One of the mandatory requirements for a business school application is to write an aptitude test to demonstrate your quantitative and verbal skills. There are two standard tests that are accepted by business schools globally: the GMAT and the GRE.
The Rotman School is one of the few Canadian business schools that accept GRE scores. I have been asked many times during fairs and information sessions if there are any competitive advantages in writing the GMAT over the GRE. There are none. We use these scores to understand your quantitative and verbal skills. Our MBA program involves numbers, plus a lot of reading and writing, and thus we require that you have solid quantitative and communication abilities.
As we accepted only the GMAT until 2010, there is no doubt that we are more familiar with its score breakdown, but this should not worry you if you would like to write the GRE test. We use an online comparison tool for business schools created by the test makers to compare your score to the GMAT scale.
Why do we accept GRE scores now? 
The Rotman School is not looking for one specific type of applicant. Because the GRE is taken by many Arts and Science grads to get into graduate school and measures the same types of things as the GMAT, accepting scores from both exams is a way to diversify the applicant pool and the student population.”
*You can also hear from different admissions representatives their view on these tests, please visit MBAPodcast.com
What is a minimum score for admissions?
While we do not have a minimum cutoff score on either of these tests, your chances of gaining admission will be improved with a higher test score. However, this is only one of the requirements; there are other components that require equal attention. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket just to get a high score on the test; neglecting the rest of the application will jeopardize your chances of admission.
What happens if I get a really low score?
Q: What is a really low score? A: Anything below 550 on the GMAT and 1160 on the GRE.
Getting a low score is an indication that your quantitative and/or qualitative skills may not be sufficient for the rigorous of the Rotman MBA program. This is a red flag for admissions committees. We want to ensure we admit individuals who will thrive in the program and graduate successfully.
Let’s say that you got a score lower than 550 or 1160. This is disappointing but unlike your final year GPA, your test score is something within your power to change and improve. Although retaking the test is not ideal, it does give you the opportunity to ace the test and get a competitive score to demonstrate strong quantitative and qualitative skills. This will only strengthen your application.
In case you are wondering what we do when we receive multiple scores, we assess your application using the highest score.
On a side note: Some competitive industries such as consulting have a rigorous selection process for summer and post-MBA employment. Employers operating in these industries might look at your GMAT/GRE score along with your current GPA in the program for pre-screening purposes, so this is another reason to focus attention on this part of your MBA application.
For more information on GRE, please visit http://www.ets.org/gre
For more information on GMAT, please visit http://www.gmac.com/gmac