GMAT and GRE preparation

Q: Is the GMAT required for a Master in Management or an MBA?

Most selective programs ask for the GMAT or the GRE, and some will consider applications without a test score depending on your profile. The exact list depends on the program and the year: it's one of the things we check with you, school by school, when we draw up your shortlist.

Q: GMAT or GRE: do schools prefer one over the other?

Check which tests are accepted and whether the program states any preference. If both are accepted, compare your results on official practice tests, the skills each one assesses and the time you have available. Neither test is easier for everyone.

Q: Can I switch from the GMAT to the GRE partway through my preparation?

Yes. The two tests are similar enough that the work you've already done still counts, and we regularly have students who switch when they aren't reaching the score they hoped for. We prepare students for both.

Q: How many hours of preparation do I need?

10 hours to consolidate an already solid foundation; 20 hours for comprehensive progress, our most popular option; 30 hours to aim for an ambitious score or if you're starting further back; 40 hours for an intensive program over 4 months. The diagnostic practice test, taken before your first lesson, helps you decide.

Prepare for the GMAT or the GRE for your Master in Management, Master in Finance or MBA applications. Check which test each program accepts and its specific requirements.

Talk to an advisor

Student studying for the GMAT in a university library

Test information checked on September 29, 2026

The GMAT and the GRE may be part of the admission criteria for business schools and master’s programs. Accepted tests, any minimum scores and the possibility of a waiver vary from program to program. A score is considered alongside the rest of your application; a class average is not automatically a cut-off.

Our preparation is one-to-one, by video call, with a dedicated tutor who has taken the test themselves. It always begins with a diagnostic practice test to establish your starting level and pinpoint the sections to work on.

Book my free assessment

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   Annaé Aviges 
 70 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I received support from Your Dream School, particularly from Adam and Lawrence, throughout my final year of high school for my applications to universities abroad, especially through UCAS. Thanks to their personalized guidance, availability, and responsiveness, I was accepted into most of my UCAS choices. They were perfectly able to adapt to my profile and goals. I highly recommend Your Dream School to all students wishing to attend selective international universities. A huge thank you to Adam and Lawrence for their help!

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   Frederic P 
 79 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are extremely grateful to the Your Dream School team for the exceptional support our daughter received throughout her applications to American and British universities. Adam and his team demonstrated remarkable professionalism, availability, and expertise at every stage of the process. Thanks to their wise guidance and personalized support, our daughter was accepted into the Ivy League university of her dreams. We wholeheartedly recommend Your Dream School to any family wishing to confidently prepare applications for universities abroad.

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   Frederic Asquiedge 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Delighted with the support from Adam, Lawrence, and the entire team in helping us navigate European programs and prepare rock-solid applications! Excellent results in the end!

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   Anne WILTZ 
 97 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I wanted to express my immense gratitude to My Dream School for their support throughout Grégoire's university application process in England and Spain. From the very beginning, they were present, available, and remarkably professional. Thanks to their guidance, expertise, and support, Grégoire was delighted to receive offers of admission from prestigious universities such as UCL, King's College London, and IE University. We would especially like to thank Adam for his support during the release of the Baccalaureate results. Grégoire's score on the Grand Oral exam, well below our expectations, jeopardized several of his admissions, particularly that of IE, which requires a minimum Baccalaureate level. This was a particularly stressful time for our entire family. During this difficult period, My Dream School provided invaluable support. They guided us calmly and efficiently, prepared the necessary letters, advised us on the steps to take, and helped us present the situation in the best possible light. Their responsiveness, experience, and commitment made all the difference. Today, Grégoire is preparing to join IE University, after considering King's College London, where he had also been accepted. This is a fantastic opportunity for him, and we know that your support greatly contributed to this success. Thank you, Adam and Laurence, for your availability and dedication. We are very grateful. Grégoire is thrilled to begin this new adventure, and we share his joy completely.

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   juliette Tisne 
 121 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A very responsive coach who did a fantastic job preparing my daughter for her interviews with different universities in France and abroad!

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   anne hindermeyer 
 130 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Your Dream School to help your children/teenagers succeed in their exams. My son was accepted to Sciences Po Paris. Adam is not only very responsive and available, but he also immediately understands your needs. He will connect you with various tutors who are Sciences Po students themselves and will perfectly optimize your oral exam preparation. This is essential preparation because the oral exam is very specific. You will benefit from a great deal of flexibility in choosing the students, scheduling, and frequency, for example. It's a tailor-made approach that allows you to feel confident for the oral exam. My son was fortunate to be able to train in the best possible conditions with Emma and then Jeanne. Their dedication was crucial. My son was accepted to Sciences Po on his preferred campus. I can only thank Adam and his entire team!

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   Chloe Ramel 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the opportunity to work with Yash and Jess throughout this year, and I couldn't have asked for better coaches. Yash guided me through my Personal Statement for the UK, while Jess helped me with my Common App and additional essays for the US. They were both incredibly supportive, backing my ideas while also pushing me to develop them further. We spent countless hours working and reworking my essays until we were all happy with the final result. Even outside of our calls, they took the time to give me detailed feedback so I could continue to improve my applications. They dedicated an enormous amount of time and energy to my application, and I am deeply grateful. They helped me rephrase certain sections to make them clearer, while still preserving my voice and authenticity in my writing. I highly recommend Jess and Yash to any student applying to the UK and USA!

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   Matthieu Demaude 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are absolutely delighted with the support our daughter received. Thanks to their professionalism, expertise, and dedication, she was able to take top-quality English lessons and successfully prepare for her IELTS exam. Beyond English, the team also coached her for her business school entrance interviews. Their advice was invaluable, relevant, and perfectly tailored to her goals. They helped her build confidence, structure her presentations, and highlight her strengths. The results far exceeded our expectations: our daughter performed exceptionally well in her interviews and gained remarkable confidence. We particularly appreciated their availability, attentiveness, kindness, and ability to personalize their support. They are a passionate team truly committed to their students' success. A huge thank you for your help and support. We wholeheartedly recommend their services to all families who want to give their children the best possible chance of academic and professional success.

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   Othman Ouali 
 145 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the opportunity to be primarily guided by Adam for the academic guidance and Lawrence for building my application. Like my brother a few years ago, I am delighted with the results we achieved, particularly SOAS for my brother and King's College London for me. YDS adapts to each individual's profile and was very responsive whenever I needed help. I also greatly appreciated the teaching methods and support of my coach during my GRE preparation. I highly recommend them!

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   Elia Azencot 
 177 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am so glad I chose to work with Your Dream School. Thanks to their support, I was able to gain admission to universities like IE University and ESCP Business School, as well as other programs through UCAS. I received exceptional support from Adam and Lawrence, who played a vital role throughout the entire process. They were always available, incredibly dedicated, and encouraged me to give my best. I highly recommend Your Dream School to anyone wishing to gain admission to selective international universities. Their dedication and expertise truly make a difference.

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They prepared for their test with Your Dream School

Thanks to their help and immense experience, I was admitted to both INSEAD and HEC in less than 4 months.

Adnan H., GMAT preparation, admitted to INSEAD and HEC Paris, translated excerpt from a Google review

Preparing for the GMAT with Lawrence, I made a lot of progress in Verbal. The improvement is striking and motivating!

Laetitia N., GMAT preparation, excerpt from a Google review

I really liked my coach’s teaching approach and support while I was preparing for the GRE.

Othman O., GRE preparation, admitted to King’s College London, excerpt from a Google review

GMAT or GRE: which should you choose?

Start by checking which tests each of your programs accepts. If both are accepted, compare their formats and your results on official practice tests. The GMAT includes a Data Insights section; the GRE includes an analytical writing task. How hard each one feels depends on your profile: neither is easier for everyone.

Our advice: take an official practice test for each exam your programs accept, then compare your strengths, your percentiles and the preparation time you have available. Raw scores on the two tests are not directly comparable. Switching tests can be considered after a diagnostic, taking into account the specific question types and your deadlines. We prepare students for both.

The two formats at a glance

	GMAT (current format)	GRE (General Test)
Sections	Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing
Total length	2 h 15 min, excluding the optional break	about 1 h 58 min
Score scale	205 à 805	Verbal and Quantitative: 130 to 170 each; Analytical Writing: 0 to 6
Score validity	5 years	5 years
How to take it	Test centre or online	Test centre or online

Official formats: GMAT and GRE General Test.

Registration fees and test dates are published by the test providers: mba.com for the GMAT, ets.org for the GRE. Check them before you book.

What score should you aim for?

Distinguish the published minimum, where there is one, from the average or range of admitted students. An average is not an eligibility requirement: a lower score doesn’t automatically make an application pointless, and a higher score doesn’t guarantee admission. Set a target suited to your programmes and the rest of your application. For example, London Business School publishes an average and a score range separately for its MBA.

Our GMAT and GRE preparation

Each pack includes a diagnostic practice test before your first lesson, a personalised study plan, one-to-one online lessons with a dedicated tutor, timed practice tests, unlimited 24/7 access to our practice platform and unlimited marking between sessions.

Pack	What’s included	Price incl. VAT	Book
10 hours	Strengthen an already solid foundation and get to know the format	1 300 €	GMAT · GRE
20 hours	Our most popular option: full progression across the quantitative and verbal sections	2 500 €	GMAT · GRE
30 hours	Aim for an ambitious score or start from further back	3 600 €	GMAT · GRE
40 hours	Intensive four-month programme, our most comprehensive preparation	4 600 €	Contact us

Test preparation is never separate from the rest of your application. Alongside it, our students work on their application strategy, their Statement of Purpose and their interviews: see our full Master’s support. And our Unlimited Master’s package already includes 10 hours of preparation for the test required by your programme.

Book my free consultation

Frequently asked questions

Is the GMAT required for a Master in Management or an MBA?

Most selective programmes require the GMAT or the GRE, and some accept applications without a test depending on your profile. The exact list depends on the programme and the year: it is one of the things we check with you, school by school, when we draw up your shortlist.

GMAT or GRE: do schools have a preference?

Check which tests are accepted and any preference the programme explicitly states. If both are accepted, compare your results on official practice tests, the skills assessed and the time you have available. Neither test is universally easier.

Can I switch from the GMAT to the GRE partway through my preparation?

Yes. The two tests are similar enough that the work you have done remains useful, and we regularly have students who switch when they are not reaching the score they hoped for. We prepare students for both.

How many hours of preparation do I need?

10 hours to strengthen an already solid foundation; 20 hours for full progression, our most popular option; 30 hours to aim for an ambitious score or start from further back; 40 hours for an intensive four-month programme. The diagnostic practice test before your first lesson helps you decide.

How much does preparation with Your Dream School cost?

From €1,300 incl. VAT for 10 hours to €4,600 incl. VAT for 40 hours, with one-to-one online lessons, unlimited access to the practice platform and unlimited marking. Our Unlimited Master’s package already includes 10 hours of preparation for the required test.

When should I take the test?

Before you submit your applications, so ideally in the spring or summer before your final year of study. Your final shortlist of programmes is set once you know your score, and the admission rounds leave room to retake the test if needed.