Do I have to give GMAT or GRE exams for admission to these colleges for a MBA?
Yes, you generally need the GMAT or GRE for most top MBA programs, though requirements vary by school. Elite programs like Harvard and Stanford require scores, but many others offer waivers or accept both exams equally. Executive MBA applicants can often submit the shorter Executive Assessment instead.
Yes, in most cases you will need to sit for either the GMAT or the GRE if you are targeting a competitive MBA program, though the exact rule depends on the business school and program type you choose. Elite full-time programs at schools like Harvard Business School and Stanford GSB insist on a test score, while many other universities now let you apply without one. If you are eyeing an Executive MBA, you can usually submit the shorter Executive Assessment instead.
Which Exam Requirement Applies to You
| Program Type | Testing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Elite full-time MBA (Harvard, Stanford) | GMAT or GRE strictly required |
| Most global business schools | Over 90 percent accept GMAT and GRE equally |
| Test-optional schools | Score not mandatory; GPA, resume, and essays weigh more |
| Test waiver eligible | High GPA, advanced degree, or 5+ years of quantitative work experience |
| Executive MBA (EMBA) | Executive Assessment (EA) often accepted instead |
| Indian 1-year executive MBA (ISB PGP, IIM) | GMAT or GRE required |
| Indian 2-year MBA programs | CAT prioritized over GMAT or GRE |
GMAT vs GRE: Picking the Right Test
- Choose the GMAT if you come from a traditional finance or consulting background and are comfortable with harder quantitative and data analysis questions.
- Choose the GRE if you have a non-traditional or humanities background, since it rewards strong vocabulary and offers more flexibility for dual-degree applicants.
- The GMAT Focus Edition runs 3 sections in 2 hours 15 minutes, while the GRE runs 5 sections in 1 hour 58 minutes.
- Ask each shortlisted college directly whether it currently offers a waiver, since criteria differ even within the same country.
My Advice
Before you register for either exam, email the admissions office of every college on your shortlist and ask specifically about their current waiver policy and whether they accept GMAT and GRE interchangeably. This one email can save you months of prep time if even two or three of your target schools will let you in without a fresh test score.
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