Choosing the Right Exam for Your MBA Abroad: GRE or GMAT?

When applying to a business school abroad, prospective MBA students often face the decision of choosing between the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Both exams are accepted by top business schools, but the choice between them can significantly impact your application strategy. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each exam, helping you make an informed decision.

Which Exam to Choose: GMAT or GRE?

The final decision on which test to take depends largely on the specific business schools you are targeting. While many prestigious institutions accept both GMAT and GRE scores, some still prefer the GMAT. It's crucial to check the official requirements of each school you plan to apply to.

My recommendation, however, would be to lean towards the GMAT. The GMAT is specifically designed for business school admission, whereas the GRE is a more general test used for a wide range of graduate programs. This specialization can be advantageous for MBA applicants.

Quantitative Section Comparison

One significant advantage of the GMAT is its more challenging quantitative section. Many students find the quant section on the GMAT to be more difficult compared to the GRE. Therefore, if you're confident in your mathematical skills, the GMAT could be the better choice to showcase your aptitude.

Verbal Section Challenges

A potential drawback of the GRE, especially for non-native English speakers, is the difficulty of the verbal section. The verbal reasoning portion of the GRE is considered more rigorous and challenging compared to the equivalent section on the GMAT. If English is not your first language, the GMAT might be a more suitable option.

Industrially Preferred Scores

When applying to large corporations or prestigious management consulting firms (MBBs) or Fortune 500 companies, GMAT scores are often required. These companies value the rigorous testing and standardized nature of the GMAT, often using it as a key criteria in the recruitment process.

According to an article on Vanderbilt University's website, ETS, the company behind the GRE, also offers a conversion tool to translate GRE scores into equivalent GMAT scores. This tool facilitates the comparison of scores from applicants who took different tests using the same scale, ensuring that admissions committees can accurately assess candidates.

Your MBA Application Advantage

For candidates who are set on pursuing an MBA, taking the GMAT offers several advantages. It opens up a larger pool of business schools to apply to, providing more options and increasing your chances of getting accepted.

The GMAT has long been considered a better indicator of a student's preparedness and capability for a rigorous MBA program. However, this opinion varies, and candidates should check the individual college websites to see if they encourage the submission of GRE scores.

The acceptance of GRE scores is on the rise. More and more business schools, including top institutions like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Columbia, Duke, and NYU Stern, now accept the GRE. This expansion serves to increase the applicant pool, particularly among younger applicants who may find the GRE more suitable.

In conclusion, while both the GMAT and GRE are valid options, the GMAT might offer a better edge for MBA applicants. It's always wise to research the specific requirements of the schools you are interested in and prepare accordingly.