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GRE

Published: September 10, 2024
How the GRE is Changing MBA Admissions in 2024
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 Read more
Published: August 29, 2024
A Guide to Test Waivers: Should You Request a Waiver for Submitting a GMAT or GRE Score?
It is no secret that standardized tests are not the part of the MBA application process that applicants most cherish. Some applicants simply aren’t good at standardized testing; others feel they do not have the time to invest in studying properly. Due to COVID-19 and the related impact on testing centers and availability, test waivers became a more prevalent option in b-school admissions. Whether you’re hesitant or excited about the GMAT or GRE, what are valid reasons to request a test waiver? Even if you have a valid reason, does it make sense to request a test waiver? In this Read more
Published: August 27, 2024
MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE Requirements in 2024
Pursuing an MBA without the GMAT or GRE has become more accessible in recent years as many business schools have lifted this requirement from their admissions process. For many prospective students, avoiding the stress and cost associated with standardized testing is a major advantage. Below is a list of reputable MBA programs that do not require GMAT or GRE scores, making them ideal for candidates who excel in other areas of their application, such as professional experience and academic achievements. Quick List of MBA Programs Without GMAT or GRE: Babson College – F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business Georgia Tech Read more
Published: February 21, 2024
Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GRE Scores by Top U.S. Business Schools
Average GRE scores by business school can provide applicants with a sense of the rigor of the MBA program, expectations of the adcom and general competitiveness of the applicant pool. While the GMAT used to be the only accepted admissions exam at leading MBA programs, many have opened up to other options, including the GRE. Starting in September 2023, the GRE consists of a 30-minute Analytical Writing section, which includes one essay. An additional Verbal Reasoning section features two sections with 18 minutes allowed for 12 questions and 23 minutes allowed for 15 questions, respectively. Another two Read more
Published: May 31, 2023
ETS Trims the GRE—Fewer Questions, Less Time
On the heels of a new GMAT format, Educational Testing Service (ETS) has announced a shortened version of the GRE General Test starting September 22 of this year. The changes to the GRE translate to a graduate admissions exam that can be completed in under two hours–about half the time of the current version. “The changes we’re announcing today underscore the emphasis we place on keeping our customers at the center of all that we do,” said ETS CEO Amit Sevak in the press release. “As we continue to introduce product innovations, we’re committed Read more
Published: April 3, 2023
GMAT vs. GRE: Comparing MBA Admissions Exams
When evaluating whether to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) vs. the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), it’s important to know the key differences between them and what your results tell admissions teams about you, the applicant.  The GMAT and the GRE are the go-to standardized assessments used in the MBA admissions process. While the GMAT started as the standard for MBA applications, most schools have evolved to also accept the GRE to appeal to more applicants. Here are the differences and purposes behind the GMAT vs. GRE to Read more
Published: October 20, 2022
Webinar: To Test or Not to Test: An Open Conversation About the Role of a GMAT Waiver in MBA Admissions
“Should I request a GMAT waiver?” A common question in today’s MBA Admissions environment along with “Can I get admitted if I request a test waiver?” and “Can I still get a job if I have an MBA without GMAT?” Clear Admit partnered with Carnegie Mellon Tepper to discuss these topics and more in an open conversation about the role of test waivers in MBA Admissions.  J.R. McGrath, the Executive Director of Masters Admissions at Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper School of Business and Mike Tarantino from the Clear Admit team led the conversation and took plenty of questions from Read more
Published: July 5, 2022
Real Numbers of MBA Admissions: Average GRE Scores by Top U.S. Business Schools
Average GRE scores by business school can provide applicants with a sense of the rigor of the MBA program, expectations of the adcom and general competitiveness of the applicant pool. While the GMAT used to be the only accepted admissions exam at leading MBA programs, many have opened up to other options, including the GRE. The GRE consists of a 60-minute Analytical Writing section, which includes two essays that applicants have 30 minutes each to complete. An additional Verbal Reasoning section also features two 30-minute sections of 20 questions each. Another two sections are devoted to Quantitative Read more
Published: September 17, 2020
MIT Sloan Waives Standardized Testing for 2020-2021 Admissions Cycle
MIT’s Sloan School of Management has opted to waive the GMAT and GRE requirement for the 2020-2021 MBA admissions cycle. While the school maintains that standardized tests are important to the evaluation process, the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic are too numerous and widespread to justify the requirement for candidates. Some schools chose to waive the standardized testing requirements during the spring and summer rounds of 2020 due to limited testing accessibility. While the GMAT and GRE are now online for many, they are not available in all areas, nor do all users have the technology necessary to Read more
Published: April 15, 2020
Compare the GRE at Home vs. GMAT Online
Chances are, your checklist for applying to business school includes the GRE or GMAT.  Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, test centers have been forced to suspend operations.  In response, ETS introduced an at-home option for the GRE and TOEFL in late March.  Subsequently, GMAC started offering the GMAT online. Now, current MBA applicants, who had plans to take the GRE or GMAT at a test center, can take either exam online.  Of course, there are conditions and restrictions to ensure fair testing.  For example, both require a camera and a microphone Read more
Published: March 22, 2020
ETS Unveils GRE at Home – Test Temporarily Available Online
Test Offered Online In Wake of COVID-19 Test Center Closings As of March 23rd, the GRE exam will be available to take from the comfort of your home.  In light of public health concerns, ETS has made the exam available online in some markets. Those markets are as follows: United States Canada Colombia France Germany Italy Spain Hong Kong (China) Macau (China) There are other requirements as well, including specific hardware and environment thresholds (so you’ll want to check your computer system against ETS’s requirements, and make sure that you have an appropriate room in which to take the test). Read more
Published: February 27, 2020
Coronavirus Concerns Disrupt MBA Admissions Interviews, Testing and More
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reaches over 80,000 globally, mounting concerns have disrupted normal operations of MBA admissions testing, interviews and events. Entrance Exam Sessions Suspended GMAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL testing in mainland China has been pushed back further to the end of March. On its official website, the Graduate Management Admissions Council, which owns and administers the GMAT and Executive Assessment, states the following: “In the interest of the health and safety of our candidates, all testing in Mainland China has been Read more
Published: February 23, 2020
Episode 84: Wire Taps—Will My GRE Score Hold Me Back?
In this podcast episode of Wire Taps, Clear Admit’s admissions experts, Graham Richmond and Alex Brown, continue to offer their insightful advice on the MBA application process.  This week, they review profiles from three prospective MBA applicants who shared their stories on MBA ApplyWire. First, here’s a closer look at the profiles they talk about in this episode.  One person has a history in healthcare, and is looking for pointers on the overall admissions process: Also discussed in the podcast, an MBA Read more
Published: February 6, 2020
China Cancels GMAT, GRE, IELTS, TOEFL Exams
In light of the impact of the coronavirus (there have been more than 20,000 confirmed cases and 425 deaths at the writing of this article), China canceled the GMAT, GRE, IELTS and TOEFL exams for the month of February.  The goal behind the cancelation is to help contain the spread of the coronavirus in public areas. This means that Chinese students seeking to enter programs in the fall may now be delayed. Moreover, universities and schools across the globe could deal with matriculation planning issues in the coming months. Full refunds are being offered to students who had planned Read more
Published: October 29, 2019
Episode 61: GMAT vs. GRE—Which Test Should You Take for B-School?
Lines have been drawn, calculations have been made, sides have been taken. It’s a battle extravaganza in this MBA podcast episode, which pits the GMAT against the GRE. Two special guests join Clear Admit’s Graham Richmond in the great business school admissions debate: GMAT or GRE? Brian Galvin, Veritas Prep’s Director of Academic Programs, represents the GMAT.  Since earning a Master’s in Education from the University of Michigan, Brian has made the GMAT his full-time course of study since 2006. In addition to his amateur stand-up comedy career and status as a certified Ironman, Brian might very well be one Read more
Published: August 14, 2019
Episode 46: 4 Key Tips to Ace the GRE
No longer solely bound to the GMAT to prove their verbal and quant skills, MBA applicants are turning to the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) for admission to their target business schools.  In this podcast episode, our special guest demystifies the challenging test and provides tips to master it. David Newland, Veritas Prep instructor, tutor and author One of the most experienced test preparation experts in the world, David Newland, Veritas Prep instructor, tutor and author, has also been through more graduation ceremonies than just about anyone. With two master’s degrees and a Juris Doctorate, David is very familiar with the feeling of a cap and gown. But he has also graduated from U.S. Army Basic Training, National Park Service Motorboat Operator Certification Course, and sea kayak safety training. David has worked with students from every continent except Antarctica in his 13 years with Veritas. He has taught over 200 courses between the GRE, GMAT and LSAT. He has 99th percentile scores on the LSAT, GMAT and GRE—including a perfect 170/ 170 on the GRE. If you need to perform well on any exam—or need to learn how to operate a motorboat in hostile conditions—David is the one to talk to. In this episode, he provides 4 key tips to tackle the exam as well as breaks down 10 myths about the test.  Once you listen to this podcast, you’ll be ready to ace the GRE: Read more
Published: May 19, 2019
Podcast Episode 10 Replay: The Great Test Debate—GMAT Versus GRE
One of the first decisions you may make on your journey to an MBA is which test to take: the GMAT or GRE?  The GMAT, which is owned and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is about three and a half hours long.  The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is another entrance exam produced by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which also makes tests like TOEFL test for English-language proficiency. While the GMAT used to be the only test to take for MBA admissions, the GRE has been gaining widespread acceptance as an entrance exam for leading business Read more
Published: April 17, 2018
Our Latest Podcast: The Great Test Debate—GMAT Versus GRE
In early April, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which owns and administers the GMAT, announced that it is shaving half an hour off the test, bringing it down from four hours to three and a half. GMAC called it a “candidate friendly change designed to enhance the test taking experience,” adding that “the GMAT is the only assessment designed specifically for graduate business school.” To get to a shorter test, GMAC sliced out 23 minutes of unscored (research) questions in the Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections and streamlined non-exam portions like tutorials and instructions. GMAC made no mention of Read more
Published: October 5, 2017
Free Webinar: The GRE® General Test for Business School: What You Need to Know
Stand out from the crowd with a stellar business school application. Thinking of going to business school? Join Clear Admit CEO Eliot Ingram and GRE® General Test expert Matt Bashi-Kadlubowski for a free webinar. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 10:00am Eastern Time Sign Up Today In this online information session, you will be provided with an overview of taking the GRE® General Test for business school, including tips on how to do your best on the test so you can stand out to your top schools. Attendees will receive: Overview of the GRE® General Read more
Published: August 27, 2017
MBA Admissions: Tips for International Students
Sponsored Content A large number of MBA students across the globe intend to pursue their degree outside their home country. Are you thinking of studying abroad? The United States, Europe, and Canada are home to many of the world’s top-ranked business schools. Consider these tips if you’re hoping to make one of them your degree destination. Create Your Short List You’ll want to spend some time researching schools in your target country to find the ideal one for you. Some questions to address: What specific kind of program are you looking to attend? Which schools rank highest for Read more

MBA Applywire

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November 20, 2024 9:42pm ET
Applying: Babson / Olin, , Carnegie Mellon / Tepper, Emory / Goizueta, Rice / Jones, Rochester / Simon, SMU Cox, UCI Merage, Washington U. / Olin
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Technology - Entrepreneurship
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Entrepreneurship
GRE: 333
GPA: 2.56
Years of Work Experience: 5
Location: Lagos
Notes:

I just got rejected for WashU Olin and I have an interview invitation with Questrom. GPA continues to bother me but I addressed it in my supporting essays.
11
November 19, 2024 12:51pm ET
Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, INSEAD, Michigan / Ross, MIT Sloan, Northwestern / Kellogg, U. Chicago Booth, UPenn / Wharton, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Tech in government
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Entrepreneurship Companies: Bain , McKinsey
GRE: 319
GPA: 2.9
Years of Work Experience: 7
Notes:

I got cancer when I was undergrad that's why my undergrad GPA is low. After MBA I want to work in consulting then make a social impact in Africa through entrepreneurship
10
November 19, 2024 12:06pm ET
Applying: Duke / Fuqua, Harvard Business School, Michigan / Ross, Northwestern / Kellogg, Stanford GSB, U. Chicago Booth, U. Washington / Foster, UNC Kenan-Flagler, UT Austin / McCombs, UVA / Darden
Pre-MBA Career: Wealth Management and Military
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Asset Management, inc. HF, Other Companies: Bain , BCG , Deloitte , McKinsey , Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan Asset Management , State Street , Vanguard
GPA: 3.80
Years of Work Experience: 7
Location: San Diego
Post MBA Location: Chicago, Seattle, Minneapolis, Charlotte
Notes:

UG Degree: BBA Financial Markets at an Accredited Institution.

Civilian Work History: 3 years as Wealth Advisor under an RIA in Minneapolis and Denver. Total AUM of ~$350-400M, served as a salaried advisor in a primary and secondary capacity. Holistic services to include investment management, estate planning, retirement planning, insurance planning, tax planning, etc.

Military History: 4 years as a supply/logistics officer heading efforts for air/ground mobility, defense contracting, supply and procurement, and fiscal budget management while located at various bases within CONUS and multiple forward deployed locations.

Professional Certifications: Obtained Certified Financial Planner designation (2022) and Series 65 (2019).
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November 18, 2024 12:50am ET
Applying: Columbia, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Emory / Goizueta, NYU Stern, UNC Kenan-Flagler, Yale SOM
Intake Year: 2025
Pre-MBA Career: Consulting
Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking Companies: Bank of America , Barclays , Citibank , Credit Suisse , Goldman Sachs , JP Morgan Chase
GRE: 323
GPA: 3.32
Years of Work Experience: 7
Notes:

Education:
- Combined Major in Economics and Statistics
- CFA Charterholder (passed all three levels on the first attempt)

Professional Experience:
- Manager at a Big 4 firm Specializing in capital projects and infrastructure, with a role similar to investment banking
- Seven years of experience, mainly in financial services in Ghana

Extracurricular Activities:
- Pro bono capital-raising services for SMEs
- Aspiring to run a full advisory firm for SMEs in the future
- CFA exam coaching and tutorial classes for candidates
- Founder of a travel and tour club offering affordable trips to explore beautiful and historic scenes in Ghana

Will being 32 years old affect the attractiveness of my candidacy?
10
November 17, 2024 9:24am ET
Applying: Columbia, , Georgetown / McDonough, Harvard Business School, INSEAD, NYU Stern, Oxford / Saïd, Stanford GSB, UCLA Anderson, Yale SOM
Pre-MBA Career: Higher Education
Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Media, Undecided Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey , JP Morgan , Morgan Stanley , JP Morgan Chase , Apple , Google , Microsoft , Andressen Horowitz , Charles River , Sequoia Capital , Blackstone , KKR , 21st Century Fox , Comcast , Walt Disney
GPA: 3.97
Years of Work Experience: 5
Location: Denver, Colorado
Post MBA Location: New York City
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MBA LiveWire

November 21, 2024 10:36am ET
Accepted to Cornell / Johnson
Round: Round 1
Received via phone November 21, 2024
GPA: 3.5
GMAT: 760
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Finance
Application Location: United States
November 21, 2024 4:51am ET
Waitlisted at NYU Stern
Round: Round 1
Received via portal on November 19, 2024
GPA: 3.54
GRE: 331
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: Nicaragua
Note:

Waitlisted without interview. How can I flip this in my favour?
November 21, 2024 3:13am ET
Accepted to Washington U. / Olin
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 20, 2024
GPA: 3.81
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Finance
Application Location: Los Angeles
Note:

100K scholarship!
November 20, 2024 11:49pm ET
Interview Invite to Berkeley / Haas
Round: Round 1
Received via email November 20, 2024
GMAT: 645
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Note:

Consortium
November 20, 2024 9:20pm ET
Interview Invite to Dartmouth / Tuck
Round: Round 1
Received via portal on September 04, 2024
GPA: 3.74
GRE: 311
Program Type: Traditional Two-Year
Target Career: Consulting
Application Location: Tampa, FL
Note:

Applied early enough to guarantee interview.
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