GMAT or GRE for European MBA programs: which one do schools actually prefer?

For applicants targeting Europe’s elite MBA programmes, the choice between the GMAT and the GRE can seem like a critical, high-stakes decision. With countless hours of study and significant financial investment on the line, prospective students often agonise over which exam offers a better chance of admission. The direct answer, however, is that top European business schools do not have an official preference. Their primary objective is to assess your readiness for a rigorous academic environment, and they accept both tests as valid measures of that capability. The real question isn't what schools prefer, but which test allows you, the applicant, to present the best possible version of your academic potential.

Do top European business schools like INSEAD, LBS, HEC Paris, and IESE state a preference between the GMAT and the GRE?

The short answer is no. Top European business schools officially state that they have no preference between the GMAT and the GRE. Schools like INSEAD, London Business School (LBS), HEC Paris, and IESE all accept both tests and evaluate them equally. Their primary goal is to attract a diverse and talented pool of applicants, and accepting both exams widens the net, inviting candidates from varied academic and professional backgrounds to apply. As an INSEAD alumna and interviewer, I can confirm that the focus is on the quality of the candidate—their experiences, ambitions, and analytical horsepower—not the format of their standardised test.

The official policy of these institutions is one of impartiality. INSEAD's website explicitly states, "There is no preference and you don't need to worry that any of these tests would be unrecognised or devalued compared to another." This sentiment is echoed across the websites of other elite programmes. HEC Paris and LBS clearly state they have no preference, focusing instead on a holistic review. This allows you, the applicant, to choose the test that best showcases your abilities. The schools' neutrality is a deliberate strategy to remove barriers and assess candidates on their intrinsic merits rather than their test-taking choices.

Is there a strategic advantage to taking one test over the other for a European MBA application?

The only strategic advantage is choosing the test on which you can achieve a higher percentile score. The decision should be based on your personal strengths and cognitive style. To make an informed choice, it's essential to understand the fundamental differences between the exams.

The GMAT has historically been the standard for business schools and is often perceived as having a more challenging quantitative section, not because the underlying maths is harder, but because of the way it tests logic and problem-solving, particularly in the legacy Data Sufficiency questions. If you have a strong quantitative background and are aiming for a career in finance or consulting, showcasing a high GMAT score can be a powerful signal to both admissions committees and future employers. The GMAT is purpose-built for business education, testing skills that are directly applicable to a business school curriculum.

The GRE, on the other hand, is a more general graduate school test, often favoured by applicants with stronger verbal skills or those from non-traditional academic backgrounds. Its quantitative section is generally considered more straightforward, while its verbal section places a heavy emphasis on vocabulary. For example, an applicant with a background in literature might find the GRE's verbal reasoning more intuitive than the GMAT's focus on sentence correction and grammatical precision.

My advice is to take a full-length, timed practice test for both the GMAT and the GRE. Analyse your performance not just on the final score, but on the experience itself. Did you feel more comfortable with the GMAT's question formats? Or did the GRE's structure allow you to perform better? The 'strategic' choice is the one that gives you the best opportunity to demonstrate your academic readiness for a rigorous MBA programme. A high score on either test is far more advantageous than a mediocre score on the test you thought you 'should' take.

How do schools use GMAT/GRE scores beyond the headline number?

Admissions committees look far beyond your total score; they perform a detailed analysis of the sectional breakdown to build a comprehensive picture of your specific strengths and weaknesses. A balanced score with strong performance in both quantitative and verbal sections is the ideal, but the emphasis can shift based on your profile and the programme's specific focus.

For instance, a high quantitative score is critical if you're applying to a finance-heavy programme or have a background that doesn't otherwise demonstrate strong numerical ability. INSEAD, for example, is known for its analytically demanding curriculum, and while it has no minimum GMAT, it recommends aiming for percentiles at or above the 66th in the Quantitative section and 60th in the Verbal. A strong quant score provides direct evidence of your analytical readiness for core courses in finance, statistics, and accounting.

Conversely, if your quant score is lower, the admissions committee will actively look for other evidence of your numerical ability. This could include high grades in quantitative undergraduate courses, a CFA designation, or work experience in an analytical role. The verbal and Data Insights sections are equally important. A high verbal score indicates your ability to comprehend complex texts, construct logical arguments, and communicate effectively—all essential skills for case-based learning and leadership. The Data Insights section, in particular, is valued for its assessment of your ability to interpret real-world data, a skill central to modern business decision-making.

The test score is just one data point in a holistic review. It's a tool to assess academic capability, but it is always considered in the context of your entire application—from your work experience and essays to your letters of recommendation and interview performance.

If I have a lower GMAT/GRE score, can other parts of my application compensate, especially for competitive European programs?

Absolutely, but it requires a truly exceptional and thoughtfully constructed application in other areas. A low score is not an automatic disqualifier, but it does mean the other components of your profile must work harder to convince the admissions committee of your capabilities. I have seen this time and again; I have helped reapplicants get into the London School of Economics—which has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the UK—and applicants from lesser-known universities get into the very best programmes in Europe.

The key is to proactively address the potential weakness. This means crafting compelling essays that showcase your unique experiences, career progression, and leadership potential. You should secure outstanding letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak in detail about your abilities and character. Furthermore, you can provide alternative evidence of your quantitative skills by taking supplemental courses in subjects like calculus, statistics, or accounting and earning high grades. Demonstrating a deep understanding of the school and your fit with its programme is also crucial.

I worked with an applicant for HEC who had a non-finance background; during his interview, he was asked to walk through a DCF analysis. Because we had anticipated that his non-traditional profile might invite technical questions, we prepared for this scenario. He answered flawlessly and received an offer shortly after. This illustrates a critical point: if you are prepared to do the work to fill perceived gaps, a lower test score can be overcome. It is not enough to simply have great credentials; you must strategically demonstrate your suitability and commitment in every part of the application itself.

For applicants with non-traditional backgrounds, does the choice between GMAT and GRE matter more?

For applicants from non-traditional fields (e.g., arts, non-profit, humanities, military), the choice can be more strategic, but the core principle remains the same: choose the test where you can excel. The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programmes beyond business, so it is often perceived as a more natural fit for candidates from diverse academic backgrounds or those considering dual-degree options (e.g., MBA/MPA). A high GRE score can effectively validate the quantitative and analytical skills of an applicant whose professional or academic history may not obviously demonstrate them.

However, the GMAT can also be a powerful tool for a non-traditional applicant. A strong GMAT score can emphatically signal to the admissions committee that you possess the specific quantitative and data literacy skills required for a demanding MBA curriculum. For an applicant with a degree in philosophy, for example, a high GMAT quant score can proactively address any potential concerns about their readiness for a quant-heavy curriculum, effectively neutralizing a potential objection before it's even raised.

Ultimately, the goal for a non-traditional applicant is to remove any doubt about their academic abilities. The choice of test is the vehicle, not the destination. The "right" test is the one that results in a score that makes your academic readiness undeniable, allowing the admissions committee to focus on the unique and valuable perspective your non-traditional background brings to the class.

What score ranges should I aim for with the GMAT or GRE for top-tier European MBAs?

While scores are viewed holistically, it is crucial to be competitive. The average GMAT scores for top European MBA programmes generally range from the mid-600s to over 700 on the classic GMAT, with equivalent scores on the GMAT Focus Edition. It is vital to check the latest class profile on each school's official website, as these numbers can fluctuate yearly.

• INSEAD: The average GMAT score is around 700-710. For the GRE, recent averages were approximately 163 for Quantitative and 160 for Verbal.

• London Business School (LBS): The median GMAT score for a recent class was 710, with an average of 700. LBS notes that for the GRE, they look for scores of at least 160 in each section.

• HEC Paris: The average GMAT is typically around 690 on the classic GMAT, with the school reporting a GMAT Focus average of 635 for its current class.

• IESE Business School: The school reports a GMAT Focus acceptance range of 545-715 (equivalent to 580-750 on the classic GMAT), with a competitive average around 680-690.

Remember, these are averages, not minimums. A score above the average can strengthen your application, particularly for scholarships, but a score below can be offset by a stellar profile. LBS, for example, notes that while a high score doesn't guarantee admission, they do have a usual minimum threshold. Your goal should be to land within or above the middle 80% range of your target schools to ensure your score is a positive factor in your application.

How does the GMAT Focus Edition change the GMAT vs. GRE calculation for European MBA applicants?

The GMAT Focus Edition, now the standard version of the GMAT, has been a significant development and is accepted by all major European business schools that accept the GMAT. The key changes—removing the essay (Analytical Writing Assessment), focusing on three sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights), and a new scoring scale—alter the decision-making calculus for applicants.

The GMAT Focus places a heavy emphasis on data literacy through its Data Insights section. This section combines question types from the old Integrated Reasoning and Quantitative sections to measure a candidate's ability to analyze data from multiple sources to make informed decisions. For applicants who are strong in interpreting data from charts, tables, and text, this new format can be an excellent way to showcase skills that are highly relevant in the modern business world. The removal of the essay may appeal to those who are confident in their analytical skills but less so in timed writing.

Your decision between the GMAT Focus and the GRE should now involve a more nuanced assessment. The GMAT Focus is tailored specifically for business school, testing higher-order thinking relevant to a business career. The GRE remains a broader test of academic readiness. Do your strengths lie in integrated data interpretation (GMAT Focus), or do you prefer the more straightforward math and vocabulary-intensive verbal section of the GRE? The best way to answer this is to try practice questions from both exams to see where your skills align best.

Ultimately, the debate over GMAT vs. GRE is secondary to the quality of your overall application. The test is a single, albeit important, data point in a rich tapestry that includes your professional achievements, leadership experiences, and personal story. Your primary focus should be on selecting the test that allows you to achieve your highest potential score and then dedicating your energy to building a compelling narrative that demonstrates your unique value to the MBA programme. A high test score opens the door, but a powerful, authentic application is what gets you invited inside. For a deeper dive into how these tests fit into your overall application strategy, you can read more about GMAT/GRE requirements. If you are unsure how these requirements apply to your specific profile and want to create a standout application, I am here to help. Apply Now.