For decades, the GMAT was the gold standard for MBA admissions. But in recent years, the GRE has emerged as a powerful and widely accepted alternative. As we enter 2025, more candidates, and more business schools are embracing the GRE in MBA admissions. If you’re preparing your MBA applications, understanding this shift could give you a strategic edge.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s really happening.
GRE Submissions Are Climbing at Top Business Schools
In 2025, more MBA applicants are submitting GRE scores than ever before. Schools that used to favor the GMAT are now welcoming GRE scores with open arms. Some even see more applicants with GRE scores than GMAT.
Here are some highlights:
At Berkeley Haas, 58% of applicants submitted GRE scores this year.
At Yale School of Management, GRE scores made up 41% of submissions up from just 12% a few years ago.
University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business saw GRE submissions rise from 6% to 59% in one admission cycle.
This is a huge shift and it shows that top programs are no longer sticking to just one type of test.
There are a few reasons why the GRE is becoming more popular:
- Many students find the verbal section easier, especially if they don’t come from a math-heavy background.
- The GRE works for other graduate programs too, not just MBAs.
- It’s available in more places, and the online version is easier to book.
- Also, during the pandemic, many schools relaxed testing rules. That helped normalize the idea that either test is acceptable and now, that mindset is sticking around.
Why Are MBA Applicants Choosing the GRE in 2025?
Here’s why more students are opting to submit GRE scores for MBA admissions:
Flexibility: The GRE works for MBA and other grad programs (perfect for dual-degree candidates).
Verbal Comfort: Many non-STEM candidates find the GRE verbal section easier than the GMAT.
Wider Acceptance: All Top 50 U.S. MBA programs now accept GRE scores.
Test Availability: Post-pandemic, there are more GRE online test options and testing centers than ever.
Score Reporting: You can choose which GRE scores to send to schools — giving you more control.
Do Top MBA Programs Prefer GRE or GMAT?
Most MBA programs publicly state that they are test-neutral — they evaluate GRE and GMAT scores equally. But what does the data say?
Here’s a comparison of GRE scores vs GMAT scores at leading programs:
| School | Median GRE Score | Median GMAT Score | % Submitting GRE |
| Yale SOM | 330 | 730 | ~42% |
| Stanford GSB | 327 | 738 | ~30-35% |
| Harvard Business School | 326 | 730 | ~25-30% |
| MIT Sloan | 325 | 730 | ~30% |
| Berkeley Haas | 325-330 | 730 | ~35-40% |
| Wharton | 324-325 | 730 | ~25% |
| Chicago Booth | 325 | 730 | ~30% |
| Kellogg | 325 | 730 | ~30-35% |
GRE scores are highly competitive at even the most elite programs.
Many Top 50 MBA programs are seeing GRE submission rates between 30-50%.
GRE Submission Rates Across Top 50 U.S. MBA Programs
Here’s how GRE submission rates break down across different program tiers:
Top 10 MBA Programs: 25-40% submit GRE scores.
Top 11-25 MBA Programs: 30-45% submit GRE scores.
Top 26-50 MBA Programs: 35-50% submit GRE scores — with some programs receiving more GRE than GMAT.
Programs such as UCLA Anderson, UNC Kenan-Flagler, and Emory Goizueta are seeing 40%+ GRE submission rates.
Even quant-focused MBA programs like MIT Sloan and Chicago Booth are now enrolling 30-35% GRE applicants.
GRE Score Targets for Top MBA Programs
If you’re planning to submit a GRE score for MBA admissions, here’s what you should aim for:
Top 10 MBA programs: GRE 325+
Top 11-25 MBA programs: GRE 320-325
Top 26-50 MBA programs: GRE 320+ (though higher is always better)
The GRE Is Now a Core Part of MBA Admissions
In 2025, submitting a GRE score for MBA programs is not only accepted — it’s strategic.
All Top 50 U.S. MBA programs accept GRE scores.
GRE submission rates are rising across the board
A strong GRE score can be just as impactful as a GMAT score.
If the GRE aligns with your strengths, pursue it with confidence. What matters most is building a balanced application — and telling a clear story about your goals and leadership potential.
In short: The GRE is no longer Plan B — it’s a powerful Plan A for MBA success.
The GRE is NOT an easier path. You still need a competitive score to get into a top MBA program.
