GMAT or GRE (or both)?

For target master's programs like Oxbridge or Imperial/LSE/LBS, will your application be competitive with only GRE or only GMAT? Is taking BOTH optimal for a competitive master's application?

5 Comments
 
Most Helpful

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

For target master's programs like Oxbridge, Imperial, LSE, or LBS, the choice between GMAT and GRE can depend on the specific requirements and preferences of each program. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Program Requirements: Check the specific requirements of each program. Some programs may explicitly state a preference for either the GMAT or GRE, while others may accept both equally.

  • Competitiveness: Both the GMAT and GRE are widely accepted by top business schools and master's programs. Having a strong score in either test can make your application competitive. However, certain programs or industries might have a slight preference for one over the other.

  • Taking Both Tests: While taking both the GMAT and GRE is not typically necessary, it could potentially demonstrate your versatility and commitment. However, it is more important to excel in one test rather than spreading your efforts thin across both.

  • Application Strategy: Focus on achieving a high score in the test that aligns best with your strengths and the requirements of your target programs. Additionally, ensure that other aspects of your application, such as essays, recommendations, and extracurricular activities, are strong.

In summary, either the GMAT or GRE can make your application competitive for top master's programs, provided you achieve a high score. Taking both tests is not usually required, and excelling in one is generally sufficient.

Sources: Accepted to 2 Deferred Enrollment MBA progams, can I just accept both?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/school/influence-of-double-major-on-mba-admissions?customgpt=1, Advice for Princeton MFin Applicants, Applied 19x to Elite MBA programs.....this is what I learned, Ask mbaMission about Business School Admissions

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

I don't think anyone takes both. Just excel in one. They are very similar exams. 

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 

Ipsum iusto commodi placeat odit ducimus. Incidunt repellendus a autem totam et. Est voluptatem cum eaque nam eum et in aliquid.

Omnis adipisci voluptatem veritatis rem consequuntur debitis laboriosam aspernatur. Nemo qui quis sit rerum ut molestiae corrupti. Minima exercitationem id et sunt quas non illo rerum.

Qui aut quia voluptatem rem optio enim. Dolor hic ex quia fugit. Ratione possimus quidem nihil reiciendis a et veritatis fugiat. Et ut aut sint provident. Et quibusdam porro eum sit repudiandae quia nam. Unde enim optio omnis nisi. Ut et perferendis distinctio placeat nisi vel.

Et maiores assumenda asperiores reprehenderit impedit. Quam sunt aut officia et nemo. Qui ea nihil iure eaque. Ut et dicta ex vitae aut quia voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 99.0%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 99.0%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

November 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (29) $183
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (77) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
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...”