Help! Stuck Between GMAT 700 and GRE Whats Best for me?

Question

Hi everyone,
I posted here a while back seeking advice on my MBA chances with a GMAT 700. Since then, I’ve been exploring all options and preparing for the GRE, where I’m consistently scoring between 323 and  327  in mocks (2 mocks so far - 323 and 327). I’ve booked my GRE for  May 27th , but I’m at a crossroads and would love your expert advice on what’s best for my goals.
A Quick Recap of My Profile:
 
  Nationality : Indian, Female 
  Education : B.Sc. (Hons) in Statistics, Kirori Mal College, Delhi University (CGPA 8) 
  Certifications : Brand Management (LBS), E-commerce Upskilling (Digiaccel)  
GMAT/GRE:
 
  GMAT : 700 (Q84/DI80/V81) – first attempt 
  GRE mocks : 323–327 (aiming for 325+ on test day) 
  GRE Test Date : May 27  
Work Experience:  7 years in Media, Marketing, and E-commerce 
 
  Current Role : Associate Director – E-commerce, WPP GroupM
 
 Leading quick commerce strategy for global FMCG brands on Blinkit, Zepto, Amazon, and Flipkart 
 Drove 50% sales growth and 70% campaign metric improvement in 9 months 
 Managing a team of 10  
 
  Past Roles :
 
 Manager – Category Monetization at Blinkit (launched Blinkit Ads Dashboard) 
 Associate Project Manager at Growisto (Amazon brand strategy, TACoS leader)  
  
Achievements:
 
  Impact 30 Under 30 (2024)  
  Cannes Young Lions Top 10 – Media Category  
  Grand EMVIE Award Winner  
  Ex-Vice President , Dept. of Statistics, KMC  
Career Goals:
 
 Strongly inclined towards  media, marketing strategy, brand management, advertising, and digital innovation  – especially in  FMCG, tech , or consumer-focused companies. 
 Open to both  product-side and brand-side roles , with a focus on global impact.  
Target Schools:
 
  US : Columbia, Kellogg, Wharton, open to your suggestions..  
Current Dilemma:
As I reflect more deeply on my  career alignment , I realize that  INSEAD and LBS , though stellar, may not be the most directly aligned with my media/marketing goals. I’m now leaning toward schools that offer  strong brand/marketing/media ecosystems , including experiential learning, relevant clubs, and recruiter presence in these fields.
 
What I’d Love Your Advice On:
 
  Should I proceed with GRE (targeting 325–330) or stick with my 700 GMAT? 
 – Would a higher GRE (325+) improve my odds at Columbia, Kellogg, or Wharton for marketing/brand-focused paths vs GMAT 700?
 – Or would my GMAT 700 suffice, given the strength of my profile? 
  Are there better-aligned schools for media/branding/advertising? 
 – Any US/European programs known for creative brand strategy, digital marketing, or media/advertising?
 – Should I consider schools like  Ross, USC Marshall, UCLA Anderson, NYU Stern, or Georgetown McDonough ? 
  Is it worth applying to INSEAD/LBS despite my doubts  about their fit with my goals – especially if my GRE goes well? 
  How much will my achievements and unique career trajectory offset a non-760 score  for top programs?

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Robo_123,

Just to be clear, you have a current GMAT score of 705?

Robo_123 · Answer

My current gmat score is 700 (645 in focus edition?.

AjiteshArun · Answer

Hi Robo_123,

It's hard to say, as 645 (~700 on the old scale) is a very good score, and 325+ scores aren't as rare as they used to be. Maybe we can look at a 330 as being better than a 645, but a 645 would be better than a 325 (this is just my opinion). However, your profile is strong, and you should be able to apply to any school with your GMAT (or a strong GRE) score.

It's generally a good idea to apply to a number of schools, including ones that you may consider "reach" schools. Also, don't worry too much about fit at this stage.

Finally, try not to worry too much about hitting 99% ("non-760"). If you've heard or read somewhere that most Indian applicants get (or apply with) 760+ scores, that's just not correct. As in, it's completely wrong.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

OK, makes sense. And what were you scoring on your practice exams?

Robo_123 · Answer

I was constantly scoring above 645 on my GMAT official mocks but my second attempt score dropped by around 55 points. For GRE mocks, the score as of now is an avg of 325.

Help! Stuck Between GMAT 700 and GRE Whats Best for me?

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