Considering an MBA program but wondering whether to take the GMAT or GRE? You’re not alone. When deciding which test to take for admission to a business school, many prospective MBA students face this problem. What sets the GMAT and the GRE apart, and which exam suits your goals?

The GMAT is specifically utilized as a criterion for business school admission, while the GRE is a gateway for a diverse range of graduate programs. This fundamental dissimilarity between the GMAT and the GRE highlights their respective purposes. 

Consequently, the general consensus is to opt for the GMAT when applying specifically to business schools while choosing the GRE if you remain uncertain about the specific graduate degree you intend to pursue. However, this advice is only half correct. 

Choosing between the two necessitates a more thorough examination of their individual sections, differences in design, organization, scoring method, fees, and the number of business schools that accept them.

In this post, we compare the GMAT and GRE on these six critical factors and look at both examinations’ quantitative and verbal sections to see which one will be easier. We will also compare the new GMAT Focus Edition and the shorter GRE.

6 key differences – GMAT vs. GRE

If you wish to pursue an MBA, take the GMAT; if you’re still unsure about which master’s degree to pursue, take the GRE. However, many MBA colleges now accept both the GMAT and the GRE. Which option will you choose, and how will you decide? 

Here are six important distinctions between the GMAT and the GRE:

• Fees for Examinations
• The number of MBA colleges that accept them
• Duration of the test
• The test’s design
• Structure of the test
• System of scoring

Let’s have a look at each of these factors individually:

• Fees: The GMAT is nearly INR 22,800, while the GRE is INR 19,110.
• The number of MBA colleges or schools that accept them: While GMAT scores are preferred by most, GRE scores are now accepted by several.
• Duration of the test: The GMAT lasts 3 hours and 7 minutes, whereas the GRE lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes.

• The test’s design: The GMAT is created primarily to assess skills important to business and management studies, whereas the GRE is a more comprehensive test covering a broader range of subjects.

• Structure of the test: The GMAT has a stable format with four components (Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal), but the GRE includes six. The AWA portion appears first, while the remaining sections (Verbal Reasoning, Unscored, Research, Quantitative Reasoning, and Experimental) can appear in any sequence.

• System of scoring: The GMAT is graded on a scale of 200-800, whereas the GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for both Verbal and Quantitative portions, with a separate Analytical Writing score.

Differences	GMAT	GRE
Should you take GMAT or GRE?	If you intend to enroll in graduate business studies.	If you are still unsure about the graduate program, you want to pursue.
Which business schools accept these tests?	Over 7000 programs are available at 2300 business schools.	Fewer business schools
Test fee	$250	$205
Test Validity	5 years	5 years
Test dates	Year-round	Year-round
How the test is administered?	Computer-based test	Paper-based and computer-based tests (where computer-based tests are not accessible)
Test Format	Computer adaptive test	Computer adaptive test
Number of sections	4	6 (1 unscored research section included)
Test duration	3 hours 7 minutes	3 hours 45 minutes
AWA section	1 essay – 30 minutes	2 essays – 60 minutes
IR section	12 questions – 30 minutes	NA
Quant Section	62 minutes – 1 segment – 31 questions	20 questions each in 2 sections – 70 minutes
Verbal Section	65 minutes – 1 segment – 36 questions	20 questions each in 2 sections – 60 minutes
Test Score Range	200 – 800 (in 10-point increments)	260 – 340 ( in 1-point increment)
Quant score range	6 – 51 (scaled score)	130 – 170
Verbal score range	6 – 51 (scaled score)	130 – 170
IR score	1 – 8	NA
AWA score	0 – 6	0 – 6

GMAT vs. GRE – Which is easier?

Regarding the general difficulty level, the GMAT and GRE are comparable. At this stage, the relevant question is which component of both tests (quant and verbal) is reasonably tough.

To answer this question, consider the following:

• Verbal GMAT vs. Verbal GRE
• GMAT quantitative vs. GRE quantitative

GRE vs GMAT: Which test has the easier Verbal section?

	GMAT	GRE
Number of Verbal Sections	1	2
Number of Verbal Questions	36	40 (20 questions in each section)
Duration	65 minutes	60 minutes (30 minutes per section)
Sub-sections	-Reading comprehension	-Reading comprehension
	-Critical reasoning	-Text completion
	-Sentence correction	-Sentence equivalence
Score Range	0-60 (scaled score)	130-170

GMAT Verbal is slightly easier than GRE Verbal because GRE Verbal examines a more difficult vocabulary.

GRE vs GMAT – Whose Quantitative section is easier?

	GMAT	GRE
Number of Quant Sections	2 (Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning)	2
Number of Quant Questions	31	40 (20 questions in each section)
Duration	62 minutes	60 minutes (30 minutes per section)
Score Range	Quantitative: 0-60	130-170

The GMAT Quant section is considered to be more difficult than the GRE Quant section. GMAT Quant assesses your problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the GMAT’s data sufficiency problems are particularly difficult.

Despite the fact that GRE quant problems are easier than GMAT quant questions, GRE permits you to use a calculator, but GMAT does not.

Which exam should you take for MBA Admission 2023? GMAT or GRE

Before you begin GMAT or GRE preparation, consider the following four steps to assist you in picking which exam to take – GMAT or GRE:

• Determine your goal. Score policies at Business School

• Take a GMAT and GRE diagnostic test.

• Select the sort of graduate program that interests you.

• Compare the worth of the GMAT and the GRE after graduation.

• Learn about the policies of your prospective business schools regarding GMAT and GRE scores: Investigate whether your desired business schools accept both examinations or prefer the GMAT over the GRE. 

• Take a diagnostic test: To determine your strengths and weaknesses, take a free GMAT diagnostic test and an authentic GRE diagnostic test. You’ll know whether you perform better on one test than the other. If you decide to take the GMAT, look at the 5-year GMAT score trend for prominent business schools and set your target score accordingly. 

• Determine the graduate program you wish to attend: GRE scores are accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, from literature to quantum physics, whereas business institutions solely accept GMAT scores. Take the GMAT if you are certain you want to attend business school. Take the GRE if you are still indecisive and want to leave your choices open.

• Consider the GMAT’s worth once you finish your graduate program: Many consulting firms highly value candidates with high GMAT scores. As a result, a high score can help you land an internship or employment. 

Wrapping Up

Finally, individual circumstances and choices ultimately determine the choice between the GMAT and the GRE for MBA admission in 2023. The GMAT remains the standard choice for many MBA programs, particularly those with a greater mathematical emphasis. 

Its specialized style and emphasis on critical reasoning and data interpretation make it an excellent choice for those looking to demonstrate their abilities in these areas. Conversely, the GRE provides additional flexibility, allowing test takers to apply to a broader range of graduate programs besides business schools. It is especially beneficial for those with good verbal and analytical skills. 

Ultimately, aspiring MBA applicants ought to thoroughly investigate their chosen institutions’ admission criteria, assess their strengths and weaknesses, and make a well-informed decision aligned with their goals and preferences. Regardless of which test students take, careful preparation and persistent studying will be critical to success in the extremely competitive MBA admissions process.

FAQs

1) What is the most significant distinction between the GMAT and the GRE?

Ans: The main difference between the GMAT and the GRE lies in their respective application areas. Specifically, the GMAT is exclusively utilized for business school admissions, while the GRE is employed for various graduate programs.

2) What is the GMAT?

Ans: The GMAT is a standardized test required for your MBA application. The GMAT is divided into four sections, with scores ranging from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments. 

3) What exactly is the GRE?

Ans: The GRE is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate schools. The GRE is divided into three sections, with scores ranging from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments.

4) Can I send my GRE results to business schools?

Ans: Business schools will accept your GRE score. However, some business schools will only take the GMAT. 

5) What constitutes a good GMAT score?

Ans: An excellent GMAT score is at least 20 points higher than the average GMAT score of your preferred business school’s most recent entering class.