Kaplan Test Prep has completed their 2016 survey of over 220 business school admissions officers. The survey was conducted between August and October 2016 and found that 92% of business schools are now accepting the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT. This is a huge jump from 2009, the first year Kaplan asked the question, when only 24% of business schools accepted GRE scores.
Other findings include:
• Although there is almost universal acceptance of the GRE, the GMAT may still give applicants an advantage at some schools. 26% of admissions officers say that candidates submitting a GMAT score have an admissions advantage over those submitting a GRE score. A mere 2% say that those with the GRE have the advantage, while 73% say that neither exam taker has an advantage. This is unchanged from Kaplan’s 2015 survey.
• Business schools have argued that accepting GRE scores in addition to GMAT scores will open the pool of applicants to those without “traditional” MBA backgrounds. 61% of business schools surveyed say that offering the GRE option has resulted in the acceptance of more students from non-traditional backgrounds.
• The GRE hasn’t significantly contributed to more female students (25%), students of color (24%) or low income students (18%) enrolling in business school.
If you come from a non-traditional background you can rejoice that the GRE is on equal footing with the GMAT for most business schools. To read the complete report, check out the Kaplan 2016 MBA Survey.
Related Resources:
• To GRE or Not to GRE? That is the Question
• Should You Take the GMAT or the GRE?
• 5 GRE Myths and Misconceptions
