Are GMAT and GRE Scores Still Relevant Today?

Are We Saying Goodbye to GMAT and GRE Exams?

Applications to business schools and universities continue to rise, while the ways applicants are evaluated are evolving to match the changing formats and delivery methods of modern programs.

While standardized tests like the GMAT and GRE are still relevant for many graduate and business school admissions, they are no longer universally required. Many institutions are adopting test-optional or test-flexible policies. This means that while these tests can still be beneficial for showcasing strengths, they are not always mandatory, and other factors like academic record, work experience, and essays are becoming increasingly important.

What Is the GMAT and GRE?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) are standardized tests used for graduate school admissions, particularly for MBA and other business-related programs. 

The GMAT is primarily designed for business schools, while the GRE is a more general test accepted by a wider range of graduate programs. Both assess analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills.

In 2025, the GMAT and GRE exams hold less weight in graduate school admissions than five years ago. Some business schools waive or make these tests optional for many applicants. 

One example of this shift is the GMAT Focus Edition, which launched in 2023 with a shorter format and faster results. The GMAT was redesigned in response to declining test participation and the growing trend of business schools accepting the GRE or going test-optional. Between 2017 and 2021, global GMAT test-takers dropped from over 250,000 to just above 156,000, prompting GMAC to rethink the exam’s value as it was.

How Is the GMAT Focus Edition Different?

Now just called the GMAT Exam, the Focus Edition is a shorter, more modern version of the GMAT, lasting about 2 hours with fewer but more meaningful questions. It emphasizes practical skills like critical reasoning, data interpretation, and analytical thinking, with a new Data Insights section and skill-focused scoring. Fully digital and adaptive, it’s designed to better reflect the skills business schools value today. 

Why Should I Take the GMAT?

The GMAT was built specifically for business school admissions and remains globally recognized. It tests Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights, core MBA-level skills.

Top MBA programs still consider a strong GMAT score a signal of academic and career readiness. It helps international applicants offset differences in transcripts or unfamiliar grading systems. However, the GMAT demands 80 to 120 hours of intensive preparation.

It also adds financial and mental pressure to an already competitive application cycle. Moreover, the GMAT serves only business-related programs, which are not helpful for non-business graduate degrees. Consider your goals and program type before deciding to skip the test.

Why Should I Take the GRE?

The GRE has shifted from a generalist test to a popular business school entry route. Over 1,300 MBA programs worldwide accept the GRE, including the Wharton School, Yale School of Management, and London Business School. 

Many dual degree programs, like JD-MBA or MS-MBA, also accept GRE scores. Students often feel more confident with the GRE’s verbal section and flexible question format.

The GRE allows more time per question and follows an adaptive-by-section model. This format makes the test slightly more forgiving if you miss early questions. However, some admissions teams view the GMAT as more predictive of business school success. If you apply only to MBA programs, the GRE may require additional justification.

Graduate Schools That Offer GMAT and GRE Waivers

Given the aforementioned declines in testing, more graduate schools now adopt a flexible approach to standardized testing. Many graduate schools offer GMAT waivers across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. 

U.S. business schools, including the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and the Fuqua School of Business, offer waivers for those with strong academic transcripts or work experience. UNC Kenan-Flagler also grants waivers based on credentials or professional certifications.

Cambridge Judge Business School (United Kingdom) and Esade Business School (Spain) waive tests for exceptional applicants. ESSEC Business School (France, Singapore, Morocco) and NUS Business School (Singapore) in Asia follow similar test-optional or waiver models. ISB (India) grants exemptions for CFA Level II holders or seasoned professionals with leadership experience. 

Most waivers require one of the following qualifications:

• You need a GPA above 3.5 or a distinction-level bachelor’s degree
• A prior master’s degree also strengthens your waiver request
• Professional certifications like CPA, CFA, or FRM increase eligibility
• Five or more years of progressive work experience often meet waiver conditions

Waivers save time and reduce pressure during the application process. However, if your academics seem average, a test score can still boost your profile.

Why Take the GMAT When So Many Schools Are Making It Optional?

The GMAT and GRE remain widely accepted across top business schools. Even if a program is test-optional, you may still benefit from submitting a GMAT or GRE score. A strong score helps you stand out if you have a lower GPA or a long academic gap. It shows effort, discipline, and commitment to the program. In competitive applicant pools, test scores strengthen your educational profile.

Likewise, some employers still ask for scores during internships and job applications. Scholarship committees sometimes consider test scores in their final decisions. A 710 GMAT or 325 GRE can unlock unexpected funding opportunities. 

Moreover, applicants from non-traditional backgrounds can prove academic ability through testing. Therefore, consider your profile, goals, and specialization before skipping the test.

Top employers in finance, consulting, and tech still value test scores. Firms like McKinsey, Amazon, and Bain often request GMAT scores during recruitment.

Moreover, test scores offer consistency when you apply across regions or program types. International applicants can improve their profile by submitting test scores alongside unfamiliar transcripts or grading systems.

Let’s take a look at the reasons why these tests are under scrutiny in 2025, as Higher Education admissions requirements evolve to meet modern cohorts.

Pros: What are the Benefits of Taking The GMAT and GRE?

Even with more test-optional programs, the GMAT and GRE remain valuable and worthwhile in global graduate admissions. The GMAT Focus Edition delivers fast results and allows section retakes while staying rigorous.

The GRE improves access with online availability, faster score reporting, and year-round scheduling. You can take the GRE at home 24/7 or at test centers most days of the week worldwide. Waivers increase access but don’t replace the value of a quantitative benchmark for business-focused roles.

Finance, consulting, and data-driven fields still rely on strong test scores as readiness signals. The shift is not about removal but about applicant choice and strategic flexibility. You now decide if a test strengthens your case based on goals, profile, and program type.

Cons: Are the GMAT and GRE Exams Still Relevant in 2025?

During the pandemic, many universities waived standardized test requirements as testing centers closed and students were stuck at home. Even after in-person testing resumed, a number of schools continued to allow test-optional applications, prompting questions about the ongoing relevance of exams like the GMAT.

While a high score can strengthen an application, it does not guarantee admission, and failing to meet a strict score requirement can block otherwise qualified candidates. Increasingly, standardized tests are being scrutinized for perpetuating stereotypes, whereby scores often reflect access to prep resources and multiple test attempts rather than innate academic ability, and they often correlate with socioeconomic status, race, and gender.

Graduate schools are responding to this evidence, with many reporting that dropping exam requirements leads to a more diverse applicant pool without compromising academic standards. As a result, admissions processes are shifting toward a more holistic evaluation of skills, experience, and potential, rather than relying on a single number.

Maximize Your MBA Profile with the Right Test Choice

The GMAT and GRE exams still exist, but no longer guarantee success in 2025. Use them if they highlight your strengths. Skip them if your academic and career achievements speak louder. GMAT or GRE scores still drive merit scholarships and ranking boosts. 

Competent applicants avoid trends and choose strategies that match their goals. Admissions committees still rely on test scores to gauge academic readiness. However, it is not the only factor they take into consideration. 

Weigh each option based on your profile, target schools, and industry expectations. Know what each school values before finalizing your test strategy. Make the choice that adds the most value to your application.

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