One of the first—and most strategic—decisions you’ll make on your MBA journey is whether to take the GMAT or the GRE. Both are accepted by nearly every top business school, but they differ in structure, content, and emphasis. Choosing the test that plays to your strengths can give your application a powerful edge.

We hear this question all the time: “Which test should I take?” Our answer? Take the one that best fits your strengths. We typically recommend starting with diagnostic tests for both. See where you feel more comfortable—and compare your performance across sections.

For many applicants, the decision hinges on the quant section. A lower quant score can raise red flags about your readiness for the rigor of an MBA program. If you perform significantly better in quant on one exam over the other, that’s a good indicator of fit.

Here’s how the GMAT and GRE stack up:

Feature	GMAT	GRE
Total Test Duration	2 hours 15 minutes	1 hour 58 minutes
Verbal Section	23 questions (45 minutes)	27 questions (2 sections, 41 minutes total)
Quantitative Section	21 questions (45 minutes)	27 questions (2 sections, 47 minutes total)
Analytical Section	Data Insights: 20 questions (45 minutes)	Analytical Writing: 1 essay (30 minutes)
Scoring Scale	205–805 (previously 200–800) Individual section scores: 60–90	260–340 (unchanged) 130–170 Verbal, 130–170 Quantitative
Verbal Focus	Evaluates critical reasoning and reading comprehension abilities	Tests reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence
Quantitative Focus	Problem-solving, including algebra and word problems	Quantitative comparisons, multiple-choice, and numeric entry covering geometry, algebra, and data interpretation
Calculator Policy	Not permitted on the quantitative section	On-screen calculator available
Exam Fees	$300 online $275 in-person (varies by location)	$220 (except China and India)
Adaptive Format	Computer-adaptive by question	Computer-adaptive by section
Review & Revise Answers	Limited: can bookmark and revise up to 3 answers per section	Full flexibility: can skip, review, and change answers within each section

 

Which Test Is Right for You?

When advising clients, we break it down like this:

The GMAT might be your best bet if you:

• Excel in quantitative reasoning and structured problem solving
• Are targeting finance or consulting-focused programs
• Want to signal comfort with business-specific content
• Prefer a test format that adjusts question-by-question

The GRE might be a better fit if you:

• Have strong vocabulary or verbal reasoning skills
• Are considering other graduate degrees in addition to an MBA
• Want flexibility in the test structure (e.g., skipping and revisiting questions)
• Prefer using a calculator during the quant section

How Business Schools View Test Scores

Many candidates overestimate the importance of total scores and misunderstand how schools actually interpret results. What admissions committees are really looking at is percentile performance by section, especially in the quant section.

For example, a 665 GMAT or a 325 GRE might look strong on the surface—but if your quant percentile is low, it could raise concerns about your ability to keep up in a data-driven curriculum. Conversely, a balanced or high quant score, even with a slightly lower total, might reassure the adcom of your academic readiness.

 

What Score Is “Good Enough”?

While it’s tempting to benchmark yourself against class medians at M7 schools, this can be misleading. Test scores are just one piece of a much larger puzzle.

We’ve seen clients admitted to top schools with scores well below the median—because they brought something exceptional in another part of the application. That might be a compelling professional trajectory, leadership experience, or academic excellence elsewhere (like a high GPA or a quant-heavy undergrad major).

The most important benchmark is your personal best. If your official score is meaningfully lower than your top practice test scores, that’s usually a sign you haven’t yet maxed out your potential.

When Should You Retake the Test?

You should consider retesting if:

• Your score is below your target school’s average
• You consistently performed better in practice tests
• Your quant and verbal scores are unbalanced
• You’re applying to highly competitive programs with quant-heavy expectations

Don’t let fear of multiple attempts hold you back. A better score will always carry more weight than the number of times you sat for the test.

We’ve worked with clients who took the exam five, six, even seven times—and were admitted to the very top schools. Persistence shows commitment and resilience—qualities top schools value.

 

How Long Should You Study?

Most successful applicants spend 3 to 6 months preparing, depending on how familiar they are with the material and how consistently they can study. You should plan on focusing your spare time primarily on test prep for a minimum of three months. For management consultants who work very long hours or frequent travelers, it may take longer; consistency is more important than cramming.

If you’re stuck despite studying, consider:

• Adjusting your study materials
• Bringing in a tutor
• Switching to the test that better fits your style

Should You Skip the Test with a Waiver?

Some schools offer test waivers—but we advise approaching them with caution.

Unless you have a truly exceptional reason (like a demonstrated quantitative background, or extenuating circumstances), a strong test score adds value to your profile. Even when applicants land interviews with a waiver, they often end up waitlisted—a sign that schools are looking for more data.

Unless your situation is truly unique, submitting a score—even one slightly below average—is almost always better than not submitting one at all.

Round 1 vs. Round 2: When to Apply

We understand the appeal of applying in Round 1—but don’t compromise quality for speed.

If your score isn’t where you want it to be or your essays are still in draft form, rushing can do more harm than good. Round 2 is perfectly viable—and even more so if it means presenting a stronger, more polished application. Our advice is always to apply when you’re at your strongest. For more information and advice about deadlines and which round to target, check out our MBA Application Deadlines guide. 

Final Thoughts: Your Test Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

Choosing between the GMAT and GRE is a strategic decision—but it’s just the beginning. The score alone won’t make or break your candidacy, but it can open doors and strengthen your story when paired with standout academics, professional impact, and thoughtful essays.

Whatever path you choose, make it intentional. Prep strategically. Apply when you’re truly ready. As one Fortuna coach puts it: “I want my clients to apply as the best version of themselves – fully prepped, confident in their story, and ready to stand out.”

Need help deciding which test is right for you—or crafting a game plan to maximize your score? Book a free consultation with a Fortuna Admissions coach. Our team of former admissions decision-makers offers personalized, strategic advice to help you every step of the way.