GMAT or GRE: Which One Should You Take In 2024?
With postgraduate degrees, a standardized test will often play a role in the application process, and this is especially the case for business schools. Thousands of business schools accept scores from the GMAT, GRE, or both.
So, how do you decide which exam to take? Here’s a guide to help you understand what the GMAT and GRE are, the differences between the two, and tips to help you decide which one’s right for you.
What Is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is used as part of the admission process for MBA programs. It’s the most common test used by business schools to assess applicants across the globe.
Overall, this multiple-choice exam includes tasks that are customized to evaluate skills viewed as being specific to business managers. The GMAT includes four sections:
- 65-minute verbal section
- 62-minute quantitative section
- 30-minute integrated reason section
- 30-minute analytical writing section
Test takers are able to pick the order they take the four sections in. The exam takes 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete with GMAT scores ranging from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments. The test costs about $250.
The GMAT can also be taken online. Originally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was made available to take online and at home and has been an option for test-takers since April 20, 2020. To learn more about this version of the test, please visit the Graduate Management Admission Council’s website.
What Is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general admissions test accepted by most graduate schools and a growing number of business schools, including about 1,200 MBA programs.
There is a growing trend in business school admissions that are looking for applicants with more than just a business background to widen their pool of applicants. Because of this, more business schools are starting to accept other tests than just the GMAT, such as the GRE.
The GRE is a more versatile test and consists of:
- One 60-minute analytical writing section including two essays
- Two 35-minute quantitative reasoning sections
- Two 30-minute verbal reasoning sections
- One 30 to 35-minute experimental section of math or verbal
It takes 3 hours and 45 minutes to take the computer-based GRE and 3 hours and 30 minutes for the paper-based exam. Verbal and quantitative scores range from 130 to 170 in one-point increments, and the analytical writing section is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. It costs about $205 to take the test.
An at-home version of the GRE was implemented at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have been able to take the GRE at home since March 27, 2020. For more information on this version of the test, please visit ETS’s website.
Comparing the GMAT and GRE
Overall, the GMAT and GRE both measure your ability to solve problems, analyze and evaluate written material, and think critically. Both tests require essay-writing, although many business schools usually aren’t as interested in these sections.
While the GMAT and GRE also rely heavily on reading comprehension and involve early math, such as arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and data analysis, the tests are totally different with varying sections, structures, and scoring systems.
The two tests are so different it can be hard to compare scores on the two exams. However, some business schools use the ETS comparison tool as a benchmark to compare the two.
One of the major differences is that the GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning that the questions you answer correctly, or incorrectly, determine the following questions’ difficulty level. GMAT test-takers can’t go back and review or change their previous answers, creating extra pressure, in addition to the increased time pressure.
On the other hand, the GRE is not a computer-adaptive test. It allows students to go back and check their previous answers. It can also be taken on a computer or by paper, unlike the GMAT.
Most test-takers consider the GRE’s math section easier as it’s more straightforward and allows you to use a calculator, but the verbal section is often considered more difficult than the GMAT.
Another difference is that the GMAT is well-known and often asked for by business schools, while the GRE is widely used for other Master of Science degrees. So, if you’re thinking of studying abroad but you haven’t decided whether you want to attend a business school program or another type of master’s degree, the GRE may be a better choice.
Which Is Easier the GMAT or GRE?
For both tests, the score you receive is aligned with which percentile of test-takers you end up being in. For example, having a score of 710 on the GMAT is considered being in the top 10% of other test-takers. With the GRE, a total score of 325 is considered to be within the top 10%.
Because of this and the high competition between test-takers, your score will depend on how well you perform versus the other people taking the test – and not on the test difficulty.
What’s the Difference Between GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS?
The GMAT/GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are completely different tests. However, both kinds of exams are usually required for admission to business schools, and you’ll typically need to get at least a minimum score on each in order to be accepted.
The TOEFL and IELTS test your level of English proficiency to see if you will likely be able to follow, participate, and perform in school with English as the main language. This is usually required if English isn’t your first language, unless you meet the waiving requirements.
On the other hand, the GMAT and GRE test your logic, reasoning, and qualitative and analytical skills. This can help determine your readiness for business school.
How to Decide Which One’s Right for You
It can be overwhelming to figure out which test you should take. It depends on where you’re wanting to go to business school, but some programs accept scores from both tests. Here are a few tips to help decide whether you should take the GMAT or GRE.
1. Check which test is accepted by the business schools you’re interested in.
For starters, find out if the business schools you’re interested in accept the GMAT, GRE, or both. If you've picked a specific university, find out what the admissions committee prefers applicants to take.
2. Find out which test will better show off your skills.
Consider the different test structures and what you’re most skilled in. Taking the test you’re more comfortable with will likely mean you’ll perform better.
Overall, the GMAT is better for number-crunching thinkers, while the GRE is better for creative thinkers. Now, let’s talk about some of the finer details of the kinds of skills you need to perform well on the GMAT and GRE.
The GMAT best suits those with strong quantitative and analytical skills, especially those who excel at interpreting data in tables, charts, and text to solve complex problems.
For those that aren’t as skilled in math, you may want to consider the GRE as it includes a calculator for all quantitative problems, and it’s more straightforward than the GMAT’s math section.
Additionally, people with strong editing skills may perform better on the GMAT’s verbal section as it focuses more on grammar, while those with strong vocabularies may prefer taking the GRE.
Play to your strengths! If the business schools you’re most interested in equally value scores from both tests, choose the one you’ll perform the best in. To get accepted to the most competitive programs, you’ll need to score within the highest percentile.
3. Take practice tests.
It may be helpful to take practice tests for each exam to see which is better suited to your abilities. Overall, it will take some preparation to get used to the tests’ formats, structure, and timings.
Can I Take Both the GMAT and GRE?
You can take both the GMAT and GRE if you want to. It can be an option if you already used all your yearly chances for one of the tests as you could then move on to the other.
For the GMAT, you can take it up to five times in a rolling 12-month period and no more than eight times total. You can also only take this exam once every 16 days.
With the GRE, you can take the test up to five times within any continuous 12-month period, and you must wait at least 21 days before retaking the test. However, there is no lifetime limit on the total number of times you can take the test.
However, keep in mind that it’s often recommended to stick to one type of exam. This is because it takes a lot of time to properly study and prepare for each test, which has a different structure and setup, so it may not be worth the amount of time you’d need to put into it.
Summary
There are some key differences between the GMAT and GRE, and you need to figure out which is best for you and your skills and what’s preferred by the institutions and programs you’re interested in.
No matter which test you decide to take, you’ll need to effectively prepare to get the best possible score in hopes to get admitted to your preferred business school. Scores for both the GMAT or GRE are valid for five years.