GRE Scores That Can Get You into B-School

One of the best ways to start your business school preparation is by getting to know the value of GRE scores for MBA and Master’s admission.

The GRE General Test is designed for prospective applicants from around the world who are interested in pursuing an MBA, Master’s, or doctoral degree. If you are considering any of these study options, this type of aptitude test may be among the requirements you will need to fulfil.

As you will find out soon enough, the secret behind the best GRE scores is solid preparation, knowledge of the test format, and working hard to improve the test taker’s weak spots.

Keep on reading to discover more about the logic of GRE scoring and the result you need to aim for to get admitted to a reputable school.

What Is the GRE Test Format?

Your GRE test score plays a crucial role in MBA admissions, and understanding how each section is scored will help you target areas for improvement. Developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service), the GRE General Test consists of three sections – Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning GRE scores range from 130 to 170 and are increased by one point each. The Analytical Writing section is scored between zero and six with half point increments.

Each section receives an individual score to show your competency in each of the measured skills. The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are section adaptive. This means that the difficulty of the questions increases if you keep solving them correctly. The GRE scores are then equated to account for difficulty.

The Analytical Writing section consists of one 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task.

What Are the Top GRE Scores for MBA and Master’s Admission?

So you want to know what is a good GRE score? According to test prep professionals, a good GRE score is anything between 250 and 330 as a total score. However, each business school has its own criteria for aptitude test scores. Bear in mind that schools will commonly announce their requirements or average scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections separately, rather than as a total score. For example, while there is no minimum GMAT or GRE score required to apply to Yale University: School of Management (US), the median GRE score for its MBA is 164 for the Verbal Reasoning section and 166 for the Quantitative Reasoning section.

Generally, MBA programs tend to be more competitive than Master’s programs and therefore may require slightly higher GRE scores.

However, the GRE score required for admission into a particular program may depend on the relative GRE scores of other applicants. It is best to aim as high as possible and score at least 300 for A-list business schools, while 250-300 may be adequate for B-list business schools. Each business school has its own GRE requirement, so it’s essential to research specific schools before applying.

“It is important for the applicant to learn the minimum score for the program they are applying to,” Andrew Selepak, Program Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Social Media at the University of Florida (US), highlights for U.S. News & World Report. “But a few points higher or lower can make all the difference when applying for graduate school and it is important for the applicant to not only keep this in mind, but to also know the minimum score required.”

GRE Score Ranges by Top Business Schools

Some business schools will not announce their GRE requirement specifically in terms of a minimum score but as the average or median score for their latest MBA class. Take the following schools as an example of average or median GRE test scores.

How to Improve Your GRE Score for Business School

As many top business schools expect GRE scores of 160+ in both Verbal and Quantitative sections, achieving competitive results would be difficult without any proper preparation. Your GRE performance can impact your MBA application, so try to invest quality time in studying and getting familiar with the exam format.

Here are several proven ways to boost your GRE score:

• Take diagnostic tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses before developing a study plan tailored to your needs
• Master the format by familiarizing yourself with question types and adaptive testing structure to avoid surprises during the actual exam
• Focus on vocabulary for the Verbal section through daily practice with GRE-specific word lists and contextual learning
• Brush up on quantitative fundamentals including algebra, geometry, data analysis, and problem-solving techniques required for business applications
• Practice time management as both sections are timed; develop strategies for pacing yourself through difficult questions
• Use official GRE prep resources from ETS alongside quality third-party materials for comprehensive preparation
• Take full-length practice tests regularly to build stamina and monitor your progress as your test date approaches

GRE vs. GMAT for Business School

The pool of candidates using GRE scores for MBA and Master’s application has grown a lot. A-list business schools did not previously accept GRE scores but Harvard, Yale, MIT, INSEAD, and other prominent business schools have long ago opened their doors to GRE test takers.

While GRE scores differ from GMAT scores for MBA and Master’s admission, candidates that have taken the GRE are not at a disadvantage. Just remember that it is important to ensure your Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning scores are similarly high.

When it comes to the exams’ difficulty, the GRE and the GMAT are comparable. So if you get a top result on one of the tests, you might also get a high score on the other.

However, taking the GRE provides more flexibility when choosing a Master’s program while the GMAT may be restricted to specifically business and management programs.

Whether you end up choosing the GRE General Test, give it your best shot! You may have to take the exam multiple times to achieve your required score or you may achieve your score in one shot. Whatever the case may be, study hard and persevere!