MBA applicants have a lot of options for standardized testing. The choices range from the GMAT to the GRE and even the Executive Assessment (EA). Additionally, several schools offer test waiver options.
The GMAT
Although the GMAT used to be the only game in town, the GRE and EA have grown in popularity over the past several years. In response, the GMAT introduced a revised and shorter test: the GMAT Focus Edition. This newer version removed geometry questions and added more data insight questions. Designed to target more of the skills you will need in business, the GMAT Focus offers some candidate-friendly adjustments including being able to send your score to five schools for free AFTER you know what your score is instead of before. You can also bookmark and change up to three answers in a section. GMAT Ninja provides some great free resources on preparing for the newest GMAT option.
With these changes, the GMAT scoring range has changed from the old scale of 200–800 used in previous editions to the new scale of 205–805 used in the Focus Edition. That old “magic” 700 score that so many people chased is no longer applicable, and it will take everyone time to mentally adjust to the new representation of a “good” score. Look at your percentages instead of raw scores to interpret your results. Even if your score seems low based on what you had in your head as the norm, a 655 on the new GMAT will be a very competitive score. These scores don’t directly translate from the old version to the new, but you can review the GMAT Score Concordance Table and look at the percentage scores to see that a 655 on the GMAT Focus Edition is in the 91% vicinity, as is an old GMAT score in the 700–710 range.
The GRE
If you don’t want to “focus” your MBA testing on the GMAT Focus, you have many other options to consider. The GRE has been gaining ground as a popular test for MBA applicants, and it’s also useful for people considering other graduate degree programs beyond the MBA.
For the Class of 2027, Harvard Business School reported that 44% of its class submitted a GRE score; for Chicago Booth, it was 42%; and for Stanford GSB, it was 44%. To give you an idea of a competitive score range for the GRE, Wharton reported that the average GRE Quant score for its Class of 2027 was 163 and the average Verbal score was 162. In addition, many of the top MBA programs have reported average GRE scores in this range for their 2027 class.
The EA, Test Waivers, and Alternate Tests
Beyond the GRE, many schools also accept the EA. Traditionally only accepted by executive MBA programs, the EA is now accepted at such full-time MBA programs as Columbia, NYU Stern, Carnegie Mellon Tepper, UVA Darden, Georgetown McDonough, HEC Paris, Duke Fuqua, Michigan Ross, Texas McCombs, UCLA Anderson, and Vanderbilt Owen—and many more. Even the Consortium now accepts the EA for fellowship applications. Check out the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) website for a complete list of programs that accept the EA.
Yet another option is to look at business schools that allow applicants to apply for a test waiver or allow for some other test to be accepted, such as Cornell Johnson, Dartmouth Tuck, UVA Darden, NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson, UNC Kenan-Flagler, and Michigan Ross.
How to Determine Which Test Is Right for You
The good news for applicants is that there are more choices than ever before in terms of how to approach the testing requirements. For example, if an applicant bombs the GMAT Focus Edition after several attempts, the GRE is always waiting in the wings—and the EA is also a valid option for many programs. Several of my clients have had great success and have even secured impressive scholarship options when following the test-optional approach to applying.
Stratus Director of MBA Admissions Susan Cera, a former member of Duke Fuqua’s admissions team, mentions that several of her clients “felt obligated to take the GMAT despite the fact that they struggled with the test format.” She advises clients: “Don’t worry. Admissions committees truly don’t care which test you take. They simply want to ensure that students they admit and enroll are prepared to take on the quantitative rigor of their MBA program.”
So, how can you determine which test is right for you?
Take a test drive.
If you have misgivings about your test-taking abilities, take practice tests for both the GMAT and the GRE. The best test option might be obvious once you see your results. The test that paints a better picture of your quantitative and verbal prowess should be your choice. You can also discuss your options with a trusted test prep counselor such as the experts at GMAT Ninja, who can help you decide which test will best showcase your strengths. Charles Bibilos, GMAT Ninja founder, offers this advice:
“Preparing for the current version of the GMAT is arguably a good way to get yourself ready for MBA coursework. However, the current version of the GMAT has eight different question types spread across three different sections. The GRE covers less ground than the GMAT, so a lot of test-takers—especially people who struggle with quant—prefer the GRE because it usually requires less studying, and doesn’t feel nearly as intimidating. If an applicant wants to show schools that they’re an academic rockstar, I usually encourage them to take the GMAT, even if it requires more studying.”
If you find you are still struggling with both the GMAT and the GRE, consider taking the EA.
Recognize if you don’t test well.
If none of the MBA testing options showcase your strengths, target MBA programs that offer a test waiver. Submit a compelling test waiver request using the tips in this Stratus blog post.
Remember that better is best.
As a former admissions reviewer who knows many MBA admissions professionals, I would rather see a strong GRE score than a lower GMAT score. If I saw neither of those, I would look for a strong EA score or other compelling evidence of quantitative prowess submitted through a test-waiver request. I also continue to see many clients receive substantial scholarships by applying with test waivers if their application is otherwise very strong in terms of academic performance in college and career progression post MBA. It’s that simple—and maybe that’s the answer to the question of which is the best test to take (or none at all!).
If you’re looking for help in navigating the complex and competitive MBA application landscape, reach out to one of our counselors for a free 30-minute consultation. All of Stratus’s counselors have degrees from top MBA programs and would love to support you in your next phase in life!
