GMAT, GRE, or EA for MBA: Which Test Should You Take?

By Jen Kedrowski, MBA Admissions Consultant, mbaMission, and former GMAT/GRE Instructor & Curriculum Manager

If you are planning to apply to MBA programs, you have likely heard about exams such as the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA). 

The question is how do you decide which admissions exam to take before applying to business schools?

In this post, we offer insight into the different exam options for applying to MBA programs to help you identify the one you should take to increase your chances of success. Ultimately, you want to choose the exam that is the best fit for you—the one that will most effectively showcase your abilities and add to your applicant profile. 

How to Decide Which MBA Admissions Exam to Take (GMAT, GRE, or EA)? 

When deciding which exam to take, consider the following action steps:

1. Check which exams your target schools require and accept.
2. Review specific exam differences and consider which test is better suited to your strengths and preferences.
3. Take online practice tests to compare and identify the best option for you.

Read on to learn more about exam differences, school preferences, and other important considerations. 

But first, do you really need to take an exam to apply to an MBA program?

Whether or not you are a fan of standardized tests, the reality is that the majority of MBA programs require candidates to submit a standardized test score as part of the application process, typically from either the GMAT or the GRE. A smaller number of programs accept EA scores. 

Be sure to check the exam requirements for each program you are interested in early in your MBA application process! 

A number of U.S. MBA programs have offered test waivers in recent years, but which schools do so vary from one application season to the next, so be sure to contact the programs you are interested in directly to verify whether applying for a test waiver is an option. Test waivers are typically granted on a limited basis, and the admissions committees will need to see solid alternate evidence of quantitative, analytical, and academic strengths before issuing a waiver to a candidate. 

For most applicants, however, an exam is required. Business schools use your exam score, in combination with your academic performance as an undergraduate, in predicting your ability to manage the academic rigor of their MBA program. Exam scores alone do not get applicants “in” to specific programs, but scoring well below a school’s average can hold a candidate back and become a roadblock to acceptance. In addition, at schools that are particularly competitive, many applicants will submit strong test scores, so you need to score as high as possible on your test to maximize your chances. (Also, higher scores can open up opportunities for scholarships at some programs!)

How Are the GMAT, GRE, and EA Different?  

GMAT, GRE, and EA Comparison Chart

	GMAT	GRE	EA
Total Length	2 hours, 15 minutes	2 hours	90 minutes
Sections	3 sections, 64 questions (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights)	5 sections, 55 questions (2 Quantitative Reasoning, 2 Verbal Reasoning, 1 Analytical Writing)	3 sections, 40 questions (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning)
Scoring	Overall score: 205–805 Subscores: 60–90 for each section	Quantitative score: 130–170 Verbal score: 130–170 Writing score: 0–6	Overall score: 126–174 Subscores: 0–20 for each section
Quantitative Section Details	21 questions, 45 minutes Question types: Problem-solving Topics: Number properties, algebra, arithmetic, statistics	2 sections (12 questions in 21 minutes and 15 questions in 26 minutes) Question types: Quantitative comparisons, multiple choice, numeric entry, and data interpretation set	14 questions, 30 minutes Question types: Problem-solving and data sufficiency Topics: Number properties, algebra, arithmetic, statistics
Verbal Section Details	23 questions, 45 minutes Question types: Reading comprehension and critical reasoning	2 sections (12 questions in 18 minutes and 15 questions in 23 minutes) Question types: Reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence	14 questions, 30 minutes Question types: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction
Data Insights or Integrated Reasoning Section Details	20 questions, 45 minutes Question types: Data sufficiency, multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis	N/A	12 questions, 30 minutes Question types: Multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis
Analytical Writing Section Details	N/A	1 question, Analyze an Issue, 30 minutes	N/A
Calculator Usage	Available on-screen for Data Insights section only	Available on-screen for Quantitative section	Available on-screen for Integrated Reasoning section only
Flexibility within Sections	Review and edit up to three questions per section, if time allows	Skip, go back, and review any questions within active section	Limited ability to review and change answers at specific points within each section
Exam Attempts	Five attempts permitted in a rolling 12-month period; eight attempts in a lifetime	Five attempts permitted in a rolling 12-month period; no lifetime limit	Four attempts in a lifetime; two maximum attempts at a test center, and two maximum attempts online

The reality is that the majority of MBA programs require a standardized test as part of the application process, typically either the GMAT or the GRE. A smaller number of programs accept the Executive Assessment (EA) exam. 

A number of U.S. MBA programs have begun offering test waivers in recent years, but which schools do so vary from one application season to the next, so be sure to contact the programs you are interested in directly to verify whether applying for a test waiver is an option. Test waivers are typically granted on a limited basis, and the admissions committees will need to see solid alternate evidence of quantitative, analytical, and academic strengths before issuing a waiver to an applicant. 

For most applicants, however, an exam is required. Business schools use your exam score, in combination with your academic performance as an undergraduate, in predicting your ability to manage the academic rigor of their MBA program. Exam scores alone do not get applicants “in” to specific programs, but scoring well below a school’s average can hold a candidate back and become a roadblock to acceptance. In addition, at schools that are particularly competitive, many candidates will submit strong test scores, so you need to score as high as possible on your test to maximize your chances.

The GMAT exam is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council and tests Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The GMAT has an extensive history in the business school world. The exam’s first iteration was established more than 70 years ago. 

The GRE exam is administered by ETS and was initially an admissions test for a broad range of graduate school programs. It tests Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Business schools began accepting the GRE almost two decades ago, and over time, GRE submissions for MBA programs have been steadily increasing. 

A third admissions exam, the EA, is accepted by a small but growing number of full-time MBA programs (including Columbia Business School, NYU Stern, UVA Darden, Duke Fuqua, Texas McCombs, and Georgetown McDonough). The EA was created by the same organization that created the GMAT, initially for applicants to executive MBA (EMBA) programs. It tests a similar range of skills as the GMAT, including Quantitative, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning—which involves data interpretation. 

With respect to differences in content, be aware of the following: 

• The GMAT prioritizes data analysis and quantitative reasoning most extensively.

• The GRE includes vocabulary, geometry, and analytical writing  (the GMAT and EA do not).

• The EA includes Sentence Correction (grammar) questions.

• The EA is the shortest of the three exams (by a small margin; see chart in this post).

• Generally, all three exams test a similar range and level of quantitative facts, concepts, and formulas (with the exception of some geometry on the GRE).

• All three are adaptive exams, meaning that the difficulty level adjusts based on your performance while you are in the process of taking the test.

• All three exams also test your time-management and strategic decision-making abilities.

GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA) Exam Comparison

SIMILARITIES	DIFFERENCES
Adaptive format: Difficulty adjusts to performance; Computer/section adaptive	GMAT: Data analysis and Quant priority
Quantitative range: Tests similar range and level of quantitative concepts; formulas	GRE: Includes geometry, vocabulary, and analytical writing; Considered more test-taker friendly for Quant
Key skills: Tests time-management abilities; Strategic decision-making abilities	EA: Grammar included; Shortest exam

Which Exam Do MBA Programs Prefer?

MBA programs do not have a preference as to which exam you take (as long as it is one that the program accepts, of course). 

Many applicants worry that even though a school says it will accept several different exam options, it might prefer one test over another. However, this is simply not true. Programs want you to take the exam that will best showcase your strengths and ability to handle the business school curriculum! 

Although the GMAT has a long history of being the primary exam for MBA programs, that does not mean it is “preferred.” And the percentage of MBA applicants who submit GRE scores has continued to increase over the years. At many top programs, 40% or more of candidates submit GRE scores. 

Rather than feeling compelled to take the GMAT simply because it has a longer history with business schools, do your research to determine which of the exams is truly the best option for you, your skills, and your test-taking abilities. 

Which Exam Is Best Suited for You? 

Here are some scenarios when each exam might be particularly suited for certain applicants: 

• You might be best suited for the GMAT exam

• • if you consider yourself particularly strong in quantitative reasoning and data analysis, because these are very prevalent across the GMAT.

• • if you are a strong test taker in general and feel confident that you can achieve a GMAT score that could benefit programs with respect to their averages.

• • if you are a non-native English speaker and/or feel the GRE vocabulary or EA grammar questions would be difficult or time intensive for you.

• • if you have taken a GMAT practice test and feel you could excel with this exam! 

• You might be best suited for the GRE exam

• • if you consider yourself particularly strong in verbal reasoning and complex vocabulary.

• • if you feel you are not the strongest standardized test taker but prefer GRE questions to EA questions (or your target programs do not accept the EA).

• • if you feel your quantitative and/or data analysis skills are on the weaker side.

• • if you are applying for any specialized master’s degree programs that require the GRE.

• • if you have taken a GRE practice test and feel you could excel with this exam! 

• You might be best suited for the EA exam

• • if you are applying to EMBA programs and/or other MBA options that accept the EA.

• • if you consider yourself particularly strong in grammar and data analysis.

• • if you feel you are not the strongest standardized test taker and prefer EA questions to GRE questions.

• • if you prefer the shortest possible exam length available.

• • if you have taken an EA practice test and feel you could excel with this exam! 

What if you are not a strong test taker? Should that influence your test choice?  

Business schools have generally maintained consistent GMAT averages over time and strive to ensure that those averages do not decrease by much from one season to the next. GRE averages tend to vary more widely, and Quant and Verbal subscores are still looked at separately by the admissions committees. In addition, the percentage of candidates who submit a GRE score has historically been smaller than the percentage who submit GMAT scores at most programs. 

Given all of these factors, until recently, at least, some schools were able to be slightly more flexible in accepting applicants with below-average GRE (or EA) scores—but not below-average GMAT scores—if the rest of their profile was strong. 

According to Jeremy Shinewald, founder/president of mbaMission, 

“Schools are protective over their GMAT averages. If you are naturally a strong-test taker and can see yourself lifting a program’s average, you might want to take the GMAT. If you’re not a natural test taker, you might want to pursue the GRE. That doesn’t mean that business schools will accept any old GRE score, though; test takers should still seek to perform at or near the school averages.”

So you might want to consider taking the GRE or EA if you struggle to achieve a score that is near your target school’s GMAT average. However, what is most important is to take a practice test to compare your options and see which exam you perform best on.  

Why Taking Practice Tests Is Important When Choosing an MBA Admissions Exam

Taking a practice test before you choose your exam helps you in two key ways:

1) You get to experience that particular exam to see how you feel about the experience, structure, and question types, and to determine whether you prefer it to any of the other exams. 

2) You receive a very rough diagnostic test score. Although this score might not necessarily reflect what your final score will be after preparing, it will allow you to compare your performance on different exams, thereby providing some insight into which test you might have the most potential with. 

Here are some links to get you started: 

Try a free online practice GMAT exam.

Try free online practice EA questions. (Note: You will need to pay a fee to access a full-length practice EA exam.)

If you have taken several practice exams and still are not sure which one to focus on—or if you would like additional advice on test preparation—feel free to reach out for a free 30-minute consultation with one of our MBA admissions experts. We offer these complimentary advice consultations on a weekly basis across multiple time zones. 

Other Frequently Asked Questions

How should you prepare for the exam? 

Most candidates prepare for their chosen exam for two to six months. Taking a targeted prep course and/or working with a tutor can further strengthen your quantitative and verbal foundations and maximize your score. 

How long before you apply should you aim to finish my exam? 

Exam scores are valid for five years, so as soon as you know that you might apply in the coming years, you can strategically identify an ideal tow- to six-month time frame in which to practice, prepare for, and take your exam, including retaking, if needed. (And yes, most applicants are in the same situation of preparing for their exam part time while working full time!) You can complete your exam process up until the school deadlines; however, we strongly recommend doing so earlier. You will allow yourself much more time to dedicate to application work if you have completed your exam three to six months or more prior to your deadlines. 

Should you take the same exam multiple times? 

Retaking an exam will not negatively affect your chances of admission, because business schools will consider your highest score in their evaluation of your candidacy. We therefore recommend considering a retake if you feel you could improve your score and/or you are below your desired target for your intended business school(s). 

Should you take multiple different exams? 

Some applicants take more than one of the three admissions tests (if accepted by their target programs). Why might you choose this approach? A large proportion of the preparation you do for any one exam will carry over and apply to the other exams as well. If you struggle to reach or surpass the score averages at your target programs after several attempts, you might want to consider trying a different exam, even before devoting extensive prep to it, just to see whether you might perform better on it instead. 

What qualifies as a “good” GMAT/GRE/EA score? 

Two key considerations determine a “good” test score. These are the (1) percentiles and (2) average scores at your target school(s). 

Do your research on both to get a sense of how your score would compare. Feel free to reach out to us with questions about your scores and candidacy anytime. 

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Test for Your MBA Application Goals

In summary, taking an admissions exam, whether the GMAT, GRE, or EA, is an important part of the MBA application process. The further ahead you plan, the more opportunity you will have to prepare for and complete your chosen test before needing to dedicate time to your MBA essays and applications as you get closer to deadlines. 

Any of the three exams can lead to successful outcomes. Remember to check your school requirements, review information about the different exams, and take practice tests to make an informed, strategic decision on the best test for you! 

Want to discuss your testing situation one-on-one? 

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