As an MBA applicant in 2024, you’re probably wondering how to make your application stand out. With increasing competition for top business schools, every element of your profile matters—including your choice of standardized test. If you’re considering the GRE, you’re not alone. More applicants than ever are choosing the GRE, and business schools are evolving in how they view the test.
In this guide, we’ll cover the latest updates on the GRE in 2024, how it fits into the admissions process, and why it might just be the right move for your application. From changes in the test format to insights on how schools weigh GRE scores, this article will give you the answers you need to craft a strong MBA application this year.
5 Key Changes and Impacts of the GRE on MBA Admissions in 2024
- The GRE’s Expanding Role in MBA Admissions
- The Shortened GRE Format for 2024
- Balanced Focus on Verbal and Quantitative Sections
- Flexibility in Test-Taking Options for 2024 Applicants
- Increased Accessibility for International Applicants
1. The GRE’s Expanding Presence in Business Schools
Since 2009, the GRE has gained popularity in business school admissions, becoming a staple of top MBA programs’ application requirements / becoming a standard option alongside the GMAT as part of top MBA programs’ application requirements. Schools like Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton have publicly stated that they view the two tests equally. This trend continues in 2024, with more schools offering greater flexibility to applicants.
While the GMAT has historically been seen as the more “business-focused” test, the GRE attracts a wider variety of applicants from diverse academic backgrounds, such as those in engineering, social sciences, and humanities. This broader appeal allows MBA programs to consider candidates with unique perspectives and experiences, enhancing the diversity of their cohorts.
2. Changes in the GRE Structure for 2024 applicants
In 2023, the GRE underwent significant changes that are reshaping the test-taking experience for people applying in 2024. The test was shortened from nearly four hours to just under two hours, streamlining the process without compromising the rigor of the assessment. These changes included the elimination of the experimental (unscored) section, as well as fewer questions in both the verbal reasoning and quantitative sections. Additionally, the writing portion was shortened, further reducing the overall test time.
These updates aim to reduce test fatigue and improve the experience for test-takers, making the GRE a more attractive option for MBA applicants in 2024.
With the shorter format now fully in place, many schools are encouraging prospective students to consider the GRE as a viable alternative to the GMAT, especially given its updated, more efficient structure
3. Shifting Focus on Verbal and Quantitative Sections
While the GMAT is known for its complex quantitative section, the GRE offers a more balanced focus between verbal and quantitative reasoning. The GRE is widely considered more vocabulary-intensive, which appeals to applicants with strong verbal skills. In contrast, the GMAT emphasizes quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills. Additionally, some programs are now requiring candidates who took the GMAT to complete the separate GMAC business writing assessment, whereas the GRE remains adequate as a standalone test.
However, some business schools are now paying closer attention to applicants’ quantitative scores on the GRE, given the relevance of these skills in MBA coursework. This shift in emphasis means that while a high verbal score can still make an applicant stand out, competitive MBA programs are increasingly prioritizing balanced performance across all sections of the GRE.
4. What to Expect in 2024: Applicant Behavior
While both the GMAT and GRE remain viable options for MBA applicants, the 2024 admissions cycle is expected to see a continued rise in students opting for the GRE. This trend is driven in part by the test’s new shorter format and more balanced question types, which make it a more appealing choice for a broader range of applicants.
Additionally, the flexibility of taking the GRE either online or in-person is likely to further boost its popularity. Although both the GRE and GMAT offer online testing options, the GRE stands out for its greater ease of access and flexibility in administration.
The GRE allows test-takers to choose between a fully online or in-person exam, with the online version being conveniently taken from home or any quiet location, mirroring the in-person format in terms of timing and content. This level of flexibility has proven especially attractive to applicants juggling work, studies, or other commitments, as it allows them to choose a testing environment that suits their needs.
In contrast, the GMAT’s online version, while available, comes with more restrictions. Certain accommodations offered in the in-person GMAT may not be available online, and some students report that the online proctoring process is more rigid, which can affect the overall experience.
5. Increased Accessibility for International Applicants
The GRE’s flexibility in both scheduling and test delivery is proving beneficial for international applicants in 2024. With more options for online testing, international students no longer need to worry about access to physical testing centers. The ability to take the GRE from home is a major advantage for students facing logistical or travel constraints, and this has contributed to a rise in international applicants opting for the GRE over the GMAT.
Conclusion
As you prepare for your MBA journey in 2024, the GRE’s evolving format, growing acceptance, and increased flexibility present an appealing option. Business schools are recognizing the value of the GRE in attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds, and its balanced focus on both verbal and quantitative skills gives you the opportunity to showcase your strengths. Whether you choose to take the test online or in person, understanding these changes will help you make the right decision and craft a stronger application.
