Most of us are thinking about studying for a postgraduate degree abroad as part of our future plans.
In this regard,when we’re applying to a graduate program, we may face the fact that many schools request test scores as part of their admissions requirements. Often, we’ll have the option to submit either our Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score or our Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at each exam and why we might decide to take one test over the other—or neither—to elevate our graduate program application.
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT, administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is an entrance exam widely used for admission to business schools and MBA programs.
The exam measures reasoning and critical thinking skills meant to demonstrate an ability to succeed in top graduate business programs.
Anyone can retake the GMAT at a testing center up to five times in a rolling 12-month period (no more than eight times total).
But for the GMAT online exam, anyone can retest once.
GMAT format
The GMAT format depends on whether we’re taking the test at a testing center or online.
- Analytical Writing
- Integrated Reasoning
- Quantitative
- Verbal
What is the GRE?
The GRE, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is used as an admissions consideration at thousands of graduate schools, including business and law schools.
The exam is designed to evaluate our verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.
Any person can retake the GRE up to five times in any 12-month rolling period (once every 21 days). If we take the test more than once, we can choose which scores get sent to the schools to which we’re applying.
GRE format
The GRE comprises three scored portions, as well as a possible unscored or experimental section.
- Analytical Writing
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
Differences between the GMAT & GRE
The biggest difference between the GMAT and GRE is that the GMAT is typically used for business school admissions, while the GRE is accepted for most graduate programs (including business and law schools).
Beyond that, the two tests have a different format with different types of questions, testing policies, and options for sending our scores to schools.
Which Test is Right for Us? GMAT or GRE?
Although the vast majority of business school applicants choose to take the GMAT over the GRE, it’s common for business schools to accept GRE scores as part of their admissions requirements. This means anyone can take the test that will best highlight their own academic strengths.
Here are some things to consider as we make the decision that’s right for us.
- Academic goals
- School requirements
- Academic strengths
- Testing style
- Practice exam performance
- Score reporting
- Career goals
Determining which test will be easier for us will depend on our academic strengths and testing style.
The quantitative section on the GRE tends to be a bit easier than its GMAT counterpart (and anyone gets to use a calculator).
The GRE section typically has more geometry, while the GMAT has more logical reasoning questions.
The GRE verbal section, on the other hand, tends to feature more difficult vocabulary than the GMAT.
Many test-takers consider the GMAT verbal section to be slightly easier.
No matter which test we decide to take, we’ll need to prepare if we want to get a score that admissions officers can’t ignore.
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Kulsuma Bahar Bethi
Content Writing Intern
YSSE