GMAT Vs. GRE? The Choice Is Yours

An increasing number of business schools are giving the option for applicants to the MBA programs to present either the GMAT or GRE scores as part of the admission process. As a result, there is bound to be a bit of confusion in the minds of the candidates whether to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

While the GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the Princeton, N.J.-based Educational Testing Service (ETS) runs the GRE.

With the GRE revising the test format In 2011, a number of business schools have shown interest in accepting the test scores. Till then, GRE scores were being used by Universities for admission to practically every other program except business.

For the b-schools, seeking more diversity in the applicants’ pool, GRE scores thus became acceptable. At present, more than 1000 MBA programs across the world accept GRE scores.

Different, Yet Similar

Now, what are the differences and similarities between GMAT and GRE? How will you, as an applicant, choose between the two?

GMAT has four sections. Namely, a 30-minute Analytic section with one essay, a 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section, a 75-minute Quantitative section and a 75- minute Verbal section.

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The GRE has a 60-minute Analytical Writing section – with two essays at 30 minutes each. There is a Verbal Reasoning section, also with two 30-minute parts. There are two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections. There is also a 30-35 minute experimental section that can be either math or verbal.

The math section in GMAT is considered more difficult as it includes data sufficiency rather than the quantitative comparison in the GRE. The GMAT interface does not allow candidates to switch between sections. You must answer each question in one section before proceeding to the next.

The verbal section is considered easier because the questions are related to grammar. GRE lays more accent on testing the vocabulary.

In GMAT, it is possible to skip several questions and still get a top score. This is because of the Computer-adaptive test (CAT) algorithm that determines the difficulty level of the questions depending on your response. This is available in the Quantitative and Verbal sections.

The overall, or composite, GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments.

In comparison to GMAT, GRE maths section is easier due to quantitative questions instead of data sufficiency. The interface allows you to go back and forward, making it much easier to use. You are also allowed to use a calculator.

The verbal section will be tougher due to a large number of vocabulary-based questions. Another point to note is that mistakes can prove more costly in GRE, especially in math. Verbal and Quantitative scores are from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments.

GRE test fee is $195 and GMAT $250.

Choose Your Option

Now comes the question of which one is the best option for you? First of all, you have to do some research to see if the b-schools you intend to apply accept GMAT or GRE scores.

You could take both as practice tests and see if your percentile scores vary greatly. If they do not, then you could opt for the test you feel more comfortable with.

But remember that both GRE and GMAT are difficult tests and involves a lot of preparations for which you should devote at least six months. Practice tests are available in the open market as well as with the test administrators that would give you an idea of your progress and scope for improvement in weak areas.