By Adrian Aguirre
We all know that test taking can be a stressful and anxiety producing process, especially in a competitive pre-MBA environment. Perhaps it’s the memory of an unexpected pop-quiz or the pressure of having to produce efficiently and effectively in a limited amount of time; whatever, the case may be, we hope to put your mind at ease with by clarifying some facts and dispelling a few misconceptions about how we weigh your tests results during the admissions process.
To apply to Anderson’s MBA program you can choose to take the GMAT or the GRE. We use the GMAT and GRE as predictors of your academic performance, particularly for the first year of the MBA program. When we review your scores, all components of the GMAT/GRE are taken into consideration, including the verbal, quantitative, Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) and GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning (IR), so it’s important to prepare for and do well on each section. If you have not taken either test and are unsure which one to study for, it is suggested that you consider taking the GMAT since it is designed specifically for business school admissions. Ultimately, we recommend that you take the test with which you feel most comfortable.
When you prepare for your test, don’t look only at the average score published by the school, instead look at the ranges of test scores published, along with the class profile data. This will give you a much more realistic picture of the kinds of scores we consider competitive. Of course, you should keep in mind that the MBA evaluation process is comprehensive and weight is given to all areas listed on the application. Therefore, applicants who have lower test scores can also demonstrate strengths in other areas listed in the application, such as work experience, essays and recommendations.
Undergraduate and graduate students who received their education outside of the United States are also required to take the TOEFL exam, unless your education was solely taught in English. The TOEFL helps us assess your English fluency and, like the GMAT/GRE, all components of the test are considered. We also accept the IELTS in lieu of the TOEFL. For more information about the TOEFL/IELTS requirement, please be sure to refer to UCLA's graduate division website.
If you have any questions about our requirements and application process, please see Anderson's admissions webpage and our FAQ, or email your questions to us at [email protected].
We look forward to getting to know you over the next few months. Best of luck to you!
Adrian Aguirre is associate director of MBA admissions. This blog was adapted from his most recent post in the MBA Insider’s Blog.
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