GMAT vs GRE for MBA and beyond

Question

Hi ! 
I’m applying for the MBA (2026 intake) and have about 2 months to prepare for either the GMAT or GRE. I’m trying to decide which one to go for. Have any of you considered the pros and cons from both an LBS admissions perspective and potential employer preferences—especially in consulting or finance? Would love to hear your thoughts or what you’re choosing and why. Thanks!

MBAGuide · Answer

Hi hshahid012

These days, there are no set preferences between the two exams. You should take a couple of mocks and see which test would help you get to your target percentile faster. Although, I would like to add that adcoms are more generous in accepting relatively low GRE scores when the profiles are exceptional. Do you have an exceptional profile? The same person may or may not get the same treatment with the GMAT exam. Employers do not recruit based on the exam that you gave at the time of admission. Especially in consulting, a balanced score, irrespective of the exam, is preferred. If you are eyeing finance, I should just say that there is much more than a GRE or a GMAT score that you need to do to convince the adcoms about your employability in the finance sector. This could be in the form of prior relevant experience, internships, finance-focused work or projects, CFA, etc.

Since this is a very commonly asked question, I also covered this in great detail here. Feel free to have a look at this thread

When to switch to GRE from GMAT? Consider these to evaluate your plan

Wondering how your profile stacks up? Get a free profile evaluation and discuss a tailored MBA plan that aligns with your goals.

Best wishes
Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD MBA alumna, former INSEAD MBA admissions interviewer)
Founder, MBAGuideConsulting
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hshahid012

Hi !
I’m applying for the MBA (2026 intake) and have about 2 months to prepare for either the GMAT or GRE. I’m trying to decide which one to go for. Have any of you considered the pros and cons from both an LBS admissions perspective and potential employer preferences—especially in consulting or finance? Would love to hear your thoughts or what you’re choosing and why. Thanks!

MBADecoder · Answer

Your first and foremost goal is to get into an MBA program, so work with the mindset of applying with your best score- be it from GMAT or GRE. Take mocks of both tests to understand which one you find better and then practice that particular test.
Every b-school nowadays accepts GMAT and GRE, so long as you get the desired score. Its no different for LBS. And to the best of my current knowledge, recruiters nowadays don't always evaluate your test scores - I am saying this for consulting firms and IBs.

Namita Garg,
Founder, MBA Decoder
Email: contact@mbadecoder.com
Reach out to us for a Profile Evaluation : https://mbadecoder.com/services/free-pr ... valuation/
Helping applicants achieve their MBA dreams since 2011

Srrishti · Answer

try giving mocks for both gmat and gre and then decide whcih one are you better at .

yc168 · Answer

You might also want to check out GMAT Ninja's video covering this topic a few weeks ago:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhH5EOkPliQ

admitStreet · Answer

hshahid012 - if you haven't already, take a mock test of both! This will help you gauge where you’re naturally comfortable, which sections feel intuitive, and where you have room to improve.

Broadly speaking, if you're stronger in math, GMAT may be a better fit. If verbal is your strength, the GRE could work in your favor. Some firms in consulting and IB typically prefer a GMAT score, though this would depend on which firm/ geography etc.

Several candidates also switch from GMAT to GRE (or vice versa) when they hit a plateau in their prep. If you're struggling to improve despite multiple attempts, switching tests might be a smart move.

Check out this article comparing the GMAT and GRE across key parameters like duration, sections, scoring range, and flexibility.

Regards,
Arvind
Founder, admitStreet | Request a free profile evaluation
W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | LinkedIn

hshahid012

Hi !
I’m applying for the MBA (2026 intake) and have about 2 months to prepare for either the GMAT or GRE. I’m trying to decide which one to go for. Have any of you considered the pros and cons from both an LBS admissions perspective and potential employer preferences—especially in consulting or finance? Would love to hear your thoughts or what you’re choosing and why. Thanks!

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi  hshahid012  ! Thank you for your question, all good feedback are shared above. So, it can be a common dilemma for many MBA applicants, especially with the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE formats. Deciding between the two should be a strategic choice based on your personal strengths(first priority).

From an admissions perspective, LBS and most of the top b - schools, evaluates both the GMAT and GRE fairly. However, it’s worth noting that the GMAT still remains the more traditional MBA admissions test. While the GRE is gaining acceptance rapidly, especially for candidates with non-quantitative backgrounds.

When it comes to test format and preparation, it’s important to consider your natural strengths and the time you have, since you’re preparing with about 2 months, efficiency matters. The GMAT Focus Edition is more logic-driven, especially in the data insights section, while the GRE leans heavier on vocabulary and includes an analytical writing section. If you are more comfortable with logic-based problem solving and critical reasoning, the GMAT Focus may play to your strengths. If you’re stronger in verbal reasoning and prefer broader question styles, the GRE might feel more accessible.

Looking at employer preferences, especially in industries like consulting and finance, top firms such as McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and many investment banks have been known to ask for GMAT scores during the recruiting process, pre-MBA, post-MBA. But this doesn’t mean the GRE will hurt your chances. If you’re aiming for competitive roles in these fields, they look for candidates who are easy to work with, have clear reasons for pivoting into consulting/finance, track record of performance, leadership, and problem-solving. Even if you’re switching industries, showing that you’ve had measurable impact, client exposure, or cross-functional collaboration in your previous roles, set you apart. In consulting, client-facing roles, analytical rigor, and adaptability are huge pluses. In finance, employers often look for financial modeling, Excel proficiency, and deal experience (like M&A, PE, VC, equity research). While a high GMAT score might help you get in the door, it’s your grit, strategic clarity, and communication skills that will win you the offer.

The best way to make a final decision is to take diagnostic practice tests for both the GMAT and GRE and compare your percentile scores. Whichever test allows you to showcase your strengths more effectively will serve you better overall.

To help you reflect further, ask yourself: Which test style feels more intuitive to me? Do I feel stronger with vocabulary memorization or logic-based reasoning? Have I tried full-length timed mock tests for both exams? And how confident am I about targeting firms that may prioritize GMAT scores?

What matters most is picking the test that lets you perform your best. 
 
Good luck

GMAT vs GRE for MBA and beyond

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