GRE Scores & Submission Rates at Top 50 U.S. MBA Programs

Understanding GRE Scores & Submission Rates at the Top 50 U.S. MBA Programs

In the ever-evolving landscape of higher education, the pursuit of an MBA remains a cornerstone for many professionals aiming to enhance their careers and broaden their opportunities. While the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) has historically been the standardized test of choice for MBA admissions, an increasing number of business schools now accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as an alternative. Understanding GRE scores and submission rates at the top 50 U.S. MBA programs can provide valuable insights for prospective applicants navigating their journey towards business school. 

GRE SCORES AT P&Q’S TOP 10 BUSINESS SCHOOLS, 2021 TO 2023 

P&Q Rank   School  2023 Quant Average   2023 Verbal Average  2023 Total  2022 Total  2021 Total  3-Year Change 
1  Stanford GSB  164  164  328  327  330  -2 
2  Harvard Business School  163*  163*  326  326  326  Even 
3  Dartmouth (Tuck)  161  161  322  NA  324  -2 
5  Yale SOM  166*  164*  330  329  330  Even 
9  Michigan (Ross)  162  160  322  320  320  +2 
10  New York (Stern)  163  163  326  325  324  +2 
11  Chicago (Booth)  163  162  325  NA  325  Even 
12  Northwestern (Kellogg)  163*  163*  326  NA  327  -1 
15  UC-Berkeley (Haas)  163  161  323  324  323  Even 
19  Texas-Austin (McCombs)  161  160  321  319  319  +2 
22  Southern California (Marshall)  163  160  323  321  321  +2 
31  Pennsylvania (Wharton)  162  162  324  324  324  Even 
             

 SOURCE : POETS & QUANTS 

The Rise of GRE Acceptance 

Traditionally, the GMAT was the predominant standardized test requirement for MBA admissions. However, in recent years, business schools have recognized the value of accepting GRE scores as well. This shift reflects a broader trend in graduate education, where institutions seek to attract a diverse pool of applicants with varying academic backgrounds and skill sets. 

Accepting GRE scores opens doors for candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, such as humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields, who may not have taken the GMAT. Additionally, the GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate and business programs worldwide, offering applicants flexibility and the opportunity to apply to multiple programs with a single test. 

Understanding GRE Scores 

GRE scores consist of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is scored on a scale of 130 to 170, with the total score ranging from 260 to 340. Business schools assess GRE scores alongside other application materials to evaluate a candidate’s academic aptitude and potential for success in the MBA program. 

While there is no universal benchmark for GRE scores in MBA admissions, prospective applicants should aim to achieve competitive scores that align with the average scores of admitted students at their target schools. Additionally, focusing on strong performance in the Quantitative Reasoning section can be particularly important for MBA programs, given the emphasis on quantitative skills in business education. 

BIGGEST DECLINES IN GRE SUBMISSION RATE, 2022 TO 2023 

P&Q 2024 Rank  School  GRE Submissions 2023  GRE Submissions 2022  Trend  
25  Florida (Hough)  6%  46%  -40 
40  UC-Irvine (Merage)  6%  29%  -23 
28  Washington (Olin)  27%  47%  -20 
55  Utah (Eccles)  24%  38%  -14 
24  Georgetown (McDonough)  37%  49%  -12 
42  George Washington  12%  23%  -11 
19  Texas-Austin (McCombs)  30%  40%  -10 

SOURCE : POETS & QUANTS 

Submission Rates at Top 50 U.S. MBA Programs 

Analyzing submission rates of GRE scores at the top 50 U.S. MBA programs offers valuable insights into the prevalence and acceptance of GRE scores in MBA admissions. While submission rates vary across institutions, trends indicate an increasing acceptance of GRE scores among applicants. 

Several factors contribute to the growing popularity of the GRE among MBA candidates. Firstly, the GRE offers a more flexible testing experience, with year-round availability and the option to retake the exam multiple times. This flexibility allows candidates to strategically plan their test dates and retake the exam if necessary to achieve their target scores. 

Furthermore, the GRE’s broad acceptance extends beyond MBA programs to other graduate disciplines, providing candidates with the opportunity to pursue diverse academic and career paths. This versatility appeals to candidates seeking multidisciplinary skills and interests beyond traditional business education. 

Data from the 2022-2023 MBA application cycle sheds light on the evolving dynamics of test submission rates among top U.S. business schools. Notably, while 37 schools had previously adopted a test-optional policy, only 20 maintained this stance within the span of a year. This shift suggests a renewed emphasis on standardized testing in admissions decisions. 

Examining submission rates, it’s evident that both the GRE and GMAT experienced declines at a significant number of schools. However, the magnitude and distribution of these declines differ between the two tests. For the GRE, 19 out of 54 U.S. business schools observed a decrease in submission volume. Notable drops were recorded at institutions such as Florida Hough Graduate School of Business, Carnegie Mellon Tepper School of Business, and Washington Foster School of Business. 

Comparatively, the GMAT witnessed declines at a higher number of schools, with 39 out of 54 institutions experiencing decreases in submission rates. The most substantial drops were observed at CMU Tepper and Washington Foster, among others. It’s worth noting that several of the schools with significant GMAT declines do not mandate entrance exam scores for admission, highlighting a broader trend towards test-optional policies. 

Interestingly, 12 out of 54 schools saw declines in submission rates for both the GRE and GMAT. This indicates a broader trend of shifting preferences or strategies among applicants regarding standardized testing. For instance, the Wisconsin School of Business experienced declines in both GMAT and GRE submissions, reflecting a nuanced response to changes in admissions requirements and applicant preferences. 

 

BIGGEST INCREASES IN GRE SUBMISSION RATE, 2022 TO 2023 

P&Q 2024 Rank  School  GRE Submissions 2023  GRE Submissions 2022  Trend  
18  Rice (Jones)  31%  7%  +24 
17  Washington (Foster)  32%  9%  +23 
26  Rochester (Simon)  27%  16%  +11 
30  Notre Dame (Mendoza)  27%  16%  +11 
13  UCLA (Anderson)  32%  22%  +10 
41  Boston (Questrom)  28%  18%  +10 
50  Ohio State (Fisher)  33%  23%  +10 

SOURCE : POETS & QUANTS 

Key data points in the matchup between the GRE and GMAT: 

  • Average % at the top 10 B-schools in 2023: GMAT 50%, GRE 32.3% 
  • Average % at the top 10 B-schools in 2022: GMAT 55%, GRE 31.1% 
  • Average % at the top 25 B-schools in 2023: GMAT 46.5%, GRE 30.6% 
  • Average % at the top 25 B-schools in 2023: GMAT: 54.2%, GRE 29.6% 

SOURCE : POETS & QUANTS