Kaplan Test Prep’s 2015 survey of 222 business schools across the United States and Great Britain finds that 90%--an all time high--allow applicants to submit a GRE score instead of a GMAT score, once the only admissions test option for business schools. This is a 5% increase over last year and a big jump from 2009, when Kaplan’s survey found only a quarter (24%) of business schools allowed students to submit a GRE score. Additionally, 42% of admissions officers in 2015 reported an increase in the number of applicants submitting GRE scores, compared to 2014.

“Accepting GRE scores helps business schools attract a more diverse applicant pool because GRE test-takers are less likely to have traditional business backgrounds in fields like financial services, marketing, or consulting,” said Brian Carlidge, executive director of pre-business and pre-graduate programs, Kaplan Test Prep.

Yet, despite this increased acceptance of GRE scores, the GMAT might still give applicants an edge at some schools. Twenty-five (25%) percent of admissions officers say applicants who submit a GMAT score have an admissions advantage over those who submit a GRE score, an increase from 18% in Kaplan’s 2014 survey. Only 2% say those who submit a GRE score have the advantage, a drop from 4% in 2014. For the majority (74%), neither has the advantage.

“Even with the increased number of applicants submitting GRE scores, students need to understand that some schools are still reluctant to give both test equal footing,” added Carlidge. “Our advice to students is to gather admissions intel and ask the business schools to which they will apply if there’s a preference one way or the other.”

Carlidge points out that while the exams include different content, achieving a high percentile is equally challenging on both.

For more information about Kaplan’s survey, contact Russell Schaffer at 212.453.7538 or russell.schaffer@kaplan.com.

*The survey was conducted between August 2015 and September 2015 of admissions officers at 222 business schools in the United States (217) and United Kingdom (5). Among the 222 business schools are 20 of the top 50, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council™. Kaplan materials do not contain actual GMAT items and are neither endorsed by nor affiliated in any way with GMAC. GRE ® is a registered trademark of the Educational Testing Service, which neither sponsors nor endorses this product.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com) is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings as well as a complete array of print books and digital products, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as professional licensing exams for attorneys, physicians and nurses. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services. Additionally, Kaplan operates new economy skills training (NEST) bootcamps designed to provide immersive training in skills that are in high demand in today’s job market and prepare participants for hire.

Note to editors: Kaplan is a subsidiary of The Graham Holdings Company (NYSE:GHC)