If you’re aiming for an MBA or a business-related master’s program, one question to ask is:
Is The GMAT Still Worth It In 2025?
This is because the GRE is being accepted everywhere, causing changes to the GMAT. As a result, many applicants are re-evaluating whether they need to take the test or not. However, the short answer is yes, the GMAT remains an important and strategic component of a strong MBA application.
In this blog, we’ll analyse the role of the GMAT in 2025 and what top B-schools are saying. Also, we’ll find out whether it still makes sense to approach the GMAT preparation coaching.
Why Do Business Schools Still Value The GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a gold standard for MBA admissions. It mainly tests skills that matter in business school. These skills include data analysis, logical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving under time pressure.
In recent years, many business schools have started offering test waivers or made the standard tests optional. Although it opened doors for candidates from diverse backgrounds, it didn’t make the GMAT obsolete.
The reasons why many admissions still appreciate a good GMAT score in 2025 are:
- It provides a benchmark for applicants who come from various academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.
- It helps admissions teams analyse whether the candidate is academically prepared for an MBA program, which is exhausting.
- It shows commitment and seriousness about pursuing a business education.
- It plays a role in scholarship decisions at a number of schools.
What Top B-Schools Are Saying In 2025
Let’s take a close look at the world’s leading business schools on the GMAT:
Harvard Business School
Harvard accepts both GMAT and GRE scores, which defines its flexibility. However, they still find the GMAT a valuable component of the application. According to admission officers, strong professional or academic backgrounds can compensate for low test scores, and a high GMAT score can make your case strong. This is helpful if you’re applying from a non-traditional or less quantitative background.
Stanford Graduate School Of Business
Stanford recognizes the GMAT as a prominent measure of academic ability. They put special focus that applicants targeting competitive degree programs should not ignore the positive effect of a strong GMAT training course.
Wharton School, University Of Pennsylvania
Wharton publicly supports standardized tests and emphasizes GMAT scores during admissions. Moreover, they advise candidates to include test scores to reflect their potential.
INSEAD
At INSEAD, the GMAT is not mandatory, but highly recommended. Therefore, the school recommends that applicants submit GMAT scores to show quantitative readiness. This becomes helpful for students coming from humanities or creative backgrounds.
London Business School (LBS)
GMAT is a core part of LBS’s evaluation process. Moreover, LBS looks for well-rounded applicants, but at the same time, highlights that the GMAT offers valuable insights into a candidate’s problem-solving skills and ability to perform.
What Makes The GMAT Still Relevant in 2025
The reasons why GMAT training online is a smart move for many applicants are:
1. Scholarships And Financial Aid
Many top B-schools believe that scholarships and standardized test scores are directly proportional. As a result, a strong GMAT score will improve your chances of receiving financial aid based on merit. If you deliberately take the GMAT despite a school having test-optional admissions, it will unlock opportunities for you to get selected.
2. Strengthening Your Application
If you have a lower GPA or you have limited quantitative coursework. This is where a strong GMAT score helps balance your profile. Also, it will establish that you can handle the academic stress of an MBA program.
At the same time, it will show that you’ve done your homework—literally. Likewise, admissions committees value applicants who work hard to demonstrate readiness.
3. Career Benefits Beyond Admissions
An underrated advantage of the GMAT is that some employers look at GMAT scores. These employers mainly belong to consulting, investment banking, and private equity. This is why having a solid score on your resume can give you preference in post-MBA job searches.
What Has Changed With GMAT In 2025
The GMAT today looks different from the one test-takers saw five years ago. As of 2025, the exam is shorter and more efficient, aligned with the needs of today’s MBA programs and professionals. The current format includes just three sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning
- Data Insights
This format reflects the way B-schools think. They want candidates who can interpret data, reason critically, and adapt to fast-paced environments.
When It Might Be Okay To Skip The GMAT?
The GMAT is beneficial, however, there are specific situations where skipping the test makes more sense:
- You have extensive professional experience in a quantitative or analytical role.
- You’re applying to programs that explicitly waive test requirements.
- You already hold advanced certifications like the CFA or CPA.
- You have a strong undergraduate GPA from a highly ranked institution.
Remember, submitting a high GMAT score will be beneficial in these cases as well.
Final Thoughts: The GMAT Still Holds Value
The world is moving ahead with flexible MBA applications. However, the GMAT still remains a trusted tool for demonstrating your academic readiness and your ambitions.
Some of the B-schools may offer waivers, but many applicants should still choose to take the GMAT. This is because students are rewarded through stronger applications, better scholarship offers, and better opportunities.
Therefore, if you’re serious about business school in 2025, you shouldn’t hold yourself back from attempting the GMAT.
