The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is increasingly used for entry onto MSc programmes.
You are required to have a valid GMAT or GRE score as part of your application for MSc International Management. We recommend a GMAT score of 600+, or in the 55th percentile or higher in the GMAT Focus Edition. If you are taking the GRE, we recommend a minimum score of 156 in the verbal, and 158 in the quantitative sections.
So if you’re applying to this programme you need to be thinking about GMAT if you haven’t done so already.
So what is GMAT and why is it needed?
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is a core part of the business school admissions process, for both MBA and Master’s business and management programmes. It is a standardised, computer adaptive test designed to assess your skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and data insights, all of which are vital to your success in business.
Currently, students have the option to choose between two GMAT formats: the GMAT exam and the GMAT Focus Edition. However, as of February 1, 2024, the sole available version of the GMAT will be the revised GMAT Focus Edition. For additional information about the new GMAT Focus Edition, please visit the GMAC website.
Each section is designed to test a different element of your skillset, including critical thinking, numerical aptitude, ability to analyse data and ability to understand written material. The idea is that higher scores show that you have good competence in these areas, and are therefore well-equipped to succeed in postgraduate business study. You can read more about the structure of the exam on the GMAT website.
The GMAT is well known as being ‘designed for business schools by business schools’ meaning that your results provide us with a key insight into your analytical and quantitative ability, and help us to distinguish top candidates as a result. The test shows us that you are serious about postgraduate study, which is crucial when you are looking to take a programme as competitive and rigorous as MSc International Management.
What’s more, we can trust the GMAT as the entire exam experience is consistent across the world. From the time you register for the exam to the time when you receive your scores – the whole process is standardised, no matter what country you sit the test in. To give you some numbers, 100,000 business school candidates take the GMAT exam per year, exclusively for application to a graduate business programme – and we expect this number to grow.
Amy Duckworth, Director of Admissions, explains:
The application process for our MSc International Management programme is highly competitive. We receive applications from all over the world, from candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. While the GMAT is just one element of the application, it is very useful as it gives us a frame of reference that applies across the whole applicant pool. A strong, well-balanced score in the GMAT can definitely help to strengthen your application.
Are there any other benefits of taking GMAT?
A well-rounded score will not only add weight to your application, but can continue to be valuable post-MSc.
Although GMAT is predominantly designed to predict likely success in postgraduate study, the type of skills that are demonstrated through the test such as quantitative analysis, problem-solving, working with data and reports, and communication, are sought after professionally. In the fields of finance, analysis, risk management, investment banking, management and consulting, it is becoming more common for firms to ask for your GMAT scores. Even if you aren’t required to take it, an excellent score will look good on your CV and LinkedIn profile as it has a strong global reputation. GMAT results are valid for five years from the date of your appointment, so this gives you quite a wide timeframe.
The Graduate Management Admissions Council conducted a study of both corporate recruiters and business school applicants, and found that 88 per cent of recruiters are projecting a need for outstanding business school graduates. Graduate business school applicants reported taking the GMAT exam in order to stand out, in support of similar goals, to help increase job opportunities, salary and accelerated career growth.
You can read more about the study and watch videos from recruiters at some key firms here.
Even better, the skills, time and effort you put in to preparing for the GMAT, as well as striving for a good result, will put you in good stead for the challenges and rewards of MSc study – a good indicator of things to come!
I’d like to take the GMAT soon, what next?
The GMAT exam is available both at a test centre and online, giving you the convenience and flexibility to plan your testing strategy. If you are unsure about which test to take, you can compare the two options with this handy guide, and rest assured we accept both formats for entry to MSc International Management.
If you have decided you want to do the in-person test, you can select one of over 530 worldwide test centres here.
Bear in mind that the GMAT is designed to be prepared for. The time needed varies from person to person with some test-takers reporting that eight weeks is enough time to get ready for the exam. Some of our current International Management students have put together their own tips to prepare for the GMAT.
What GMAT or GRE score is required for MSc International Management?
You are required to have a valid GMAT or GRE score as part of your application for MSc International Management.
We recommend a GMAT score of 600+, or in the 55th percentile or higher in the GMAT Focus Edition (available from 7 November 2023). If you are taking the GRE, we recommend a minimum score of 156 in the verbal, and 158 in the quantitative sections.
GMAT vs GRE
Much like the GMAT, the GRE General Test is widely used for admission to demanding postgraduate programmes such as MSc International Management, designed to reflect the kind of thinking you’ll need to succeed in your postgraduate studies or professional life.
The GRE is comprised of 3 components: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning and Analytical Writing, which aim at testing the skills you need to succeed, and apply to all, not just a specific field of study. You can see further details about the test structure on the GRE website. For Msc International Management, although you don’t need to have achieved a minimum score in order to apply, we recommend a minimum of 158 in the Quantitative section.
Unlike the GMAT, the GRE General Test is the only admissions test for graduate and professional school that lets you skip questions within a section, go back and change answers, and have control to tackle the questions within a section you want to answer first.
As with GMAT, GRE is available in test centres around the world, or you can take the test online with GRE Home (except in Mainland China and Iran).
What next?
Lastly, given their first-hand experience and insight to the GMAT/GRE exams and preparation, we recommend reaching out to our Student Ambassadors, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. You can also meet us at one of our upcoming events for MSc programmes.
Should you be taking the test soon – best of luck!
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