Is GRE accepted for MBA?" the answer is a definitive yes—in 2025, more than 1,300 business schools globally welcome GRE scores for MBA admissions, up from just a handful a decade ago. Administered by ETS, the GRE General Test—covering verbal, quant, and writing—has gained traction as a GMAT alternative, with 82% of GRE submitters accepted to business programs. Top US elites like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and Kellogg now treat it equally, per ETS data. This shift diversifies applicant pools, especially for non-traditional candidates like engineers or humanities grads eyeing MS/MBA dual paths. While GMAT remains the "business-specific" choice, GRE's versatility (valid for 1,000+ grad programs) makes it a smart, cost-effective option ($220 vs. GMAT's $275+). This guide explores acceptance trends, top schools, score benchmarks, and strategies for 2025 MBA success.
Why GRE Is Widely Accepted for MBA Programs in 2025
Business schools increasingly accept GRE to broaden talent—Kaplan's survey shows 90%+ of US/European programs now do. ETS reports 81% of test-takers get into one of their top three choices. Unlike GMAT's data sufficiency focus, GRE emphasizes broad skills, appealing to holistic reviews. For internationals, it aligns with joint degrees (e.g., MPP/MBA). Drawbacks? Some adcoms view GMAT as a stronger quant signal, but GRE converts well (e.g., 160Q ≈ 700 GMAT Quant).
Top MBA Programs Accepting GRE: US and Global Leaders
Hundreds of elites embrace it. Harvard Business School (HBS) accepts GRE without preference, averaging 162 Verbal/164 Quant for Class of 2026. Stanford GSB mandates scores post-June 2021, with medians at 164V/165Q—no minimum. Wharton (UPenn) welcomes GRE for full-time MBA, targeting 320+ totals. Kellogg (Northwestern) and MIT Sloan follow suit, with GRE applicants comprising 20-30% of classes. Globally, INSEAD (France/Singapore) and London Business School accept it for diverse cohorts. Mid-tier gems like NYU Stern and UCLA Anderson report GRE averages of 158-162. Check ETS's list for 1,300+ schools—90% of US programs qualify.
Average GRE Scores Needed for Competitive MBA Acceptance
No universal cutoff, but aim high: Top-10 schools average 320-330 combined (160V/162-165Q; 4.5+ Writing). HBS: 326; Stanford: 329. For 70th percentile (solid for mid-tier), hit 161V/166Q. ETS converters equate GRE to GMAT—e.g., 325 GRE ≈ 700 GMAT. Programs like Chicago Booth report GRE equally to GMAT, but quant strength matters for finance tracks.
GRE vs. GMAT: Which to Choose for MBA Admissions?
Both work, but GMAT suits business-focused applicants (Integrated Reasoning edge). GRE shines for multi-program apps or verbal strengths—cheaper, shorter (2 hours vs. 3). Reddit's r/MBA notes GRE success at M7 schools, but GMAT may signal "commitment." If quant-weak, GRE's high-school math feels easier. 40% of applicants now choose GRE for flexibility.
Tips to Strengthen Your GRE-Based MBA Application in 2025
Prep 8-12 weeks: Use ETS PowerPrep for 320+ targets. Submit via ScoreSelect (4 free reports). Pair with 3.5+ GPA, 2+ years work exp, and standout essays—SOPs should tie GRE quant to leadership. Apply early (R1 deadlines: Sept-Oct). For Indians/Chinese, leverage GRE's global validity for US/UK hybrids. Network via LinkedIn; consider waivers at test-optional schools like some at UC Berkeley.
In essence, yes—GRE is fully accepted for MBA in 2025, powering admits to Harvard, Stanford, and beyond. It's not second-tier; it's strategic. Assess your strengths, target scores, and apply confidently—your B-school breakthrough starts with the right test.