ISB is currently ranked as the 28th best business school in Financial Times 2018 global MBA rankings. It is a dream b-school for many MBA aspirants and that is why, it requires hard work from aspirants to present a strong profile in front of ISB Admission Committee.
Traditionally most business schools accept GMAT as a standard score for MBA admissions. However, in recent years b-schools have been more liberal towards accepting even GRE score for the MBA admission process. ISB has not been far behind the curve and has started accepting GRE scores as a part of its admission process from the year 2016.
However, not many people are aware about the fact that ISB too has been accepting GRE scores for admissions. This might cost some aspirants the coveted seat as they might be busy preparing for the GMAT inspite of having a great GRE score.
Let’s dig deep into the GRE for ISB admission:
- Minimum eligible score: As it is with GMAT scores, ISB does not have an official cut-off or minimum eligible score for GRE. However, a GRE score of 310 and above will give you better chances of getting an interview call from ISB. Hence, try getting a better score to increase your chances of admission in ISB. Given the competition, the higher the better.
As per the statistics, the PGP class of 2018 of ISB Hyderabad campus has a range of GRE score of 315 to 334 and the same of the Mohali campus is 303 to 335. Hence, the GRE score range for both the campuses is 303 to 335 and the average GRE score is 324. Therefore, your target score should be around 324, which is a high score on the GRE score scale.
- GMAT versus GRE: No one except for the admission officers of ISB knows which exam score the Admission Committee prefers. Furthermore, it has not been long since ISB has started accepting GRE scores; hence, it is even more difficult to ascertain the preference yet. However, bear in mind that GMAT and GRE are two different examinations with different scoring scales, testing subjects, formats and even preparation styles and methods.
The case is the same with all the b-schools around the world. Students generally choose a GRE score when they are interested in the pursuing a dual degree in another subject along with Master’s in Business.
If you are applying to other business schools along with ISB then it would be a wiser choice to take up GMAT as still most of the business schools in India and around the world accept GMAT score more than the GRE. Simply put, GMAT will give you more options to choose from when you are ready to enroll in a program.
Applicants also turn to GRE in case they couldn’t score well on GMAT. As ISB accepts both the scores, it gives applicants an opportunity to take the other test when one doesn’t work. However, you might want to try GMAT a couple of times for a better score before you take the decision as preparing for a completely new test would end up being time-consuming.
You could also choose GRE over GMAT if you are stronger at quant than verbal and vice versa. It is always wise to choose the exam according to your strengths and weaknesses. As both the exams end up taking the same time for preparation, the best way to choose between these two exams is to base the decision on your strengths and weaknesses.
GMAT or GRE, your exam score is going to be the first step of your admission. Take the exam which best suits you and remembers your score is not the ultimate parameter for the admission.