GMAT vs GRE still stands as one of the biggest dilemmas For students planning to pursue graduate studies or MBA program. These standardized tests play a pivotal role in shaping your application and determining your eligibility for top programs. But how do you decide which one aligns best with your goals?
In 2023, over 200,000 people took the GMAT, and more than 500,000 took the GRE for various graduate programs. In this guide, we will unravel the key differences between the GMAT and GRE, explore their structures, and provide actionable insights to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re eyeing a business school or a general graduate program, this guide has you covered.
GMAT vs GRE: What’s Different?
GMAT: Structure, Scoring, and Key Facts
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically designed for MBA aspirants and focuses heavily on quantitative and analytical skills. Here’s what you need to know:
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer-adaptive exam designed for MBA aspirants, focusing on business-specific skills like data analysis and logical reasoning. It comprises four sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The total test duration is 3 hours and 7 minutes.
The scoring system ranges from 200 to 800, with a score of around 720 considered competitive for top business schools. Taken by approximately 200,000 students annually, the GMAT costs around $275, making it a significant yet worthwhile investment for business school applicants.
GRE: Structure, Scoring, and Key Facts
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a versatile test accepted by a broad range of graduate and business programs worldwide.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a versatile and widely accepted test for graduate and business programs across the globe. It features three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, and is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats. The test duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Scored on a scale of 130-170 per section for Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning, a competitive score for top programs ranges between 315 and 320. With an exam fee of around $220, the GRE is taken by approximately 340,000 students annually and evaluates broad skills applicable to various disciplines, including STEM, humanities, and business.
Major Differences Between GMAT and GRE
The GMAT and GRE cater to different academic and career paths. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | GMAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Business schools | Graduate and MBA programs |
| Scoring | 200-800 (total) | 130-170 (per section) |
| Quant Difficulty | Higher | Moderate |
| Cost | ~$275 | ~$220 |
| Test Adaptivity | Section-level adaptivity | Question-level adaptivity |
Which is Easier: GMAT or GRE?
Who Prefers GMAT vs Who Prefers GRE?
The GMAT is predominantly chosen by MBA aspirants aiming for careers in business, management, or finance, as it emphasizes business-specific analytical and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, the GRE appeals to a wider audience, including those pursuing general graduate programs, STEM fields, or dual-degree opportunities. Its broader applicability makes it a flexible choice for students who are uncertain about their academic or professional path.
Exam Takers and Trends
When comparing exam trends, the GMAT is taken by around 200,000 candidates annually, with most aiming for top-tier MBA programs. The GRE, however, attracts a larger pool of over 340,000 test-takers annually, spanning diverse fields from humanities to science and business. This reflects the GRE’s versatility and widespread acceptance.
Major Challenges and Benefits of Each Exam
GMAT:
The GMAT presents notable challenges, such as intense time pressure and a rigorous quantitative section, requiring advanced problem-solving skills. Despite these hurdles, its benefits are undeniable. A strong GMAT score showcases your aptitude for business-related coursework and positions you as a competitive candidate for MBA programs globally.
GRE:
For the GRE, the verbal section can pose significant challenges, particularly for non-native English speakers, as it demands a deep understanding of advanced vocabulary and reading comprehension. However, its versatility is a major advantage, with acceptance across a broader range of programs, making it a practical choice for students exploring multiple academic or career options.
GMAT vs GRE for MBA Colleges: What Do They Prefer?
Top MBA Colleges and Their Stance
While most MBA programs accept both GMAT and GRE, the GMAT holds a reputation as the gold standard for business schools due to its business-focused structure and predictive validity for success in MBA programs. However, recent trends indicate that an increasing number of top MBA colleges are adopting a more holistic approach to admissions, placing significant emphasis on the overall strength of your application, including professional experience, academic performance, and extracurricular achievements, rather than exclusively favoring one test over the other. This shift underscores the importance of aligning your test choice with your career goals and areas of strength to maximize your competitive edge.
Comparison Table: Average Scores for Top B-Schools
| Business School | Avg GMAT Score | Avg GRE Score |
| Harvard Business School | 730 | 325 |
| Stanford GSB | 737 | 328 |
| Wharton | 722 | 324 |
| INSEAD | 709 | 317 |
| London Business School | 701 | 320 |
GMAT vs GRE vs CAT
GMAT vs CAT
The GMAT and CAT (Common Admission Test) differ significantly in purpose, structure, and acceptance. While the GMAT is globally recognized for MBA admissions, the CAT is primarily accepted by Indian B-schools like the IIMs. Structurally, the GMAT offers a computer-adaptive format with a focus on integrated reasoning and analytical writing, whereas the CAT emphasizes Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning with no writing section.
For global career aspirations and admissions to top international business schools, the GMAT is the preferred choice. However, for candidates targeting Indian management institutions, the CAT remains the gold standard.
GRE vs CAT
The GRE provides flexibility in applying to both general graduate programs and MBA programs, making it a versatile choice for students considering multiple academic fields. The CAT, by contrast, is narrowly tailored for Indian management institutions and lacks the broad international acceptance of the GRE.
GRE’s scoring system (130-170 per section) contrasts with CAT’s percentile-based evaluation. For students eyeing global opportunities, GRE opens doors to diverse disciplines and international universities, whereas CAT is ideal for those focused on Indian management programs.
Which One Should You Take? GMAT or GRE?
How to Decide?
Deciding between the GMAT and GRE requires a clear understanding of your goals, strengths, and target programs. Begin by researching the preferred test for your target institutions. For instance, if you’re targeting business schools, the GMAT may give you a competitive edge. Conversely, if you’re considering diverse graduate programs or want flexibility, the GRE might be a better fit.
Additionally, assess your strengths by taking mock tests for both exams. If you excel in quantitative reasoning and analytical skills, the GMAT might suit you. On the other hand, if verbal reasoning is your forte, the GRE could play to your strengths.
What Do Most Students Choose?
Current trends suggest that approximately 60% of students opt for the GRE due to its versatility and acceptance across a broader range of programs. However, MBA-specific candidates often gravitate towards the GMAT, as it is designed to highlight skills essential for business and management careers. Your choice should ultimately align with your academic goals and career aspirations.
Is It Even Necessary to Take GMAT or GRE?
Test-Optional Policies
In recent years, many programs have adopted test-optional policies, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prestigious schools such as Imperial College London, University College London (UCL), and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) now offer pathways that do not mandate GMAT or GRE scores for certain programs. However, these policies often require strong academic records, compelling essays, and robust work experience to offset the absence of test scores.
When It’s Mandatory
Despite the rise of test-optional policies, standardized tests remain a crucial component for many MBA and graduate programs, particularly for competitive scholarships. Programs such as Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford still highly value strong GMAT or GRE scores as indicators of academic and professional potential. For applicants seeking financial aid, these scores often play a pivotal role in determining scholarship eligibility.
FAQs About GMAT vs GRE
- Is the GRE harder than the GMAT?
The difficulty depends on your strengths. The GMAT is often considered more challenging for its quantitative and data interpretation sections, while the GRE’s verbal section can be tough for non-native English speakers. - Do universities prefer GMAT or GRE?
It varies by program. While most MBA programs traditionally preferred the GMAT, many now accept GRE scores without bias. For non-MBA graduate programs, the GRE is widely accepted. - Is GRE accepted for MBA?
Yes, the GRE is accepted by most top MBA programs globally, though the GMAT remains the more traditional choice for business schools. - Can you skip GMAT or GRE for certain programs?
Yes, some programs, especially those with test-optional policies, allow applicants to forego these exams. However, submitting a strong test score can bolster your application and improve scholarship opportunities.
