# Standardized Tests Standardized tests are often one of the most intimidating parts of the MBA application process, especially for veterans who may be several years removed from formal academics. Whether you are deciding which test to take, how to prepare, or whether to pursue a test waiver, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of options and opinions. The purpose of this section is to demystify standardized testing and help you approach it strategically rather than emotionally. Business schools use test scores to assess academic readiness, not to measure intelligence or leadership potential. There is more than one way to meet this requirement, and the right choice depends on your background, goals, and timeline. In the pages that follow, this section will cover: * How to decide between the GMAT, GRE, and Executive Assessment (EA) * Strategies for preparing for and “beating” the test * How to evaluate and use test preparation companies * When it may make sense to pursue a test waiver instead of submitting a score By the end of this section, you should be able to make an informed decision about how to satisfy the standardized testing requirement in a way that strengthens your application and fits your overall MBA strategy. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://service2school.gitbook.io/s2s-mba-guide/standardized-tests.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.