GMAT vs GRE: Which Test is Right for You?

GMAT vs. GRE: Which Exam is Right for You?

Both the GMAT and the GRE are standardized entrance exams to assess the eligibility of candidates for admission to graduate programs. Business schools use the GMAT, and Universities use the GRE for various graduate programs. Every Study Abroad Aspirant has to decide between the GRE vs. GMAT selections: Which exam is right for them? It all depends on his career aspirations and comfort level in subjects.

This blog post will provide the main difference between the GMAT and the GRE and try to answer the GRE vs. GMAT difficulty level. Understanding the differences between the GMAT and GRE tests is crucial to choosing which test best reflects your abilities and suits your goals. This will help you understand the difference between the GMAT vs. GRE. Let’s start now!

 GRE vs. GMAT: Main Highlights

Difference Between the GRE and GMAT

The GMAT is applicable for business school admissions, while the GRE is applicable for the majority of graduate programs, including business and law schools. This is the main distinction between the two exams. Beyond that, there are differences in the two tests’ formats, question kinds, testing procedures, and alternatives for forwarding your results to colleges.

Here’s a quick comparison of the GMAT vs. GRE

 a) What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) body conducts the GMAT. This test applies for admission to MBA programs and business schools. The exam assesses one’s critical analysis and reasoning capacity, which are necessary for success in prestigious graduate business schools.

A candidate can appear for up to five GMAT retakes (a total of eight attempts) at testing facilities in a rolling 12-month period. You are allowed one retest for the GMAT online exam.

1) Format of GMAT

Whether you take the GMAT in a testing location or online will affect the structure, The in-person version has four portions; you can arrange them in one of three ways depending on your strengths and preferred testing method.

• Analytical Writing Section:  This section requires you to examine and compose a critique of a specific argument in a single 30-minute writing assignment. 0 to 6 points grading in half-point increments score system is there.
• Integrated Reasoning: The Integrated Reasoning portion (which does not appear on the GRE) assesses your capacity to analyze data and find solutions to challenging issues. One 30-minute section of 12 questions, most of which are multiple-choice, makes up this component. You have to evaluate data from many sources, including tables and graphs, and work out quantitative and verbal issues. The score jumps in increments of one point, from one to eight.
• Quantitative: It includes 31 multiple-choice questions in this 62-minute section. A few examples of questions are “Data Sufficiency” problems, which ask you to decide whether you have enough data to answer a specific topic and quantitative problems. Six to 51 points, in one-point increments, are possible to obtain.
• Verbal: The 65-minute Verbal Reasoning part comprises 36 questions that gauge your proficiency in reading, comprehending, and analyzing textual content. You have to answer questions about reading comprehension, critical thinking, and sentence correction, among other things. Six to 51 points, in one-point increments score system is there.

 b) What is the GRE?

Numerous graduate institutions, including law and business schools, assess the GRE, conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for admission into their programs. GRE assesses your verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing abilities in the exam.

In any rolling 12-month period, you may retake the GRE up to five times (every 21 days). You can select which test results you want to submit to the colleges you’re applying to if you take the exam more than once.

1) GRE format

The GRE consists of three scored sections and a potential experimental or unscored section. The component on analytical writing will always appear first, but you won’t be aware of the placement of the other sections.

• Analytical Writing: This module has two different, 30-minute writing assignments. You’ll have to formulate your position on a subject and assess another person’s position. Scores for this section range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
• Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning test consists of two portions of 20 questions, each lasting 30 minutes. This part will consist of three different sections: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Scores vary from 130 to 170 and jump in one-point increments.
• Quantitative Reasoning: This exam section has two 35-minute periods with 20 questions each and assesses your fundamental math abilities. Multiple-choice questions with one or more possible responses, numerical entry, and quantitative comparison questions are all possible. Math, algebra, geometry, and data analysis are among the topics covered. Scores vary from 130 jumps in one-point increments.

GMAT vs GRE: Eligibility

The GMAT does not have any formal educational prerequisites. Although not essential, most applicants hold a bachelor’s degree or above. Similarly, the GMAT has no age restriction or work experience prerequisite. Similarly, the GRE needs to have precise educational prerequisites. Although not mandatory, most applicants hold a bachelor’s degree or above. The GRE does not have an age restriction or work experience prerequisite.

GMAT vs GRE: Difficulty Level

The GMAT is suitable for those who possess strong quantitative and analytical skills. Those struggling with quants will find the mathematics section in the GMAT syllabus challenging. GMAT is preferable for those who efficiently solve complex problems with the help of data in charts, tables, and texts. At the same time, the GRE is a better option for those who possess strong vocabulary skills. Non-native English speakers will find the verbal section of the GRE syllabus harder, as the GRE grills the aspirants based on challenging vocabulary.

 GRE vs GMAT: Cost Comparison

The GMAT exam fee is $300 for the online GMAT exam and $275 for the GMAT exam taken in a testing facility. The GRE fee for registering for the GRE is $220. Candidates should be aware that extra services such as exam rescheduling and altering test dates/locations will result in an increase in the exam fee for both exams.

The GRE exam fee in India for 2024 is ₹22,550 and $220 in other parts of the world, except China where it is $231.30.  (Source: https://prep.yocket.com/gre/exam-fees)

GMAT vs GRE: Scores Validity

Scores remain valid for a duration of five years.

GRE vs GMAT difficulty: Which is Easy?

GMAT or GRE, which is simpler? This question has a subjective answer. The degree of difficulty for the GMAT vs. GRE depends on the test-taker’s knowledge, talents, and preferences. The quantitative portion of the GMAT can be more challenging for some students than the verbal portion of the GRE, yet it may be easier for those who prefer it. The verbal portion of the GRE could be more challenging for some students. However, no portion may be challenging or simple for a student who has done their homework. Therefore, it is advisable that students concentrate more on their preparation after choosing which exam to take.

Should I appear for the GMAT or GRE?

Business schools need to accept GRE results as part of their admissions requirements, even though the vast majority of applicants choose to appear for the GMAT in place of the GRE. This proves that you can select the exam that best matches your academic strengths. Here are a few things to consider when deciding what is best for you.

a) Academic objectives: The GRE score is acceptable in most of the degree programs. If you’re considering different graduate schools, consider taking it. If you’re confident you want to attend business school, taking the GMAT will show your dedication.

b) School requirements: Many colleges accept either the GRE or GMAT score, but it’s a good idea to cross-check the admissions requirements in advance. Ask an admissions representative if they have a preference between the two exams if at all possible.

c) Testing method: The GRE format permits you to go back and check your responses if you choose. This could increase the confidence of some candidates.

d) Practice exam performance: Taking a practice test for each examination helps you to figure out which one you’re best suited for. Take them separately under conditions that are as real-world as possible. You’ll have a better notion of which you feel more at ease with when you take and grade your examinations.

e) Score reporting: If you appear for the GRE more than once, you can send different scores to different schools. However, schools receive all of your GMAT results. Many programs just take the highest score into account.

f) Career aspirations: Some employers, especially investment and business consulting businesses, ask for GMAT scores as a part of the recruitment process. Do your homework on these requirements in advance if you have specific favourite employers in d. You might avoid having to take the GMAT throughout your job search if you take it before applying to business school. 

Conclusion

Some students think the GMAT’s arithmetic section is more challenging than the GRE’s. However, some test takers might find the GRE’s verbal section to be more challenging. However, the complexity of each exam might vary depending on a candidate’s skills and limitations in each area. Most of the candidates need clarification about the GMAT vs. GRE debate. Hope this blog post has removed doubts about the GRE vs. GMAT exam selection to appear for. Which test is simpler — the GMAT or the GRE— really depends on you. In other words, it depends on the test-takers and their strengths. Please like and share this post!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I take both the GMAT and GRE?

A1) You can take both exams if you need help determining which test aligns better with your goals. However, it’s important to note that taking both tests can be costly and time-consuming. Make sure you have a good reason for doing so, such as applying to schools that accept both exams but prefer one.

Q2. Do business schools prefer the GMAT over the GRE?

A2) Not necessarily. Many business schools now accept both the GMAT and GRE, allowing applicants to choose the test that best represents their skills and abilities. It’s advisable to check the admission requirements of your target schools to see if they have a preference.

Q3. Which test is easier, the GMAT or GRE?

A3) The difficulty of each test is subjective and depends on your strengths and weaknesses. Some individuals may find the GMAT more challenging due to its unique question types, while others might need help with the GRE’s vocabulary-heavy verbal section. It’s best to take a practice test for each and assess which one aligns better with your skills.

Q4. How many times can I take the GMAT or GRE?

A4) You can take both the GMAT and GRE multiple times, but there are restrictions. The GMAT allows you to appear for the test once every 16 calendar days. This can be up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. On the other hand, the GRE allows you to take the test once every 21 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month period.