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

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’s essay section doesn’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—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.