GRE vs GMAT: Which test is right for you?

Congratulations! Finally, you've decided to study abroad and have begun shortlisting colleges. But, before you can get into your dream business school, you must have realized that you need to appear either for a GRE or GMAT exam. Business schools across the world ask for these test scores to check if an applicant is eligible enough for their graduate programmes. Yet, the real question is GRE vs GMAT? When two solid choices are put on the table, it makes the decision 10X harder to make. In this blog, we will run through the difference between GRE and GMAT and help you choose the right one for you.

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT, administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is an entrance exam widely used for admission to business schools and MBA programs. The exam measures reasoning and critical thinking skills meant to demonstrate an ability to succeed in top graduate business programs.

You can retake the GMAT at a testing center up to five times in a rolling 12-month period (no more than eight times total). For the GMAT online exam, you can retest once.

What is the format of GMAT?

The GMAT format depends on whether you’re taking the test at a testing center or online. The in-person version comprises four sections, and you can choose to order the sections in one of three ways to best fit your strengths and testing style.

1. Analytical Writing: This section of the exam asks you to analyze and write a critique of a given argument in one 30-minute writing task. It is scored from zero to six points in half-point increments.

2. Integrated Reasoning: The Integrated Reasoning section (not found on the GRE) is designed to measure your ability to use data to solve complex problems. This portion includes one 30-minute section with 12 questions (mostly multiple choice). You’ll be asked to examine and analyze data from multiple sources, including tables and graphs, as well as solve both quantitative and verbal problems. The score ranges from one to eight in one-point increments. 

3. Quantitative: This 62-minute section has 31 multiple-choice questions. Questions include quantitative problems and “Data Sufficiency” problems, which ask you to determine whether you have enough data to answer a given question. You can earn six to 51 points in one-point increments.

4. Verbal: The Verbal Reasoning section lasts 65 minutes and contains 36 questions designed to test your ability to read, understand, and evaluate written materials. The three types of questions you’ll encounter include reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. This is scored from six to 51 points in one-point increments.

You can use a basic online calculator during the Integrated Reasoning section only. For the Quantitative Reasoning segment, you’re permitted to use a white board (at-home testing) or a provided laminated notebook with dry erase markers (testing center) to work through problems. During the GMAT, you cannot skip and return to questions or change your answers.

What is the GRE?

The GRE, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is used as an admissions consideration at thousands of graduate schools, including business and law schools. The exam is designed to evaluate your verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.

You can retake the GRE up to five times in any 12-month rolling period (once every 21 days). If you take the test more than once, you can choose which scores get sent to the schools to which you’re applying. 

What is the format of the GRE?

The GRE comprises three scored portions, as well as a possible unscored or experimental section. The Analytical Writing section will always come first, but you won’t know the order of the remaining sections or which section is unscored.

1. Analytical Writing: This section has two separately-timed, 30-minute writing tasks. You’ll be asked to construct your own argument on an issue and evaluate someone else’s argument on an issue. This section is scored from zero to six in half-point increments.

2. Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning test comprises two 30-minute sections with 20 questions each. You’ll encounter three types of questions in this section: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. You can get a score of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

3. Quantitative Reasoning: This portion of the exam, designed to test your basic math skills, features two 35-minute sections with 20 questions each. Questions might be multiple choice with one or several answers, numeric entry questions, or quantitative comparison questions. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You can get a score of 130 to 170 in one-point increments.

During the test, you can use an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning section. You can move backward and forward through each section, change your answers, and mark questions for “Review” if you’d like to return to them later.

Difference between GRE and GMAT 

Even though both GRE and GMAT scores are accepted in world top class universities, the battle between GRE vs GMAT doesn't end there. It is super important to understand the differences between both in order to know which test suits the best to your abilities and can be used as an advantage to accelerate your potential to score.

Generally, the exam can be compared on the basis of the following parameters:

• Syllabus 

• Exam sections 

• Duration of exam 

• Range of Difficulty 

• Exam Fee 

Syllabus of GRE 

The GRE has three scored sections as well as an optional unscored or experimental section. The Analytical Writing section will always come first, but you won't know which sections are scored or which are not, which include verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning.

Check out our blog, Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for GRE, to learn more about the GRE exam. 

Syllabus of GMAT

The GMAT format differs depending on whether you take the exam at a testing centre or online. The in-person version is divided into four portions, which you can arrange in one of three ways to best suit your strengths and testing style, i.e. Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Verbal, and Quantitative. Check out our blog Your Ultimate Guide To Prepare For The GMAT, for more details. 

Exam sections 

The GRE and GMAT will test you on three verticals, i.e. verbal, quantitative, and writing skills. Even though it might sound like these sections need a “no-brainer”, they are quite the opposite. Every section is quite challenging, especially with the clock ticking over your head.

Check out our 25 Proven Tips On How To Study Effectively to see how you can ace these sections through our tips and tricks.  

GRE verbal vs GMAT verbal

The GRE verbal section scores you on your ability to analyze and look through an excerpt, recognise meaning of different words, phrases, and sentences, highlight the main points from a text, and draw conclusions. Understanding these score metrics will help you prepare for your verbal section better. While solving GRE mock questions you will notice a pattern of three types of questions. 

Comprehension: In this pattern, you will be presented with a long passage and answer the questions. Reading comprehension is one of the most challenging types of questions asked in GRE because of the use of unfamiliar phrases, mind-boggling questions, and stringent pacing requirements. For comprehension, you might come across topics like biological science, social science, arts, or an everyday discussed topic. So, make sure you are prepared by solving lots of comprehension questions to comprehend on the day of the exam.

Text Completion: Skilled readers do not just absorb the information on the page; rather, they maintain a constant attitude of interpretation and evaluation, reasoning from what they have read thus far to develop a picture of the entire and modify that picture as they go. Text Completion questions assess this skill by deleting keywords from short texts and asking you to fill in the spaces with words or short phrases from the remaining material in the piece.

Sentence equivalence: Sentence Equivalence questions, like Text Completion questions, assess your ability to draw conclusions about how a passage should be completed based on incomplete information, but they focus more on the meaning of the completed whole. Sentence Equivalence questions encourage you to identify the two options that lead to a complete, cohesive sentence while providing sentences that signify the same thing.

GRE Math vs GMAT Math 

The GMAT and GRE cover nearly identical math curriculum. In my experience, the GRE has slightly more geometry than the GMAT, while the GMAT has slightly more counting or combinatorics problems.

Range of Difficulty 

Which test will be easier for you will be determined by your academic strengths and testing approach. The quantitative element of the GRE is typically easier than the quantitative section of the GMAT (and you get to use a calculator). The GRE component often has more geometry questions, whereas the GMAT section contains more logical reasoning questions.

In contrast, the GRE verbal part has a more difficult vocabulary than the GMAT. Many test takers believe that the GMAT verbal section is slightly easier.

Exam Fee 

The cost of the GRE vs GMAT exam is as follows: 

GRE fees- $205. 

GMAT fees- $250

GRE vs GMAT: Which test is right for you?

Although the great majority of business school applicants prefer the GMAT to the GRE, business schools frequently accept GRE scores as part of their admissions requirements. This means you can take the test that best demonstrates your academic strengths. Here are some things to think about as you choose the best selection for you.

Academic objectives: If you're looking into multiple graduate programmes or just want to leave your options open, the GRE is accepted in a larger range of degree programmes. If you're certain about going to business school, taking the GMAT is a good method to show your dedication.

School prerequisites: Many colleges accept either score, but it's a good idea to double-check admissions standards ahead of time. Speak with an admissions representative to see if they have a preference between the two examinations.

Academic strengths: If your quantitative skills are stronger than your verbal capabilities, the GMAT may provide a better opportunity to demonstrate such abilities. Consider taking the GRE if you're a strong writer. The GRE can be more difficult for non-native English speakers due to the terminology involved.

Testing style: The GRE structure allows you to move around and go over your answers if you choose. Some exam takers may feel more confident as a result of this.

Exam performance: Taking a practice test for each test is one technique to decide which one you're most suited for. Take them separately in conditions as near to real as feasible. You'll have a better sense of which you prefer after taking and scoring your examinations.

Score reporting: If you take the GRE more than once, you have the option of sending different scores to different schools. Schools receive all of your GMAT results. Many programmes just take the highest score into account.

Career objectives: GMAT scores are required by some employers, particularly investment and business consulting firms, as part of the job application process. If you have specific target employers in mind, do your homework ahead of time. Taking the GMAT before entering business school may save you from having to retake it during your job search.

Which exam is easier, GMAT vs GRE?

Determining which test will be easier for you will depend on your academic strengths and testing style. 

The quantitative section on the GRE tends to be a bit easier than its GMAT counterpart (and you get to use a calculator). The GRE section typically has more geometry, while the GMAT has more logical reasoning questions. 

The GRE verbal section, on the other hand, tends to feature more difficult vocabulary than the GMAT. Many test-takers consider the GMAT verbal section to be slightly easier.

In conclusion, there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a particular test. It all depends on your preference, goals, and strengths. Make sure you do some research and plan ahead of time before making a clear decision on your choice of preferences. Take some help from the above points; we are very sure that you will come full circle with a definite choice after reading this article. It is possible to pursue an MS in USA without GRE! Before that, check whether the GRE or GMAT is right exam for you, along with all the details for the GRE exam 2023.

Made up decision to pursue GRE?? Make sure you check our blog all you need to know about gre exam

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