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GRE Vs GMAT: Which Test Should You Take for Graduate School?

This GRE vs GMAT problem is a very valid one and needs apt answers because it affects the very outlook of your application. The most significant distinction between the GMAT and the GRE is that the GMAT is required for admission to foreign universities and business schools, whereas the GRE is required for entrance to various graduate programs. Therefore, when deciding between the GRE vs GMAT, most people will tell you this — If you only want to apply to business schools, take the GMAT, and if you’re not sure what type of graduate degree you want to pursue, take the GRE.

However, this is only partially correct. It takes a little more work to decide between the GMAT vs GRE for MBA. The trick is to decide by looking at the various sections of both tests. In this post, we’ve emphasized these distinctions and compared the quant and verbal sections of each test to determine if the GMAT is simpler than the GRE or GRE Vs GMAT which is easier. Hence, we will be testing GRE vs GMAT for MBA difficulty.

Difference Between the GRE and GMAT

  • GRE can get you admission into Graduate Schools and Business Schools for your Master's. The GRE consists of Verbal and Quantitative sections, whose scores vary from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. It also consists of a 60-minute Analytical Writing section with two essays of 30 minutes each. This exam lasts for 3.5. The cost of the GRE test is $205.
  • The GRE is commonly taken on a computer and is adaptable at the section level. This means that your performance on the first portion of both Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning will have an impact on the difficulty of the questions in the second section. Your score on the entire section will decide the difficulty of the next section on that subject. Within a section of the GRE, you can return to questions you’ve already answered.
  • GMAT can only get you admission to MBA Schools. GMAT consists of 2 major sections- Verbal and Quantitative. It also has a 30-minute Analytic section with one essay and a 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section, but their scores are separate and do not add up to the total GMAT score. Therefore, the GMAT score ranges can range from 200 up to 800 in 10-point increments. The duration of the exam is 3.5 hours, and it costs $250.
  • The GMAT is a computer-based adaptive test that is taken on a computer. This means that the first question in each part will be of medium difficulty when you start the Quantitative and Verbal sections. If you responded right, the following question would be slightly more difficult; if you answered incorrectly, the following question would be a little easier. You can’t go back to a question on the GMAT once you’ve answered it. An admission test requires many steps including Masters interview questions when applying for a master.
Aspect GRE GMAT
Purpose Used for various graduate programs Specifically for business school (MBA)
Test Sections Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing
Focus Broadly assesses reading, writing, and math skills Emphasizes math and critical thinking skills
Business Schools Accepted by some business schools, especially for non-MBA programs Required or preferred by most MBA programs
Scoring Scored on a scale of 130-170 for Verbal and Quantitative, 0-6 for Analytical Writing Scored on a scale of 200-800 for Verbal and Quantitative, 0-6 for Integrated Reasoning, and a separate Analytical Writing score
Exam Time Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes
Calculator Use Limited calculator use in the Quantitative section An on-screen calculator is provided for the Integrated Reasoning section
Availability Offered year-round, computer-based Offered year-round, computer-based
Test Fees Varies by location, typically around $205 Varies by location, typically around $250

gre vs gmat

GRE vs GMAT – Verbal Section

The GRE verbal section includes -

  • Sentence equivalence
    It tests your ability to understand the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts; understand relationships among words and concepts. The questions asked consist of a single sentence with one blank and six answer choices. You have to select two answer choices.
  • Reading Comprehension
    It tests your ability to analyze a situation and come to a conclusion, reason from incomplete data, and understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative, and author’s intent. The questions asked are multiple-choice questions with five answer choices, of which you must select one.
  • Text Completion
    It tests your ability to interpret and evaluate information. It checks whether you can picture it as a whole and revise that picture. The questions asked are in the form of a passage, out of which about 1-5 sentences are long with a couple of blanks. You have to choose the right answer from among the five answer choices.

The GMAT verbal section includes -

  • Sentence Correction
    It tests your grammar and effective communication skills. The questions asked will be in the form of a sentence. A part of the sentence will be underlined. You’ll have to choose the right phrase from among the five choices to replace the underlined part.
  • Reading Comprehension
    It tests your skills to analyze a situation and come to a conclusion. A set of questions will be asked on a passage. You have to read the content of the passage carefully and choose the best answer to each question.
  • Critical Reasoning
    It tests your reasoning skills. You have to analyze the information on which the question is based and then select the right answer.

A major difference between GRE and GMAT here is that while GRE tests your vocabulary, GMAT is more about grammar.

GRE vs GMAT – Quantitative Section

The course content (algebra, data interpretation, geometry, arithmetic, and word problems) is the same for both exams in the Quantitative section. But, the question format is different for each of the exams.

The Quantitative section questions for GRE are divided into four categories -

  • Quantitative comparison questions
  • Multiple-choice Questions – Select One Answer Choice
  • Multiple-choice Questions – Select One or More Answers Choice
  • Numeric Entry questions

The Quantitative section questions for GMAT are divided into four categories -

  • Problem-solving
  • Data sufficiency
    However, the GMAT math is much more challenging than the GRE one. Also, while GRE asks you to choose from multiple answers, type in the correct values or make quantitative comparisons, GMAT focuses on testing your problem-solving skills and throws some sufficiency questions.

A major difference between GRE and GMAT is that GRE allows you to use the calculator for the answers while GMAT does not, even though Math is more difficult in the GMAT. Therefore, proficiency in mathematics can help you decide on GMAT vs GRE tiff.

GRE vs GMAT Syllabus

The GRE and GMAT syllabuses have certain similarities, but they also have some distinctions. Don’t fall into the thought of believing that studying for one will prepare you for the other.  Both the GMAT and the GRE feature sections are similar. The GRE has verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections. The part on Integrated Reasoning is a new addition. Many people believe that the GMAT’s Quantitative component is more difficult than the GRE Verbal section and that the GRE’s Verbal section is more difficult than the GMAT.

gre vs gmat

GRE Verbal Syllabus

  • Basic Sentence structure: Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives
  • Verb Tense
  • Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
  • Pronoun Agreement
  • Subject-Verb Agreement
  • Modifiers
  • Parallelism 

GRE Quant Syllabus

  • Ratio and proportion
  • Profit and loss
  • Simple and compound interest
  • Speed, distance, and time
  • Permutation & combination
  • Linear equations
  • Quadratic equations
  • Sets Theory
  • Statistics
  • Powers and roots
  • Probability
  • Pipes, cisterns, work, time
  • Lines and angles
  • Triangles
  • Polygon
  • Quadrilateral
  • Circles
  • Coordinate geometry
  • Order of operations
  • Volume and surface area
  • Percentage
  • Number properties

GRE vs GMAT For MBA - Which one is the best for you?

Let us summarise what you have read till now and connect it with your profile.

  • If you are focused on Business Schools, the GMAT will help you the most. Over 6,000 business graduate programs at approximately 1,700 universities and organizations around the world accept the GMAT exam. It is designed specifically to test your management aptitude. Though there are Business schools that accept GRE, some may not necessarily weigh it as equal to GMAT. Additional IELTS or any other English Language testing exam is required for eligibility requirements. 
  • GRE is a good option if you are still thinking about choosing a program for yourself but want to give the exam now as the scores are valid for five years. That way, you can later opt for either Business Schools or non-management courses. However, the GMAT is seen as a sign of commitment to management programs for the same reason.
  • if you want to test GRE vs GMAT which is easier then GRE is a good option if an amazing vocabulary is your strength. But then again, if you are fluent in English but lesser fluent applicants can get past you by learning over 1000 words, you have one more reason to go for GMAT over GRE.

No matter what you choose, ultimately, your aim should be to get a score that the Admission officers can’t ignore.

Comparing GRE vs GMAT scores

All the students who take the GRE or GMAT exam also receive a percentile score which acts as a reference point for comparison, although it may not be that accurate. In addition, students can easily convert their GRE scores to GMAT scores with the help of a free tool provided by the ETS.

This tool enables students to get a rough estimate of their GMAT practice test scores based on their GRE verbal and quantitative section scores. Many business schools have started giving GRE the same importance they ascribe to the GMAT score; however, some may still prefer the latter. An IELTS exam is required as a basic language test in several countries. Despite this disparity, there is no significant difference between the format of the two exams, and they eventually measure a candidate’s potential based on similar factors.

GRE vs GMAT conversion chart

GRE Verbal Reasoning Score

GRE Quant Reasoning Score

GRE Score

GMAT Score

GMAT Verbal Scaled Score

GMAT Quant Scaled Score

170

170

340

800

46

51

168

168

336

780

44

50

165

165

330

730

41

47

162

162

324

670

38

43

160

160

320

640

36

41

155

155

310

560

32

34

150

150

300

470

27

28

145

145

290

390

23

22

140

140

280

300

18

16

135

135

270

220

14

9

130

130

260

200

9

3

 How to Decide Which Exam to Give?

Here are four steps to determining whether you should take the GMAT or the GRE:

gre vs gmat

  1. Find out your target school’s score requirement is – Check with your desired business schools to see if they accept both the GMAT and the GRE or if they prefer the GMAT.
  2. GMAT and GRE diagnostic tests are available – Examine your strengths and weaknesses with a free GMAT diagnostic test and an official GRE diagnostic test. You’ve found your solution if you perform better on one test than another. If you decide to take the GMAT, look at the 5-year trend in top business school GMAT scores to determine your target GMAT score.
  3. Decide on the type of graduate program you wish to pursue – GRE scores are accepted by a wide range of graduate schools, from literature to quantum physics. GMAT scores are accepted only by business schools. Take the GMAT if you’re serious about going to business school. Take the GRE if you’re still undecided and want to keep your choices open.
  4. Compare the GMAT and GRE scores value after graduation – Many consulting firms focus heavily on candidates who have a strong GMAT score. As a result, a GMAT score can help you land both an internship and a job.

GRE VS GMAT Which is Easier

When applying to master's or MBA programs, many candidates must decide between taking the GMAT vs GRE for MBA. They frequently begin by stating, "GRE vs GMAT Which is easier?" Business schools began to accept the GRE in 2009. It was obviously simpler back then than the GMAT. In August 2011, the GRE underwent revisions. The two exams became comparable, although the GMAT's math component remained generally more challenging. The GRE's math part has become more challenging over the years.

At the higher levels, this is especially valid. Obtaining a perfect score on the GRE's math component is still challenging today. (This would be a GRE score of 165+. According to the GMAT-GRE conversion tool, this corresponds to a 47 on the GMAT.) The verbal portion of the GRE is thought to be more challenging. This is because many people must acquire a long list of vocabulary words. The total marks of GRE are 340 excluding the Analytical Section

Your GMAT vs GRE for MBA score tells institutions that you're committed to working in management. It demonstrates your dedication to obtaining an MBA or other business-related master's degree. It's also important to keep in mind that certain employers do request applicants' GMAT scores. This is turning become standard procedure for management and consulting positions.

Any test you decide to take, you should always make sure that your programs and institutions accept it. You must determine your strengths and the score you require after giving this information some thought. Take online diagnostic tests for the GRE vs GMAT for MBA if you're unsure to obtain a better sense.

Exam Fees- GMAT vs GRE For MBA

gre vs gmat

GMAT Exam Fees

The GMAT exam costs US$275, or roughly INR 21,000, in India. It is strongly encouraged that students study hard for the exam to avoid having to retake it. Within 24 hours of the exam, candidates cannot change or cancel their GMAT registration. Students should carefully select and reserve the exam slot because of this. As a result, the cancellation fees vary depending on how soon an exam is cancelled.

GRE Exam Fees

Students from India who enrol for the GRE must pay US $228. Candidates should be aware that the GRE registration price, GRE application fee, and GRE General Test fee are all equivalent to US $228. The approximate cost of the GRE fee in Indian rupees is INR 18,863.31 (USD 1 = 82.73 INR). Candidates who choose to take the GRE Subject test must pay a $150 US GRE Subject Fee. The GRE Subject Fee is about INR 12417.59 in Indian rupees. To answer your question GRE vs GMAT Which is easier? GRE is economically easy to manage.

Study Tips: GRE Vs GMAT for MBA

Even while the prospect of GRE vs GMAT for MBA preparation might first seem intimidating, rest assured that with a reliable study schedule, a successful test-taking technique, and our knowledgeable GMAT VS GRE for MBA study advice, you can position yourself for success and get your greatest score.

gre vs gmat

  • Plan your GMAT vs GRE prep early

There are numerous requirements for MBA and business master's applications, including essays, letters of recommendation, resumes, and more. The last thing you want to do is to juggle all of the things while simultaneously studying for the GMAT in a short amount of time. Create a study plan for the GRE vs GMAT which is easier to study, early on in your application to business school, and get ready in just eight weeks.

  • Knowing the test sections will help you prepare for them

Make sure you are familiar with the format of the GMAT or GRE test before creating a study schedule. The GRE vs GMAT for MBA exam is divided into three sections, each of which assesses a different skill: the ability to comprehend words clearly, analyze textual structure, identify its main ideas, and draw specific conclusions; the ability to analyze and interpret mathematical data; and the ability to express ideas in writing correctly and structurally.

In addition, each area includes a specific collection of tasks with unique needs and formats. You can greatly improve your chances of achieving a decent grade by addressing the complexities of their completion during preparation.

  • Choose your GRE vs. GMAT for MBA study tools carefully

There are many resources accessible for test preparation but pick wisely because not all of them are equal. If you study time-tested texts to get ready for the GMAT or GRE, you can efficiently prepare for the test. In fact, there is a tonne of practice exams, study methods, advice, and other resources available online. Only if you have already created your test preparation plan will any of this be relevant. Don't overlook the fundamental textbooks written by the top experts in the world when preparing for the GMAT or GRE.

  • Determine your weak points

Your entire preparation strategy must take into account which talents require the most work. Create a tailored study plan after analyzing your results to brush up on the subject areas where you need to improve your abilities to achieve your objectives. Also, keep in mind that achieving a 700 or better on the GMAT isn't always a possibility.

Many people make the error of concentrating solely on the theoretical study while completely ignoring test preparation for the GRE or GMAT. You must realize the value of practice in test preparation if you hope to perform well.

  • As part of your exam preparation, keep a timer

The accomplishment of varied tasks provides the chance to develop time perception skills. It has a time constraint throughout the exam; all portions must be finished in around 4 hours. If you don't develop your time management skills during the GRE test preparation, you could not have enough time to finish all of the portions of the exam. You can learn how to finish exercises fast and figure out your ideal pace using the practice exams, which will help you finish the assignments in all sections quickly and on time. You will simultaneously get a sense of the mindset required to complete assignments on the actual exam.

  • Avoid lingering on a GMAT vs GRE for MBA question

Keep in mind that there is a penalty for skipping a section, and your score may go down with each question you don't correctly answer.

Avoid getting caught up in the trap of questioning whether you are responding to each one correctly. Do your best, of course, but follow a pace plan. Spend no more than 2.5 minutes on any single question. If you're stuck, take a calculated chance. That leads us to our next point.

  • On the GRE vs. GMAT for the MBA exam, use the elimination method

When you encounter questions for which you lack the information, don't waste time. When in doubt, rule out the incorrect responses to move closer to the right response. Continue to the following question by picking the best option from the remaining options.

Prepare a "guessing approach" in advance just in case you run out of time (despite your finest time management plan) to prevent unneeded GMAT score deductions.

  • Visual literacy training during the exam preparation

We now know that using your time wisely during the GMAT is essential. Looking for a quick approach to improve your effectiveness? Learn to read charts, tables, and symbols, or visual literacy.

Learning how to swiftly evaluate this kind of visual data is an essential ability because the GMAT frequently uses it. It's critical that you are at ease with visuals and have the ability to remain calm when taking the GMAT or GRE Quant component of the exam, which may include non-standard mathematical notations (or symbols specific to a problem).

  • As part of your study strategy, develop your mental math skills

Numerous math, statistics, and geometry-related issues are addressed in the quantitative mathematics section (Quantitative). This segment of the exam is seen to be the easiest despite all the seriousness. It is sufficient to repeat the school curriculum and practice numerous activities when getting ready. The questions in the Integrated Reasoning part will be substantially more challenging to respond to. To effectively respond to them, you must develop the ability to evaluate information from many sources and arrive at logical conclusions.

When it comes to the quantitative component, you'll want to have mental math at your disposal. Try to resist using your calculator at every opportunity as you practice. Practice making calculations in your brain instead.

  • Challenge yourself with Advanced Questions

Regularly practising practical exercises has various benefits. First, it enables a more in-depth analysis of the characteristics of the exam format and its assignments. The GRE exam is divided into three sections, each of which assesses a different skill: the ability to comprehend words well, analyze text structure, identify its main ideas, and draw specific conclusions; the ability to analyze and interpret mathematical data; and the ability to express ideas in writing correctly and structurally.

In addition, each area includes a specific collection of tasks with unique needs and formats. You can greatly improve your chances of achieving a decent grade by addressing the complexities of their completion during preparation.

This is the greatest option for people who want to achieve a high GMAT score—the kind that will enable them to receive the MBA or business master's acceptance letter of their dreams. Make sure you have the resources you need to succeed while you proceed with your graduate business degree. Scoring high in one of these exams i.e GMAT vs GRE for MBA  can get you best masters degree for the future

Conclusion

Numerous graduate institutions, including law and business schools, examine the GRE, which is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) when deciding who gets into their programs. Your verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing abilities will be assessed in the exam.

The GRE consists of three scored sections and a potential experimental or unscored section. The component on analytical writing will always appear first, but you won't be aware of the placement of the other sections or which one isn't assessed.

If you decide to take the GMAT, determine your target GMAT score by looking at the 5-year trend of GMAT vs GRE scores at leading business schools. Whichever exam you want to take, be better!

Is it possible to get an accurate GRE to GMAT score conversion?

You can refer to the official tools for the conversion, and the closest you can get is by comparing the percentile. However, multiple factors are crucial in calculating individual scores; thus, getting a highly accurate conversion is impossible. 

How should I choose between the GMAT or GRE?

The exam that you choose will depend on the requirements of your preferred school. For example, some students believe that the quantitative section of the GMAT exam is more challenging due to the complexity of the questions. However, you’ll only be able to find out the differences once you take a practice exam. Thus, it is recommended that you take an initial test to determine the difficulty level, which can vary for different people. Then, the conversion chart can be used to estimate the approximate score and figure out the most suitable exam for you.

Which is easier the GRE and GMAT exam?

The GMAT exam’s mathematics section is perceived to be a little more complex than the GRE. Additionally, if verbal reasoning is your strong suit, you might be more inclined to take the GMAT exam. If you have a stronghold on y, you might consider taking the GRE instead. Moreover, it also allows you to be eligible for a wide range of master's programs, unlike the GMAT exam, which is only used for management-related programs. 

Is there a difference between score and percentile?

Both the GMAT and GRE test takers receive an average score and a percentile. For instance, a total GMAT score of 730 is considered to be in the 96th percentile. This means that if you obtain a 730 on the GMAT, you will have outperformed 96 percent of the GMAT test-takers

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Abhyank Srinet
Study Abroad Expert
Abhyank Srinet, the founder of MiM-Essay.com, is a globally recognized expert in study abroad and admission consulting.His passion lies in helping students navigate the complex world of admissions and achieve their academic dreams. Having earned a Master's degree in Management from ESCP Europe, Abhyank's expertise in data-driven marketing strategies has driven growth for some of the most competitive industries. As the founder of MiM-Essay.com, he has helped thousands of students get into top business schools with a strong emphasis on research, shortlisting, and applying to schools from a single platform. His dedication to education has also led him to create MentR-Me, a free-to-use social platform that simplifies the study abroad process for students, while providing universities with a powerful recruitment tool. As a leader in the field of admission consulting, he is constantly researching and implementing the latest strategies to ensure that his clients receive the best possible guidance. He leads the Business Development and Digital Marketing side of both companies, and has grown both ventures to 7 figure revenue.His unique insights, experience, and dedication to his clients make him a valuable resource for anyone seeking to advance their education or career.
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