GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should I Take?

Last Updated on August 29, 2024

Many business schools take both GMAT and GRE test scores as part of what they need for admissions.  When you try to join a graduate business program, you might see that many schools ask for test scores as part of their admission needs. Usually, you can choose to give either your Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score or your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.

In this article, we will examine each exam in detail and explore reasons why you may choose one test over the other—or decide against taking either—to strengthen your graduate program application.

GMAT vs GRE: Key Differences

The GMAT and GRE vary in several ways, but the most significant difference is that GMAT is usually applied for business school entrance while GRE is accepted in many graduate programs (which include business schools and law schools). Furthermore, these two tests have distinct formats with different kinds of questions, testing policies as well as methods to send your scores to schools.

	GMAT	GRE
Accepted by	Most graduate business programs	Most graduate programs, including business
Location	Online or at a testing center	Online or at a testing center
Cost (US)	$250 online or $275 in person (includes free score delivery to up to five schools)	$205 (includes free score delivery to up to four schools)
Length	3 hours and 7 minutes, plus two optional 8-minute breaks	3 hours and 45 minutes, plus one optional 10-minute break
Sections	Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal	Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
Scores good for	5 years	5 years

What is the GMAT?

Entrance Exam: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), which is conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a widely used entrance exam for business schools and MBA programs. This test assesses reasoning and critical thinking abilities that show whether someone can thrive in prestigious graduate business programs.

Retaking the GMAT is allowed at a testing center for up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, but not more than eight times total. For the online GMAT exam, you can take it again once.

GMAT format

The GMAT format is fairly easy to understand for test-takers. Students must note that the format of the GMAT depends on the mode you are taking it in, i.e. online or in-person. The in-person GMAT test consists of four sections that are Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. 

Here is a table that explains the format of the test:

Here’s a tabulated version of the GMAT format information:

Section	Duration	Number of Questions	Question Types	Score Range
Analytical Writing	30 minutes	1 task	Essay critique of a given argument	0-6 (0.5 increments)
Integrated Reasoning	30 minutes	12 questions	Multiple choice, data analysis from various sources	1-8 (1 point increments)
Quantitative	62 minutes	31 questions	Multiple choice, quantitative problems, “Data Sufficiency” problems	6-51 (1 point increments)
Verbal	65 minutes	36 questions	Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction	6-51 (1 point increments)

In the Integrated Reasoning section, you can use an online calculator that is basic. For the Quantitative Reasoning part, it’s allowed to have a whiteboard (at home test). On the other hand, in-person test takers will receive one laminated notebook with dry-erase markers (testing center) for working out problems. Lastly, you cannot skip and go back to questions or change your answers during GMAT.

What is a computer-adaptive test?

The GMAT and GRE both employ adaptive testing technology, but they implement it differently:

GMAT: This exam adjusts difficulty on a question-by-question basis within each section. Your performance on one question directly influences the complexity of the next. A correct answer leads to a more challenging subsequent question, while an incorrect response results in an easier follow-up question.

GRE: In contrast, the GRE adapts difficulty at the section level. Since test-takers can revise their answers within a section, the exam doesn’t adjust difficulty mid-section. Instead, your overall performance in one section determines the difficulty level of the entire next section.

This difference in adaptive testing approaches reflects each exam’s unique design and allows for different test-taking strategies to take place. 

What is the GRE?

The GRE, given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is recognized for admission at many graduate schools that including business and law schools. This test scrutinizes your verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking as well as analytical writing abilities.

GRE can be taken again for up to five times in any 12-month rolling duration (once every 21 days). When you retake it, you have the freedom to select which scores are sent to your applied schools.

GRE format

The GRE has three sections and a possible unscored/experimental section. While the analytical writing section comes first, students are not made aware of the order of the remaining sections. 

Section	Duration	Number of Questions	Question Types	Score Range
Analytical Writing	60 minutes (2 x 30-minute tasks)	2 tasks	1. Construct own argument 2. Evaluate someone else’s argument	0-6 (0.5 increments)
Verbal Reasoning	60 minutes (2 x 30-minute sections)	40 (20 per section)	1. Reading comprehension 2. Text completion 3. Sentence equivalence	130-170 (1 point increments)
Quantitative Reasoning	70 minutes (2 x 35-minute sections)	40 (20 per section)	1. Multiple choice (single or multiple answers)2. Numeric entry3. Quantitative comparison Topics: arithmetic, algebra, geometry, data analysis	130-170 (1 point increments)

The GRE provides some flexibility during the exam: For the Quantitative Reasoning section, you have access to an on-screen calculator. This tool can help you with calculations, allowing you to focus more on problem-solving strategies.

Within each section, you’re free to solve questions as you see fit. You can go back to previous questions, modify your answers, and even flag specific questions for later review. This feature allows you to manage your time efficiently and revisit challenging problems if you have time remaining in the section.

GMAT vs GRE: Which is Easier? 

Figuring out which test will be simpler for you relies on what subjects you’re good at and how you prefer to take tests.

The math part of the GRE seems a little simpler than the same section on GMAT (and you can use calculator in GRE). The math questions in GRE often have more geometry, while GMAT has more focus on logical reasoning problems.

The GRE verbal part, it seems to have harder words compared to the GMAT. Many people taking these tests think that the GMAT verbal section is a bit simpler.

Should I take the GMAT or GRE?

Even though most people applying to business schools prefer taking the GMAT instead of the GRE, many business schools still accept GRE scores for their admissions. This means you can choose the test that shows your academic strengths better. Here are a few points for you to think about when making an informed decision: 

1. University requirements: Many universities all over the world accept both GRE and GMAT scores. Hence, it is always best to verify with the administration before taking the test. 
2. Personal strengths: Those with a stronger aptitude for mathematics may find the GMAT more advantageous, as it allows them to showcase their numerical prowess. Conversely, individuals with superior writing abilities might prefer the GRE. It’s worth noting that the GRE’s emphasis on vocabulary can present additional difficulties for those who aren’t native English speakers.
3. Academic goals: If you are exploring academic options across various universities, then GRE is the better option. However, if you wish to apply to prestigious business schools, GMAT is the best way to go. 
4. Testing style: If you wish to skip some questions that you are unsure of and save them for last, then GRE is a good option for you. This encourages a sense of confidence and ease. However, the GMAT exam does not allow this. 
5. Scoring: The GRE allows test-takers to selectively report scores from multiple attempts to their chosen institutions. In contrast, GMAT scores from all attempts are automatically sent to schools. However, many educational programs typically focus on an applicant’s best performance, regardless of which test is taken.
6. Professional goals: Certain companies, especially those in investment or business consulting fields, might require GMAT scores when you apply for a job. If you have specific employers in mind to work for, it is better to verify the requirements before starting the application process. Taking the GMAT exam prior to business school could save you from needing to do so during your hunt for employment.

GMAT vs GRE: What is Executive Assessment?

 For those who are already working, applying to business school could provide opportunities for new jobs and increased earning potential. The GMAC has created the Executive Assessment exam as an alternative to the GMAT test, specially for people with career experience. A lot of business schools take this exam, especially for those applying in executive MBA category.

The exam is intended to be less time-consuming and requires considerably less preparation. This might make it a preferable choice if you are already managing the responsibilities of both work and family life.

Aspect	Details
Name	Executive Assessment
Purpose	Alternative for working professionals applying to business school
Designed by	GMAC
Acceptance	Many business schools, particularly for executive MBA applicants
Design	Shorter, requires less preparation
Location	Online or at a testing center
Cost (US)	$350 (includes unlimited score delivery)
Length	90 minutes
Test format	Three sections: – Integrated Reasoning (12 questions)- Verbal Reasoning (14 questions)- Quantitative Reasoning (14 questions)
Question types	Similar to GMAT
Score validity	Five years
Retake policy	Up to two times
Score reporting	Score Reporting

GMAT vs GRE: Key Differences

Aspect	GMAT	GRE
Eligibility	– No specific criteria- Minimum age: 18 years- Below 18 need parental consent	– No specific criteria- No age limit- Valid passport required
Difficulty Level	– Suitable for strong quantitative and analytical skills- Challenging for those struggling with quants- Focuses on complex problem-solving using data	– Better for strong vocabulary skills- Verbal section challenging for non-native English speakers
Test Structure	– Integrated Reasoning- Analytical Writing Assessment- Quantitative skills- Verbal skills	– Analytical skills- Mathematical skills- Verbal skills
Cost	– $275 (INR 22,784) at test center- $300 (INR 24,855) for online exam	$2280 (INR 18,226) for Indian students
Score Validity	5 years	5 years
Which is Easier?	Depends on individual skills and preferences:- May be easier for those strong in quantitative skills	Depends on individual skills and preferences:- May be easier for those strong in vocabulary

GMAT Focus Edition vs Shorter GRE

GMAC has come up with the new GMAT Focus Edition. At the same time, ETS has also introduced a shorter version of the GRE test. Here are some important differences between the two: 

Head	GMAT Focus Edition	Shorter GRE Exam
Total Time	2 hr + 15 minutes	1 hr + 58 minutes
Total Sections	Quantitative ReasoningVerbal ReasoningData Insights	Essay (1 task)Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)
Total Questions	QR = 21 Questions (45 Minutes)VR = 23 Questions (45 Minutes)DI = 20 Questions (45 Minutes)	Essay = 1 Task (30 Minutes)QR = 27 Questions (47 Minutes)VR = 27 Questions (41 Minutes)

Conclusion

Now that we have explored the key differences between GRE and GMAT, it is time to give your study abroad dream flight. Check your university requirements thoroughly and go for the test that suits your application best. Have questions? Contact Team Admissify for holistic counselling that will clear all your doubts. 

FAQs

What is the fee of GMAT?

The fee for the GMAT offline test is $275. Additionally, the GMAT at home edition costs $300.

What is the fee of GRE?

The GRE costs $228.

Which is tougher- GMAT or GRE?

Talking about the math part, some students feel like GMAT is harder than GRE. On the other hand, for some test takers, the verbal part of GRE might be tougher. It is very important to keep in mind that both tests look at skills needed for graduate-level academic programs. These tests play a big role in deciding who gets into many graduate courses. How challenging the tests feel can really depend on how much each person has prepared and studied.

What is the key difference in exam patterns of GRE and GMAT? 

The GMAT’s structure includes four components: a single-essay Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Integrated Reasoning. In contrast, the GRE is composed of five parts: an Analytical Writing section featuring two essays, two Verbal sections, two Quantitative sections, and an additional experimental section. Both exams’ scores remain valid for a five-year period.