GMAT or GRE: Deciding Whether to Submit a Test Score
Many early-career professionals considering Baylor’s Full-Time or Online MBA programs ask whether they need to submit a GMAT or GRE score. The Hankamer School of Business (HSB) MBA programs offer flexibility through a test-optional policy for most applicants while maintaining specific requirements for certain academic paths.
Questions about testing are among the most frequently asked by prospective MBA students. Scot Sanders, assistant director of graduate enrollment for the Graduate Business Programs at HSB, helps applicants understand their options and determine the best path forward.
“One of the first things people ask is whether they should take the GMAT or GRE, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer,” Sanders said. “Our goal is to help students make the decision that highlights their strengths and prepares them for success in the program.”
Although submitting a score is not required, a GMAT or GRE can strengthen an application and highlight readiness for the quantitative and analytical demands of the program.
How Submitting a GMAT or GRE Score Can Strengthen Your Application
A competitive GMAT or GRE score can provide insight into an applicant’s preparedness for a rigorous MBA program. It may be particularly helpful in the following situations:
Limited professional experience: Early career applicants with minimal full-time work history can use a test score to show analytical and quantitative skills.
Non-quantitative academic background: Applicants from fields outside business, finance or engineering can demonstrate their ability to handle the curriculum.
Weaker academic indicators: A strong test score can offset a lower GPA or limited quantitative coursework.
Scholarship consideration: Competitive scores provide additional data for merit-based scholarship evaluation.
Even when submitting a score, the admissions team reviews applications holistically, considering professional experience, academic record, leadership and extracurricular involvement.
Choosing Between the GRE and GMAT
Understanding the differences between the GRE and GMAT can help applicants choose the exam that fits their strengths. The GRE is a general graduate school exam accepted across many fields, while the GMAT is designed specifically for graduate business programs.
The GRE is one hour and 58 minutes long and includes analytical writing, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning. The verbal and quantitative sections are each scored 130–170 points, and 0-6 points for analytical writing. The GRE allows a calculator on the quantitative section and emphasizes traditional math, such as algebra and geometry, along with vocabulary-focused verbal questions like text completion and sentence equivalence. It is section-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second quant or verbal section adjusts based on performance in the first section. The GRE can be taken at a test center or online and measures analytical writing, critical thinking, verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills.
In comparison, the GMAT is a 2-hour, 15-minute computer-adaptive exam scored from 205-805. It features 64 questions covering quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning and data insights, with an emphasis on data sufficiency, integrated reasoning and critical thinking. The test adapts based on previous answers and does not allow a calculator on the quantitative section.
When Applying Without a Test is Appropriate
Many applicants benefit from applying without submitting a GMAT or GRE score. Situations where a test may not be necessary include:
Extensive professional experience: Applicants with years of work experience, particularly in quantitative or analytical roles, can show readiness through career achievements.
Strong academic record: Candidates with high undergraduate GPAs or prior graduate coursework may not need a test.
Confidence in holistic application: The admissions team reviews experience and achievements, so a test score may not be needed.
HSB’s test-optional policy ensures applicants are not disadvantaged for applying without a score, and students remain eligible for program-awarded scholarships and admission.
Special Testing Requirements for Pre-Clinical Track Applicants
Applicants pursuing the Pre-Clinical Track in the Healthcare Administration Specialization are required to submit either an MCAT, DAT or GRE score. This track is for students planning to pursue advanced clinical degrees, such as MD, DDS or DPT, after completing the MBA. These scores help indicate competitiveness for future clinical programs.
Preparing for the GMAT or GRE
For applicants considering taking the GMAT or GRE in an effort to strengthen their application, preparation is key. To give yourself the best chance of performing well, consider the following strategies and recommendations for study and practice:
Plan ahead: Dedicate 120–170 hours of study over two to four months.
Practice strategically: Take multiple practice exams to get familiar with timing and question types.
Select resources that fit your learning style: Consider the GMAT Official Prep Store, Kaplan, Magoosh or The Princeton Review.
Focus on weak areas: Identify sections that need the most improvement and spend extra time there.
Making the Right Decision
Deciding whether to submit a GMAT or GRE score is a personal choice. Applicants should weigh their academic background, professional experience and the potential benefits of submitting a score.
“Taking a test is a serious commitment, and it isn’t always necessary,” Sanders said. “We want students to consider their strengths, career experience and long-term goals when deciding whether a GMAT or GRE will strengthen their application. Our team is here to guide each student through that decision.”
HSB’s test-optional policy provides applicants with flexibility in how they present their strengths. Submitting a GMAT or GRE score can strengthen an application and provide additional insight into quantitative and analytical skills, while choosing to apply without a test does not put applicants at a disadvantage and keeps them fully competitive for admission and scholarships.
Ready to explore your options?
Visit Baylor’s Full-Time MBA Admissions to learn more about application requirements, testing policies and scholarship opportunities.
Click here to apply to the Baylor MBA program.
