A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) can enhance your career opportunities, increase your compensation and even help you climb the managerial ladder of any top organization. With MBA, you can start a new business because of the advanced skills and knowledge you will gain.
On the other hand, the first step to getting MBA is attending a business school. And to attend a business school, there are prerequisites you need. This is where GMAT and GRE scores come into the picture.
GMAT and GRE scores are both scores for business school admission. While the GMAT is specifically for business school applicants, the GRE is for business graduate programs across almost all subjects, including the MBA.
Presently, most international business schools accept both, unlike years ago when the GMAT precedence over the GRE. That means you have more options.
Before you decide which test to take, research the business schools you want to study in and find out if they will accept GRE scores instead of GMAT scores. Find out the differences between the two tests to know the one right for you.
What is GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The Graduate Management Admissions Test, or GMAT, is a “standardized computer-adaptive test (CAT)” for admission to many MBA programs worldwide. The GMAT officially assesses abilities in the areas of English, mathematics, and analytical writing.”
Purpose of GMAT
If your aim is to gain admission to a business school or to apply for an MBA, the GMAT is an excellent choice. According to the test’s organizers, the GMAT is the “most globally recognized indicator of your readiness for business school.”
The GMAT questions are for business school programs. This means that you can use the skills by taking this test in future business and/or management courses.
GMAT Overview
GMAT is a globally recognized test for students applying for business school. It covers five areas; Arithmetic, Algebra, Data Interpretation, Word problems, and Geometry.
GMAT test has four assessment abilities; Analytical writing assessment, Integrated, Quantitative, and Verbal Reasoning.
Analytical writing assessment ascertains your critical thinking ability. Integrated Reasoning measures your ability to analyze and evaluate information presented in multiple formats.
On the other hand, Quantitative Reasoning measures your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions. Then, verbal Reasoning ascertains your ability to read and understand written material.
Talking about questions type, GMAT has seven different question types: argument analysis, table analysis, multi-source Reasoning, data sufficiency, problem-solving, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis.
GMAT Score
GMAT scores range from 200, the lowest score, to 800. And the test results are valid for 5 years.
GMAT Test Hour
GMAT test total time is 3 hours and 45 minutes. Below is a breakdown of what I meant:
- Analytical Writing Assessment: 30 minutes for 1 question
- Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes for 12 questions
- Quantitative Reasoning: 62 minutes for 31 questions
- Verbal Reasoning: 65 minutes for 36 questions
Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to use a calculator in the exam.
What is GRE?
The Economist defines the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, as “a computer-based test utilized by many graduate programs to evaluate prospective students.” The test is adaptive on a section-by-section basis, so your performance in prior sections influences the difficulty of subsequent sections.”
Purpose of GRE
If you wish to expand your academic alternatives, taking the GRE may be a better option. The GRE is more adaptable in terms of the situations in which it can be used.
Some students utilize it throughout the university admissions process, while others use their GRE score to determine eligibility for scholarships.
Additionally, the GRE can serve as a necessary supplement to show your strong academic abilities if your other scores, such as your GPA, are not the highest.
GRE Overview
GRE is a globally recognized test for students applying for a master’s degree, doctoral program, or business school. It covers five areas; Arithmetic, Algebra, Data Analysis, Word problems, and Geometry.
GRE test has three assessment abilities; Analytical writing assessment, Quantitative, and Verbal Reasoning.
Analytical writing assessment finds out your ability to articulate and support complex ideas construct and evaluate arguments.
On the other hand, Quantitative Reasoning measures your basic mathematical skills, assesses your understanding of elementary mathematical concepts, together with the ability to reason quantitatively and to model and solve problems.
Then, verbal Reasoning ascertains your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it.
Talking about questions type, GMAT has 6 different question types:
- Argument analysis
- Numeric entry questions
- Multi-source Reasoning
- Select-in-passage
- Quantitative comparison questions
- Issue analysis
GRE Score
GRE scores range from 260, the lowest score, to 340. And the test results are valid for 5 years.
GRE Test Hour
GRE test total time is 3 hours and 45 minutes. Below is a breakdown of what I meant:
- Verbal Reasoning: there are two 30-minute sections, each containing 20 questions
- Quantitative Reasoning: There are two 35-minute sections, each containing 20 questions;
- Analytical Writing: there are two 30-minute sections, one that contain the “Analyse an Issue” task and one that includes the “Analyse an Argument” task.
Keep in mind that you won’t be allowed to use a calculator in the exam.
Which Test Is More Difficult?
While opinions on the difficulty of these two exams vary, there is a consensus that the GMAT’s arithmetic is more challenging than the GRE’s math.
And the GRE’s verbal section is heavily loaded with difficult vocabulary also when compared to GMAT Verbal reasoning.
One test may be easier than the other, depending on the test taker’s talents and abilities. Apart from the complexity of the exam questions, the GMAT’s delivery method may make it more difficult to pass than the GRE.
While both tests are computer-adaptive, the GRE is a section adaptive examination, allowing the test taker to skip questions within a section and return to them later.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive examination, but not a section-adaptive examination. Note, questions may not be re-asked or skipped.
Which one should Take for MBA Admission, GMAT or GRE?
The test you should take depends on what you really want. But most times, it’s advisable you take GMAT for business school admissions.
And because the GMAT is specifically for business, your prep time is an investment, not only earning your best score but also in sharpening your skills for business school and your career.
FAQs
There is no correct or incorrect answer to this question. However, if you have good analytical and quantitative skills, you may like to pursue the GMAT.
Additionally, if you have great verbal skills, you can take the GMAT. On the other hand, if your vocabulary is strong and you enjoy simple math questions, you can take the GRE.
The GMAT exam is only administered to applicants to business schools. The GRE, on the other hand, is acceptable for a wide variety of graduate schools.
The verbal component of the GMAT contains 41 questions. The GRE, on the other hand, has two verbal ability portions, each with twenty questions.
Conclusion
In summary, because of the skills and advanced knowledge in business management GMAT test will give you, its advisable you choose GMAT over GRE. On the flip side, if you have plans of pursuing a doctoral program in any subject and MBA too, opting for GRE should be you option.
Reference
- Princetonreview.com –Gmat VS Gre
- Mastersportal.com- Gmat vs gre which Test Help you the most with your university Admissions
- Mba.com –GMAT VS GRE Exam
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