INTRO.

Deciding between the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) can be a pivotal moment for many aspiring graduate students. Both tests are widely accepted by business schools and graduate programs worldwide, but each has its unique format, structure, and focus. So, which one should you take? Let’s break it down.

1. Purpose and Focus:

• GMAT: Primarily designed for business school admissions, the GMAT assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills. It aims to evaluate candidates’ readiness for the academic rigors of a business program.
• GRE: Originally designed for a broader range of graduate programs, the GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It’s more generalized and is accepted by a wide array of graduate programs, including business schools.

2. Structure and Format:

• GMAT: The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (1 essay), Integrated Reasoning (12 questions), Quantitative (31 questions), and Verbal (36 questions). The test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance.
  • Two of the sections — Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning — are computer-adaptive, meaning they change in difficulty after every question you answer. The Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections of the GMAT, however, are not computer-adaptive.Test-takers can choose the order of the sections on the GMAT that best fits their strengths from among three options.

    The test provides a total GMAT score between 200 and 800 in 10-point increments. You’ll get separate Verbal and Quantitative scores, each on a scale of 6-51, as well as a Writing score out of 6 and an Integrated Reasoning score out of 8.

• GRE: The GRE also comprises four sections: Analytical Writing (2 essays), Verbal Reasoning (2 sections with 20 questions each), and Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections with 20 questions each). Like the GMAT, it’s also computer-adaptive, but it allows some flexibility in section order.
  • The Analytical Writing section, which consists of an issue essay and an argument essay, always appears first on the GRE, while the other sections can appear in any order.You’ll get two Verbal and two Quantitative sections. The computer-based, section-adaptive test changes the difficulty of your second Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections based on the accuracy of your answers in the first sections.

    Your total GRE score ranges from 130-170. You’ll also get a separate Analytical Writing score out of 6.

3. Content and Difficulty:

• GMAT:
  The GMAT places a strong emphasis on data sufficiency and critical reasoning in the quantitative and verbal sections, respectively. It tends to have more challenging math problems and is often considered more time-pressured.
• GRE:
  While the GRE math tends to be more straightforward, it includes more geometry and data interpretation questions. Verbal reasoning on the GRE includes more vocabulary-based questions compared to the GMAT.

4. Business School Preferences:

• GMAT: Traditionally, the GMAT has been the preferred test for MBA admissions. Many business schools, particularly top-tier ones, still strongly prefer or require the GMAT for MBA applicants.
• GRE: In recent years, an increasing number of business schools have started accepting the GRE in lieu of the GMAT. Some schools even claim no preference between the two tests, making the GRE a viable option for MBA applicants.

5. Your Strengths and Preferences:

Ultimately, the decision between the GMAT and GRE should also consider your strengths and preferences. If you excel in quantitative reasoning and prefer more challenging math problems, the GMAT might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you’re stronger in verbal reasoning or feel more comfortable with a broader range of graduate program options, the GRE could be the way to go.

 

Major Differences Between GMAT and GRE

What’s the difference between GRE and GMAT? Understanding the major differences between the two tests can help you choose which exam to take.

1. Structure and Timing

The structures of the GMAT vs. GRE differ in key ways. The following table breaks down the sections, timing, and questions for both tests. Keep in mind that the GMAT also includes two optional 8-minute breaks, whereas the GRE has one-minute breaks between sections and one longer 10-minute break.

Section	GMAT	GRE
Analytical Writing	1 essay (30 mins)	2 essays (30 mins per essay)
Quantitative Reasoning	31 questions (62 mins)	2 sections of 20 questions each (35 mins per section)
Verbal Reasoning	36 questions (65 mins)	2 sections of 20 questions each (30 mins per section)
Integrated Reasoning	12 questions (30 mins)	N/A
Unscored or Research Section	N/A	Varies, but usually one 30-min Verbal or Quant section
TOTAL	79 questions + 1 essay (about 3 hrs and 30 mins)	80 questions (or 100, if you get a research section) + 2 essays (about 3 hrs and 45 mins)

2. Scoring

The GRE and GMAT use different scoring systems. The overall score ranges do not include the Analytical Writing section for either test, which is listed separately, or the Integrated Reasoning score for the GMAT. Learn more about the GRE scoring system in our guide.

Section	GMAT	GRE
Analytical Writing	0-6 in half-point increments	0-6 in half-point increments
Quantitative Reasoning	6-51 in 1-point increments	130-170 in 1-point increments
Verbal Reasoning	6-51 in 1-point increments	130-170 in 1-point increments
Integrated Reasoning	1-8 in 1-point increments	N/A
TOTAL	Scores range from 200-800	Scores range from 260-340

Conclusion:

Choosing between the GMAT and GRE is a significant decision on your path to graduate school. Consider the requirements of your target programs, your strengths, and your personal preferences before making a choice. Both tests are excellent indicators of your readiness for graduate-level studies, so focus on preparing well for whichever one you choose.