Who Should Take the EA in Dubai?

If you’re applying to an MBA or Executive MBA program, you’ve probably heard the term “Executive Assessment” or “EA” floating around.

But do you need to take it?

Possibly. Here we’ll outline the 3 groups of people who need to take the EA in Dubai:

1. Anyone applying to an Executive MBA program locally or abroad should take the EA in Dubai

If you’re looking to go to London Business School Dubai, INSEAD Abu Dhabi, or any of the other fantastic EMBA programs in the region, you’ll need to take the Executive Assessment. Almost all of them accept the test.

The EA has become “the” EMBA admissions test of choice over the GMAT. Many programs internationally accept the test as well. If it’s not mentioned on their website, ask them.

Were you offered the choice of taking the EA or the GMAT?

Take the EA!

It’s shorter, tests fewer content areas, and all around a lower level of difficulty than the GMAT.

2. Anyone applying to an EMBA program within the next 5 years

Your Executive Assessment score is good for (valid) for 5 years, so you can take the test now and use the score later.

It’s the perfect time to prepare for and take the Executive Assessment now if:

You’re taking a career break.
You have more time than you will when you start working again. Use the time you have off wisely and you’ll be happy you did!

You’re between jobs.
When you start working again, you won’t have as much time as you do now. Besides, it will help your mental health to have something career oriented to focus on. Once you start working again, you’ll still have that score in hand and apply to Executive MBA programs to further boost your career.

You’re planning to start a family, but will go back to work eventually.
The idea of studying with a baby may seem daunting, but it will help you maintain your identity and individuality. You can study whenever you have time and at your pace. Just imagine…you have the baby and your score will be good until she goes to kindergarten!

You’re waiting on the next big project, idea, or otherwise.
Don’t let a slow economy or coronavirus get you down! Rather than stressing about the low workload, prepare and ace your EA, so that when it does pick back up, you’re ready to apply for your EMBA.

3. Anyone who took the GMAT or GRE more than 5 years ago

Maybe you thought you would do an MBA but didn’t. If you took the GMAT or GRE within the last 5 years, you can submit those scores with your EMBA application.

However, some programs may not accept a GMAT or GRE score more than 3 years old, so check with the admissions department. In our experience, it usually depends on your undergraduate GPA as well. If you had a good GPA (3.0 and above) and good GMAT or GRE score, they will more than likely assume you have consistent academic performance and accept the older score. If not, they will ask you to take the EA.

Frequently Asked Questions about Who Can Take the EA in Dubai

Is an EMBA the same as an MBA?

An Executive MBA is a Masters in Business Administration for professionals who have more than 10 years of work experience and (usually) significant leadership experiences. EMBA students tend to be later in their career than MBA students. A Masters in Business Administration is usually for students with two to eight years of experience. While EMBA and MBA students both take the same types of courses, EMBA programs tend to provide a higher level overview of topics from a management and leadership standpoint.

Does INSEAD accept the EA?

Yes, INSEAD does accept the EA. INSEAD typically requires a 151. In fact, we recommend you take the EA, not the INSEAD test. Check out our discussion on this topic to find out why.

What's the least stressful way to prepare for the Executive Assessment in Dubai?

Prepare with us! We’ll guide you through the preparation process, so you’ll know you’re doing everything the right way and with the best materials available. It’s a no-brainer! Whatsapp us to discuss how you can prepare for what’s on the Executive Assessment.