GMAT + GRE or Just GRE for MBA/Masters Dual Degree

I've been trying to find a thread that relates to this, but haven't found a relevant one. I'm planning on pursuing a MBA dual degree with a masters in another field (leaning towards urban planning, but basically something that doesn't require the GMAT). The plus side with urban planning and some other masters programs is that there isn't as much of an emphasis on rankings as business schools, with it mostly being driven by going to school in the market you generally want to be in post grad. Post grad I'm interested in a combination of infrastructure investing/project finance as well as in planning, hence wanting to get a masters in something else.

Given that both programs accept at least the GRE, I figured I'd take just that. However, I don't have a high GPA (below 3.5) and went to a non-target state school. As a result, I'm wondering whether it would be a good idea to take both since the GMAT is perceived as a harder test and would be a better way to present myself to an adcom. I'm also trying to focus on extracurricular activities (recently became involved in a local charity) in the meantime before applying. Obviously I'd like to go to the best school I can get into, but at the same time I have to be realistic about schools I would actually be able to get into.

Monkeys, since I can't go back in time and fix my GPA and can only change things going forward, what extracurriculars do you suggest that I focus on and whether I should take both the GMAT and the GRE?

10 Comments
 
Most Helpful

I don't think you need to take both the GMAT and the GRE. Virtually all MBA programs are test agnostic. The one exception is INSEAD (which, interestingly, is where a client that Stratus worked with last year who is pursuing infrastructure investing ended up!).

In terms of extracurriculars, get involved in activities related to your interests/passions. Look for opportunities to improve your local community - getting involved in city council or community groups related to urban planning?

Here are a few articles that you might find useful: https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com/five-things-need-know-taking-gm…</a">Five Things You Need to Know About Taking the GMAT/GRE https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com/getting-ready-for-an-mba-2017/</a">Build Your Leadership Profile Through Community Involvement

Stratus is offering a FREE webinar on January 10th - Attn MBA Hopefuls: Start 2019 with a Self-Assessment - https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/6416298356048506881</a">REGISTER HERE

All the best!

Susan Cera Director of MBA Admissions Stratus Admissions Counseling - www.stratusadmissions.com FREE Profile Evaluation - www.stratusadmissions.com/consult
 

Michigan, USC, and UNC are some I've been thinking about. They all have dual degree programs.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Hello! I think you only have to take GMAT. GMAT is not so hard in my opinion. You can take some courses regarding GMAT.

Another aspect of taking GMAT is to help you prepare for your future studies. Don't worry too much. Are you currently studying in U.S?

 

GMAT is only for business school, it's not used for applications for any other graduate studies. That's what the GRE is for.

Quant (ˈkwänt) n: An expert, someone who knows more and more about less and less until they know everything about nothing.
 

Iusto temporibus nihil natus ullam et maiores. Deserunt quasi suscipit qui dolorem voluptatem tempore enim. Dignissimos aliquid voluptas iste ducimus consequatur eaque. Laboriosam et aut facere recusandae nobis consequatur odio qui.

Commodi quaerat temporibus quo. Sunt dolorem et fugiat qui sit et odio. Quidem mollitia consectetur quos amet architecto.

Dolores ut ipsa voluptatem cupiditate magnam autem sed officiis. Tempore aperiam voluptatibus aspernatur. In blanditiis vel dignissimos veritatis rem ullam velit.

Nemo reprehenderit nobis dicta repellat voluptas ea. Voluptatem odit deserunt neque aut tempora omnis. Et natus architecto aspernatur rem illum facilis nostrum. Sunt provident aliquid at magnam.

Susan Cera Director of MBA Admissions Stratus Admissions Counseling - www.stratusadmissions.com FREE Profile Evaluation - www.stratusadmissions.com/consult

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (66) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”