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How to choose between the GRE, GMAT, and EA for MBA admissions

Nearly every MBA program accepts both GRE and GMAT scores, and a growing number of programs also embrace the Executive Assessment (EA). Because each test is built differently, selecting the right exam might be one of the most important decisions you’ll face in your MBA application journey. 

So how should you decide? Keep reading for some guidelines to get you pointed in the right direction, or check out this video:

WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE GMAT, GRE, AND EA FOR MBA ADMISSIONS?

Before we help you decide which exam to take, here are a few key differences between the GMAT, GRE, and EA:

  • The GMAT is designed specifically for business school applicants, with input from MBA programs. That’s why it features fun, business-y things like bizarre Data Insights graphs. 
  • The EA is similar to the GMAT, but it’s designed for Executive MBA applicants. The EA draws from nearly the same question pool as the GMAT, but it has a distinct scoring system and shorter exam format. Most EMBA programs accept the EA, as do a handful of part-time and full-time programs. 
  • The GMAT and EA demand stronger quant and data analysis skills than the GRE. Because the GMAT and EA are designed specifically for business schools, they emphasize a deeper set of data and quant skills. 
  • The GRE tests your vocabulary skills. Although the GRE features a watered-down subset of quant topics, many test-takers are intimidated by the fact that roughly 50% of GRE verbal questions are vocabulary-based.

With all of that in mind, here’s some guidance to help you choose the right exam for your needs.

IF YOU CAN CRUSH THE GMAT, DO IT

Your target MBA program certainly accepts GRE scores, but because the GMAT is a more business-focused exam, it does a better job of predicting applicants’ success in MBA coursework. If you need to convince your target schools that you’re an academic rockstar – while potentially boosting their score averages for MBA rankings schemes – the GMAT is the best way to do so.

So if you’re capable of an elite GMAT score, please don’t waste your time considering the GRE for MBA admissions. If you can comfortably beat the median for your target schools, embrace the GMAT, and don’t look back.

FOR EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAMS, TAKE THE EA

Superficially, the EA looks like a “lite” version of the GMAT: it’s about 45 minutes shorter, and features many of the same question types as the GMAT.

EA scores are calculated and used very differently, however. The primary goal of the EA is to determine whether EMBA applicants are prepared for MBA-level coursework, and schools are instructed to interpret EA scores in “readiness bands”. Generally speaking, if your EA score suggests that you’ve reached a sufficient level of readiness, EMBA programs consider you to be academically prepared, and there’s little further benefit to a higher score.

Put another way, the EA is designed as a way to “check the box” and show that you’ll survive in an EMBA classroom. So if you’re applying for an EMBA and you’re close to your target program’s EA averages, the EA is probably your best bet.

TAKE THE GRE TO “CHECK THE BOX” FOR MBA ADMISSIONS

If the GMAT is tormenting you – and the EA isn’t an option – the GRE is certainly worth considering. 

Some test-takers prefer the GRE because its quant content feels far less intense and Data Insights is not part of the exam. The GRE tests a narrower subset of quant concepts than the GMAT, and these questions generally feel less “tricky” than their GMAT counterparts. You can also move freely within each GRE section, answering and reviewing questions in any order you choose. 

So even though the GMAT is more closely aligned with business schools’ needs, the GRE is a great alternative if you struggle with the GMAT or want to reduce your overall preparation time.

NOT SURE WHETHER TO TAKE THE GMAT, GRE, OR EA FOR MBA ADMISSIONS?

If you’re struggling to select the right admissions exam, check with your target programs to see which tests they’ll accept – for many MBA applicants, the EA simply isn’t an option.

From there, take official practice exams to get a sense of your starting point, and compare your results to the median score ranges at your target MBA programs. You might find that you’re far closer on one exam than the others – and that might be enough to help you make a decision.

Just keep in mind that MBA admissions committees evaluate your candidacy based on a blizzard of information, and test scores are just one piece of your profile. If you’re a strong candidate in other ways, your scores – and your choice of which exam to take – might be far less consequential than it might seem.

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