MBA applicants fret over GRE scores for school admissions

“Some background: got a good GPA (3.85 from a state school), good ish work experience (3+ total years work experience, 1 Senior promo, and 2 years at Big 4) BUT low GRE score (316 GRE). Gonna work on the GRE but I just thought why not just shoot my shot at my dream school (Duke)? I’m in the average range of their GRE so why not? Am I missing something or is this a good way of thinking? Even if I don’t get in, I’ll just reapply next year with a hopefully way better GRE score! submitted by &#”

“Hi everyone, I’m applying to US MBA programs for Fall 2027 and would appreciate honest advice on whether I should retake the GRE or focus my time on strengthening other parts of my application. Scholarships are a major consideration for me, and ideally, I would need a full-tuition scholarship or a full ride to make the MBA financially feasible. Profile: Nationality: Indian Gender: Female Work experience: 6 years Education: B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from IGDTUW, Delhi Un”

“Hey everyone! I recently took the GRE and scored 310 overall (Quant: 161, Verbal: 149, AWA: 2.5) . I'm planning to apply for an MS in Computer Science for Fall 2027, primarily to universities in the US. Here's a brief overview of my profile: Undergraduate degree: BTech in Computer Science Undergraduate GPA: 8.64/10 University: Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, India Work experience: 4+ years as a software engineer Technical background: Full-stack development, backend systems, cloud in”

“I came across this graphic on LinkedIn comparing median GRE scores (and their GMAT equivalents) with median GMAT scores at top MBA programs. The gap is pretty striking at most schools. (Obviously the WashU Olin row is off, and I know the conversion itself is imperfect.) Why are the GRE averages so much lower than the GMAT averages? On top of the GRE being the easier exam, how can schools possibly weigh these two tests the same? I'm also curious why top GRE scores seem to sit at lower percent”

“I'm applying to MBA programs this cycle, primarily M7/T15, and the further I get into the process, the more I question how much the GRE tells an admissions committee about someone with a substantial professional track record. I'm a 30-year-old Black male with a JD. I graduated from law school in 2021, and my career has spanned government, economic development, public policy, public finance, and private capital. I graduated from a small regional Methodist school with a 3.89 GPA while runn”

“Is a 323 GRE acceptable for HBS/GSB/Wharton? submitted by /u/Boringperson-10 [link] [comments]”

“I am an active duty lieutenant and will be applying to top MBA programs (HSW and Booth/Sloan) a year before I separate. I still have a few years left but already took the GRE and got a 325 (167Q, 158V, 5.0 AWA). Should I retake the GRE to better my chances or just focus on my military career to present the strongest working experience possible? I took the GRE early intentionally so I can focus on other areas. The feedback I mostly got from people in M7 programs and admissions experts is that a 3”

“I graduated in 2021 with a 2.89 gpa with an accounting degree. I have worked at Kearney & Company doing governmental accounting work for the CDC for 1.5 years. Afterwards l've joined Deloitte and have been here for 2.5 years and counting. I've done Audit and AML (forensic accounting) work. I'm planning on not taking the GMAT/ GRE. The schools I am considering going to are UF, FSU, UGA, Auburn, Clemson, LSU, Texas, Tennessee and a couple more big name schools. Also I'm look fo”

“Indian male profile, Econ background. 329 on the GRE (167V - 162Q) - Pretty sure I want to go ahead with the MBA, not sure where I stand in terms of my chances at M7/T15/Top european schools. If someone has guidance, that'd be great 4.5 years workex (as of today) in consulting (big4, but actually strategy and tech consulting not risk/fin advisory), little less than a year at an edtech. Couple of publications, 3.7+ GPA. + I think an okay writer Is it worth trying for the best of the best? Par”

“I gave my GRE today and got 329 (160V 169Q) but my AWA section didn’t go well expecting around 2 just write 2 paragraphs, do MBA schools abroad focus on that or do they only look at the quant and verbal scores? Profile - Male 9/9/9 Engineer Currently working in Boutique Consulting Firm Work ex 5 years submitted by /u/Due_Presentation6324 [link] [comments]”

“I’m trying to decide at what point my GMAT score would actually strengthen my application rather than hurt it/just be neutral. My background: 2.8 undergraduate GPA BA in Psychology (so no business undergraduate background) Working full-time since graduating in 2024 The exam is the 19th of September Applying to MBA programs in North Carolina Current GMAT Focus score: 335 I’m planning to keep studying and hopefully raise the score before applying Here are the GMAT numbers I’ve found for the progra”

“Chances at any T10 MBA? Considering applying this year. Ivy League alum with a 3.73 GPA, Class of 2022. Social Sciences Degree GRE 165, 165 Work experience in Business Development, Consulting, and Customer Success in Tech Female, minority groups (LGBTQ + Hispanic), Columbia Business School + Wharton Bach Legacy I know my stats are relatively strong, but I've bounced around a few industries and don't want that to work against me. I think it might be difficult to craft a solid narrative ar”

“I plan to apply next fall and everything seems pretty vanilla: 685 on the GMAT Focus, 4 years of work experience in corporate finance with progression and quantified impact. My only doubt is my GPA. It's not that low (7.8/10, which is approximately a 3.1–3.3), but it seems much better when you consider the circumstances. I'm not asking for an evaluation, but an honest answer: do AdComs really pay attention to a legit story, and how significantly can that story affect the outcome? s”

“Hi everyone, looking for some honest feedback on my chances at various U.S. MBA programs and, particularly, which schools I should realistically target for **admission + scholarship**. Demographics Age: 25M Nationality: Nepal Education: BBA (Hons) from the best program in my country GPA: 3.81/4.0 GRE: 319 (161V / 158Q) CFA: Level I passed Work experience: ~2 years at matriculation Work Experience I have worked primarily in private equity / investment research at a Nepalese Private Equity firm. M”

“Applying to Wharton, kellog and gsb. I’m confused if I have to submit official (like pay to send) scores for the schools or not. I think Wharton I can self report, gsb I have to send. But I’m not sure about Kellogg submitted by /u/Disastrous_Life_4665 [link] [comments]”

“i want to apply for MBA at Babson, but it said that the recommended DET score is 130. But i got 125, should i just apply for it? I'm applying, with no GMAT (they allow no gmat) , 9 years work experiences (6 of them entrepreneur, until now), 3.08 out of 4 GPA, what do you guys think? submitted by /u/bobbyh4dr [link] [comments]”

“I'm targetting MBA programs at the top 3. My background is the following, trying to figure whether i should give GRE once again and delay apps to R2 or if it's okay to apply R1. Indian Female. 4 years of strong work exp in Indian wealth space College Major Finance, GPA 3.3/4 GRE - highest attempt was a 320 ( 157 Q 164 V) but I have got a 160 Quant in a previous overall lower attempt. Strong narrative on why mba Wondering if i should give the gre a 4th time? I was hoping to apply to all s”

“i want to apply for MBA at Babson, but it said that the recommended DET score is 130. But i got 125, should i just apply for it? I'm applying, with no GMAT (they allow no gmat) , 9 years work experiences (6 of them entrepreneur, until now), 3.08 out of 4 GPA, what do you guys think? submitted by /u/bobbyh4dr [link] [comments]”

“Did a stupid thing and rawdogged the GRE without any preparation. Only took the one free test a week before the exam day. Got 303 today in the actual one. Country: India Not sure if MBA makes sense. I want to live in London. Will not be applying for US schools. Background: 5 years work experience spread across EY, PwC and Oracle, fast tracked promotions Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Tier 2 Indian college (not top tier) Age/Gender: 27 years Female Domain: Risk Consulting (Audits, Info”

“If you have a low GPA, around 2.8-3.0, what would you consider the minimum GMAT or GRE score needed for adcoms to start viewing your profile as a realistic candidate? I know admissions are holistic, but I’m curious if there’s a score range where a strong test score can meaningfully help offset a GPA in this range. submitted by /u/NovelDiligent5137 [link] [comments]”

“I have 167q/160v in GRE and have 5+ YoE, software enginee What chances do I have to get into top 7 mba schools If i have to choose 3 schools to go for R1, what should they ideally be submitted by /u/Parking_Feedback_598 [link] [comments]”

“https://preview.redd.it/u5sdbze2wrlh1.png?width=903&format=png&auto=webp&s=84493e6b34368aa03ed5e30cebd7a07b4625a4a6 Hello everyone, I recently took the GRE in order to apply to MSRED and MBA programs this year. I'm a current 4th year in undergraduate studying engineering, white male, 3.8 GPA from a reputable state school. I have a significant amount of undergrad research, leadership roles, strong internships and letters of rec ect. Does this GRE hurt my profile or is it a non-iss”

“Hey — closed out my GRE prep last month and wanted to get a sanity check from this community before I lock in my school list for Round 2. GRE journey: • Final score : 327 (Q165 / V162) • Prior attempts: 316 (Dec ’25, Q164/V152) → 327 (Jul ’26) • Ran a structured 31-day plan for the last stretch (diagnose → drill → simulate → consolidate) — verbal was the bottleneck, quant was steady throughout Profile: • B.Sc. Mathematics & Computing from a mid-tier Indian engineering college — UG CGPA ~7.3”

“Planning to apply to the HBS 2+2 ( and other M7), which is more importante, the GMAT or the GPA ? Is work experience making a huge difference? Thanks for your time. submitted by /u/Madnesspirit [link] [comments]”

“Aiming for full time T15 MBA schools, age 40, have a undergrad gpa of 3.2 (premed) and have a masters in accounting 3.6 gpa. Don’t have the CPA. Have 5 years work experience as assistant director of a healthcare organization. Used the masters after to try and pivot into the big 4 as audit associate for 1.5 years before being laid off. The masters is not helping me break into any roles as of this moment. Never broke 100k in salary either and thinking going back to school for MBA might help throug”

“Hello everyone! I’m a 25F living in Europe looking to apply for a Master’s degree in either the US or Asia. My background is a bit of a mix: I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, but my career naturally pulled me into tech. I currently work as a Junior Systems Engineer doing tech sales. I love the industry and especially enjoy the business side of influencing customer decisions, but after a short stint in cybersecurity that I really disliked, I know pure deep-tech isn't for me. I s”

“Hello everyone! I’m a 25F living in Europe looking to apply for a Master’s degree in either the US or Asia. My background is a bit of a mix: I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, but my career naturally pulled me into tech. I currently work as a Junior Systems Engineer doing tech sales. I love the industry and especially enjoy the business side of influencing customer decisions, but after a short stint in cybersecurity that I really disliked, I know pure deep-tech isn't for me. I s”

“Hello everyone! I’m a 25F living in Europe looking to apply for a Master’s degree in either the US or Asia. My background is a bit of a mix: I have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, but my career naturally pulled me into tech. I currently work as a Junior Systems Engineer doing tech sales. I love the industry and especially enjoy the business side of influencing customer decisions, but after a short stint in cybersecurity that I really disliked, I know pure deep-tech isn't for me. I s”

“Hi everybody I am looking to apply to MBA programs this year and have a few questions. My undergrad degree is in Biochem and my GPA is lower than average. I plan on taking the GRE to help ofset the lower GPA. I have basically take two gap years where I worked in clinical settings. I would Ideally want to apply to an MBA program with a healthcare concentration. Is my professional experience of low value? I know I won't get into a top 20 or even a top 50 program but I am just considering my op”

“I took the GRE last year with 170 V, 161 Q, 4 AW. I know this is considered an "okay" score, but the program I'm applying to is moderately selective and my undergraduate grades weren't outstanding. The GRE is optional but I'm trying to use it to bolster my profile. I'm embarrassed of my AW score and I felt I could have done better on Q if I'd used my time more effectively. I'm applying to HCI, so it's technically STEM but the most math I'll have to do is”

“Got my GRE scores back and somehow pulled a 3.0 on AWA. Makes zero sense to me. I paid for ETS Score It! and did 3 practice essays - all 3 came back above 4.0. Then the actual test does me like this. And apparently a rescore is basically pointless lol. From what I can tell, most MBA programs only require official score reporting (the $40 thing) after you're admitted, and at the application stage you just self-report your scores. Does anyone know if any schools ask you to enter the AWA score”

“I’m a usmc vet with a 3.84 gpa at USF. submitted by /u/Stamkosisinjured [link] [comments]”

“336 GRE (170Q, 166V), 2.4 undergraduate GPA, and US resident. What are my realistic chances of getting into a good university in the US? I am interested in MSBA Programs. Any advice on schools that may be more flexible with a low GPA but strong GRE? Would appreciate honest input. submitted by /u/ConstantSavings2142 [link] [comments]”

“What schools am I going to be outright precluded from due to my GPA? I know I need to lock in on the GRE (taking it in December 2026) 2.5 GPA in both undergrad 2019 and law school 2023 Lawyer in military poli sci from T50 JD from small school, passed the bar Former elected official in local office in early 20s 29 years old married with kids Great OERs and recs Studying for GRE now 30 hours a week took the ETS diagnostic cold with no practice and got a 313 162V 151Q heavily focusing on quant now.”