Back to overview

GRE OR GMAT

I am considering to take GRE for my MBA.

My question is that when I am applying for post-MBA position at MBB/Consulting Firm/Investment Banking; will not having GMAT score be a deal breaker assuming I already have 2-3 years MBB experience before MBA ? 

18
6
3.0k
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Profile picture of Agrim
Agrim
Coach
edited on Sep 26, 2021
ELITE Prep | BCG Dubai Project Leader | Top Coach | 3hrs Case Mastery | 10y+ Consulting | Free Counselling

GMAT should be more helpful in securing the MBA.

If you get an MBA without GMAT - its not going to be a deal-breaker in recruiting.

Although a high-score MBA ‘can’ be a plus in recruiting.

So there is no downside in not taking GMAT, but only upsides in taking it.

Want to learn more about this topic or join the discussion?
Sign up for free with PrepLounge and get access to first-hand insights from consulting experts, practical resources for your consulting interview preparation and an international community of candidates. Join the world’s largest case interview community.
Profile picture of Antonello
on Sep 26, 2021
McKinsey | NASA | top 10 FT MBA professor for consulting interviews | 7+ years of coaching

Hi!

You need a high GMAT score to be accepted by top schools especially when you work at MBB!

Good luck,

Anto

Profile picture of Udayan
Udayan
Coach
on Sep 26, 2021
Top Rated MBB coach | 300+ Real MBB offers | McKinsey Engagement Manager in NYC |15 Years Interviewing Experience

Once you are at a target MBA program no one cares an iota about what test you took to get in.

Best,

Udayan

Profile picture of Ian
Ian
Coach
on Sep 26, 2021
Ex-BCG | NYU Stern | MBB, Tech, & Strategy Coach | 5,000+ Sessions | 500+ Offers | 1,000+ Candidates | 100+ Countries

Hi there,

Technically, if your primary goal is an MBA, you should take the GMAT.

I personally applied with my GRE as I already had a high score from my university days, but I checked before applications that my target school would accept it.

Please please figure out what MBA programs interest you. Then, make sure they accept the GRE. If they don't, you need to take the GMAT!

Profile picture of Pedro
Pedro
Coach
on Sep 26, 2021
BAIN | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert

Is it a deal breaker? Definitively not.

Some people get very excited when they see a very high GMAT (>760). So in some instances it can help.

But not having one does not hurt you at all. If you have strong experience and get into a great business school… consulting firms assume you either have a high GMAT… or could get one if you wanted.

Deleted user
on Sep 27, 2021

Hello,

GMAT is more common for MBA programs, but beyond the MBA consulting firms will not care what test you took.

0