Is the GRE better than the GMAT focus for Harvard MBA after the new essay and writing requirements?

Question

Divakshi Arora · Accepted Answer

Choosing between GRE and GMAT Focus for Harvard MBA really depends on what kind of strengths an applicant wants to show, but the GMAT Focus has a slight edge after the essay and writing requirement changes.
Harvard no longer requires an analytical writing test score, so the GRE&rsquo;s essay section doesn&rsquo;t carry much weight. That means both tests are now judged more on quantitative, verbal, and reasoning abilities. The GMAT Focus is shorter, only two hours and fifteen minutes, and centres heavily on skills like data analysis and problem-solving&mdash;things Harvard professors and recruiters actually care about.
Also, hiring trends matter. Many firms that recruit from Harvard still look at GMAT scores during resume shortlisting. So a strong GMAT Focus score could be a subtle advantage when thinking long-term beyond just admissions.
For someone only targeting MBA programs like Harvard, the GMAT Focus fits better. But if an applicant is aiming for other grad programs too, the GRE might be more flexible.

Ranjan J · Answer

Is GMAT Focus better than GRE for Harvard MBA after the new essay requirement? In most cases, yes. Harvard accepts both, but GMAT Focus is more aligned with MBA-specific skills. It emphasizes data interpretation and logic &mdash; areas Harvard values, especially for careers in consulting and finance.
Since Harvard no longer requires an analytical writing score, the GRE&rsquo;s essay section doesn&rsquo;t add much weight. What matters more is how well applicants write their application essays. GMAT Focus skips the writing section entirely and lets the rest of your application do the talking.
Another plus: percentile scores in GMAT Focus are more forgiving. For example, a Quant score of 50 out of 60 can land in the 80th percentile, making your profile look stronger even without a perfect raw score.
Unless you're applying to other non-MBA programs or have already prepared for the GRE, GMAT Focus is more in tune with what Harvard and top recruiters are looking for.
Need help deciding between GMAT Focus and GRE? Book a free  session with experts today.

Supriya J · Answer

The new writing and essay section in GMAT Focus closes some of the gap with GRE &mdash; but that doesn&rsquo;t flip the game in GRE&rsquo;s favor.

Harvard accepts both, but most of their published class stats still center on GMAT scores.
GMAT Focus tests business-related skills &mdash; the kind Harvard values in case-based discussions.
GRE still leans heavier on vocabulary and reading, which might help verbal-strong applicants but doesn&rsquo;t reflect business thinking as clearly.
The new writing task in GMAT Focus is just one part of a broader skill set &mdash; and not enough to outweigh how the rest of the test fits MBA goals.
If the plan is Harvard MBA and nothing else, GMAT Focus stays the more aligned choice for both admissions and post-MBA job paths.

GRE is accepted, but GMAT Focus remains a stronger match for what Harvard looks for.

D. Aarav · Answer

For Harvard MBA, GMAT Focus still holds the edge, even with the new essay and writing changes. The program doesn&rsquo;t officially prefer one test, but most admits still submit GMAT scores, and many scholarships are tied to GMAT ranges.
The new Analytical Writing section in GMAT Focus makes it more similar to the GRE, but that doesn&rsquo;t suddenly make GRE the better choice. Harvard looks at your full profile, but since GMAT is made specifically for business programs and fits more closely with the analytical and decision-making skills they value, it remains the stronger signal.
GRE is a valid path, especially for dual-degree applicants or those with strong verbal strengths. But if the focus is solely on Harvard MBA and especially if aiming for a merit scholarship then  GMAT Focus still fits better with what admissions teams expect.