Embarking on the journey to pursue an MBA raises a critical question: GRE Vs GMAT – Which One Should You Take? This blog post delves into the considerations that can help you make an informed decision based on your career aspirations and the unique requirements of the business schools you aim to join.
Overview Of GRE vs GMAT
International students planning to pursue courses abroad often need to take exams like the GRE and GMAT. The GRE is required for postgraduate courses, while the GMAT is necessary for admission to business schools. Some business schools now accept both GRE and GMAT scores. When deciding between GRE vs GMAT for business school admission, comparing their exam patterns and differences is crucial. This article discusses GMAT vs GRE to help students make an informed decision based on their strengths and preferences.
Which Is Easier, GRE Or GMAT?
Comparing the overall difficulty of GRE and GMAT reveals their similarity. While GMAT features a Data Insights section and GRE includes an Analytical Writing section, these sections aren’t directly comparable. The key lies in assessing the relative difficulty of common sections—quantitative and verbal.
To answer this question, let’s compare:
- GRE Verbal vs. GMAT Verbal
- GRE Quant vs. GMAT Quant
GRE vs GMAT – Which test’s Verbal section is easier?
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Verbal Sections | 2 | 1 |
| Number of Verbal Questions | 27 | 23 |
| Duration | 41 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Sub-sections | -Reading comprehension -Text completion -Sentence equivalence | -Reading comprehension -Critical reasoning |
| Score Range | 130-170 | 60-90 (scaled score) |
GRE vs GMAT – Which test’s Quant section is easier?
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Quant Sections | 2 | 1 |
| Number of Quant Questions | 27 | 21 |
| Duration | 47 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Score Range | 130 – 170 | Quantitative: 60 – 90 |
Differences Between GRE And GMAT
| Factors | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | GRE full form Graduate Record Examinations | GMAT full-form Graduate Management Admission Test |
| Conducted by | Graduates Record Examination, conducted by ETS is a standardized aptitude test for admissions to post-graduate degree courses around the world | Graduate Management Aptitude Test conducted by GMAC is a standardized & computerized adaptive test that is generally accepted for entrance to B-schools across the world |
| Accepted by/ for | All reputed universities for a variety of postgraduate degree programs including management | All reputed business schools for admission to its postgraduate programs in management |
| Test Structure | Analytical Writing Section with 2 essays (75 minutes) 2 Verbal Sections (30 minutes each) 2 Quantitative Sections (35 minutes each) Experimental Section (either Verbal or Quantitative) (30 minutes) | Analytical Writing Section with one essay (30 minutes) Quantitative Section (62 minutes) Verbal Section (65 minutes) Integrated Reasoning (30 minutes) |
| Test Format | Both paper and computerized adaptive formats are available | Computerized adaptive test |
| Score Range | 130 – 170 in 1 point increment | 200 – 800 in 10-point increment |
| Score Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Cost | USD 228 | USD 275 (GMAT taken at a test centre) USD 300 (Online GMAT exam at home) |
| Retakes | After every 21 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a year (continuous rolling 12-month period from the beginning of the first test) | After every 16 days to a maximum of 5 attempts in a 12-month period and 8 attempts in one’s lifetime |
Syllabus
| Distinguishing Factors | GRE Syllabus | GMAT Syllabus |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | An argumentative essay An issue-based essay | An argumentative essay |
| Verbal | Modifiers and Parallelism Idioms and Idiomatic expressions Subject-Verb Agreement Nouns, Adjectives, Pronouns Synonyms and Antonyms | Modifiers and Parallelism Idioms and Idiomatic expressions Subject-Verb Agreement Nouns, Adjectives, Pronouns Boldface Strengths and weaknesses Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Quantitative | Arithmetic Geometry Data Analysis Algebra | Arithmetic Geometry Data Analysis Algebra |
| Integrated Reasoning | – | Multi-Source Reasoning Table Analysis Graphics Interpretation Two-Part Analysis |
Score Comparison
While it’s impossible to perfectly equate GRE and GMAT scores, since they have different numbers of sections and their scores are reported differently, using your score on one test to predict your score on the other can help you know whether you’re prepared for the graduate programs to which you’re applying.
The GMAT is scored from 200-800, while each GRE section score falls between 130 and 170. Below is our chart of equivalent* GMAT, GRE Verbal, and GRE Quantitative score percentiles.
| PERCENTILE | GRE VERBAL SCORE | GRE QUANT SCORE | GMAT SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 99% | 169 | 0 | 800 |
| 96-98% | 165-168 | 170 | 750 |
| 88-89% | 161 | 166 | 700 |
| 73% | 156 | 160 | 650 |
| 54-56% | 152 | 155 | 600 |
| 37-38% | 148 | 150 | 550 |
| 26% | 145 | 147 | 500 |
| 16% | 142 | 144 | 450 |
| 9-10% | 139 | 141 | 400 |
| 4-5% | 136 | 138 | 350 |
| 3% | 135 | 137 | 300 |
| 1% | 130 | 130 | 250 |
| 0% | 0 | 0 | 200 |
Exam Attempt
| Exam | No. of Attempts |
|---|---|
| GRE | Upto 5 |
| GMAT | Upto 2 |
Cost Of GRE And GMAT
| Exam | Cost And Benefits(USD) | Cost And Benefits(INR) |
|---|---|---|
| GRE | 227 It includes four reports | 18,863 |
| GMAT | 275 It includes five reports | 22,800 |
GRE vs GMAT For MBA
Many aspiring MBA students face the decision between GMAT and GRE. The choice varies from student to student, depending on personal preferences and strengths. Some may perform better in GMAT, while others excel in GRE. Both tests encompass crucial sections such as writing ability, quantitative, and verbal skills. Ultimately, the decision rests on individual strengths and comfort.
Differences Between GRE vs GMAT For MBA
| Particulars | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Total Students Appeared in 2021 | Around 2 lakhs | About 5 Lakhs |
| Frequency | 5 times | 5 times |
| Scoring Range | 260-340 | 200-800 |
| Computer-adaptive | No | Yes |
| Total Time | 3 hours & 45 minutes | 3 hours & 7 minutes |
| Total no. of questions | MCQs: 80; Unscored research section: 20 | Questions: 90 |
| Exam Fee | USD 205 | USD 250 |
| Validity | GRE scores valid up to 5 years | GMAT score valid up to 5 years |
Do Business Schools Prefer GRE or GMAT?
While some business schools say they don’t favor GMAT or GRE scores, over 90% of applicants submit GMAT scores. There are 3 reasons:
Skills Assessment
- GMAT is tailored to assess skills crucial for MBA success.
- Helps admission committees identify candidates likely to excel in the program.
Clarity of Career Goals:
- GMAT aids in showcasing clear career objectives.
- GRE’s acceptance in diverse programs may raise questions about commitment to a business graduate program.
Familiarity and Comfort:
- Business schools are more accustomed to comparing GMAT scores.
- Converting GRE scores to GMAT-scaled scores may be done for a standardized comparison.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is GRE easier than GMAT?
The GRE’s quantitative section may be easier for some, while those who prefer logic problems over geometry might find the GMAT more suitable. The difficulty varies based on individual preferences, familiarity with the test, and the specific test patterns and syllabus.
Should I take the GMAT or GRE for MBA?
It depends on your strengths. Take GMAT if you’re strong in quantitative skills, and GRE if you’re better with vocabulary and verbal skills.
What is the hardest part of the GMAT?
Quantitative Reasoning portion
Conclusion
Choosing between GRE and GMAT relies on your career goals and the specific criteria of your target business schools. Recognizing the nuances and aligning with your aspirations will guide you to the exam best suited for your MBA journey. For any clarifications, feel free to reach out to us.