As MBA applicants know, standardized test scores are a vital part of the business school application process. For you, the candidate, it is important to understand the testing process, timelines, and differences between the GMAT and the GRE. This year, some of the test differences have changed as a result of the newly launched GMAT Focus, which has replaced the old test. Here are some things you should consider to help you plan ahead and do as well as possible on your test:
1. Which test should I take?
The first thing you should do is decide between the GMAT and the GRE. All MBA programs accept either, so you should take the one on which you can score higher. To determine which exam is a better fit for you, we encourage you to take a diagnostic test for each to see how you perform in both formats.
2. What is the new GMAT Focus?
The new GMAT Focus, which launched in late 2023, has some key differences that you should consider before deciding which test is better for you. These are the key changes from the old GMAT:
- The GMAT Focus is shorter than the old test (three 45-minute sections).
- The score range is 205–805 (the old GMAT was 200–800).
- Three sections count toward your overall score—Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights—and each is equally weighted toward the total score.
- The Essay section has been removed.
- There is no Integrated Reasoning score (these skills are now tested in the Data Insights section).
The GMAT requires that you take the sections in order without skipping steps. The GMAT Focus allows test takers to change up to three answers per section. The GRE provides more flexibility to skip around, change answers, and set your own path. Depending on your style, one test might be a better option for you. You can take the GMAT or the GRE either online or at an in-person testing center.
3. How do I cancel scores and schedule retakes?
For both the GMAT and the GRE, test takers get their scores right after they have completed the test. For the GMAT, if you are unhappy with your score, you can cancel it immediately—and if you change your mind later, the score can be reinstated within 60 days. You can take the GMAT once every 16 calendar days and no more than five times in a 12-month period. Any online GMAT attempts count toward your five-attempt limit every 12 months. For the GRE, you also can cancel your score immediately. Scores can be reinstated within 60 days. You can take the GRE once every 21 days and no more than five times in a 12-month period.
4. Why are quantitative scores most important?
Another element to consider is that regardless of which exam you take, MBA programs focus more on the Quantitative score than the Verbal score because it is an indicator of preparedness for the quantitative rigor of the curriculum. For example, if you have a high overall GMAT score but your Quantitative score is much lower than your Verbal score, admissions committees could be concerned that your quantitative skills are not sufficient.
5. How do my scores affect school selection?
We recommend looking at schools where your score is within or above the school’s 80% range. It is ideal to have a score you are happy with by late spring so you can create a list of target schools and start working on your essays for Round 1 in May or June when the prompts come out. Those deadlines in September (and January for Round 2) come fast and furiously, and you will be happy that you planned ahead and completed your testing early so you could focus on the rest of the application!
Learn how Stratus’s team approach can help you gain admission to one of your top-choice schools. Start with a FREE consultation with an admissions specialist.