Introduction
When it comes to pursuing higher education, especially in business and management, two major standardized tests often come into consideration: the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Both tests serve as critical components of the application process for graduate programs around the world. However, they differ significantly in structure, purpose, and the skills they assess. This comprehensive guide aims to elucidate the differences between the GRE and GMAT, helping prospective students make informed decisions about which test to take.
Overview of GRE and GMAT
GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
The GRE is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is widely used by graduate schools across various disciplines, including business, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. The GRE measures a broad range of skills, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is specifically designed for applicants to business and management programs, particularly MBA programs. The GMAT assesses analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning, with a strong focus on business-related skills and problem-solving abilities.
Test Structure
GRE Test Structure
Analytical Writing
- Issue Task: Presents a statement or claim and requires the test-taker to write an essay discussing their perspective on the issue.
- Argument Task: Provides an argument that the test-taker must critique in an essay, identifying logical flaws and evaluating the argument’s strength.
Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Involves reading passages and answering questions based on the content.
- Text Completion: Requires filling in blanks within passages to complete the text logically.
- Sentence Equivalence: Asks for two words that complete a sentence and produce equivalent meanings.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Quantitative Comparison: Asks to compare two quantities and determine the relationship between them.
- Problem Solving: Involves solving mathematical problems using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Data Interpretation: Requires analyzing and interpreting data presented in graphs, tables, and charts.
GMAT Test Structure
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Analysis of an Argument: Requires writing an essay that critiques a given argument, focusing on the logical soundness and evidence presented.
Integrated Reasoning
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Involves answering questions based on multiple sources of information.
- Table Analysis: Requires interpreting and analyzing data presented in tables.
- Graphics Interpretation: Involves interpreting information presented in graphs and other visual formats.
- Two-Part Analysis: Asks for solutions to problems with two interrelated parts.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency: Requires determining whether the given data is sufficient to answer a question.
- Problem Solving: Involves solving quantitative problems using mathematical concepts and techniques.
Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Involves reading passages and answering questions based on the content.
- Critical Reasoning: Asks to analyze arguments and evaluate their logical soundness.
- Sentence Correction: Requires identifying grammatical and syntactical errors in sentences.
Scoring Systems
GRE Scoring System
Analytical Writing
- Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning
- Scores for each section range from 130 to 170, in one-point increments.
Overall Score
- The total GRE score ranges from 260 to 340, combining the verbal and quantitative sections.
GMAT Scoring System
Analytical Writing Assessment
- Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
Integrated Reasoning
- Scores range from 1 to 8, in one-point increments.
Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning
- Scores for each section range from 0 to 60, but the scaled score range for each is typically between 6 and 51.
Overall Score
- The total GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, combining the quantitative and verbal sections.
Purpose and Use
GRE Purpose and Use
The GRE is a versatile test used for admission to a wide variety of graduate programs. Its broad scope allows applicants to demonstrate their general academic abilities across multiple disciplines. It is often favored by programs in the arts and sciences, as well as by some business schools that accept GRE scores as an alternative to the GMAT.
GMAT Purpose and Use
The GMAT is specifically designed for applicants to business and management programs. It focuses on skills that are directly relevant to business school curricula, such as quantitative problem-solving, critical reasoning, and analytical writing. The GMAT is widely regarded as the standard for MBA admissions, and many top business schools require or prefer GMAT scores.
Test Preparation
GRE Test Preparation
Study Materials
- Official Guides: ETS provides official GRE study guides and practice tests.
- Third-Party Resources: Numerous third-party publishers offer GRE prep books, online courses, and practice tests.
- Online Resources: Websites and apps provide flashcards, practice questions, and study plans.
Study Strategies
- Practice Tests: Regular practice tests help familiarize with the test format and timing.
- Review Weak Areas: Focus on improving weak areas by reviewing relevant concepts and practicing targeted questions.
- Time Management: Develop strategies for managing time effectively during the test.
GMAT Test Preparation
Study Materials
- Official Guides: GMAC offers official GMAT study guides and practice tests.
- Third-Party Resources: Various publishers provide GMAT prep books, online courses, and practice tests.
- Online Resources: Websites and apps offer practice questions, study plans, and interactive tools.
Study Strategies
- Practice Tests: Taking regular practice tests helps build familiarity with the test format and improve timing.
- Targeted Practice: Focus on areas needing improvement, such as data sufficiency or sentence correction.
- Analytical Skills: Develop analytical and critical thinking skills, particularly for the integrated reasoning section.
Test Day Experience
GRE Test Day Experience
Registration and Identification
- Registration: Register online through the ETS website and choose a test date and location.
- Identification: Present a valid, government-issued photo ID on test day.
Test Environment
- Testing Centers: GRE is administered at designated testing centers equipped with computers and proctors.
- Breaks: The test includes scheduled breaks, allowing time to rest and refresh.
Test Format
- Computer-Based: Most test-takers take the computer-based GRE, which adapts to their performance.
- Paper-Based: In some regions, a paper-based version is available.
GMAT Test Day Experience
Registration and Identification
- Registration: Register online through the GMAC website and choose a test date and location.
- Identification: Present a valid, government-issued photo ID on test day.
Test Environment
- Testing Centers: GMAT is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers with secure computer stations.
- Breaks: The test includes optional breaks, allowing time to rest and refresh.
Test Format
- Computer-Based: The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on performance.
Test Content Differences
GRE Content Focus
Verbal Reasoning
- Focus on Vocabulary: GRE emphasizes vocabulary and understanding complex sentence structures.
- Reading Comprehension: Tests ability to comprehend and analyze written material from various disciplines.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Focus on Concepts: GRE covers a broad range of mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Data Interpretation: Emphasizes interpreting data from graphs, tables, and charts.
GMAT Content Focus
Verbal Reasoning
- Focus on Grammar and Logic: GMAT emphasizes grammar, sentence correction, and logical reasoning.
- Critical Reasoning: Tests ability to evaluate arguments and reasoning in a business context.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Focus on Problem-Solving: GMAT emphasizes problem-solving skills using arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Data Sufficiency: Requires determining the sufficiency of given data to solve problems.
Acceptance and Recognition
GRE Acceptance
The GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate programs worldwide, including many business schools. Its broad acceptance makes it a flexible option for applicants considering multiple types of graduate programs.
GMAT Acceptance
The GMAT is predominantly accepted by business and management programs, particularly MBA programs. It is recognized as the gold standard for business school admissions and is often a preferred or required test for top-tier programs.
Cost and Availability
GRE Cost and Availability
Test Fee
- Standard Fee: The GRE test fee is generally around $205, but it can vary by location.
Availability
- Frequency: The GRE is offered multiple times throughout the year at testing centers worldwide.
- Rescheduling: Test-takers can reschedule their test date for a fee.
GMAT Cost and Availability
Test Fee
- Standard Fee: The GMAT test fee is generally around $275, but it can vary by location.
Availability
- Frequency: The GMAT is available year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.
- Rescheduling: Test-takers can reschedule their test date for a fee.
Retake Policies
GRE Retake Policies
Waiting Period
- 21 Days: Test-takers must wait at least 21 days before retaking the GRE.
Frequency Limit
- 5 Times per Year: The GRE can be taken up to five times within any continuous 12-month period.
GMAT Retake Policies
Waiting Period
- 16 Days: Test-takers must wait at least 16 days before retaking the GMAT.
Frequency Limit
- 5 Times per Year: The GMAT can be taken up to five times within any continuous 12-month period.
- 8 Times Lifetime Limit: There is also a lifetime limit of eight attempts.
