Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
Test Format: The GMAT is specifically designed for business school candidates, focusing on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills. The GRE includes verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections, and is used for a broader range of graduate programs.
Question Types: GMAT questions often emphasize problem-solving and critical reasoning in a business context, while the GRE features more diverse question types, including text completion and sentence equivalence.
Scoring System: The GMAT scores range from 200 to 800, with separate scores for the Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning sections. The GRE scores range from 260 to 340, with separate scores for Verbal and Quantitative sections and a score for Analytical Writing.
Test Duration: The GMAT takes about 3.5 hours, while the GRE is slightly longer at about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks.
Acceptance: Both tests are accepted by most business schools and graduate programs, but some schools may have a preference for one test over the other. It’s essential to check the requirements of the programs you’re interested in.
Introduction
Choosing between the GMAT and GRE can affect your business school or graduate school application. Both tests are accepted by many top schools, but they have different formats and focus on different skills. Understanding these differences will help you decide which test is better for you. In this guide, we’ll compare the GMAT and GRE, so you can choose the one that fits your strengths and goals.
Understanding GMAT vs GRE: Key Differences
In the journey of graduate school admissions, two titans stand tall: the GMAT and the GRE. But what sets them apart? Let's dive into the intricacies of these standardised tests to investigate the question of GRE vs GMAT.
GMAT: For those eyeing the coveted realm of MBA schools, the GMAT reigns supreme. Comprising verbal and quantitative sections, this test delves deep into analytical prowess. Scores range from 200 to 800, reflecting a candidate's aptitude for navigating the challenges of MBA education. The GMAT takes 3.5 hours and costs $250 (approx).
GRE: On the other side of the spectrum lies the GRE, a versatile contender that opens doors to both graduate schools and business schools for master's programs. Add a 60-minute analytical writing section into the mix, and you've got yourself a well-rounded evaluation. The GRE experience spans 1 hour and 58 minutes and comes at a cost of $205 (approx).
Evaluating the Examination
Both exams are conducted on computers, offering a seamless testing experience. However, their approaches to question navigation differ. In the GRE, test-takers can revisit and revise answers within a section, offering flexibility and room for refinement.
Conversely, the GMAT adopts a one-way street approach; once you've answered a question, there's no turning back. This adds an element of strategy and decisiveness to the test-taking process.
| Factors | GRE | GMAT |
| Purpose | Graduate programs | MBA programs |
| Test Sections |
|
|
| Focus | Reading, writing, and math skills | Math and critical thinking skills |
| Scoring |
|
|
| Exam Time | ≈ 1 hour and 58 minutes | ≈ 3 hours and 30 minutes |
| Calculator Use | Limited calculator (Quantitative section) | On-screen calculator (Integrated Reasoning section) |
| Availability | Offered year-round, computer-based | Offered year-round, computer-based |
| Test Fees | $205* (≈ INR 17,075) | $250* (≈ INR 20,800) |
*The test fee varies depending on the location and other factors.
GMAT Vs GRE – Verbal Section
When deciding between the GMAT and GRE for graduate school, the verbal section is a key consideration. Both tests evaluate your verbal reasoning abilities but in different ways.
The GRE verbal section includes -
- Sentence equivalence: It tests your ability to understand the meanings of words, sentences, and entire texts and 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 analyse 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 analyse 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: This tests your reasoning skills. You must analyze the information on which the question is based and then select the right answer.
A major difference between the GRE and GMAT here is that while the GRE tests your vocabulary, the GMAT is more about grammar.
GMAT Vs GRE– Quantitative Section
When choosing between the GMAT and GRE for graduate school, the quantitative section is a crucial aspect to consider. Both exams test your math skills, but they do so in different ways.
The course content (algebra, data interpretation, geometry, arithmetic, and word problems) is the same for both exams in the Quantitative section. However, the question format is different for each exam.
The Quantitative section questions for the 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 the GRE asks you to choose from multiple answers, type in the correct values or make quantitative comparisons, the GMAT focuses on testing your problem-solving skills and throws some sufficiency questions.
A major difference between the GRE and the GMAT is that the GRE allows you to use the calculator for the answers while the 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.
GMAT Vs GRE 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 organisations around the world accept the GMAT exam. It is designed specifically to test your management aptitude.
- Though there are Business schools that accept the GRE, some may not necessarily weigh it as equal to the 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 take 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 GMAT vs GRE, which is easier, then the GRE is a good option if an amazing vocabulary is your strength. But then again, if you are fluent in English but less fluent applicants can get past you by learning over 1000 words, you have one more reason to go for the GMAT over the GRE.
No matter what you choose, ultimately, your aim should be to get a score that the Admission officers can’t ignore.
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.
Early Preparation
There are numerous requirements for MBA and business master's applications, including essays, letters of recommendation, resumes, and more. Create a study plan for the GMAT Vs GRE, which is easier to study early on in your application to business school, and get ready in just eight weeks.
Getting Aware of the Sections
Make sure you are familiar with the format of the GMAT or GRE test before creating a study schedule. The GMAT vs GRE for the MBA exam is divided into three sections, each of which assesses a different skill: the ability to comprehend words clearly, analyse textual structure, identify its main ideas, and draw specific conclusions.
Evaluate your Weak Points
Your entire preparation strategy must consider which talents require the most work. After analysing your results, create a tailored study plan 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.
Study Plans and Resources
.jpg)
For comprehensive GMAT preparation, leverage official GMAT materials such as the GMAT Official Guide, GMATPrep software study collection, and GMAT Study Plan. Consider enrolling in GMAT prep resources, which often provide structured study plans, expert guidance, and additional resources to enhance your preparation.
From comprehensive study guides and practice tests to interactive online platforms and tutoring services, the options are vast and varied. Aspiring test-takers can explore renowned publishers like ETS (Educational Testing Service) for official GRE study materials, including the Official Guide to the GRE Revised General Test and the GRE Super Power Pack.
Additionally, seeking guidance from experienced tutors or joining study groups can enhance comprehension and retention of key concepts. With a well-rounded arsenal of GRE study materials and resources at their disposal, test-takers can embark on their GRE preparation journey with confidence and aim for a stellar score of 320 or above on their first attempt.
Related Blogs
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 GRE vs GMAT scores at leading business schools. Whichever exam you want to take, be better!
