GMAT was made mandatory for admissions to the LUMS MBA program in 2014 for admissions in fall 2015. LMAT was scrapped in favor of GMAT and as a result the number of applicants to LUMS declined from 1000 to around 600. Since this was the first time LUMS was solely relying on GMAT, most of the applicants were in a quandary as to what is a good GMAT score for LUMS. The average GMAT scores MBA classes at LUMS help applicants by telling them the benchmark that LUMS uses in rating its admitted students. Moreover by switching from LMAT to GMAT, it shows that LUMS is re-inventing its MBA program.

For students who were admitted to LUMS in fall 2015 the range of scores was from 470 to 700. Over 70% of the admitted students had a score between 570 and 630 with an average GMAT of around 590. It’s not unusual for LUMS to have admitted a very small number of students in the low 500s or late 400s; LUMS does this to students who are exceptional. The few success stories I have seen have come from students who have good solid work experience of 4-5 years and have outstanding practical achievements.

So if you were to ask that could one get into LUMS with a 500 on GMAT or a 470 on GMAT, the answer is yes. So this is good news for many of you, who have done very well practically but haven’t been able to do so well on the GMAT. But do note that LUMS admits students in the 500-550 ranges but the number of students is few. Most of them hover around 600.

The target zone: 640+. You are definitely in range for a chance at admissions to LUMS with any score above 640, given that you have at least some experience and a decent application.

The safe zone: 570-620. If your scores are in this range then as long as your work experience, GPA, resume and recommendations are on track with the average LUMS hopeful, you have a good shot. Keep in mind, though, that even a 700 doesn’t guarantee admissions to LUMS as many students that I know have been rejected by LUMS at those scores.

The No zone: below 550. Your application is likely going to face some serious extra scrutiny. You must have something to offer to LUMS that other high scorers don’t else chances would be negligible. Generally students with less than 550 have much more work experience than others – generally 3+ years.

In case you are wondering, the lowest score admitted to LUMS last year was 470. Again, those admitted in this range are the outliers; the individuals whom LUMS is willing to let impact its GMAT score ranges because they are that special. But there aren’t going to be too many people LUMS considers special enough to be in this category.

If your scores are in the “No Zone” range, I highly recommend you do some serious GMAT prep. Your extra achievements may be able to get you to the interview but may give the LUMS admissions committee a reason to reject you.