GMAT vs GRE for MBA Applicants: What’s the Right Strategy?
Most of the top business schools in the United States accept the GMAT and GRE exams for MBA admission. But how do you decide which test you should take, the GMAT or GRE?
Many elite schools have diversified their applicant pool by accepting the GRE as an alternative in the admissions process. Plus, prospective grad students of the arts and sciences have typically submitted GRE scores, so applicants deciding between business school and other graduate programs appreciate having one less test to study and pay for.
Meanwhile, the GMAT, long considered the gold standard for the specific academic skills needed in graduate business school, is more expensive and offered in fewer locations worldwide.
Our latest intel for GMAT Focus Edition test prep:
GMAT Focus Edition: Structure, Differences, and Test Strategy for MBA Applicants
GMAT Focus Edition: Percentiles, Comparison, and Concordance
One essential difference between the tests is that the GRE requires you to do the arguing, whereas in the GMAT, you analyze what has been argued. The style expected from GRE test readers is more abstract and draws from various sources and disciplines for examples or references, whereas the GMAT is more concrete and analytical. This supports the suitability of the GRE for the more academically-minded student.
Let’s take a look at some common questions SBC clients have had about choosing the GMAT or GRE for their MBA application package. You might find your own situation mirrored in one of these examples.
Partner with Stacy Blackman’s best-in-class GMAT and GRE experts and increase your score significantly. Check out our test prep services here. Request a free game plan chat with SBC’s lead test prep coach by emailing testprep@stacyblackman.com.
Q: How do I decide whether to take the GMAT or GRE?
A: The GMAT and GRE are two entirely different tests that don’t remotely resemble one another. Which test to take will depend on the applicant’s profile, college major and coursework, and target MBA programs.
Try a free practice test online for both options to assess which test is best for you. If you do significantly better on one over the other, you probably have your answer.
Discuss with your MBA admissions consultant to validate which test score to submit. There are nuances to the decision, such as your industry profile, target school, and the scoring differential between the tests.
Some schools are more flexible with lower GRE scores. Jenna, a former NYU Admissions Officer on our SBC team, shared: “We did not have to report GRE scores to the ranking agencies, so we were much more willing to ‘dip’ in test scores if the candidate took the GRE instead of the GMAT.”
Listen to B-Schooled podcast #106: Admissions Test Deep Dive with SBC’s Director of Test Prep, Anthony Ritz, who’s been a GMAT and GRE tutor for more than two decades.
Q: Should I take the GMAT or GRE for Harvard?
A: “The majority of applicants historically have favored the GMAT, but HBS has no preference for one over the other,” shared Andrea, a former HBS Admissions Officer who is now an SBC consultant.
“They will zero in on how you performed relative to the GMAT. Some admissions staff use the converter tool to get a sense of your overall performance.”
Q: I want to take advantage of the fact that some business schools have a test waiver process in place. However, I would still like to take a finance class to boost my chances since I got Cs in a few of my undergraduate finance classes. What is your advice?
A: As we shared with our friends at Find MBA, not submitting a standardized test score is only beneficial if all other measures, especially the grades, work well. So, if you had stellar grades as an undergrad, the AdCom would probably be okay evaluating you without a test.
But because your grades were low in quant classes, having a GMAT or GRE score to help counteract those grades is essential. Even with A’s in multiple courses, it will be more challenging without another measure (especially at a school like MIT Sloan). Reconsider taking either the GMAT or the GRE, which could do much more to help your chances than taking finance classes.
Q: How do I interpret the reported GRE averages on the MBA program sites?
A: The reported GRE scores on the MBA program websites don’t entirely reflect any given applicant because they are averages. They reflect only a fraction of the admitted class.
Remember that the reported GRE test score averages are not adjusted by crucial variables such as demographic, function, industry, career path, college caliber, or the extent of quantitative exposure. So, we recommend aiming for low to mid 160s on each section if your goal is top MBA programs.
Here is a sampling of GRE scores from our HBS admits from the past season to demonstrate the range:
| V161, Q167 | V160, Q163 |
| V160, Q159 | V168, Q166 |
| V166, Q170 | V170, Q170 |
| V169, Q164 | V165, Q165 |
Q: I just got out of the GRE. I got a 160 verbal and 159 quant. This translates to a 630 GMAT score. I should tell you I have taken the GMAT a few times. My highest score has been 640, and my lowest and most recent score has been 580. Which test should I submit?
A: When in doubt, we will usually recommend submitting the highest score, especially if the differential between the GRE and GMAT score is significant and if there’s enough quantitative exposure through college and career.
Q: I took both the GRE and GMAT practice tests but did better on the GRE. Which should I submit?
A: We have had exceptionally quant-proficient clients who bombed the GMAT multiple times (e.g., one client took it four times and couldn’t break a 650) but then switched to the GRE and absolutely killed it.
The client who took it four times scored a 720 GMAT equivalent when converted. This client reported both sets of scores and got into the programs they had hoped for.
Look at the quantitative percentiles on both tests, the difference between your scores, and the extent of quantitative coursework from college before determining which test to submit. There are scenarios where we may recommend submitting the weaker test score because of the quantitative percentage.
Q: While they may accept both the GRE and GMAT, do admissions committees have a preference or bias for one over the other?
A: We surveyed the former MBA Admissions Officers on our SBC team, and here’s their advice.
Former Anderson AdCom: “The GRE is fine if the quant percentage is high enough, ideally over 80%.”
Former Booth AdCom: “If you haven’t taken either, take the GMAT. But if you’ve already taken the GRE and are happy with your score, don’t take the GMAT just to take it.”
Former CBS AdCom: “We used the conversion tool online to see what the GRE would equal to GMAT. They really don’t care which one because they can see what the GMAT equivalent was.”
Former INSEAD AdCom: “INSEAD will focus on the % breakdown in verbal vs. quantitative. The ratings are assigned to scores based on a 1-5 scale, so 5 = 90%+, 4 = 80%+, 3 = 70%+, 2 = 60% +, 1 = 50%+. This is true for both the GMAT and the GRE. Aim for 70%+, ideally 80%+, to demonstrate that the prospective student can cope with the program’s rigor.”
Former Kellogg AdCom: “Submit GRE if a great all-round candidate and GMAT is the weak-spot.”
Former Stanford AdCom: “Submit the score that substantiates that you can do the work.”
Former Stern AdCom: “Stern is so super sensitive about test scores and doing well on the GRE/GMAT matters. We converted the GRE to the GMAT using the online conversion tool. Q was more important than V. We rarely cared about IR or AWA unless it was really low.”
@stacyblackmanconsulting Are the GRE and GMAT accepted equally? StacyBlackman.com #sbcyourfuture #mba #mbaadmissions #gmat #gre ? original sound – Stacy Blackman Consulting
Q: Which MBA applicants should favor the GMAT over the GRE?
A: The majority opt to submit a GMAT score for typical top MBA applicant profiles, such as those from the traditional fields of finance or consulting. The same is true for over-represented applicants, such as Indian engineers.
We recommend trying the GMAT first if you come from a traditional or over-represented career path/ demographic. The GRE is accepted but can be perceived as easier quantitatively than the GMAT. If you score high enough on the GMAT as a traditional industry applicant, that should be your plan A.
If the GMAT score is below average for a target MBA program and you’re a traditional industry applicant from a common demographic pool, it would be wise to pivot to the GRE.
Q: Which MBA applicants should favor the GRE over the GMAT?
A: For anyone struggling with the math side of the GMAT, we recommend shifting to the GRE. That may give the applicant can gain an edge, as the quantitative section of the GRE is easier than the GMAT quant section. If applicants are nervous about their quantitative performance, they will likely perform better on the GRE.
We have seen that the GRE could be a valuable differentiator and smart strategic decision for an MBA candidacy. MBA programs began accepting this exam to attract a broader, more diverse set of applicants. Because the GRE is accepted at many graduate programs, incorporating the test into an application strategy often bolsters positioning, especially for non-traditional applicants.
Joint degree applicants, such as those applying to MPP/ MBA programs, usually opt to take the GRE.
Hear more about how the GRE can help MBA admission chances from Stacy Blackman Consulting principal Esther Magna:
Those who submit GRE scores may highlight strengths outside the more common business skill set. When developing a full strategy, choosing the GRE can be another way to highlight a unique path.
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Stacy Blackman Consulting offers multiple services to meet your MBA application needs, from our All-In Partnership to test prep to hourly help with targeted tasks. Contact us today for a free 15-minute advising session to talk strategy with a Principal SBC consultant.
Here’s a snapshot of the caliber of expertise on our SBC team.
Ashley
Ashley is a former MBA Admissions Board Member for Harvard Business School (HBS), where she interviewed and evaluated thousands of business school applicants for over a six year tenure. Ashley holds an MBA from HBS. During her HBS years, Ashley was the Sports Editor for the Harbus and a member of the B-School Blades Ice Hockey Team. After HBS, she worked in Marketing at the Gillette Company on Male and Female shaving ...
×Kerry
Kerry is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). During her 5+ year tenure at HBS, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a wide range of backgrounds across the globe. She also led marketing and outreach efforts focused on increasing diversity and inclusion, ran the Summer Venture in Management Program (SVMP), and launched the 2+2 Program during her time in Admissions. Kerry holds a B.A. from Bates College and ...
×Pauline
A former associate director of admissions at Harvard Business School, Pauline served on the HBS MBA Admissions Board full-time for four years. She evaluated and interviewed HBS applicants, both on-campus and globally. Pauline's career has included sales and marketing management roles with Coca-Cola, Gillette, Procter & Gamble, and IBM. For over 10 years, Pauline has expertly guided MBA applicants, and her clients h ...
×Geri
Geri is a former member of the Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS). In her 7 year tenure in HBS Admissions, she read and evaluated hundreds of applications and interviewed MBA candidates from a diverse set of academic, geographic, and employment backgrounds. Geri also traveled globally representing the school at outreach events in order to raise awareness for women and international students. In additio ...
×Laura
Laura comes from the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School (HBS) and is an HBS MBA alumnus. In her HBS Admissions role, she evaluated and interviewed hundreds of business school candidates, including internationals, women, military and other applicant pools, for five years. Prior to her time as a student at HBS, Laura began her career in advertising and marketing in Chicago at Leo Burnett where she worked on th ...
×Andrea
Andrea served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Harvard Business School (HBS) for over five years. In this role, she provided strategic direction for student yield-management activities and also served as a full member of the admissions committee. In 2007, Andrea launched the new 2+2 Program at Harvard Business School – a program targeted at college junior applicants to Harvard Business School. Andrea has also served as a Career Coach for Harvard Business School for both cu ...
×Jennifer
Jennifer served as Admissions Officer at the Stanford (GSB) for five years. She holds an MBA from Stanford (GSB) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jennifer has over 15 years experience in guiding applicants through the increasingly competitive admissions process into top MBA programs. Having read thousands and thousands of essays and applications while at Stanford (GSB) Admiss ...
×Erin K.
Erin served in key roles in MBA Admissions--as Director at Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Assistant Director at Stanford's Graduate School of Business (GSB). Erin served on the admissions committee at each school and has read thousands of applications in her career. At Haas, she served for seven years in roles that encompassed evaluation, outreach, and diversity and inclusion. During her tenure in Admissions at GSB, she was responsible for candidate evaluation, applicant outreach, ...
×Susie
Susie comes from the Admissions Office of the Stanford Graduate School of Business where she reviewed and evaluated hundreds of prospective students’ applications. She holds an MBA from Stanford’s GSB and a BA from Stanford in Economics. Prior to advising MBA applicants, Susie held a variety of roles over a 15-year period in capital markets, finance, and real estate, including as partner in one of the nation’s most innovative finance and real estate investment organizations. In that r ...
×Dione
Dione holds an MBA degree from Stanford Business School (GSB) and a BA degree from Stanford University, where she double majored in Economics and Communication with concentrations in journalism and sociology. Dione has served as an Admissions reader and member of the Minority Admissions Advisory Committee at Stanford. Dione is an accomplished and respected advocate and thought leader on education and diversity. She is ...
×Anthony
Anthony served as the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he dedicated over 10 years of expertise. During his time as a Wharton Admissions Officer, he read and reviewed thousands of applications and helped bring in a class of 800+ students a year. Anthony has traveled both domestically and internationally to recruit a ...
×Meghan
Meghan served as the Associate Director of Admissions and Marketing at the Wharton MBA’s Lauder Institute, a joint degree program combining the Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies. In her role on the Wharton MBA admissions committee, Meghan advised domestic and international applicants; conducted interviews and information sessions domestically and overseas in Asia, Central and South America, and Europe; and evaluated applicants for admission to the program. Meghan also managed ...
×Amy
Amy comes from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was Associate Director. Amy devoted 12 years at the Wharton School, working closely with MBA students and supporting the admissions team. During her tenure at Wharton, Amy served as a trusted adviser to prospective applicants as well as admitted and matriculated students. She conducted admissions chats with applicants early in the admissions ...
×Ally
Ally brings six years of admissions experience to the SBC team, most recently as an Assistant Director of Admission for the full-time MBA program at Columbia Business School (CBS). During her time at Columbia, Ally was responsible for reviewing applications, planning recruitment events, and interviewing candidates for both the full-time MBA program and the Executive MBA program. She traveled both internationally and dome ...
×Erin B.
Erin has over seven years of experience working across major institutions, including University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School, and NYU's Stern School of Business. At Columbia Business School, Erin was an Assistant Director of Admissions where she evaluated applications for both the full time and executive MBA programs, sat on the admissions and merit scholarship committees and advised applicants on which program might be the best fit for them based on their work experience and pro ...
×Emma
Emma comes from the MBA Admissions Office at Columbia Business School (CBS), where she was Associate Director. Emma conducted dozens of interviews each cycle for the MBA and EMBA programs, as well as coordinating the alumni ambassador interview program. She read and evaluated hundreds of applications each cycle, delivered information sessions to audiences across the globe, and advised countless waitlisted applicants. ×
