actually matters to Wharton's decision-makers is the combination of solid academic foundation (including your test score), a clear narrative about what you have accomplished and learned in your professional life, specific examples of how you have led others or driven measurable results, thoughtfully articulated reasons for pursuing the MBA at Wharton in particular, and endorsements from recommenders who can speak concretely to your strengths and potential. You should dedicate serious energy to understanding Wharton's unique culture, programs, and values, and then articulate in your essays why this school is the right next step for your ambitions, because this specificity and authenticity matter as much as or more than hitting the perfect test score.

AdmitStudio users who find success at top MBA programs tend to approach their applications as a clear, cohesive professional story, not a checklist of prestigious roles, promotions, or achievements. Rather than trying to impress admissions committees with everything they have done, they focus on explaining why they made key career decisions, what they learned from those experiences, and how those lessons shaped their short- and long-term goals. Their essays help admissions officers quickly understand the applicant’s career trajectory, leadership potential, and sense of purpose within just a few minutes of review.

AdmitStudio users who are successful also use their essays to connect and reinforce the rest of the application, not repeat it. The essays highlight a few core themes, such as leadership, impact, self-awareness, and growth, while the résumé, recommendations, and short answers quietly support those same themes with concrete evidence. By aligning every part of the application around a consistent narrative, these applicants stand out not because they try to appear perfect, but because they are intentional, reflective, and clear about who they are and where they are going. Admissions officers come away with a strong sense of how the applicant will contribute to classroom discussions, team-based learning, and the broader MBA community.