The GMAT and GRE are very important exams. If you plan to go to graduate school, you may need to take one of these two tests. Before you decide which one is right for you, it’s important to understand what they are.
If you’re preparing for graduate school, a look at the GMAT and GRE can help. Let’s look at what both of these are and which one is right for you.
What is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test used by business schools and MBA programs. It’s designed to test your abilities when it comes to critical thinking and reasoning skills. The test is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test used as a part of the admissions process for graduate schools. It’s used in North America and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Thousands of graduate schools use this test, including some law and business schools. The GRE is designed to evaluate your abilities with critical thinking, analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning.
GMAT vs GRE: The Differences
There are several differences between the GMAT and the GRE. When you’re preparing for graduate school, understanding the differences between the GMAT and the GRE can help you make the right decision. Here are some of the key differences.
Test Format
The GMAT includes four sections:
- Analytical writing
- Integrated reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
When you take this test, you will need to complete all four sections. With the GRE, there are only three sections:
- Analytical writing
- Verbal reasoning
- Quantitative reasoning
While these tests are similar, the GMAT has an integrated reasoning section, while the GRE doesn’t.
Along with the sections, the amount of time you get with each is different. The GMAT gives you three and one-half hours to complete the test with two optional eight-minute breaks if you take the test in person and one five-minute break if you take it online.
The GRE provides three hours and 45 minutes to complete the test. You can take one optional ten-minute break after the third section with this test.
The Cost
Another difference between the GMAT and GRE is the cost. If you decide to take the GMAT, it will cost you $275 if you take the test in person or $250 if you take it online. The GRE will cost you $205, regardless of taking it in-person or online.
Admission Use
The GMAT is only used for admission into MBA programs and business schools. You won’t take this exam to get into any other graduate program.
The GRE is used for admission into thousands of graduate schools. It may be used for admission into business schools, law schools, and other graduate schools.
If you’re not applying for admission into an MBA program or a business school, you will not take the GMAT. Instead, you will likely take the GRE as a part of your admissions process.
Is the GMAT Easier than the GRE?
Neither test is necessarily easier than the other. It really depends on your abilities and the style of test you prefer.
Some believe the quantitative section on the GRE is easier than the same section on the GMAT. This section on the GRE tends to have more geometry, while the GMAT section offers more logical reasoning questions.
However, many believe the GRE verbal section is more difficult than the GMAT. If you struggle with verbal skills, you may prefer the GMAT over the GRE.
GMAT vs GRE: How to Choose
Before you choose between the GMAT and the GRE, it’s important to look at a few factors including:
- School Requirements – The requirements of the school you’re trying to get into is the first factor to consider. If they tell you to take the GMAT, then you take the GMAT. In some cases, they may let you choose between the two tests, however.
- Academic Goals – When you’re considering different graduate programs, the GRE is the more widely accepted of the two tests. However, if you know you will be going to business school, taking the GMAT makes quite a bit of sense.
- Testing Style – In some cases, the GRE format fits better for those nervous about taking tests. It allows you to skip around and go over your answers, which can help you gain a bit more confidence.
- Academic Strengths – The GMAT is usually a better choice for those with greater math skills than verbal skills. However, if you’re a strong writer and you’re good at vocabulary, the GRE is a great choice. Often, the GRE is more challenging for non-native English speakers than the GMAT.
- Career Goals – In some cases, you will need to submit your GMAT scores when you apply for a job. This is more common with business consulting firms and investment firms. If you plan to go into this type of career, you might need to take the GMAT.
- Performance on a Practice Exam – You can take a practice exam for the GMAT and the GRE. Then, choose the right one based on how well you did on these tests.
- Score Reporting – With the GMAT, you will get all your scores reported. The GRE will allow you to choose the score sent to the prospective schools. Most commonly, schools will count your highest score.
Taking the GMAT or GRE is a step in the right direction when you want to go to graduate school. Choosing between these two exams isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you don’t have much of a choice, based on the school or program you prefer. However, if you have a choice, you can use the above factors to figure out which is right for you.
If you want to go to graduate school, you will likely need to take the GMAT or GRE. Getting the right GMAT prep course or GRE prep course can help you better prepare.
Jordan Fabel
Covering different 'paths' that people's lives can take. Creative, foster parent, ticket dismissal, you get the idea. Exploring the requirements, certifications, exams, and obviously, approved courses along each path.