Students who want to get a master's degree abroad often have to choose between the GMAT and the GRE. This is especially true for programs like MIM, MBA, MSBA, or even Economics and Public Policy. Hundreds of top schools will accept either test, but the best one for you depends on your program, career goals, and strengths.
We'll go over the main differences in this blog and help you choose the test that is best for you.
1. What is the GMAT?
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is a test for people who want to go to business school. It tests your ability to write analytically, reason logically, use numbers, and speak clearly.
Since February 1, 2024, the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) is the primary version available. This edition boasts a shorter, more efficient, and flexible exam format.
Highlights:
● Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes, including one optional 10-minute break.
● Sections: Three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights.
● Question Types: All sections consist of multiple-choice questions. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections are computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance.
● Score Range: Total scores range from 205 to 805, in 10-point increments. Sectional scores (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights) range from 60 to 90, in 1-point increments.
● Flexibility: You can choose the order in which you tackle the sections.
● Review and Edit: The GMAT Focus Edition includes a "Question Review & Edit" tool, enabling you to review answers within each section and edit up to three responses per section.
● Score Validity: Scores are valid for five years from the exam date.
● Retake Policy: You can retake the GMAT once every 16 days, up to five times within a 12-month period, and a maximum of eight times in your lifetime.
2. What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a more general test that many graduate programs accept, including those in business, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.
It has verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, and most top business schools in the US, UK, and Europe accept it.
3. Important Differences: Scoring and Format
• GMAT Total Score: 200–800 (only Quant and Verbal) | GMAT FOCUS Total Score 205-80(Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights)
• Total GRE Score: 260–340 (Verbal and Quant combined)
• The GMAT changes based on the question, while the GRE changes based on the section.
• GRE verbal tests your vocabulary more than GMAT verbal tests your logic and grammar.
4. Which test is easier?
This depends on what you're good at:
• Are you good at grammar and reasoning? The GMAT might be easier.
• Want more flexibility and are good with words? It might be better to take the GRE.
• GRE math is thought to be a little easier but has more calculations.
5. Effects on Your Career
Some of the best companies and MBA recruiters know more about GMAT scores. But more and more schools are accepting the GRE, and it's not often seen as a bad thing.
6. College Choices
Always look at the schools you want to go to. Some European MIM programs still prefer the GMAT, but US and Canadian schools accept both equally.
For instance, GMAT is usually preferred by INSEAD, HEC Paris, and LBS, but US schools like MIT, Duke, and NYU will accept either.
7. The Final Decision: Which One Should You Pick?
• If you're 100% sure you want to work in business or management and want to get into the best MIM or MBA programs, take the GMAT.
• Take the GRE if you want more options or plan to apply to more master's programs.
In the end, your score is more important than the test. Choose the one that fits your strengths and goals.
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