Hello, I was admitted to the Global MBS MBA, ESCP EMBA and WBS EMBA (with scholarship) but have now decided to apply for FT MBA as the oil industry outlook is extremely bleak. Highly likely that current project will be postponed so probably best to ride a downturn while studying full-time. I have aimed much higher this time and wanted to get a feel for my chances of being admitted to LBS. I'm a Chartered Engineer with 8 years experience in oil and gas and significant international work experience in several continents. The issue is I never planned to apply for FT MBA so never did a GMAT. I was advised to go for the GRE which I am now planning to do online with not that much time to prepare! Any idea about my chances of getting admitted, if realistic or not? And whether there may be any flexibility in the current climate? What GRE score should I be aiming for?

[Edited by Mahmoud Gawish on Apr 16, 2020]

I think it's a myth that the GRE is easier than the GMAT. Consider the possibility that taking the GMAT signals that you are avoiding quant skills and have a US doctoral program as your main goal.

LBS will focus on your goals, managerial experience, self awareness and global competence, none of which can be assessed from what you have written.

At LBS, I guess they would consider a excellent candidate scoring 160 on one side of the GRE but most LBS candidates will be in the top 85 or 90 percent of GRE test takers, simply because they tend to be American.

Many thanks for your response Duncan. I wasn't suggesting that GRE is easier, that's the advice I was given by the admissions team as I do not have enough time to study for a GMAT. I have a strong quantitative background (MEng Chemical Eng.) and also a technical career focus. My goal is to utilise my existing expertise and switch to private equity or management consulting so FT format would be ideal. I also want to use the MBA to explore and contemplate. I have lived and worked in 5 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa so very strong international experience. Would appreciate any further insight you may have based on this additional info.

[Edited by Mahmoud Gawish on Apr 17, 2020]

Good luck. I don't understand why you were advised that the GRE would take you less time. On average people spend more time preparing for the GRE than for the GMAT.

PS I am sure do you will do well but do consider some alternatives to LBS too.

[Edited by Duncan on Apr 17, 2020]

Top GRE takers have put in 200 hours, but few people have put more than 100 into the GMAT. The average is 50 to 60.

[Edited by Duncan on Apr 17, 2020]

Many thanks again Duncan, do you have any proposals for schools in UK/Europe of the same calibre based on my profile and goals that I should consider?

No, without more specific goals I think you can follow the FT rankings.