GMAT vs. GRE for MBA Admissions: Which Test Should You Take?
What is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)?
The GMAT is another standardised test but designed only for admission to business schools and, as such, is much more applicable to MBA and the like related management courses. It is designed to test the analytical, quantitative, verbal, and reading comprehension skills of examinees for their admission to graduate study in business. The examination is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The GMAT score is, therefore, a criterion at every business school in their admission processes, as it holds predictive power for the estimation of the academic success of an individual in pursuing management programs.
What is GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination, and it's one of the few standardised tests utilised for various graduate school admissions, which also includes business schools. Given by ETS, it measures skills in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing . Unlike the GMAT, designed specifically for MBA entrance, it is more generic, accepting lots of types of graduate programs. It is also very popular for candidates who have to apply for more than one academic stream and those who are looking to attain double degrees, such as a combination of an MBA with any other master's degree. GRE has flexibility in score reporting and a broad scope of testing content.
What are the differences between the GMAT and GRE?
The GMAT and GRE have several important differences, mainly in their focus and structure. The GMAT is tailored specifically for business school candidates, placing a strong emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills. Its sections consist of Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal, with a heavier focus on problem-solving and critical reasoning. On the other hand, the GRE is a more generalised test, accepted by a variety of graduate programs beyond just business schools. It features Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, along with Analytical Writing, but it emphasises vocabulary and reading comprehension more in its verbal section. Generally, the GMAT's quantitative section is viewed as more difficult than the GRE’s, which often includes more straightforward maths problems. Furthermore, many business schools may still show a slight preference for GMAT scores, although the GRE is becoming more widely accepted. Ultimately, the decision between the two exams largely hinges on your strengths, aspirations, and whether you are looking at programs outside of business school.
Principal differences between the GMAT and GRE:
| Category |
GMAT |
GRE |
| Content |
Analytical Writing: 1 essay (30 mins)
- Integrated Reasoning: 30 mins
- Quantitative: 62 mins
- Verbal: 65 mins
- Verbal focuses on grammar, logic, and reasoning
- Quant is harder if maths isn't your strength
|
Analytical Writing: 2 essays (2x30 mins)
- Verbal Reasoning: 2x30 mins
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2x35 mins
- Experimental Section (30-35 mins, either maths or verbal)
- Focus on vocabulary, beneficial for native English speakers
|
| Format |
Computer-adaptive test |
Computer-delivered or paper-delivered |
| Test Time |
3 hours 30 minutes |
3 hours 45 minutes |
| Scoring |
Total score: 200-800
Mean score (2013-2015): 552
700+ is 89th percentile
|
Verbal and Quantitative sections: 130-170 (1-point increments)
Analytical Writing: 0-6
|
| Cost |
US$250 |
US$205 |
| Score Validity |
5 years |
5 years |
Do business schools prefer GMAT or GRE?
Most business schools don't care if you take the GMAT or GRE, they're cool with both. The GMAT was made just for getting into business school, but now even the big names like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton are okay with GRE scores too. , a lot of schools think both tests are just as good, so you can pick the one that shows off what you're good at. By saying yes to both tests, business schools want to bring in all kinds of people. They care more about what makes you special and what you can do, not which test you decided to take.
According to a Kaplan survey, in 2020:
- 87% of business schools accepted GRE scores
- 73% of schools viewed GMAT and GRE scores equally
- 21% of schools preferred GMAT scores
- 6% preferred GRE scores
Holistic' is a word commonly used by institutions to describe their approach to reviewing MBA applications, and one which manifests itself frequently in our MBA Admissions Q&A series. The GMAT and the GRE are therefore just one element of the evaluation process - academic background, personality, experience, and the effort you invest in the application process are all just as important.
The key to choosing the GMAT or GRE for MBA admission is to first identify which of your chosen schools require which test. If you think a school might accept both, but could prefer one test over the other, email, phone, or chat online to find out.
Playing to your strengths is also a factor. If your dream school can confirm that it values both tests equally, simply choose the one you think you'll do best in. Lastly, whether you’re taking the GMAT or GRE for MBA admission, make sure you go into the test fully prepared!
Dual-Degree and Non-MBA Program Considerations
The GRE's flexibility makes it a great option for students who want to apply to non-MBA graduate programs. While the GMAT is made just for business school admissions, many graduate programs in different fields accept the GRE. This allows students to use their GRE scores to apply for master's or doctoral programs in areas like engineering, humanities, social sciences, and others. For example, a student who wants to get a Master's in Engineering can use their GRE scores to apply, so they don't need to take another test like the TOEFL or IELTS.
Students going for dual degrees can also take advantage of how versatile the GRE is. Because many graduate programs accept GRE scores, students can apply to MBA and non-MBA programs using just one test score. This makes the application process easier, helping students save time and money. Let's say a student wants to get a joint MBA/JD degree. They can use their GRE scores for both programs instead of taking the GMAT for the MBA program and the LSAT for the law program. This versatility makes the GRE a good choice for students who want to get multiple graduate degrees or explore different fields of study.
Conclusion
As you weigh your options between the GMAT and GRE for your MBA application, think about what you're good at and where you want your career to go. If you're a whiz with numbers and you're aiming to work in finance or consulting, the GMAT might give you an edge. Top business schools often favour it. But if words are more your thing, or you're not sure if you might want to apply to other graduate programs down the line, the GRE could be a better choice. It's also a good idea to look into what your dream schools prefer and to take some practice runs at both tests. This will help you figure out which one plays to your strengths. In the end, pick the test that shows off what you do best and lines up with where you see yourself in the future.
FAQs
1. Which test is easier, the GMAT or the GRE?
Ans:- The difficulty of the GMAT versus the GRE depends mostly on your strengths. The GMAT has a much more challenging quantitative section, while the GRE has a much more difficult verbal section. Take practice tests for both to assess which test will be easier for you.
2. Do business schools prefer the GMAT over the GRE?
Ans:- Most business schools take both tests. Some business schools may have a preference for the GMAT, especially in their MBA programs. But many more schools now increasingly accept the GRE, so check the target program requirements best.
3. Can I submit scores of both GMAT and GRE to the business schools?
Ans:- Yes, you can submit both scores if you feel this will strengthen your application. Many applicants do this, as they might have scored way better in sections of one test than another.
4. How long are the GMAT and GRE scores valid?
Ans:- Both scores for the GMAT and GRE are five years valid from the test date. This will give you flexibility when planning your timeline of application.
5. How many times can I take the GMAT or GRE?
Ans:- You can take the GMAT once every 16 days, and no more than five times in any 12-month period. You can take the GRE once every 21 days and up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period.
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