GRE vs GMAT: Which One is Better for You?

If you are looking for postgraduate courses in universities abroad, you must already know the importance of the GRE and GMAT. Grad schools over the globe attract scores of students across master’s level programs. With the growing competitiveness and quality of applications, they are finding it difficult to select the right fit for individuals. In this respect, both the GRE and GMAT exams serve a useful purpose by providing the admissions board with a scale to measure the suitability of the candidate with a particular program. While both come under popular exams to study abroad, there are more than a few differences between them. In this blog, we will deal particularly with the GRE vs GMAT dilemma. 

Quick Read: 50 Difficult Words with Meanings for GMAT and GRE Preparation

GRE vs GMAT: Key Differences 

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE), as well as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), are ability testing examinations required as part of an application for a postgraduate program in universities across the globe. However, Business and Management schools tend to ask for GMAT, whereas, STEM and humanities degree programs recommend GRE. Although this is not a strict rule anymore. In terms of structure and content, both examine problem-solving and critical analysis skills in quantitative, verbal, and writing sections. The following table summarises all the necessary details regarding GRE vs GMAT.

Differences	GMAT	GRE
Duration	3 hours, 7 minutes	3 hours, 45 minutes
Admission	For admission into Business Schools	Wide variety of graduate school programs
Which business schools accept these tests	More than 7000 programs at 2300 business schools	Fewer business schools
Test fee	$250 (INR 20,615)	$205 (INR 10,964)
Number of sections	4	6
Quantitative Section	1 section – 31 questions – 62 minutes 6 – 51 (scaled score)	20 questions each in 2 sections – 70 minutes Score Range of 130 – 170
Verbal Section	1 section – 36 questions – 65 minutes 6 – 51 (scaled score)	20 questions each in 2 sections – 60 minutes Score Range of 130 – 170
AWA section	1 essay – 30 minutes Score Range of 0 – 6	2 essays – 60 minutes Score Range of 0 – 6
IR section	12 questions – 30 minutes Score Range of 1 – 8	NA
Questions	Once answered, the candidate cannot return to the question	Can return to a question in a section
Test Score Range	200 – 800 (in 10-point increments)	260 – 340 ( in 1-point increment)

Also Read: Are you eligible for GRE? Know Now! 

GRE vs GMAT: Syllabus

As for the test content, structure, and syllabus, the GRE vs GMAT dilemma is not much of a concern. While both have questions testing quantitative and verbal reasoning skills along with writing abilities, the type and nature of questions slightly vary. Further, one must also keep in mind that the level of difficulty rises according to one’s performance during both tests. The GRE Exam Syllabus is almost fixated on vocabulary knowledge, unlike the GMAT Paper Pattern which emphasizes grammar. Students who have appeared for both tests are inclined to say that the quantitative section of the GMAT is slightly harder than for GRE. Another important feature of the GRE is that it consists of multiple correct questions. 

Also Read: GRE Quant Syllabus

GRE vs GMAT: Which Exam is Easier?

To begin with, exploring the difficulty level of the GRE vs GMAT, the latter is taken by those who have strong quantitative and analytical skills while GRE is preferred by those with strong vocabulary and writing skills. On the other hand, the math section for both these exams concentrates on quantitative reasoning and ability but GRE corresponds to a straightforward approach especially with quantitative comparisons, while GMAT comprises more complex problems in terms of data interpretation. So, the difficulty level would entirely depend on the individual, if you are good at solving quantitative problems and data questions, then GMAT is the one to go for while if you have a strong vocabulary and are proficient in analytical writing as well as quantitative reasoning both, then GRE is a great choice!

GRE vs GMAT for MBA

If we talk about the GRE vs GMAT dilemma in the context of applying to Management courses, multiple questions cross our minds like, whether GRE can be submitted for MBA programs? Or Is the GMAT the only exam prescribed for MBA studies? The answer is no. During the past decades, university admission boards have recognized that to promote diversity in its incoming class, it is important to admit students from not just businesses but all backgrounds. Analyzing their pattern and structure, GMAT and GRE are different exams with distinctive parameters on which aspirants are assessed. But there are an increasing number of business schools and universities in the US as well as Europe that accept GRE scores as well. Though GMAT remains the preferable one, if you have given GRE recently and have a good score, then you must look out for top universities and business schools across the globe that accept these scores and send your application as soon as possible. Also, prospective students are advised to check specific course admission requirements beforehand.

GRE vs GMAT for Other Courses

There are a few other courses as well that accept both GMAT and GRE. So you have a choice on whether you want to take GRE or GMAT for the exam. Here is why some students prefer to take a particular test for their course:

Exam	GRE	GMAT
GRE vs GMAT for MIM	If you have a stronger vocabulary than grammar	If you have stronger grammar than vocabulary
GRE vs GMAT for PhD	If you are applying to other disciplines than Business	If you are only applying in the discipline of Business

Must Read: Universities for GRE Score 300-310

GRE vs GMAT for Engineers

Many Engineers opt for MBA after their graduation and an important question that arises is whether they should go for GRE or GMAT. So, let’s check it out:

• Most engineers prefer GMAT over GRE as they are familiar with the quantitative section.
• GRE requires a strong vocabulary while GMAT requires strong grammar
• However, if you have already done your MS and have taken GRE within the past 5 years, you can use those scores only

How to Choose Between GRE vs GMAT?

Facing the confusion between GRE vs GMAT, the best way to make the right choice is to consider many factors like the program you are applying to, what your chosen business schools or universities require for eligibility requirements as well as the difficulty level of each test as per your skills. If you are applying for an MBA program, GMAT would be the preferred choice but for those who have already appeared for GRE and are gearing up for their application, you should explore the universities that accept GRE scores as well as under the score range you are expecting to get. Further, if you are just pondering over this choice, research universities for your chosen MBA program and take a GMAT and GRE practice test to assess the sections and structure and which one you can solve and prepare for effectively.

GRE VS GMAT Verbal

Both the GRE and GMAT exam have a verbal section. While GMAT has 36 questions, GRE has 40 questions. The score range of the GMAT is from 0-60 and GRE has 130-170. Here are some sample questions of GRE Verbal and GMAT Verbal questions:

GRE Verbal 

GMAT Verbal 

Q1. Well, it is a fact that the more hard work you will put into acting, the more artistic success is possible. This positive relationship has been defined by the number of classes an actor conducts with the number of professional productions in which the actor has appeared for two years. In the below-mentioned statement, how you will justify the artistic success? 

A. The figures for the number of classes taken were based solely on the information provided by actors.	B. Success as an actor cannot necessarily be judged exclusively by recent credits.
C. For most successful actors, it’s not the quantity but the quality of their classes that has helped to develop their craft.	D. Most successful actors have taken only a small number of intensive classes.

Check out GMAT Sample Papers

GRE VS GMAT Quantitative

Both the GRE and GMAT exam have a Quant section. While GMAT has 31 questions, GRE has 40 questions. The score range of the GMAT is from 0-60 and GRE has 130-170. Here are some sample questions of GRE and GMAT Quant questions:

GRE Quantitative

GMAT Quantitative

Q1. For instance, if a car driver drives 40 miles on local roads at 20mph, while he drives the car on the highway at 60 mph to cross 180 miles. Calculate the average speed of the overall journey.

A. 36	B. 40
C. 44	D. 52

Check out GRE Sample Papers

GRE VS GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment

Both the GRE and GMAT exam have an Analytical Writing Assessment section. While GMAT has 1 question, GRE has 2 questions. The score range of the GMAT is from 0-60 and GRE has 0-6 points. Here are some sample questions of GRE and GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment questions:

GRE Analytical Writing Assessment

GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment

Q: The ideal manner for a society to prepare its young adults for leadership roles in government and industrial fields is by instilling in them a sense of cooperation, not competition. 

Check Out: Universities for GRE Score 310-320

GRE vs GMAT Score Comparison

Both GMAT and GRE follow different scoring methods for each of their sections. While GRE ranges from 130-170 per section, 

Exam Section	GMAT	GRE
AWA section	0-6 points	0–6
IR section	1-8 points	–
Quant Section	6-51 points	130–170
Verbal Section	6-51 points	130–170

GRE to GMAT Conversion

Do Business Schools Prefer GMAT or GRE?

Most students in business schools use the GMAT for their admission. Although business schools do not mention their preference, GMAT is used as:

• GMAT is designed to test specific skills that assess MBA admission committee
• Taking the GMAT helps you get clarity of your focus on your career. As GRE is for different masters courses that show whether you are actually assured to take an MBA

Check out GMAT VS GRE: WHEN THE “WHY” IS CLEAR “HOW” IS EASY

Which Exam Should You Take? GMAT or GRE

You should take a GMAT or GRE depending on:

• If you are planning to have options other than MBA, you should take GRE
• Comparison of GMAT and GRE and what you would prepare
• Taking a mock test of the GRE and GMAT

Which Exam Can You Get a Better Score On?

Your practice test results will give you an indication of how well you’ll perform on either exam, but there are additional ways to predict how well you’ll perform on the GRE vs. GMAT.

GMAT vs GRE Costs

Because the fees of both tests are nearly identical, this is unlikely to be a decisive factor. It is, nonetheless, useful knowledge to have.

The GMAT costs $250 versus $205 for the GRE. The GMAT exam price includes five free score reports, but the GRE fee only covers four. If you anticipate you’ll have to take the exam more than once, the GMAT’s higher price could be worth considering. It charges $28 for each GMAT report and $27 for each GRE report to mail extra score reports.

How Important is Your GRE or GMAT Score? 

A solid GRE or GMAT score will almost likely get you into some of the world’s best universities. A high GMAT score will also impress the world’s top recruiters. With an excellent GMAT score, you can obtain attractive packages and be well-placed. So, remember to put your best foot forward and step up your game! GRE, GMAT, and other IQ exams use methodologies such as Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, language skill tests, Integrated Reasoning, and others to check your knowledge of the topic. This guarantees that you’re prepared to embark on a rewarding career. We have selected the greatest preparation resources for you, whether you are taking the GMAT or the GRE. To make learning easier, refer to the same.

FAQs

We hope, through this blog we provided the last piece to your GRE vs GMAT puzzle. In order to study abroad, requires a meticulously crafted approach not only in terms of preparation but also during and after the application process. Needless to say, it is all but natural to feel daunted and hesitant by the demanding nature of this process. In this phase, the expert mentors at Leverage Edu can lend you more than a helping hand, assisting you in securing a position at the university of your choice and encouraging you to take that first crucial step toward a fulfilling career.