GMAT or GRE- Which test is right for you?

Students are often perplexed when it comes to choosing the correct standardised exam. One needs to keep in mind the purpose, choice of country, and the course that they are applying for before deciding on the tests to take. This article will help you understand what GMAT and GRE tests are, the difference between them, which is easier, what are GMAT or GRE scores, and is either of them better than the other, etc.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is an important aspect of the application process for business schools. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), on the other hand, is mostly accepted for technical and analytical master’s programmes, but fewer  MBA programmes. 

We hear about the GMAT/ GRE confusion a lot, therefore we attempted to make it as simple as possible for you: 

The Graduate Management Admission Test or GMAT is an inseparable part of your business school application process. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam. It’s a test of your critical thinking skills. A high GMAT score is more likely to get you a top B-school admit. The GRE percentile is more important than the score. Your target score would vary depending on your ideal college. Other important factors include your undergraduate coursework, professional experience, GPA, LOR and SOP.

Should you take the GMAT or the GRE? 

  • If you want to get into business school graduate programmes, take the GMAT. 

  • If you’re still undecided about the graduate programme you want to pursue, it’s best to take the GRE as it will keep all doors open and offers admission to varied graduate school programs. 

 

Validity of the test

Both tests are valid for a duration of 5 years. One tip is to take the test while you’re still in college, since you’re already in the habit of studying daily. 

Administration 

  • The GMAT is only available as an online computer-based test. 

  • The GRE, on the other hand, is a computer-based and paper-based exam (where computer-based tests are not available) 

Which business schools accept these tests?

  • The GMAT is accepted by over 7000 programmes at over 2300 business schools. 

  • Fewer business schools, particularly in the United States, accept the GRE. 

What is the Test Fee for GMAT and GRE?

  • The GMAT costs $250, which is slightly more than the other tests. 

  • GRE, on the other hand, costs $205.

 

Test Duration of GMAT & GRE

  • The GMAT exam lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes. 

  • The GRE, on the other hand, lasts for 3 hours and 45 minutes. 

 

Sections

  • The GMAT is divided into four components. 

  • GRE, on the other hand, has six (1 unscored research section included). 

 

Test Score Range

  • The GMAT has a score range of 200 to 800. (in 10-point increment).

  •  GRE, on the other hand, has a range of 260 to 340. ( in 1-point increment) 

 

Analytical Writing Assessment

  • The GMAT includes an essay portion with one 30-minute essay.

  • The GRE, on the other hand, requires two essays in 60-minute.

Integrated Reasoning (IR)

  • GMAT contains 12 problems in 30 minutes for Integrated Reasoning (IR).

  • The GRE, on the other hand, has no IR section at all. 

 

Quantitative Reasoning

  • The GMAT has one section with 31 questions and a time limit of 62 minutes. 

  • The GRE, on the other hand, is divided into two portions, each with 20 questions – 7 in each.

Verbal Reasoning

  • The GMAT has 40 questions and a time limit of 70 minutes. 

  • The GRE has 36 questions to be answered within 65 minutes.

Which test is easier: GMAT or GRE?

No test is easier than the other. Your performance depends on your strengths as a test taker. For instance, even though Harvard Business School has stated that they have no particular test preference, they have revealed that students who take the GMAT tend to do better than students who take the GRE, which is why choosing the most suitable exam to take is imperative since your exam score forms a major part of your application.

Written by: Arushi Sharma & Ruhika Drohi

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