Although the GMAT or GRE isn’t necessary for admission to graduate school or business school, they will almost certainly play a role in your application.
Many future graduate students, on the other hand, will start worrying about “the test” and which one they should take before deciding which schools or programs to apply to.
When determining whether to take the GMAT or the GRE, you should first ask yourself some essential questions, such as your goals, and then proceed from there.
In this article, we’ll look at the differences and similarities between the GMAT and the GRE, as well as which one to take.
About GMAT
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an important aspect of the application process for business schools.
The GMAT is a standardized exam that is commonly required for admission to graduate business programs (MBA) around the world. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based, and computer-adaptive exam.
GMAC created and administers it to give business schools standardized measures of applicants’ readiness for graduate-level academic work.
Furthermore, a good GMAT score will have a direct and favorable impact on your application to business school.
The GMAT assesses your ability to perform basic math, algebra, geometry, multi-source data processing, and grammar.
More crucially, it assesses your ability to read, analyze, and evaluate written information, as well as your ability to think critically and solve issues.
About Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
The graduate record examination (GRE) is a standardized test that assesses an individual’s ability to think abstractly in areas, such as analytical writing, mathematics, and vocabulary.
Many graduate institutions in the United States and Canada use the GRE to determine an applicant’s eligibility for a program. Importantly is a step in the application process for graduate school or business school.
The GRE is now mainly administered via computer; but, in places without adequate computer networks, a paper-based exam may be given.
In addition, the GRE is split into three portions that assess verbal and quantitative thinking, as well as critical writing skills.
GMAT vs GRE – Key Differences
If you want to pursue an MBA, take the GMAT, and if you’re still undecided about which master’s degree you want to pursue, take the GRE.
However, many business schools now accept both the GMAT and the GRE. So, which one will you pick and how will you make your decision?
The following are the main differences between the GMAT and the GRE:
| Differences | GMAT | GRE |
| Should you take GMAT or GRE? | If you plan on getting into business schools graduate programs | If you are still undecided about the type of graduate program you wish to attend |
| Where is it accepted? | Accepted by all business schools | Accepted at 1200+ business schools worldwide |
| Unique Quantitative Section | Data Sufficiency | Quantitative Comparisons |
| Unique Verbal Section | Sentence Correction & Critical Reasoning | Sentence Equivalence & Text Completion |
| Sentence Equivalence & Text Completion | Better for “creative/flexible” thinkers. Many test-takers find the GMAT Quantitative section more challenging. | Better for “number-crunching” thinkers. Also, the GRE relies heavily on testing vocabulary in context. If that’s your strength, consider taking the GRE to show off your skills. |
| Test Structure | Analytical Writing (1 essay): 30 minutes; Integrated Reasoning section: 30 minutes; Quantitative: 62 minutes; Verbal: 65 minutes | Analytical Writing sections: two 30-minute essays; Verbal Reasoning: two 30-minute sections; Quantitative Reasoning: two 35-minute sections (if taking computer-based GRE); one 30 or 35-minute experimental section |
| Test Format | Computer-adaptive test (CAT) | Computer-based Multi-Stage Test (MST) for most test-takers (can be taken on paper in some locations). |
| Total Testing Time | 3 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Scoring | The total score ranges from 200 to 800. They score separately Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing. | Scores for each section range from 130-170 in 1 point increments for verbal and quantitative reasoning. They score separately in the Analytical Writing section. |
| Cost | $250 USD | $205 USD |
| How Long Is Your Score Good For? | 5 years | 5 years |
| Test dates | Year-round | Year-round |
Similarities Between The GMAT And GRE
- Both require early high school math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis)
- They rely largely on reading comprehension and
- Both necessitate essay writing (1 on the GMAT, 2 on the GRE)
GMAT Or GRE – Which is easier?
Both the GMAT and the GRE have a comparable difficulty level when it comes to overall difficulty. At this stage, the correct question to ask is which component of both tests (quantitative and verbal) is the most challenging.
– When comparing GMAT verbal to GRE verbal
The GMAT verbal section focuses on grammar and reasoning, whereas the GRE verbal section mostly tests your vocabulary.
As a result, whereas the GRE verbal section tests a wide range of vocabulary, the GMAT Verbal section is slightly simpler.
– In the case of GMAT quant vs GRE quant
GMAT Quant is thought to be more difficult than GRE Quant. The GMAT Quant section assesses your problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the data sufficiency problems are rather difficult.
Even though GRE quant problems are easier than GMAT, GRE permits you to use a calculator, but GMAT does not.
Do business schools prefer the GMAT or GRE?
Despite the fact that many business schools claim to have no preference for GMAT or GRE results, GMAT scores are included in almost 90% of applications. What is the reason for this?
There are three causes for this:
- The GMAT is meant to examine skills that help MBA admission committees determine who can not only get into but successfully complete an MBA school.
- Taking the GMAT gives business schools a sense of how clear their students’ professional aspirations are. Because the GRE is accepted for other graduate programs, it may cause admissions committees to question your commitment to a business graduate program.
- So, because they are more comfortable reading GMAT scores, most business schools are used to comparing applicants’ GMAT scores. It’s impossible to say whether business schools convert GRE results to GMAT scaled scores in order to compare all of the applicants.
GMAT vs GRE: Which One Should You Take?
Before taking any of these exams, it’s important to ask yourself some key questions. Therefore, below are some of the questions to ask yourself to figure out if you should take the GMAT or GRE.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
So you know you want to get a master’s degree, but what if you don’t know what your interests are yet? Consider your long-term career goals and what you want to achieve, and then look into which degree—MBA or Master’s/PhD—would help you get there.
Typically, if you’re looking for a management, logistics, or consulting role, an MBA may be more beneficial.
Your MBA will provide you with a strong foundation in management, marketing, finance, and economics, as well as the skills necessary to face business difficulties.
A Master’s degree or a Ph.D. may be a better alternative for you if you want to gain specific knowledge.
You’ll be able to focus on a subject that interests you and gain a deeper understanding of a topic you’re enthusiastic about while in graduate school.
Learn your target Business School’s policies on GMAT and GRE scores
Check your target business schools to see if they accept both GMAT and GRE or whether they prefer GMAT over GRE. Here are the policies for business schools on GMAT vs GRE.
Take a diagnostic test
Examine your strengths and weaknesses with a free GMAT diagnostic test and an official GRE diagnostic test. You’ve found your solution if you fare 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.
Clarity of the graduate program you want to attend
A wide range of graduate schools accepts GRE scores, from literature to quantum physics. Business schools accept GMAT scores only.
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.
Compare the value of GMAT and GRE after graduating
Many consulting firms place a premium on candidates who have a great GMAT score. As a result, a GMAT score can help you land both an internship and a job. This page contains all of the information you’ll need to determine which test to take. GMAT or GRE are two tests that you can take.
Conclusion
A note on the GMAT vs. the GRE: You can register for and take both the GMAT and the GRE. However, due to the time and money required to study for each exam, this is not recommended for most people.
If you want to apply to business schools, you can also take the GMAT. A high GMAT score will not only help you get into your desired business school, but it will also help you find work.
References
Recommendations
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
3 comments
Comments are closed.