Will LBS and Cambridge Judge Accept My GRE Score for an MBA?

Yes, both London Business School and Cambridge Judge Business School fully accept the GRE for their MBA programmes and state no preference for it over the GMAT. Your choice should be guided by which test best showcases your abilities, as a high score on either exam will strengthen your application. The landscape of business school admissions has evolved, and the once-unquestioned dominance of the GMAT has given way to a more flexible, candidate-focused approach where the GRE is a respected and powerful alternative.

Do LBS and Cambridge Judge really view the GRE and GMAT equally for MBA applications?

Yes, both London Business School (LBS) and Cambridge Judge Business School officially state they have no preference between the GMAT and the GRE for MBA applications. Both tests are considered valid indicators of academic readiness for a rigorous MBA curriculum. This shift reflects a broader trend in business education, which now actively seeks candidates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, not just those from traditional finance or consulting tracks. The GRE, being a more general graduate school entrance exam, naturally appeals to this wider pool of talent.

The choice between them should be a strategic one, based on your personal strengths. The GMAT is traditionally more focused on business-oriented quantitative and data interpretation skills, while the GRE is a more general test of verbal and quantitative reasoning. For example, the GMAT's Verbal section tests sentence correction and critical reasoning, which can feel more technical, whereas the GRE's Verbal section is known for its emphasis on vocabulary. Quantitatively, the GRE's math section is often considered more straightforward, and it provides an on-screen calculator, which the GMAT does not. Conversely, the GMAT features unique question types like Data Sufficiency, which require a specific type of logical reasoning. I advise candidates to take official practice tests for both to see where they naturally perform better. A candidate with a strong vocabulary from a humanities background might excel on the GRE's verbal section, while a quantitative analyst might feel more comfortable with the GMAT's specific style of data-centric problems.

While the schools are neutral, LBS does note that some employers, particularly in traditional consulting and finance roles, may still ask for a GMAT score during recruitment. This is a minor but important consideration for your long-term career goals. Some recruiters in these highly competitive fields have historically used the GMAT as an additional screening tool, sometimes setting high benchmarks. However, this practice is becoming less common as the GRE gains wider acceptance and as employers themselves adopt a more holistic view of candidates. For most applicants, this should not be the deciding factor, but it is a point to consider if your heart is set on a specific, traditional post-MBA career path.

What is the target GRE score for LBS and Cambridge Judge?

Neither school sets a strict minimum GRE score, but they provide strong guidance on what makes a competitive application. It is crucial to understand that scores are evaluated within the context of the entire applicant pool for a given year, and what is considered "competitive" reflects the high calibre of the students these programs attract.

• London Business School (LBS): LBS explicitly states a preference for GRE scores of 160 or higher in both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. However, looking at the profiles of admitted students reveals a more competitive reality. Reports and admissions directors suggest that successful applicants often score in the 163-164 range for each section. This indicates that while a 160 might get your application reviewed, a score in the mid-160s provides a much stronger signal of academic capability to the admissions committee. The average total GRE score for a recent class was around 320, reinforcing these high expectations.

• Cambridge Judge Business School: Cambridge does not publish a strict minimum score but reports the mean averages for its class, emphasizing the importance of balanced percentile scores across all sections. For the GRE, recent data shows an average verbal score around 158 and an average quantitative score of 163. The school notes that typical mean averages are around 76% in Verbal and 60% in Quant. This discrepancy highlights the importance of the quantitative section for a rigorous, fast-paced MBA program. An applicant with a 165 Quant and 156 Verbal might be viewed more favourably than one with a 161 in both, especially if their undergraduate background is not quantitative.

It's also worth noting the introduction of the GMAT Focus Edition, which has altered the scoring scale and structure of the GMAT. As schools and applicants adjust, the GRE remains a stable and well-understood benchmark, making it a reliable choice for many candidates navigating this period of change.

How do LBS and Cambridge Judge use the GRE score in application evaluations?

Both LBS and Cambridge Judge use the GRE score as a standardised data point to assess your ability to handle the academic rigour of their fast-paced MBA programmes. It is one of several key criteria in a "holistic review" process, alongside your undergraduate performance, work experience, essays, and references. The main thing admissions committees are concerned about is your ability to keep up with the pace of the programme. A strong test score gives them confidence that you have the foundational quantitative and verbal reasoning skills to succeed.

A holistic review means that every part of your application is considered in context. For example, a high GRE score can significantly strengthen your case if you have a non-traditional background or a lower-than-average GPA. Consider an applicant with a degree in fine arts and a 3.1 GPA who has spent five years working for a non-profit. A GRE score of 166 in the quantitative section would immediately alleviate any concerns the admissions committee might have about their ability to handle courses in finance, accounting, and statistics. It provides concrete, recent evidence of quantitative aptitude that their older academic record might not show.

They also look for balanced performance across the sections. A lopsided score—for instance, a 170 Quant and a 150 Verbal—might raise questions about communication skills, which are just as critical in an MBA environment. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score, while less important than the main scores, is also considered. A very low score (below 3.5) could be a red flag, but a score of 4.0 or above is generally considered perfectly acceptable and unlikely to be a deciding factor. Ultimately, a high score does not guarantee admission, just as a lower score does not automatically disqualify you, but a strong, balanced score significantly strengthens your case by confirming your academic readiness.

If my quantitative background is weaker, is the GMAT a better choice than the GRE to demonstrate my abilities?

Not necessarily. The decision should be based on which test format allows you to achieve a higher score, particularly a higher quantitative score. Both the GMAT and the GRE have quantitative sections that business schools use to gauge your readiness. If your undergraduate GPA in quantitative subjects is not as high as you'd like, a strong test score is a critical way to compensate and prove you are ready for the academic demands of an MBA.

The main thing is to push up your quant score, regardless of the test. The style of the quant sections differs between the two exams. The GRE's quant section is often described as more straightforward, testing concepts typically covered in high school mathematics, but it can be tricky in its wording. The GMAT, on the other hand, includes unique and challenging question formats like Data Sufficiency, which test logic and analytical skills in a way that some find more difficult. The best strategy is to take a full-length, timed practice test for both the GMAT and the GRE to see which format feels more intuitive and where you score higher. This diagnostic step is the most reliable way to choose the test that will best showcase your abilities.

For programmes like a Masters in Finance or Economics, admissions tutors look for evidence of statistics and calculus experience. If you lack this, taking supplemental courses online can beef up your quant profile. Platforms like Coursera, edX, or even HBS Online offer courses like "Calculus for Business" or "Statistics for Management." This preparation shows the admissions committee that you are proactive and that they do not need to worry about your ability to handle the quantitative demands of the course. This principle applies equally to MBA applications at LBS and Cambridge; demonstrating recent, relevant quantitative work can be a powerful addition to your application narrative.

Does choosing the GRE over the GMAT affect my scholarship chances at LBS or Cambridge Judge?

No, your choice of test does not directly impact scholarship consideration. Both schools explicitly state they view the tests equally for admissions, and this neutrality extends to financial aid and scholarship decisions. Scholarships are awarded based on the overall strength of your profile, which includes your academic record, professional achievements, leadership potential, and the unique perspective you bring to the cohort. A high test score—whether GMAT or GRE—can certainly make you a more attractive candidate for merit-based scholarships, but the test format itself is not a deciding factor.

Admissions committees are looking to build a diverse and talented class. Scholarships are a key tool they use to attract exceptional individuals who will contribute significantly to the school's community and uphold its values. For example, a successful LBS client who received a scholarship had a background in sustainable energy development in Latin America. While her GRE score was strong, it was the combination of her high score, her unique professional story, and her clear vision for using the MBA to drive social impact that made her a compelling candidate for a scholarship. The test score opened the door and confirmed her academic ability, but the rest of her profile secured the award. Schools are looking for diversity in mindsets and people who connect with the school's values; the test is just one part of demonstrating your capability.

Are specialised masters programmes at LBS and Cambridge also open to GRE scores?

Yes, specialised masters programmes at both institutions are generally open to GRE scores, reflecting the broad acceptance of the test across graduate education.

At London Business School, the Masters in Management (MiM) programme accepts both the GMAT and the GRE. Similar to the MBA, a strong score on either test is required to demonstrate your ability to succeed in the programme. Likewise, the LBS Masters in Financial Analysis (MFA) requires either a GMAT, GRE, or CFA Level I certification for its application. For the MFA, LBS is looking for candidates with strong quantitative abilities, and a high test score is a key way to demonstrate this, especially for those without a numerical degree background.

At Cambridge Judge, the policy for specialised masters can vary. For the Master of Finance (MFin), for instance, submitting a GMAT or GRE score is optional. However, the school notes that a strong score can lend significant weight to an application, particularly if the candidate's academic record is borderline or comes from a less familiar grading system. Cambridge may also reserve the right to request a score if they feel it is necessary. These early-career programmes have become increasingly popular as more candidates seek to start their business education sooner. My work with applicants has shown a clear rise in demand for specialised one-year degrees, and schools like LBS and Cambridge are meeting this demand with world-class programmes that value the diverse academic indicators that the GRE can represent.

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In the end, the choice between the GRE and GMAT is a personal and strategic one. Both LBS and Cambridge Judge have embraced the GRE, giving applicants the flexibility to choose the test that best highlights their unique strengths. Success in the competitive MBA admissions process requires more than just a test score; it demands a compelling narrative, clear career goals, and a demonstrable fit with the school's culture. A strong test score is a critical component that proves your academic readiness, allowing the admissions committee to focus on the richer, more personal aspects of your profile. By preparing diligently and presenting a holistic, authentic application, you position yourself for success. If you are ready to get started on your application and would like 1-1 support to maximise your chances of success, you can avail a complimentary 1-1 consultation with me. Apply Now.