M7 or magnificent seven is a self-proclaimed title created for the group of 7 top Business Schools – Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Columbia, Chicago Booth, MIT, and Kellogg School of Management.
In this in-depth coverage of M7 MBA trends for 2025, we cover:
- M7 MBA – Salary Trends
- M7 MBA – 2025 vs. 2024 vs. 2023 vs. 2022 (Trends in Salary Increase)
- M7 MBA Ranking - Trends
- M7 MBA – Cost Trends
- M7 MBA – Median GMAT and GPA (Trends)
- M7 MBA – Acceptance Rate (Trends)
- M7 MBA – Essay Questions (2026 Entering Class)
M7 MBA – Salary Trends
The M7 MBA continues to set the standard for post-mba compensation, but the clear markers that differentiate M7 from T10 are diminishing.
While M7 schools largely maintain their elite status, their pay has not seen a universal upward trend.
A few non-M7 schools are now offering salaries that are right on par with the M7. The trend is a direct result of market recalibration in the face of economic slowdown and a challenging job market where companies have stopped hiring high-paying middle managers and even 27-32 years old, a demographic of MBA graduates.
Stanford Leads
Stanford leads the pack, offering its graduates a total salary of $215,000 in 2024. This marks a continued, albeit more modest, increase from $212,500 in 2023 and $205,000 in 2022. This upward trajectory has allowed Stanford to seize the top position in the salary ranking.
The next tier of schools is more tightly clustered.
Chicago Booth, despite a total salary of $206,000, saw a notable decline from its 2023 peak of $213,000, ceding its number one spot to Stanford.
Wharton's total median salary reached $208,750 in 2024, representing a solid gain after holding steady at $205,000 for the previous two years.
Harvard and Columbia, however, maintained a total median salary of $205,000 from 2022 all the way through 2024, showing no year-over-year growth in this period.
Kellogg also held its salary at $205,000 for both 2023 and 2024, but this came after a significant jump from $195,000 in 2022.
Interestingly, several non-M7 programs now compete directly with these top schools.
Schools Competing with Non-M7 Schools
In 2024, NYU Stern, Darden, Tuck, and Cornell are offering total median salaries that are at or near the $205,000 mark, which places them squarely alongside Kellogg, Harvard, and Columbia.
Even more impressive is Berkeley Haas. The school reported a mean total compensation of $210,045 in 2024, placing it just behind Stanford, but the data is calibrated around ‘mean salary’ and not ‘median’.
Note: The Mean salary is good when there are no extreme outliers in the dataset. But the report doesn’t offer any such insight.
Keep the difference in mind while interpreting Berkeley Haas’ compensation.
MIT Sloan – Lowest Salary Among M7
MIT Sloan’s salary data reflects a slight recalibration, with a total median salary of $199,550 in 2024, a minor dip from the $200,000 offered in 2023. This places it below most of its M7 peers, but still well within the elite tier of MBA programs.
The slowdown in Product Management and VC function – two popular niches at MIT has contributed to the results.
M7 MBA – 2025 vs. 2024 vs. 2023 vs. 2022 (Trends in Salary Increase)
While not all M7 schools saw a salary increase in 2024, the trends highlight a fascinating market.
Stanford and Wharton – Positive Salary Growth
Stanford and Wharton experienced positive growth, with Wharton seeing a solid 1.82% hike after a flat 2023.
Chicago Booth and MIT Sloan – Salary Drop
In contrast, Chicago Booth and MIT Sloan saw their total salaries dip slightly in 2024, by 3.22% and 0.22% respectively, while Harvard and Columbia maintained a consistent $205,000 for three years straight. This mixed performance should clarify the need to evaluate the yearly trends before making ‘career’ trend.
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| M7 Business School | Total Salary (2022) | Total Salary (2023) | Total Salary (2024) | % Salary Hike |
| Stanford | $205,000 | $212,500 | $215,000 | 1.17% |
| Wharton | $205,000 | $205,000 | $208,750 | 1.82% |
| Chicago Booth | $205,000 | $213,000 | $206,000 | -3.22% |
| Harvard | $205,000 | $205,000 | $205,000 | 0 |
| Kellogg | $195,000 | $205,000 | $205,000 | 0 |
| Columbia | $205,000 | $205,000 | $205,000 | 0 |
| MIT Sloan | $195,000 | $200,000 | $199,550 | -.22% |
M7 MBA Ranking - Trends
When looking at an aggregate of the US News and Financial Times rankings, the rankings for M7 schools have shifted considerably from 2024 to 2025.
Wharton #1
Wharton has solidified its top position, moving from a 1.5 average in 2024 to a perfect 1.0 in 2025. Meanwhile, Columbia made the most significant upward move, jumping from an average rank of 7.5 to tie with MIT at 5.5, largely thanks to its impressive rise to the #2 spot in the Financial Times ranking.
Chicago Booth and Harvard Fall
The biggest shifts were seen with Chicago Booth and Harvard, both falling in their average rankings, while Stanford was notably absent from the Financial Times' 2025 list due to a low alumni survey response rate.
See: MBA Ranking factor and methodologies to compare how US News and FT evaluate schools.
| M7 Business School | US News (2024) | Financial Times (2024) | Average Ranking (2024) | US News (2025) | Financial Times (2025) | Average Ranking (2025) |
| Wharton | 2 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| MIT | 5 | 6 | 5.5 | 5 | 6 | 5.5 |
| Columbia | 12 | 3 | 7.5 | 9 | 2 | 5.5 |
| Kellogg | 3 | 6 | 4.5 | 2 | 10 | 6 |
| Harvard | 6 | 11 | 8.5 | 6 | 13 | 9.5 |
| Chicago Booth | 4 | 10 | 7 | 4 | 17 | 10.5 |
| Stanford | 1 | 23 | 12 | 3 | NA | NA |
M7 MBA – Cost Trends
The cost of an M7 MBA continues its upward trajectory in 2025, but the top-of-the-pack has changed.
Stanford has surpassed all other M7 schools to become the costliest program, with a total cost of $271,542. This marks a notable increase from the $261,492 it cost in 2024.
Following Stanford, Wharton, Columbia, and MIT are clustered in the middle of the pack with total costs between $264,000 and $268,000.
On the other end of the spectrum, Kellogg and Harvard are the most affordable M7 options, but their costs are far from cheap, reaching $257,704 and $253,072, respectively, in 2025.
| M7 Business School | Total Cost (2024) | Total Cost (2025) |
| Stanford | $261,492 | $271,542 |
| Columbia | $254,116 | $268,669 |
| MIT | $250,978 | $266,232 |
| Wharton | $254,432 | $264,808 |
| Kellogg | $238,864 | $257,704 |
| Chicago Booth | $241,720 | $254,106 |
| Harvard | $237,708 | $253,072 |
M7 MBA – Median GMAT and GPA (Trends)
The admissions criteria for M7 programs remain consistently high, but the latest data reveals interesting shifts in both GMAT and GPA trends.
GMAT 740 – The New Standard
Harvard maintains its top position with a median GMAT of 740 for 2024. However, it's now joined by Wharton and Columbia, which have both seen their median GMAT scores increase to 732, a significant jump for both schools. This is a crucial change, as Wharton's GMAT median, which previously had fallen to 728 in 2023, has now rebounded to its 2022 level, signaling a strong cohort.
GPA Scores – Upward Trend
GPA scores have also seen upward pressure across the board.
Stanford leads the pack with a 2024 average GPA of 3.75, though this is a slight dip from its 2023 peak. Meanwhile, Wharton, MIT, and Kellogg all saw their average GPAs increase to 3.7 in 2024, demonstrating an increased emphasis on academic rigor.
Columbia and Chicago Booth have maintained their GPA averages at 3.6 for the past two years, proving that a consistent academic profile continues to be a successful formula for admissions.
| M7 Business School | Median GMAT (2024) | Median GMAT (2023) | Median GMAT (2022) | Average GPA (2024) | Average GPA (2023) | Average GPA (2022) |
| Harvard | 740 | 740 | 730 | 3.69 | 3.73 | 3.7 |
| Stanford | 738* | 738* | 734* | 3.75 | 3.77 | 3.7 |
| Wharton | 732* | 728* | 732* | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Columbia | 732* | 730* | 727* | 3.6 | 3.5 | 3.6 |
| Chicago Booth | 730 | 730 | 730 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| MIT | 730 | 730 | 730 | 3.7 | 3.61 | 3.6 |
| Kellogg | 733* | 731* | 730* | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.6 |
M7 MBA – Acceptance Rate
The M7 MBA programs continue to be among the most selective in the world, with acceptance rates in 2024 ranging from a highly competitive 5.8% to a more accessible 28.6%.
Stanford MBA – The Toughest to Get Into
For the fourth consecutive year, Stanford remains the toughest to get into, with a further drop to a 5.8% acceptance rate in 2024.
Harvard is the second most selective, with an acceptance rate of 9.4%.
Wharton and Columbia – Middle of the Pack
Wharton and Columbia, with acceptance rates of 11.82% and 12.96% respectively, were closely followed by Chicago Booth at 12.3%.
MIT – Calibrating with Drop in Volume
MIT's acceptance rate also saw a significant shift, dropping to a very tight 7% as its application volume appears to be much lower.
Kellogg – Easiest M7 MBA
The most accessible M7 program remains Kellogg, with a 28.6% acceptance rate.
| M7 Business School | Acceptance Rate | Application Volume (2024 Entering Class) | Class Size (2024) | Application Volume (2023 Entering Class) | Class Size (2023) | Application Volume (2022 Entering Class) | Class Size (2022) |
| Harvard | 9.4% | 9856 | 930 | 8149 | 938 | 8264 | 1015 |
| Stanford | 5.8% | 7297 | 424 | 6190 | 431 | 6152 | 424 |
| Wharton | 11.82% | 7322 | 866 | 6194 | 874 | 6319 | 877 |
| Columbia | 12.96% | 7487 | 972 | 5895 | 900 | 6535 | 782* |
| Chicago Booth | 12.3% | 5125 | 632 | 4184 | 637 | 4352 | 621 |
| MIT | 7% | 3,092** | 433 | 2,921** | 409 | 4,100** | 408 |
| Kellogg | 28.6% | 1,872** | 524 | 1,684** | 529 | 2,500** | 503 |
** No Data - Approx on Class Size and acceptance Rate
M7 MBA – Essay Questions (2026 Entering Class)
1. Harvard
Applicants to the MBA Class of 2028 (matriculating fall 2026) need to respond to three essay prompts:
• Business-Minded Essay: Please reflect on how your choices have influenced your career path and aspirations. (300 words)
- Creative Problem Solving: HBS MBA Business-Minded Essay Example
- HBS Business-Minded Essay Example: Minority Entrepreneurship
- HBS MBA Business-Minded Essay: Private Equity and Power of Community
• Leadership-Focused Essay: What experiences have shaped how you invest in others and how you lead? (200 words)
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay Example – Small Business Values
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay Example & Mental Health – Building Awareness
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay Example: Addiction, Setback and Leadership Mantra
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay – Breaking Away from Family Business
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay Example - War, Immigration and Starting Over Again
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay Example – Trauma, Healing & Finding Authentic Self
- Harvard MBA Leadership Essay - Non-Profit (South Africa)
• Growth-Oriented Essay: Curiosity can be seen in many ways. Please share an example of how you have demonstrated curiosity and how that has influenced your growth. (up to 250 words)
- Harvard MBA Curiosity Essay – Life Starts at NO
- Harvard MBA Curiosity Essay – Growth through Collaboration (AI in Healthcare)
- Military & Search for IMPACT - Harvard MBA Growth Essay Example
- Harvard MBA Growth Essay Example – Learning from the Best
- Harvard MBA Curiosity and Growth Essay Example – Scarcity
- Harvard MBA Growth Essay Example – The American Dream
- Harvard MBA Curiosity Essay Example – Crypto As a Tool for Good
- Harvard MBA Growth Essay Example – Drug Addiction and Gaming
- Harvard MBA Career Choice Essay Example - Creative or Finance
Joint Degree Essays:
• Joint degree applicants for the Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Kennedy School must provide an additional essay: How do you expect the joint degree experience to benefit you on both a professional and a personal level? (up to 400 words)
• Joint degree applicants for the Harvard Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences must provide an additional essay: The MS/MBA Engineering Sciences program is focused on entrepreneurship, design, and innovation. Describe your past experiences in these areas and your reasons for pursuing a program with this focus. (recommended length: 500 words). Applicants will also be able to respond to an optional essay.
2. Stanford
Essay 1: What matters most to you, and why? (up to 650 words)
For this essay, we would like you to reflect deeply and write from the heart. Once you’ve identified what matters most to you, help us understand why. You might consider, for example, what makes this so important to you? What people, insights, or experiences have shaped your perspectives?
Essay 2: Why Stanford?(up to 400 words) Describe your aspirations and how your Stanford GSB experience will help you realize them. If you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs, use Essay B to address your interest in both programs.
Essay for Joint Degree: How will you enhance the MSx community? *This essay is only required if you are applying to both the MBA and MSx programs. (650 words)
3. Wharton
Essay 1: How do you plan to use the Wharton MBA program to help you achieve your future professional goals? You might consider your past experience, short and long-term goals, and resources available at Wharton. (500 words)
Essay 2: Essay 2: Taking into consideration your background – personal, professional, and/or academic – how do you plan to make specific, meaningful contributions to the Wharton community? (400 words)
Reapplicant: Please use this space to share with the Admissions Committee how you have reflected and grown since your previous application and discuss any relevant updates to your candidacy (e.g., changes in your professional life, additional coursework, and extracurricular/volunteer engagements). (250 words)
4. Booth
Essay 1: How will a Booth MBA help you achieve your immediate and long-term post-MBA career goals? (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)
Essay 2: An MBA is as much about personal growth as it is about professional development. In addition to sharing your experience and goals in terms of career, we’d like to learn more about you outside of the office. Use this opportunity to tell us something about who you are… (Minimum 250 words, no maximum.)
Reapplicant: Upon reflection, how has your perspective regarding your future, Chicago Booth, and/or getting an MBA changed since the time of your last application? (Maximum 300 words.)
5. Columbia
January Entry Essays
Short Answer Question 1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)
Short Answer Question 2: Why do you prefer the January-entry term? (50 characters maximum)
Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)
Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)
Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally. How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)
August Entry Essays:
Short Answer Question 1: What is your immediate post-MBA professional goal? (50 characters maximum)
Short Answer Question 2: How do you plan to spend the summer after the first year of the MBA? If in an internship, please include target industry(ies) and/or function(s). If you plan to work on your own venture, please indicate a focus of business. (50 characters maximum)
Essay 1: Through your resume and recommendation, we have a clear sense of your professional path to date. What are your career goals over the next three to five years and what is your long-term dream job? (500 words)
Essay 2: Please share a specific example of how you made a team more collaborative, more inclusive or fostered a greater sense of community within an organization. (250 words)
Essay 3: We believe Columbia Business School is a special place with a collaborative learning environment in which students feel a sense of belonging, agency, and partnership--academically, culturally, and professionally. How would you co-create your optimal MBA experience at CBS? Please be specific. (250 words)
6. Kellogg
Essay 1: Intentionality is a key aspect of what makes our graduates successful Kellogg leaders. Help us understand your journey by articulating your motivations for pursuing an MBA, the specific goals you aim to achieve, and why you believe now is the right moment. Moreover, share why you feel Kellogg is best suited to serve as a catalyst for your career aspirations and what you will contribute to our community of lifelong learners during your time here. (450 words)
Essay 2: Kellogg leaders are primed to tackle challenges everywhere, from the boardroom to their neighborhoods. Describe a specific professional experience where you had to make a difficult decision. Reflecting on this experience, identify the values that guided your decision-making process and how it impacted your leadership style. (450 words)
7. MIT Sloan
Cover Letter: MIT Sloan seeks students whose personal characteristics demonstrate that they will make the most of the incredible opportunities at MIT, both academic and non-academic. We are on a quest to find those whose presence will enhance the experience of other students. We seek thoughtful leaders with exceptional intellectual abilities and the drive and determination to put their stamp on the world. We welcome people who are independent, authentic, and fearlessly creative — true doers. We want people who can redefine solutions to conventional problems, and strive to preempt unconventional dilemmas with cutting-edge ideas. We demand integrity and respect and passion.
Taking the above into consideration, please submit a cover letter seeking a place in the MIT Sloan MBA program. Your letter should conform to standard business correspondence, include one or more professional examples that illustrate why you meet the desired criteria above, and be addressed to the Admissions Committee (300 words or fewer, excluding address and salutation).
Short Answer Question: How has the world you come from shaped who you are today? For example, your family, culture, community, all help to shape aspects of your identity. Please use this opportunity if you would like to share more about your background. (250 words or less.)
Video Question 1: Introduce yourself to your future classmates. Here’s your chance to put a face with a name, let your personality shine through, be conversational, be yourself. We can’t wait to meet you!
Video Question 2: All MBA applicants will be prompted to respond to a randomly generated, open-ended question. The question is designed to help us get to know you better; to see how you express yourself and to assess fit with the MIT Sloan culture. It does not require prior preparation.
Video Question 2 is part of your required application materials and will appear as a page within the application, once the other parts of your application are completed. Applicants are given 10 seconds to prepare for a 60-second response.
The following are examples of questions that may be asked in the Video Question 2:
• What achievement are you most proud of and why?
• Tell us about a time a classmate or colleague wasn’t contributing to a group project. What did you do?
M7 MBA Essay Guides
• Harvard MBA Essay Guide
• Stanford MBA Essay Guide
• Wharton MBA Essay Guide
• Chicago Booth MBA Essay Guide
• Columbia MBA Essay Guide
• Kellogg MBA Essay Guide
• MIT Sloan MBA Essay Guide
Non-M7 ~ M7 Schools (Salary)
• Tuck MBA Essay Guide
• NYU Stern MBA Essay Guide
• Haas MBA Essay Guide
Which M7 MBA is right for you?
Subscribe to F1GMAT’s Career Planning Service to find out which M7 MBA program is right for you. You may initiate a conversation with me – Atul Jose (Founding Consultant, F1GMAT), through LinkedIn before subscribing to the Service.
