I'm going into the final semester of my senior year. I'm fortunate enough to have secured an analyst role that is quite niche but a great fit for me. My course load is light so I'm considering studying for and taking the GMAT or possibly the GRE.
However I'm not sure it's worth my time. I don't know if I'll be able to take advantage of that score within five years. If I continue down the career path I'm starting in graduate school usually isn't a step along the way. My degree is in math and if I went back to school I may want to do something more quantitative than b-school however that may not be the most practical choice for me. Considering these factors is it worth my time to take the GMAT or GRE before I graduate?
I have used the search function and am still not sure what my best play is. Most of those discussions revolve around a 2 years IB analyst + PE + b-school plan which is not what my situation is stacking up to be. If I'm wrong about this being the right thing for me and I want to pivot from this career I think that graduate school may be the next step. Appreciate anyone willing to offer their opinion.
Hey, congrats on your offer.
I came from a non-traditional background (Biology), and pivoted into Finance where I now work in PE. I took the GRE right when I graduated, because I was unsure at the time regarding whether I wanted to pursue a phD in Biology or head to Business School.
I can say that in my opinion, taking the GRE is definitely worth it. You honestly don't know how things will change for you in 5 years, so spend the time now to do well and have it under your belt for the future (I highly recommend you use Magoosh.com, as I got the same scores on the real thing as I did on practice exams). Further, I took the GRE back in 2013 and just used those scores to get into a top MBA program.
Happy to answer any other questions you might have.
Thanks for the reply. With the way the trend is going do you think I'm better served taking the GRE if I'm not sure if I'd go on for an MBA or other graduate degree? Some sort of an MFE degree or similar might also be in my future.
My current impression is that GRE might get me into some MBA's but GMAT is best to be competitive at the top tiers.
I think the trend is now pushing towards the GRE. I recall reading a report that says that the number of GRE scores submitted this year to B School is at a record high. If you look at top tier schools, in many cases the GRE is now accepted. And yes- the GRE is an entrance exam for graduate school, so it would be acceptable to use to apply to MFE programs. The GMAT is solely used for entrance into a graduate management program, and the GRE school is used for both B School and Grad school (the GRE is therefore more flexible).
And I don't necessarily think that the GMAT is best to be competitive; I got into a top tier school with my GRE, so it's definitely possible.
Definitely agree that you should take the GRE now.
It's acceptable at both business school and other graduate programs (including MFE programs).
If you take it a few years down the line you'll be very rusty at the math. Right now you have free time and you'll need the least prep.
Best way to prepare for it imo is with the 5lb Manhattan Book + Magoosh.
If you're smart enough, you should only spend 1~2 months to study for the GRE (10~15 hours a day). Any more time, I say it's a complete waste of time.
Completely disagree. It took me over a year of GMAT work to go from 540 to 680 to 710 to 730. definitely wasn't a waste of time
I'd go with GRE now. It will work for MBA or most grad degrees. And your study now will be much easier than in 2-4 years.
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