Data suggests that around 79% of MBA graduates go on to work for established companies. If you have decided to pursue your postgraduate education abroad with an MBA, we would like to congratulate you on such a great decision that will take you to the heights of success! However, to enrol in a foreign university for an MBA, you might need to clear either the following entrance tests- Graduate Record Exam, i.e. GRE, or GMAT, i.e. Graduate Management Aptitude Test. In this article, we will compare GMAT vs GRE to understand the difference between GRE and GMAT and decide which option is better for you.
GRE
GRE is an objective and standardised test taken by students who want to pursue a PG in any subject at a foreign university. The exam lasts for 3 hours and 45 minutes and is divided into 3 sections- Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. The first is designed to check your writing skills, and the last is to test your reasoning skills. The Analytical Writing section involves writing an analysis of 2 arguments, while the Verbal and Quants section has 40 MCQs each. The exam is marked on a scale of 260-340 in 1-point increments.
GMAT
The GMAT is a specific test used only for admission to MBA and business school business programs. It lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes and is divided into four sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. Analytical writing requires the written analysis of 1 argument within 30 minutes. Integrated Reasoning has 12 questions, Quantitative Reasoning requires you to answer 31 questions, and Verbal Reasoning has 36 questions, all in MCQs, to be answered within the given time frame. The test is scored on a scale of 200-800 in 10-point increments.
GMAT vs GRE- What Are The Differences?
When deciding on graduate business or management programmes, students often have to choose between the GMAT and the GRE. Business schools and graduate institutions commonly accept both tests. However, knowing how they differ is essential to helping you choose the right one based on your objectives and strengths. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the two exams to help you determine the best fit for your future goals.
1. Purpose and Use
The GMAT test is intended for students applying to business schools for MBA or other management-related programs. It assesses abilities directly related to business and management studies, such as analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Most elite global business schools favour (or require) the GMAT score for enrolment into their MBA programmes.
The GRE is a general graduate admissions test for various graduate programmes, not just business schools. While many business schools accept it, the GRE is more commonly used for admissions to various master’s and doctoral degree programmes in engineering, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. It is a more general test of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
2. Structure and Content
The GMAT exam consists of four sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): One essay on analysing an argument.
- Integrated Reasoning (IR): 12 questions assessing your ability to analyse data presented in various formats.
- Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 31 questions focused on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Verbal Reasoning (VR): 36 questions that assess reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning.
The total time for the GMAT is approximately 3.5 hours, each section being timed individually. The exam uses a computer-adaptive format, meaning that the difficulty of the questions changes based on your performance as you progress.
The GRE is divided into three main sections:
- Analytical Writing: Two essays, one on analysing an argument and another on an issue.
- Verbal Reasoning: 40 questions testing vocabulary, reading comprehension, and text completion.
- Quantitative Reasoning: 40 questions covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Unscored/Research Section: An experimental section that doesn’t count toward your score but is used to test new questions.
The GRE lasts approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Like the GMAT, it uses a computer-adaptive format for the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The Writing section is scored separately.
3. Scoring System
The GMAT scores range from 200 to 800, based on your performance in the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6, and the Integrated Reasoning section is scored from 1 to 8.
The GRE’s verbal and quantitative sections have scoring ranges of 130 to 170. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6. The scores are also reported in increments of one point.
4. Focus Areas
The GMAT focuses on business-specific skills such as problem-solving, critical reasoning, and decision-making, which are essential for succeeding in a business school environment. It also strongly emphasises data interpretation and logical reasoning, making it better suited for candidates pursuing an MBA or similar management programmes.
While still testing reasoning and analytical skills, the GRE focuses on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It’s more suited for various academic disciplines, so it may appeal to students considering a wider range of graduate programmes beyond business schools.
5. Flexibility in Test-Taking
The GMAT offers more flexible scheduling options but is typically more stringent in terms of its testing format. As mentioned, the test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty adjusts as you answer questions correctly or incorrectly.
The GRE is available more frequently, and some candidates find that the GRE’s less rigid format (especially in terms of question difficulty) may suit their style of taking standardised tests. The GRE also offers the PowerPrep option, where test-takers can skip questions or change answers during the test, which isn’t possible in the GMAT.
6. Cost and Availability
The GMAT costs approximately £220, and you can take it once every 16 days, with a maximum of five attempts in a year. You also need to bear a certain GMAT exam fee for cancelling or rescheduling.
The GRE costs around £180, and candidates can take it once every 21 days, with a maximum of five attempts per year. Depending on the test centre, the GRE may be offered more frequently than the GMAT.
7. Use of Calculator
The GMAT does not allow using a calculator in the Quantitative section. Without technological aid, you must solve mathematical problems using mental math, estimation, and other problem-solving strategies.
In contrast, the GRE permits the use of a calculator in the Quantitative Reasoning section. This can help ease the pressure of solving complex arithmetic or algebraic problems, providing a slight advantage for test-takers less comfortable with mental math.
Which test is easier: the GRE or the GMAT?
Is GRE easier than GMAT? Generally speaking, people with strong analytical and logical reasoning skills gravitate towards the GMAT because of its focus on such questions. In contrast, people with a strong vocabulary, language skills and creative mindset tend to gravitate towards the GRE because of the nature of its questions. However, as mentioned above, this is a general analysis, and anyone can take either exam with the right amount of effort and hard work.
How To Choose Between GMAT vs GRE?
Is GRE easier than GMAT? Or is GMAT more simple? One of the best ways to choose between the GMAT and GRE is to undertake practice tests of both exams and critically analyse the results and scores to see which test fits your knowledge and skill levels better.
Choosing between the GMAT and GRE depends on your target universities, career goals, and strengths in different test formats. If you’re unsure which exam aligns better with your aspirations, UniScholars offers expert counselling to help you decide based on your profile and university preferences.
Preparation Tips for GMAT
The GMAT exam not only tests your knowledge but also your ability to think critically under time pressure. Here are some specific tips to help you excel in each section of the GMAT:
1. Verbal Section
- Focus on practising “assumption-based” questions. Pay particular attention to identifying the assumption the author is making in each argument. Use process-of-elimination strategies to eliminate incorrect answer choices.
- Strengthen your understanding of grammar rules, especially subject-verb agreement, parallelism, modifiers, and pronoun usage. Keep a list of common grammatical errors and practise correcting them.
- Develop the ability to quickly identify a passage’s main idea and purpose. Practise reading complex texts from business magazines and academic journals to become comfortable with dense, abstract language.
2. Quantitative Section
- Practise Data Sufficiency questions regularly. Focus on understanding why both statements may or may not provide enough information to answer the question. This section requires solid skills in algebra and geometry.
- When solving word problems, break them into smaller, manageable parts. Focus on topics like rates, percentages, and algebra. Mastering these topics will help you tackle the more challenging questions.
- GMAT questions can be complex, and speed is crucial. To improve your pacing, regularly time yourself when practising math problems.
3. Integrated Reasoning Section
- This section demands quick analysis of charts, graphs, and tables. Practise interpreting these visuals efficiently to answer questions about trends, correlations, and data relationships.
- Focus on synthesising information from various sources to form a complete answer. These questions can be tricky, so approach them carefully and avoid rushing.
4. Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Practice writing essays that are logical, well-organised, and concise. Focus on clearly identifying flaws in the provided argument and supporting your critique with solid examples.
- Develop a consistent template for structuring your essays (e.g., introduction, critique of the argument, conclusion). This approach will help you stay organised under time constraints.
Preparation Tips for GRE
The GRE exam evaluates your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, each with distinct challenges. Here’s how to prepare specifically for each section of the GRE:
1. Verbal Reasoning Section
- The GRE tests your ability to make inferences and complete sentences with the correct word choice. Enhance your vocabulary by learning high-frequency GRE words using tools.
- Focus on understanding the author’s tone, main idea, and inferences. For complex passages, don’t get bogged down by details; focus on grasping the overall message. Practise reading passages from literature, history, and science to get used to dense material.
- Work on questions that require you to analyse an argument. Practice identifying logical fallacies and examining the reasoning behind arguments.
2. Quantitative Reasoning Section
- Since calculators aren’t allowed for most of the Quant section, practise solving problems mentally or using paper for quick calculations. Focus on topics like fractions, percentages, and ratios.
- Emphasise algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Solve problems related to probability and graph interpretation, as these tend to appear often in the Quant section.
- Practice interpreting charts, tables, and graphs. These questions are common in the Quant section and require efficient data analysis to answer correctly.
3. Analytical Writing Section
- For the Issue Task, practise stating your position on a topic and supporting it with logical reasoning and examples. Write essays within 30 minutes, ensuring each argument is developed with appropriate examples.
- For the Argument Task, practise critiquing arguments by identifying flaws in the reasoning. Focus on outlining the logical weaknesses and explaining why the conclusion is flawed. Structure your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing flaws, and a conclusion.
- The GRE essay section is strictly timed. Stick to your argument, avoid straying off-topic, and keep your writing organised and concise.
4. Experimental Section
- The GRE includes an unscored experimental section, which you won’t know beforehand. Don’t let it distract you; treat it like any other section, as it’s used to test new questions.
We hope this article helped you clear all your doubts and queries about the difficulty of the GRE and GMAT and understand which is easier—the GMAT or the GRE.
FAQs
1) Do Business Schools prefer the GMAT or GRE?
The GRE is a test students can take to obtain admission to graduate programs across practically all subjects, including the MBA. At the same time, the GMAT is a test exclusively created for applicants to business schools. The GMAT has typically been given preference over the GRE in business schools.
2) How long are my GMAT and GRE scores valid?
Your GMAT and GRE results are valid for five years following the exam date and must be obtained before submitting your application.
3) How Important is Your GRE or GMAT Score?
Your GMAT or GRE score is crucial to your application process. You must score well on the tests to get admission to your target university. A good GRE or GMAT score gives you an advantage and places you above the rest during the time of your application.
4) Should I Take the GMAT or GRE?
It depends on which university you want to apply to and the course you want to pursue. People who desire to study for a graduate degree in any field at a foreign university take the GRE, an objective and standardised exam. Your GRE score can work for all subjects, but if you are specific about getting admission to a business school, you should take the GMAT exam.
5) What are the fees for taking the GMAT and GRE?
The cost to take a GRE is $205, while you need to pay slightly higher, a $250 fee to take the GMAT test.
6) Can I retake the GMAT or GRE?
You can take the GMAT in person up to five times a calendar year, and scores are valid for five years. You may only take the test once every 16 calendar days, and you are limited to 8 tests over your lifetime. Similarly, you can take the GRE up to five times every 12 months and once every 21 days. You can select which test results are submitted to the colleges you’re applying to if you take the exam more than once.
We hope you enjoyed this blog on GMAT vs. GRE. To learn more about related fields, check out our other blogs.
1 thought on “Top PGDM Courses In Canada: Universities & Eligibility”
I have done Bachelor’s in Culinary Arts from India and completed my graduation in the year 2022 .I am 22 years old. After graduation, I have done 1 year paid internship from USA .Now, I would like to take occupational experience and learn culinary skills and also do masters in Culinary arts.How can I find the college n best course / country where I can persue studying further