GMAT and GRE are the two most widely accepted admission tests for MBA and other graduate programs. However, it can be difficult for students to choose in the GRE vs GMAT dilemma. Knowing the differences between both exams can help you decide according to your needs. Although the key factor in the GMAT vs GRE debate is the type of the course, there are other important differences as well.
GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) is for students seeking admission exclusively in any global business school. Around 2,100 international universities accept the GMAT score for their admission process for over 6,000 programs. But GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required to gain admission into a wide range of graduate programs across the globe.
Although many business schools have started accepting GRE scores, many others still accept GMAT scores only. Top institutions, including Stanford, Harvard, Yale, MIT, NYU, and Duke, have started accepting the GRE scores, and many others are likely to follow suit. It’s always wise to look at the individual parameters and differences of both tests. Aspirants should also check with the institutions to know if they need GRE or GMAT for MBA admission.
Let’s delve deeper into the differences between both exams, their structures, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, scores, requirements, and many more.
Highlights: GRE vs GMAT
Below are a few key differences between GMAT and GRE:
Factor
GRE
GMAT
Full Form
Graduate Record Examinations
Graduate Management Admission Test
Conducting Body
Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Accepted By
Approved GRE Score Recipients
Law Schools
Business Schools
2,400 universities in 110 countries
Admission Criteria For
Various management and postgraduate programs
Business Schools
Test Duration
3 hours 45 minutes
3 hours 7 minutes
Score Range
For Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, the score ranges from 130 to 170 in one point increments; For Analytical Writing, the score ranges from 0 to 6 in half point increments.
200 to 800
Cost
$228
$275
Validity
5 years
5 years
Retakes
Maximum 5 attempts in a period of 1 year with a gap of 21 days
Maximum 5 attempts in a period of 1 year; Maximum 8 attempts in a lifetime
Eligibility: GRE vs GMAT
Although there are no specific eligibility criteria for GMAT and GRE, there are a few standard requirements that one should always fulfill while taking up either of the two exams.
Here is an overview of the differences between the GRE and GMAT exam patterns:
GMAT
GRE
Exam Sections
No. of Questions
Duration
No. of Questions
Duration
Analytical Writing
1 Essay
30 minutes
2 Essays
60 minutes
Quantitative Reasoning
31
62 minutes
2 sections with 20 questions each
35 minutes per section
Verbal Reasoning
36
65 minutes
2 sections with 20 questions each
30 minutes per section
Integrated Reasoning
12
30 minutes
-
-
Syllabus: GRE vs GMAT
As most of the sections in the GMAT and GRE exams are similar, the syllabus has few differences. Here’s a glimpse of what you must prepare for before attempting the GRE or GMAT exam.
Exam Sections
GMAT
GRE
Analytical Writing
Analysis of an Argument (based on science, business, management, events, sports, or other subjects)
Download these useful guides to ace your GRE preparation
Verbal Section: GRE vs GMAT
The verbal section is different for both GRE and the GMAT. While GMAT tests the grammar and comprehension skills of a student, the verbal GRE test is more about vocabulary. Your knowledge of complex and unusual words will be preferred in GRE.
Segments
GMAT
GRE
Total Verbal segments
1
2
Total Verbal Questions
41
40 (20 questions per section)
Duration
75 minutes
60 minutes (30 minutes per section)
Topics Structure
Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning
Sentence Correction
Reading Comprehension
Text
Sentence Equivalence
Score Range
0-60
130-170
Quantitative Section: GRE vs GMAT
The GMAT Quant is known to be more difficult than GRE Quant. Problem-solving skills are gauged in GMAT Quant tests and the data sufficiency questions in GMAT can be quite difficult too. Also, one should know that GRE allows applicants to use calculators and GMAT does not, although GMAT quant questions are tougher.
Sections
GMAT
GRE
Total Quantitative Sections
2 (Quant and Integrated Reasoning)
2
Total Quantitative Questions
49 (Quant-37, Integrated reasoning-12)
40 (20 per section)
Duration
105 minutes
(Quant-75 minutes
Integrated Reasoning-30 minutes)
60 minutes (30 minutes per section)
Topics of Tests
Quantitative (Problem-solving, GMAT Data Sufficiency)
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Analytical Writing Section: GRE vs GMAT
The GMAT analytical writing section is a single essay that has to be written in 30-minutes. It is business or economy related, as GMAT is for admissions into business schools. Whereas there are two questions in GRE that need to be completed in 60 minutes (30 minutes each). GRE is a preferred choice for students with good writing skills. Aspirants with great analytical writing skills in economics, business, and finance should appear for the GMAT.
Sections
GMAT
GRE
Total Writing Sections
1
1
Total Essays per section
1
2
Duration
30 minutes
60 minutes (30 minutes per essay)
Topics
Argument Analysis
Issue Analysis
Argument Analysis
Score Range
0-6
0-6
Exam Scoring: GRE vs GMAT
Knowing the eligibility and required scores for respective universities and programs can help you decide if you should take the GRE or GMAT for MBA. Both the GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years. The range of score you need for GMAT is within 200 – 800 in 10 points increments. While on GRE, the required score range is 130 – 170 in 1 point increment.
Sections
GMAT Score
GRE Score
Analytical
0-6 (half-point increments)
0-6 (half-point increments)
Verbal /Quantitative
6 – 51 (scaled score)
130 – 170; 1 point increment
IR
1-8
Not Applicable
Total
200-800 (ten points increment)
240-360
You should know the nitty-gritty of the scoring system to score well in both exams. Students with strong quantitative and analytical skills tend to do well in the GMAT. Cracking GMAT quantitative reasoning can be a bit challenging for those struggling with math. Therefore, it is advisable for students to be efficient in solving complex problems with the help of data to choose the GMAT. On the other hand, students with strong vocabulary skills are best suited for GRE as it chooses aspirants based on their vocabulary and verbal skills.
GMAT vs GRE: Which is easier?
The difficulty level of both GMAT and GRE varies according to the type of tests and sections.
Those with great quantitative and analytical skills do great in the GMAT. The GMAT Math section can be difficult for students struggling with quants as GMAT math is a bit advanced. Therefore, students good at solving complex problems with the help of data, charts, tables, and texts should take the GMAT. However, those with strong vocabulary skills and acumen in expressive analytical writing can excel in GRE. Therefore, GRE can be a little challenging for non-native English speakers as its verbal section is a bit arduous. Although many claim GRE to be easier, the abundant availability of GMAT study materials helps students to prepare systematically for the exam.
Considering all these advantages, disadvantages, and structure of both exams, students can make an informed decision by gauging and comparing each detail.
GMAT is commonly used by business schools, while GRE is accepted for admission to all graduate programs in foreign institutes.
Does Harvard prefer GRE or GMAT?
There is no preference for one test over the other. If you submit both the GMAT and GRE score to Harvard Business School, it considers the highest single test sitting score. As per the HBS data, approximately 30% of their current students submit GRE scores.
Which exam should I take for business school admissions?
Both the GRE and GMAT exams can be taken for business school admissions. It completely depends on what the specific university or college demands.
Can I take both the GMAT and GRE exams?
Yes, you can take both the GMAT and GRE exams and present their scores to universities for admission.
How long are the GMAT and GRE exams?
The GMAT exam takes 3 hours 45 minutes, while the GRE exam takes 3 hours 7 minutes.
Important Resources For PTE/SAT/ACT Exam
PTE Examination Eligibility Criteria
There are no specific PTE exam eligibility criteria set by Pearson VUE – the organizers of the test.
The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates can study at international institutions that have English as the main language for instructions.
Canada is a country that is renowned for the quality of its educational infrastructure. As a result, it is no surprise that a list of PTE accepted universities in Canada is sought-after.
The SAT exam dates fall on Saturdays and the test is generally conducted on 7 Saturdays every year; the deadline for registration is four weeks prior to the date of the test.
According to the latest update on SAT syllabus 2022, SAT Subject Tests and the SAT optional essays have been discontinued which has now reduced the duration of the exam by 50 minutes.
Understanding the SAT exam pattern is of paramount importance for all those who want to study undergraduate courses from universities or colleges abroad.
The College Board India Scholars Program offers the SAT scholarship for Indian students. This scholarship helps students receive education from renowned institutes worldwide.
How to register for the SAT examination? Stay assured that the procedure is not at all complex. Students desirous of obtaining admission into bachelor’s or undergraduate courses in the US or Canada will find this to be an important examination.
It is very important for ACT aspirants to be aware of the complete ACT exam syllabus, as it will help them to avoid any surprises on the day of the examination.
The ACT is a widely accepted and standardized examination in the U.S. and several other countries. It is used majorly for undergraduate admissions into several colleges and universities.
Registration of the ACT examination is done through the official website online. Applicants need to register for the test at least two months before the test date.
The American College Testing– ACT score is a part of the college applications in the United States of America (USA), depending on the institution students apply to. There are no fixed passing marks for this examination.
Carefully curated list of the top SAT prep material can prove invaluable to reducing aspirants' efforts. So, to simplify your research, here are 10 SAT exam books to consider for thorough preparation.