GMAT vs. GRE: Which to Take & What’s the Difference?

GRE vs GMAT: What’s the Difference?

Aspect	GRE	GMAT
Purpose	Admissions into various graduate programs, including business, arts, sciences, engineering, etc.	Primarily for admissions into graduate business programs (MBA and other related programs)
Sections	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing	Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning	Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction
Quantitative Reasoning	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Sufficiency
Analytical Writing	Analyzing an Issue, Analyzing an Argument	Analyzing an Argument
Integrated Reasoning	N/A	Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning
Scoring	Verbal and Quantitative: 130 to 170 (1-point increments); Analytical Writing: 0 to 6 (half-point increments)	Verbal and Quantitative: 0 to 60 (1 to 2 point increments); AWA: 0 to 6 (half-point increments); IR: 1 to 8
Exam Duration	About 3 hours and 45 minutes	About 3 hours and 30 minutes
Accepted By	Various graduate schools worldwide	Business schools globally

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) serve as gateways to graduate programs, but they cater to different audiences and emphasize varied skills.

GRE: A Broad Perspective
The GRE is widely accepted by both business schools and graduate programs. It tests your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The versatility of the GRE makes it a popular choice for students applying to a variety of disciplines.

GMAT: The Business School Staple
On the other hand, the GMAT is specifically designed for admission to business schools. It focuses on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills, with a particular emphasis on analytical abilities important for business and management courses.

GRE vs GMAT: Eligibility Criteria

GRE: Open-Ended Eligibility

The GRE does not have strict eligibility criteria. ETS, the organization that administers the GRE, allows anyone to take the test, regardless of their educational background or age.

GMAT: Similarly Inclusive

Like the GRE, the GMAT does not specify strict eligibility requirements. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), which administers the GMAT, encourages candidates with a bachelor’s degree or those in the final year of their undergraduate studies to take the exam, though it’s not a strict prerequisite.

Accessibility

Both tests are accessible to a wide audience, making them excellent choices for a diverse range of candidates.

Syllabus Comparison Between GRE & GMAT

Aspect	GRE	GMAT
Verbal Reasoning	Reading Comprehension, Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence	Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, Sentence Correction
Quantitative Reasoning	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Sufficiency
Analytical Writing	Analyzing an Issue, Analyzing an Argument	Analyzing an Argument
Integrated Reasoning	N/A	Graphics Interpretation, Two-Part Analysis, Table Analysis, Multi-Source Reasoning

GRE Syllabus: A Wide Net

The GRE tests three primary areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The verbal section assesses reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. The quantitative section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The analytical writing section evaluates critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

GMAT Syllabus: A Focused Approach

The GMAT syllabus is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The quantitative section tests data sufficiency and problem-solving skills, while the verbal section focuses on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

GRE vs GMAT: Exam Pattern

Aspect	GRE	GMAT
Sections	Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing	Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning	Reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence	Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction
Quantitative Reasoning	Quantitative comparison, problem-solving, data interpretation	Data sufficiency, problem-solving
Analytical Writing	Analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument essays	Analyzing an argument essay
Integrated Reasoning	N/A	Graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, table analysis, multi-source reasoning
Scoring	Verbal and Quantitative: 130 to 170 (1-point increments); Analytical Writing: 0 to 6 (half-point increments)	Verbal and Quantitative: 0 to 60 (1 to 2 point increments); AWA: 0 to 6 (half-point increments); IR: 1 to 8

GRE: Flexible and Adaptive

The GRE is a computer-adaptive test, where the difficulty level of the second verbal and quantitative sections depends on the test taker’s performance in the first sections. The exam lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes.

GMAT: Adaptive and Structured

The GMAT is also computer-adaptive, but it adapts at the question level rather than the section level. The total test time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks.

Format Differences

The key distinction lies in the adaptive nature and structure of the exams, with the GMAT providing a more granular level of adaptivity.

GRE vs GMAT Difficulty

Subjective Nature of Difficulty

GRE Difficulty: If you’re someone who finds playing with words and understanding complex texts tough, you might find the GRE a bit challenging. This test has a lot of questions that test your vocabulary and your ability to understand and analyze written material. So, if reading and writing aren’t your strong points, you’ll need to put in extra effort here.

GMAT Difficulty: On the other hand, if numbers and data analysis make you sweat, the GMAT could seem harder for you. This exam has a strong focus on math skills and your ability to solve problems and analyze data in a business context. It also has a section called “Integrated Reasoning” that tests how well you can evaluate information from various sources. So, if you’re not as confident in your math or data analysis skills, this is where you’ll need to focus your study time.

Preparation is Key

No matter which test you choose, preparing well is the most important thing you can do to succeed. Here’s how:

Understand Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Start by figuring out what parts of the test are easy for you and which parts are hard. This will help you know where to spend more of your study time.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Doing lots of practice questions and taking full-length practice tests can really help. They make you familiar with the kinds of questions you’ll see on the test and help improve your speed and confidence.

Use the Right Study Materials: There are lots of books, online courses, and study groups out there designed to help you do your best on the GRE or GMAT. Find the ones that work best for your learning style.

Take Care of Yourself: Remember, studying hard is important, but so is eating right, getting enough sleep, and taking breaks. Taking care of your body and mind can help you study better and stay calm on test day.

GRE vs GMAT: Scoring & Validity

Scoring Systems Explained

GRE Scoring

• Verbal and Quantitative Sections: For the GRE, each of these sections has scores that range from 130 to 170. This means the lowest score you can get in each section is 130, and the highest is 170. The scores go up in 1-point increments, so your score could be 130, 131, 132, and so on, up to 170.
• Analytical Writing Section: This part is different. It’s scored from 0 to 6, with half-point increments. So, you could get a score like 4.5 or 5.5. This score tells schools how well you can write and support your ideas.

GMAT Scoring

• Overall Score: The GMAT gives you one big score that combines your performance on the quantitative and verbal sections. This score ranges from 200 to 800, in 10-point increments. Most students score somewhere between 400 and 600.
• Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning: These sections are scored separately. The writing is scored from 0 to 6, like the GRE’s writing section. The integrated reasoning section is scored from 1 to 8, in 1-point increments. These scores show how well you analyze data and solve complex problems.

Validity: How Long Are Scores Good For?

Both the GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years. This means you can take the test now and use your scores to apply for schools for the next five years. This gives you lots of time to plan when you want to start your graduate studies or apply to business school.

Here’s a simple table to summarize the scoring and validity information:

Test	Scoring for Verbal and Quantitative	Analytical Writing Score	Integrated Reasoning (GMAT Only)	Overall Score Range	Validity
GRE	130-170 (each section)	0-6	N/A	N/A	5 years
GMAT	N/A	0-6	1-8	200-800	5 years

Remember, doing well on these tests is about showing your skills. Schools use these scores to see if you’re ready for their programs. So, take your time to prepare and choose the test that best matches your strengths and goals.

GRE vs GMAT: Which Exam Should You Choose?

GRE:

• Good for different grad schools.
• English, math, and writing sections.
• Checks English and math skills, plus writing essays.
• No info analysis section.
• Scores 130 to 170 in English and Math, 0 to 6 in Writing.
• About 3 hours and 45 minutes.
• Many grad schools accept it.

GMAT:

• Best for business school.
• Writing, math, and English sections.
• Tests reading, logic, grammar, and math.
• Includes info analysis.
• Scores 0 to 60 in English and Math, 0 to 6 in Writing, 1 to 8 in Info analysis.
• About 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Mainly used by business schools.

Choose GRE if you’re applying to different grad schools. Choose GMAT if you’re aiming for business school.

Key Takeaways

1.Test Purpose and Acceptance: The GRE is versatile, suitable for a wide range of graduate programs, whereas the GMAT is specifically designed for business school applicants.

2. Exam Content and Focus: The GRE emphasizes verbal and qualitative reasoning, while the GMAT places more importance on quantitative skills and integrated reasoning, reflecting the skills required in business and management.

3. Eligibility Criteria: Both the GRE and GMAT have inclusive eligibility criteria, making them accessible to a broad spectrum of candidates regardless of their educational background.

4. Syllabus Overview: The GRE covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. In contrast, the GMAT focuses on analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.

5. Exam Pattern and Structure: The GRE is section-level adaptive, whereas the GMAT is question-level adaptive, offering different challenges in terms of test-taking strategies.

6. Perceived Difficulty: Difficulty is subjective and varies based on individual strengths and weaknesses. Candidates should choose the exam that best aligns with their capabilities.

7. Scoring and Validity: Both exams have unique scoring systems and a validity period of five years, allowing flexibility in application timing.

8. Choosing the Right Exam: Decision-making should be based on individual academic and career goals, as well as personal strengths and preparation style.

9. Preparation Strategy: Success in either exam requires a tailored preparation approach, focusing on improving weak areas while leveraging strengths.

10. Practice and Familiarity: Engaging with real test questions and taking practice exams are crucial for understanding each test’s format and improving performance.

FAQ

In conclusion, we hope this guide has given you the key aspects of GRE scores for you. Understanding how the GRE is scored, what constitutes a good score, and how it impacts your graduate school application is crucial in your journey toward higher education. Remember, preparing for the GRE is not just about mastering the content, but also about understanding how the test works and what your target programs are looking for.

If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to explore our other resources for more insights and guidance. Whether you are just starting your GRE preparation or looking to refine your strategies, our comprehensive articles, tips, and study tools are designed to support you at every step. Good luck on your GRE journey, and may your efforts open the doors to your academic and professional aspirations!