By Elizabeth Taiwo (Student Recruitment Manager)
Applying to business school is no walk in the park, and at London Business School, we ask for a lot of information. While it might be frustrating or tiring, it really is for your benefit. We want to make informed decisions – after all, you could be embarking on a life-changing experience!
Our applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds, so standardised tests are an important element of the admissions process. If you aren’t sure where to start, let this blog post act as handy guide to all things related to testing.
GMAT or GRE?
Both exams are viewed equally by the Admissions Committee we have no preference over which exam you choose to sit! What is important is that you provide a score – it’s a mandatory element of the application and we are unable to accurately review your application without it. It might be worth sitting some mock exams to get an idea which one suits you better? Take a look at the simulators on our website (MiM, GMiM MFA, MAM).
Test centre or online?
We accept both in-person and online tests. They are viewed equally, so you can choose the option that suits you.
What score will guarantee me a place at LBS?
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this. Applications are reviewed holistically, taking the overall profile into consideration. Each intake will have a wide range of scores as we look to recruit well-rounded students.
What scores do you accept?
For the GRE, we recommend 160+ in both the verbal and quantitative sections. Ideally, the quantitative score would be higher, around 165.
For the GMAT, we recommend a minimum of 555 for the (G)MiM and MAM, with 595 for the MFA.
You’ll find the class averages below:
(G)MiM: 635 (Focus) / 690 (Classic)
MFA: 645 (Focus) / 700 (Classic)
MAM: 635 (Focus) / 690 (Classic)
*Please remember these are scores to aim for and do not guarantee a place on any of the programmes.
Can I take the test after I have submitted my application?
No. You must sit your GMAT or GRE exam before the deadline you are aiming for.
My Official Score report will arrive after the deadline – what do I do?
The official score report can take up to 7 days to be sent to you so we will accept the unofficial score report or some sort of proof you sat the exam before the deadline. This interim document informs the Admissions Committee that you took the test before the deadline and that they should expect your score shortly. A proof could be a screenshot of an email confirming you sat the test for example.
Can I request a GMAT/GRW waiver?
We are not able to waive the GMAT/GRE requirement; you must apply with a score.
I have the CFA level1/2 do I need to take the GMAT/GRE?
If you have a CFA Level 1 and are applying for the MFA you will be exempt from sitting the GMAT/GRE. If you are applying for the MiM, GMiM or the MAM, you will still need to provide a GMAT/GRE score.
Is the GMAT/GRE weighted more than other parts of the application?
There is no guarantee of a place at LBS simply with a high score as the GMAT/GRE only make up one component of the application and is equally weighted to other areas. The Admissions Committee make a holistic assessment of your overall profile taking into consideration: academics, experience, GMAT/GRE and English test scores, essays and your reference. Remember it is a competitive process and the best candidates tend to be fairly strong across all areas!
Proving your English proficiency
I studied my undergraduate degree entirely in English. Do I need to sit a proof of English proficiency exam?
You will need to submit an English language test score unless you are a native speaker national of a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UK Visas & Immigration Office), or have completed an English-taught degree in one of these countries. You can find further information here.
What tests do you accept?
The following tests are accepted – you can find score requirements here.
TOEFL
IELTS
CPE (Cambridge English Exam)
CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
DET (Duolingo English Test)
My test is out of date?
You must have taken the test within 2 years of the programme start date (end of August). If yours is out of date you need to provide an in-date version at the time of application submission.
Can I apply and submit my score at a later date?
It is the same as the GMAT/GRE exams. We need our applicants to submit their application with all the required documents so the Admissions Committee can make an informed and well-rounded decision.
There you have it – a detailed breakdown of the requirements for the entrance exams. Please take note and plan accordingly so you can submit the best application you can.