In a nutshell: For parallel admissions (AST2) to HEC Paris, aim for a GMAT of 700+ (admitted median ~720), a TAGE MAGE of 400+ (median ~420), or a GRE of 325+. For English tests: TOEFL 100+, IELTS 7.0+, TOEIC 900+ or Cambridge C1 185+. For the post-prépa competitive exam (BCE), the cutoff for the last admitted candidate in 2025 was 13.24/20 (rank ~420). The HEC-Bocconi Bachelor requires SAT 1300+ or ACT 29+. See our complete HEC Paris admission guide for an overview.
Score requirements for parallel admissions (AST2)
Parallel admissions to HEC Paris require submission of an aptitude test and an English test. Scores are not strict cutoffs, but they play a crucial role in evaluating your application. Here are the score ranges observed among admitted candidates in recent years.
GMAT scores for HEC Paris
The GMAT is the most widely used aptitude test by international candidates. HEC Paris does not impose an official minimum score, but admitted candidates generally present high scores. The GMAT Focus Edition (launched in 2023) is scored out of 805 points.
| Level | GMAT Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive minimum | 680 | Possible with an exceptional profile otherwise |
| Recommended | 700-720 | Good level, strong application needed |
| Admitted median | ~720 | Typical score of admitted candidates |
| Excellent | 740+ | Significant advantage in evaluation |
TAGE MAGE scores for HEC Paris
The TAGE MAGE is the French alternative to the GMAT, scored out of 600 points. It is particularly popular among candidates from French universities. HEC Paris is one of the most demanding schools for this test.
| Level | TAGE MAGE Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive minimum | 370 | Possible with exceptional profile |
| Recommended | 400-420 | Good level for HEC Paris |
| Admitted median | ~420 | Typical score of admitted candidates |
| Excellent | 450+ | Top 5% of candidates, very competitive |
GRE scores for HEC Paris
The GRE is an accepted alternative, especially for candidates from non-business backgrounds. The total score (Verbal + Quantitative) is evaluated out of 340 points.
| Level | GRE Score (V+Q) | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive minimum | 315 | Possible with strong profile |
| Recommended | 325+ | Good level for HEC Paris |
| Excellent | 330+ | Significant advantage |
English test scores required for HEC Paris
An official English test is mandatory for parallel admissions. Results are valid for 5 years. A high score is essential as the motivation interview is conducted entirely in English.
| Test | Minimum score | Recommended score | Excellent score |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 90 | 100+ | 110+ |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 7.0+ | 7.5+ |
| TOEIC | 850 | 900+ | 950+ |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 176 | 185+ | 195+ |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | 180 | 190+ | 200+ |
Post-prépa competitive exam scores (BCE)
For the post-prépa pathway, results depend on the BCE competitive exam. In 2025, the cutoff for the last admitted candidate at HEC Paris was 13.24/20, approximately rank 420. Oral exams account for 54.5% of the final grade (coefficient 36 out of 66 total). The most decisive subjects are mathematics, general culture, and modern languages.
| Data point | 2025 Value |
|---|---|
| Last admitted cutoff | 13.24/20 |
| Approximate rank of last admitted | ~420 |
| Written exams weight | 45.5% (coeff. 30/66) |
| Oral exams weight | 54.5% (coeff. 36/66) |
| Number of available spots | ~400 |
Score requirements for the HEC-Bocconi Bachelor
The Bachelor in Data, Society & Organizations (joint HEC Paris-Bocconi program) has its own score requirements. Applications go through the Bocconi portal and admission criteria are aligned with Bocconi standards.
| Test | Minimum score | Recommended score |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | 1200 | 1300+ |
| ACT | 27 | 29+ |
| Bocconi online test | Variable | High result recommended |
| TOEFL iBT (English) | 88 | 95+ |
| IELTS (English) | 6.5 | 7.0+ |
| Cambridge CAE (English) | 173 | 180+ |
Tips to optimize your scores
Start your GMAT or TAGE MAGE preparation at least 3 months before your target round. For the GMAT, use official resources (GMAT Official Guide, mba.com) and consider a prep course if you’re aiming for 700+. For the TAGE MAGE, practice with official past exams and familiarize yourself with the format of the 6 subtests. For English tests, schedule your exam at least 6 weeks before the deadline to allow time to retake if necessary. See our HEC Paris application guide for the complete process steps.
How Your Dream School can help
Our specialized consultants guide candidates to HEC Paris every year. We help you define your test strategy, optimize your GMAT/TAGE MAGE preparation, and build a competitive application. Contact us for a free profile assessment or discover our admissions coaching program.