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SAT vs GMAT: Complete Comparison

Updated on 01 April, 2024

Anupriya Mukherjee

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

When it comes to the SAT vs GMAT debate, you should evaluate both these standardized tests on the basis of purpose and other multiple parameters. In 2023, the SAT exam , or Scholastic Aptitude Test, was taken by 1.9 million students. 

On the other hand, the GMAT exam, or Graduate Management Admission Test, was taken by 108,851 candidates in the same year. So how are these two popular tests different? Here’s finding out.

SAT vs GMAT: Key Differences

Here’s decoding the SAT vs GMAT debate through the below highlights on two exams. 

ParameterSATGMAT
Target/PurposeHigh school students applying for undergraduate admissions Those applying to study in business school for MBA and other programs
Conducting BodyCollege Board GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council)
Accepted By 4,000+ universities and colleges in the USA and 85 global countries 7,700+ programs at 2,400+ business schools globally 
Test Sections

Reading and Writing 

Math 

Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

Data Insights

Test Duration 3 hours (additional 15 minutes with breaks). It takes 3 hours and 50 minutes with the optional essay2 hours and 15 minutes with an optional 10-minute break 
Test TypeThe first module in every section has a mixture of easy, hard, and medium questions. The second module may be less/more difficult based on the performance in the first module

Computer adaptive with each question chosen on the basis of the aspirant’s ability 

 

Score400-1600205-805
ValidityTechnically no expiry dateFive years 
Number of AttemptsAs many times as the candidate wants Five attempts in a rolling 12-month duration and eight in a lifetime 
FeeUS$60 for registration and $43 as regional fee US$300 for online and $275 for test center

SAT vs GMAT: Eligibility Criteria

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the SAT exam. The only requirement is your 10th and 12th grade certificates. However, to be eligible for the GMAT exam, you must be 18 or above. You will also be required to have an undergraduate degree, since the GMAT scores are accepted for postgraduate courses like MBA and other management programs. 

SAT vs GMAT: Exam Pattern

The GMAT Focus Edition comprises the following sections- 

  • Quantitative Reasoning- 21 questions and 45 minutes
  • Verbal Reasoning- 23 questions and 45 minutes
  • Data Insights- 20 questions and 45 minutes 

The SAT exam comprises the following sections- 

  • Reading and Writing- 54 questions and 64 minutes
  • Math- 44 questions and 70 minutes 

SAT vs GMAT: Syllabus & Score Comparison

Here is the SAT syllabus-

Reading & Writing Section 

Craft and StructureText structure and purpose, words in context, cross-text connections
Standard English ConventionsBoundaries, sense, form, and structure
Information and IdeasCentral ideas and details, evidence-based command on quantitative inferences, and textual
Expression of IdeasRhetorical synthesis transitions

Math Section 

AlgebraLinear equations, linear inequalities, systems of two linear equations in two variables, linear functions
Advanced MathSystems of equations in two variables and nonlinear equations in one variable, nonlinear functions, equivalent expression
Data Analysis and Problem-Solving Two-variable and one-variable data, probability, proportional relationships, rates, units, and ratios, percentages, evaluation of statistical claims, inference from a margin of error, and sample
Geometry and TrigonometryRight triangles and trigonometry, area and volume, circles, triangles, angles, and lines

Here’s a look at the scoring pattern of SAT-

Total Score400-1600
Reading and Writing Section Score200-800
Math Section Score200-800
Score Calculation Framework10 point intervals

Below mentioned is the GMAT syllabus- 

Section

Content

Verbal ReasoningReading comprehension, critical reasoning
Quantitative ReasoningProblem solving, algebra and arithmetic
Data InsightsMulti-source reasoning, data sufficiency, table analysis, two-part analysis, graphics interpretation

Here’s a look at the scoring pattern of GMAT-

Total Score205-805
Ranking SystemPercentile Rankings (the percentage of test-takers that the candidate outperformed)
Score Calculation FrameworkPercentile scores are rounded off to the nearest tenth

More GMAT Related Articles:

SAT vs GMAT: Which One to Choose

GMAT is essential for obtaining admission into leading business schools across the world. The SAT, on the other hand, is vital for admissions into undergraduate universities and colleges worldwide. Hence, the purpose of taking both these examinations is different. You should first finalize your purpose before choosing the right examination for your needs.

More SAT Related Topics:

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Important Resources For GRE/GMAT Exams

GRE Exam Registration

raduate Record Examination (GRE) is one of the biggest and most popular global tests held by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is a standardized examination for entry into courses like MBA, MS, and others at universities worldwide.

GRE Registration

GRE Exam Dates for 2023

Booking GRE exam dates 2023 is a simple procedure. You can register by paying US$213 (approx. INR 15,700) and providing your valid passport copy or relevant ID.

GRE Exam Dates

GRE Exam Fees

The GRE exam fee in India is around $213 with effect from 1st July 2023. The examination fee in many other countries is $205 while the GRE exam fee for India is the same as countries like Turkey, Australia, China, and Nigeria. The fee for the GRE Subject

GRE Exam Fee

Download Free GMAT Preparation Guides

Gmat syllabus
mba guide

FAQs

Does SAT predict GMAT?

The SAT score is not a valid or reliable predictor for GMAT scores. It does not indicate how the aspirant may potentially perform in the GMAT examination. The two tests are completely different and should not be equated with one another. 

Does Harvard prefer GMAT or GRE?

Harvard University prefers both the exams. Both scores are accepted by the university. If multiple test scores are submitted from GMAT/GRE, the individual score from the single highest test sitting will be taken into consideration.  

Does Oxford prefer GRE or GMAT?

The University of Oxford accepts both GMAT and GRE scores. It does not prioritize any one of these tests over the other. In most cases, aspirants submit GMAT scores although both scores are equally accepted. 

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-quality, engaging content for websites, blogs, news articles, video scripts, brochures, and ebooks.

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