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Students planning to attend graduate school often want to know the GRE requirements for online MBA programs. Many large corporations and companies require that manages and directors have their MBA before applying for an open job. Online programs let you continue working your current job as you study and complete the MBA program. Though traditional colleges often require that students take the GRE before applying to these programs, some online schools no longer include the GRE as a requirement for admission.
What is the GRE?
The General Records Examination, better known as the GRE, is an examination that tests your verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills. The GRE Subject Test is a similar examination that focuses on a specific topic, including mathematics, chemistry and physics. For admission to graduate school, you usually need to take the general test. After taking the test, you’ll receive a separate score for each portion of the test that you took. According to Chris Swimmer, the average scores that students at some of the top schools in the country received ranged from the high 140s to the high 160s.
How to Report Your Scores
When you apply to take the GRE, you have the option of requesting that the testing center send your completed scores to one or more colleges. Some students wait until after receiving their scores before sending the scores to online programs. Your scores will remain valid for a period of five years after you take the test, but if you aren’t happy with your scores, you can pay and take the test a second time. The testing board will record all the scores you received but only send your highest scores to a school.
GRE Requirements for Online MBA Programs
The GRE requirements for online MBA programs vary from program to program. Many of the top online programs are open to students with some experience in the business world. These programs are similar to those that meet once a week, those that offer evening classes and those with weekend courses. Programs designed for working professionals typically do not require that you take the GRE. Those programs care more about your undergraduate work and your real life experience than the score you received on a single test. Traditional MBA programs designed for recent college graduates usually still require that applicants take the GRE.
Other Requirements
Though you might not need to take the GRE, you will need to meet any other requirements of the program. The most common requirement is one or more letters of recommendation. These letters should come from one of your professors or a supervisor at your current or former place of employment. Students also need to submit an official transcript from the college they graduated from with a business degree and complete the applications for admission and financial aid.
The GRE is just one of many tests designed for future graduate schools. While many humanities, sciences and math programs require that students take the GRE, not all programs have this requirement. Before choosing a MBA program, find out the GRE requirements for online MBA programs that interest you.
