What are GRE/GMAT tests?
Many postgraduate programmes around the world ask applicants to take a standardised admissions test. The most widely used are the GRE General Test and the GMAT. The GMAT is designed for business school applicants, although many business schools now accept either the GMAT or the GRE. Some MSc programmes at LSE also require or recommend these test scores as part of a competitive application.
Both tests assess core skills used in postgraduate study, including analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.
GRE General Test
What is the GRE?
The GRE General Test is used internationally for postgraduate admissions. It is an online exam that can be taken either in a test centre or at home, and it lasts one hour and 58 minutes.
What does the GRE assess?
- Analytical Writing: One 'Analyse an issue' task, which asks you to develop and support an argument.
- Verbal Reasoning: Two short sections, including reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Two short sections with an on-screen calculator.
The GRE allows you to skip questions, review answers and work within each section in any order. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are section-adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of the second section is based on your performance in the first.
Test frequency and score reporting
You may take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times in any rolling 12-month period.
Score reports are available in your ETS account and sent to institutions 8-10 days after your test date.
You can find more details on registration, scores and test policies on the ETS website for test takers.
GMAT Exam
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT is widely used for MBA and management-related master’s programmes. The redesigned GMAT Exam is now the only version available. It is an online exam that can be taken in a test centre or at home. It lasts around two hours and 15 minutes, includes an optional 10-minute break and contains 64 questions.
What does the GMAT assess?
- Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions in 45 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions in 45 minutes
- Data Insights: 20 questions in 45 minutes
You may take the three sections in any order. The GMAT is a computer adaptive test, meaning that the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your previous answers.
Test frequency and score reporting
You may take the GMAT once every 16 days, up to five times during a rolling 12-month period.
Official scores are available to you within 20 days of your exam. After receiving your score, you choose which institutions to send it to.
You can find further details on test content, registration and score reporting on the official MBA.com webpage on the GMAT exam.
Preparing for a GRE or GMAT test?
Preparing for these tests requires a sustained period of study. Many candidates use a mix of self-study, official preparation tools, online courses and timed practice exams. Understanding your weaker areas early on can help you choose materials that target those skills.
Official preparation resources
GRE
GMAT
Additional free or low-cost resources
- Magoosh – practice questions and strategy blogs
- Kaplan – free events, strategy sessions and sample materials
- Princeton Review – free online practice events and study tools
- Chegg Test Prep – daily questions and short practice activities
- Manhattan Review – classroom and online prep courses (London‑based option)
This is not an exhaustive list and you may find other useful resources through online searches.
Preparing for the test day
Many candidates may be unfamiliar with the structure and format of these exams. Practising under timed conditions and becoming confident with the digital interface can help you feel prepared on the day.
Useful advice
GRE
GMAT