The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are standardized tests commonly used for admissions into graduate programs. Both tests assess analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and critical thinking skills. However, there are key differences between the two, making one more suitable for certain students and programs.
GMAT Overview
Purpose and Popularity
The GMAT is specifically designed for admission into business schools and MBA programs. Administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the GMAT is widely recognized and accepted by thousands of business schools worldwide. Its primary purpose is to assess the skills most relevant to business and management studies.
Structure and Format
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Content: One essay task requiring the analysis of an argument.
Integrated Reasoning (IR)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Content: 12 questions involving multi-source reasoning, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, and table analysis.
Quantitative Section
- Duration: 62 minutes
- Content: 31 questions focusing on data sufficiency and problem-solving.
Verbal Section
- Duration: 65 minutes
- Content: 36 questions covering reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
Scoring
The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800, with each section receiving its own score. The total score is based on the performance in the quantitative and verbal sections. The AWA and IR sections are scored separately, with the AWA scored on a scale of 0-6 and the IR on a scale of 1-8.
Preparation
Preparation for the GMAT typically involves a mix of self-study, online resources, and preparatory courses. Many students use official GMAT prep materials provided by GMAC, along with third-party guides and practice tests to build familiarity with the test format and question types.
GRE Overview
Purpose and Popularity
The GRE is a more general test used for admission into a wide range of graduate programs, including business, law, and other disciplines. Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is accepted by thousands of graduate and business schools globally. Its broader focus makes it a versatile option for students considering various fields of study.
Structure and Format
Analytical Writing
- Duration: 60 minutes (two tasks, 30 minutes each)
- Content: One task to analyze an issue and another to analyze an argument.
Verbal Reasoning
- Duration: Two sections, 30 minutes each
- Content: 20 questions per section, including reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Duration: Two sections, 35 minutes each
- Content: 20 questions per section, covering arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Unscored and Research Sections
- Duration: Varies
- Content: May include additional verbal or quantitative questions used for research purposes.
Scoring
The GRE is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for both the verbal and quantitative sections, in one-point increments. The analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments. The total GRE score is the sum of the verbal and quantitative scores.
Preparation
Preparation for the GRE often involves using official ETS materials, third-party guides, and practice tests. Many students also enroll in preparatory courses or use online resources to enhance their skills in analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning.
Comparing GMAT and GRE
Test Focus and Skills Assessed
GMAT
The GMAT emphasizes skills relevant to business and management, such as analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. It is designed to test a candidate’s ability to analyze data and think critically, skills crucial for success in an MBA program.
GRE
The GRE assesses a broader range of skills, including analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning, applicable to various graduate programs. The GRE’s versatility makes it suitable for students pursuing different academic disciplines.
Question Types and Difficulty
GMAT
- Quantitative Section: Focuses on data sufficiency and problem-solving.
- Verbal Section: Includes reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
- Difficulty: Known for its challenging quantitative section and unique question types in the integrated reasoning section.
GRE
- Quantitative Section: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Verbal Section: Involves reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
- Difficulty: The GRE quantitative section is considered more straightforward than the GMAT, but the verbal section can be more challenging due to the complexity of the vocabulary and reading comprehension questions.
Test Administration and Flexibility
GMAT
- Frequency: Available year-round at designated testing centers.
- Format: Computer-adaptive test (CAT), where the difficulty of questions adjusts based on the test-taker’s performance.
- Flexibility: Allows retaking the test after 16 days, up to five times within a 12-month period.
GRE
- Frequency: Available year-round at testing centers and can be taken at home in some locations.
- Format: Computer-based test with section-level adaptability.
- Flexibility: Can be retaken every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period.
Acceptance and Program Requirements
GMAT
The GMAT is preferred by most business schools and is often required for MBA programs. Its specialized nature makes it a critical component of the application process for business and management studies.
GRE
The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, including business schools, law schools, and other academic disciplines. Its broad acceptance makes it a versatile option for students exploring various fields of study.
Cost and Financial Considerations
GMAT
- Cost: Approximately $250.
- Additional Fees: Fees for rescheduling, additional score reports, and cancellation.
GRE
- Cost: Approximately $205.
- Additional Fees: Fees for rescheduling, additional score reports, and cancellation.
Preparation Time and Resources
GMAT
- Preparation Time: Typically requires 2-3 months of dedicated study.
- Resources: Official GMAC materials, online courses, third-party guides, and practice tests.
GRE
- Preparation Time: Generally requires 2-3 months of study, depending on the test-taker’s familiarity with the material.
- Resources: Official ETS materials, online courses, third-party guides, and practice tests.
Pros and Cons of GMAT
Pros
Specialized Focus
The GMAT is tailored for business and management programs, making it highly relevant for MBA applicants.
Recognition and Acceptance
Widely accepted by business schools globally, the GMAT is a recognized standard for evaluating MBA candidates.
Integrated Reasoning Section
The IR section tests real-world data analysis skills, which are valuable in business settings.
Cons
Quantitative Difficulty
The quantitative section is known for its challenging nature, which can be a hurdle for some test-takers.
Cost
The GMAT is relatively expensive compared to other standardized tests.
Limited Scope
Its specialized focus on business may limit its applicability for students considering non-business graduate programs.
Pros and Cons of GRE
Pros
Versatility
The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, offering flexibility for students exploring various academic fields.
Broad Skill Assessment
The GRE assesses a broad range of skills, making it suitable for diverse disciplines beyond business.
Lower Cost
The GRE is generally less expensive than the GMAT.
Cons
Verbal Section Difficulty
The verbal section can be particularly challenging due to complex vocabulary and reading comprehension questions.
Acceptance in Business Schools
While increasingly accepted, the GRE is still not as universally preferred by business schools as the GMAT.
No Integrated Reasoning
The GRE lacks a dedicated integrated reasoning section, which may be seen as a disadvantage for business-focused applicants.
Decision-Making Guide
Consider Your Program Requirements
MBA Programs
If your goal is to pursue an MBA, the GMAT is often the preferred choice due to its focus on business-related skills and its widespread acceptance among business schools.
Other Graduate Programs
For students considering a variety of graduate programs, the GRE offers greater flexibility and is accepted by a wider range of institutions.
Assess Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Quantitative Skills
If you have strong quantitative skills and are comfortable with data analysis, the GMAT’s quantitative and integrated reasoning sections may play to your strengths.
Verbal and Analytical Writing Skills
If you excel in verbal reasoning and analytical writing, the GRE’s emphasis on these areas might be more advantageous.
Test-Taking Strategy
Frequency and Flexibility
Consider the availability and retake policies of each test. The GRE offers more flexibility with its at-home testing option and more frequent retake opportunities.
Preparation Resources
Evaluate the availability and quality of preparation resources for each test. Both the GMAT and GRE offer official prep materials and third-party guides, but your access to these resources and their effectiveness for you personally may vary.
Financial Considerations
Test and Preparation Costs
Factor in the cost of taking the test and any additional expenses for preparation materials and courses. The GRE is generally less expensive, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious students.
Application Fees
Consider the potential costs associated with sending score reports to multiple schools, as both tests charge additional fees for extra score reports.
