GMAT Vs GRE – Which Exam Is Right For You?

Quite a dilemmatic question that most aspiring graduate students face is: GMAT vs GRE – which exam is right for you? Did you know that over 700,000 candidates take the GRE annually, while more than 200,000 opt for the GMAT? With such a significant number of test-takers, choosing between the two can be hard, especially when your future academic and professional path is on the line.

Let’s be brutally honest; the choice between the GMAT and GRE isn’t just about selecting a test. It’s about understanding your strengths, career goals, and the specific requirements of the business schools you’re targeting. Many students feel overwhelmed by the different formats, verbal and quantitative sections, and the pressure to achieve a high score on these standardized tests. However, by focusing on your strengths and career goals, you can decide which test will better showcase your skills and increase your chances of success.

We have spoken to some experts and high-performer students who achieved great marks in these exams, and today, in this post, we gonna share their insights to help you take the right exam – GMAT test or GRE.

What GMAT Exam Is All About?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test designed for business school applicants. Unlike the GRE, the GMAT focuses on skills relevant to business and management. The exam includes four sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. Each section assesses your analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning abilities.

The GMAT test prep involves practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and question types. A high score on the GMAT can enhance your business school application by showcasing your skills. While both the GMAT and GRE are accepted by many programs, the GMAT remains the preferred choice for most MBA programs.

Here’s what you need to know before taking the GMAT exam:

• The GMAT exam fee is $275, which includes sending your scores to up to five business schools.
• The total testing time for the GMAT is 3 hours and 7 minutes, including two optional 8-minute breaks.
• The exam includes 80 questions in total—31 in the Quantitative section, 36 in the Verbal section, 12 in the Integrated Reasoning section, and 1 essay in the Analytical Writing section.
• Unofficial scores are available immediately after completing the test, while official scores are available within 7 business days.
• You can take the GMAT up to 5 times in a rolling 12-month period, with a minimum gap of 16 days between attempts, and a lifetime limit of 8 attempts.

What GRE Exam Is All About?

The GRE exam, a general test accepted by many business schools, measures your readiness for graduate-level work. Unlike the GMAT, which is tailored for business school applicants, the GRE is a more general test used for a variety of graduate programs. The GRE includes three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.

In the GRE Verbal Reasoning section, test takers are assessed on their ability to analyze and evaluate written material, whereas the GRE Quantitative Reasoning section measures problem-solving skills using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The GRE is considered by some to be less difficult than the GMAT, making it a preferred choice for those who find the GMAT verbal section and GMAT quantitative section more challenging.

Here’s what you need to know before taking the GRE exam:

• $220, including score sending to up to four institutions.
• 3 hours and 45 minutes, including one 10-minute break.
• 82 questions total—20 Verbal Reasoning per section, 20 Quantitative Reasoning per section, and 2 Analytical Writing tasks.
• Unofficial scores immediately; official scores available within 10-15 days.
• Up to 5 times within a rolling 12-month period, with a 21-day minimum gap between attempts.

GMAT Vs GRE For Master Programs

Now, let’s answer the most asked question: GMAT or GRE for master programs? Understanding the differences between these exams can help you decide which one aligns better with your goals and strengths. Here’s a detailed comparison table to address all your queries:

Aspect	GMAT	GRE
Purpose	Specifically designed for business school applicants	General test accepted by various graduate programs, including many business schools
Exam Structure	4 sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal	3 sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
Verbal Section	GMAT Verbal Section tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction	GRE Verbal Section tests reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence
Quantitative Section	GMAT Quantitative Section focuses on problem-solving and data sufficiency	GRE Quantitative Section includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis
Scoring	Total score out of 800, with separate scores for each section	Total score out of 340, with separate scores for each section and a combined Analytical Writing score
Acceptance	Preferred by most MBA programs	Widely accepted by a variety of graduate programs, including many MBA programs
Difficulty	Generally considered more difficult than the GRE, especially the Quantitative section	GRE is often considered less difficult, with a broader range of question types
Flexibility	Schools typically see all your GMAT scores	GRE allows you to choose which scores to send to schools
Retake Policy	Can retake up to 5 times in 12 months, with a 16-day gap between tests	Can retake up to 5 times in 12 months, with a 21-day gap between tests
Preparation	Extensive resources available, including Kaplan Test Prep and official GMAT materials	Extensive resources available, including Kaplan Test Prep and official GRE materials
Exam Fee	$275	$220
Duration	3 hours and 7 minutes	3 hours and 45 minutes
Question Count	80 questions in total	82 questions in total
Score Validity	Scores valid for 5 years	Scores valid for 5 years

Which Exam Is Easier – GMAT And GRE?

To be honest, determining whether the GMAT or GRE exam is easier is a nuanced question and largely depends on the individual test taker’s strengths and preferences. Both tests assess verbal and quantitative reasoning but in different ways. Here’s a diplomatic yet accurate analysis:

The GRE exam is often considered less challenging by some test takers due to its broader question types and slightly less complex quantitative section. The GRE Quant section focuses on basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, which may seem more approachable for those who are less confident in math. The GRE verbal section emphasizes vocabulary and reading comprehension, which might be easier for those with strong verbal skills. Moreover, the GRE allows test-takers to choose which scores to send to schools, adding a layer of flexibility.

On the other hand, the GMAT is perceived as more challenging, especially in its quantitative section. The GMAT Quantitative section includes more data-sufficiency questions, which require higher-order reasoning and can be tricky. The GMAT verbal section also includes critical reasoning and sentence correction, which demands a solid understanding of grammar and logical analysis. Many top business schools in the world prefer the GMAT because it is tailored specifically for MBA programs, making it a bit more rigorous in areas relevant to business studies.

10 Top Business Schools That Accepts Both GMAT And GRE Score

Over 70% of top business schools now accept both GMAT and GRE test scores for their MBA programs. This provides prospective students with the flexibility to choose the test that best showcases their strengths.

Here are 10 top business schools in the world that accept GRE scores and GMAT:

Business School	Average Fees	Average Salary
Stanford Graduate School of Business	$74,706	$175,000
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania	$80,432	$172,000
Harvard Business School	$73,440	$150,000
London Business School	$116,751	$130,000
HEC Paris	$77,082	$128,000
MIT Sloan School of Management	$78,954	$159,000
Columbia Business School	$77,376	$150,000
IE Business School	$80,000	$125,000
INSEAD	$98,009	$113,400
University of Chicago Booth School of Business	$77,841	$148,000

Conclusion

Last advice is that if you excel in vocabulary and analytical writing, and prefer a test with a wider range of question types, the GRE might be more suitable. It offers flexibility in score reporting, allowing you to choose which scores to send to schools, and is accepted by a variety of graduate programs, not just business schools.

On the other hand, if you have strong quantitative skills and are focused on a career in business, the GMAT may be the better option. It is designed specifically for business school applicants and is preferred by many top MBA programs. The GMAT’s quantitative section, which includes data sufficiency questions, might be challenging but it aligns well with the skills needed for business studies.

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