Should You Take the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment?
Should you take the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment for MBA admission? Choosing the right test is a crucial step that can significantly impact your chances of securing a spot in your desired program. While all three tests assess similar skills, they possess distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different individuals. Read these key differences between the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment to make an informed choice based on your strengths and target program requirements.
GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the most popular option for MBA admissions. It costs $275 to take the exam in person or $300 online. Test-takers have 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Although scores range from 200 to 800, according to E-GMAT, the average GMAT score for admitted M7 applicants is around 730.
GRE
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is slightly more cost-effective than the GMAT, with a registration fee of $220 for both in-person and online testing. Test-takers have roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete six sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning (2), Quantitative Reasoning (2), and Unscored/Experimental/Research. Scores range from 130 to 170 for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, and from 0 to 6 for Analytical Writing.
Executive Assessment
Designed for experienced professionals seeking admission to Executive MBA programs, the Executive Assessment (EA) has a registration fee of $350. The EA is shorter than the GMAT and GRE, consisting of three 30-minute sections: Integrated Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. Scores range from 100 to 200 but are not typically reported or factored into school averages.
It's important to note that the EA and GMAT were created to test skills relevant to business and management, while the GRE is a more generalized test that covers a broader range of subjects.
Almost all business schools accept both the GMAT and the GRE and have no preference for one over the other. Many full-time MBA programs started accepting the EA also, including Tepper, CBS, Fuqua, and Sloan. Make sure to verify whether your target program accepts the EA before considering the exam.
If your target programs accept all three exams, take practice exams and assess your performance. This will guide you toward the exam you should prioritize initially, keeping in mind that you can switch to a different one later if necessary. We recommend allocating two to six months for study preparation, regardless of if you chose the GMAT, GRE, or Executive Assessment.
