GMAT vs GRE: Choosing the Best Test for Your Future

What Are the GMAT and GRE?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are standardized tests commonly used as part of the admissions process for graduate programs. Both tests claim to assess skills and abilities that are deemed essential for success in post-graduate studies. However, the specific skills they test, their format, and the types of programs that accept them differ.

The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test specifically designed to assess quantitative, verbal, integrated reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is primarily used for admission to MBA programs in the US and MBA programs in Canada, though other countries use it as well. It is recognized by more than 7,000 business programs worldwide. The GMAT is typically taken by individuals seeking to pursue a career in business, finance, or management.

Wondering if you should go to grad school? Watch this video:

The GRE, on the other hand, is used for admission to a broader range of graduate programs, including arts, sciences, engineering, and humanities. It is accepted by thousands of graduate schools around the world. The GRE is offered in two formats: the General Test and the Subject Tests. The General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, while the Subject Tests evaluate your knowledge in specific fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Literature in English, and Psychology.

Choosing between the GMAT and GRE depends on the specific requirements of the programs you're interested in, your career goals, and your individual strengths and preferences. So let’s dive into the investigation of which test is best for your future!

Differences and Similarities between the GMAT vs GRE

When considering graduate school or business school, you may find yourself deciding between the GMAT and GRE exams. But what is on the GRE? What's on the GMAT? Understanding the differences and similarities between these two tests is crucial to determining which one aligns better with your career goals, preferred programs, and test-taking strengths

Differences 

Similarities:

• Skills Tested: Both the GMAT and GRE assess the same core skill sets, namely quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills. However, the way they test these skills can vary.
• Computer-Based: Both exams are primarily administered in a computer-based format. This format allows for features like computer-adaptive testing in the GMAT and section-adaptive testing in the GRE. However, the GRE also offers a paper-based version in areas where the computer-based version is unavailable.
• Score Validity: Scores are valid for five years from the GMAT test date or GRE test date. This provides flexibility for applicants in planning their admissions timeline.
• Preparation Resources: Both the GMAT and GRE have extensive preparation resources available, including official guides, practice tests, GMAT prep courses and GRE prep courses, and online resources. These resources are invaluable for test-takers looking to perform at their best on these exams.
• Global Availability: Both the GRE and GMAT are offered at test centers worldwide, making them accessible to students in various locations.

GMAT vs GRE: Which One Is Easier vs. Harder?

Deciding which test is easier or harder largely depends on the individual. However, some general differences may make one test more challenging than the other for certain test takers. Below, we have provided an outline of these differences and how they may impact test takers:

Strategy to Choose Between GMAT vs GRE

1. Understand Your Career Goals: Determine the graduate programs you are interested in and the type of degree you want to pursue. The GMAT is typically an MBA requirement, while the GRE is used for various graduate programs.
2. Research School Preferences: While many business schools accept both GRE scores and GMAT scores, some schools may have a preference. Research the admissions requirements for each program you are considering to understand what they are looking for. Remember that there are MBA programs that do not require the GMAT and grad school programs do not require the GRE.
3. Assess Your Skills: Both the GMAT and GRE test quantitative, verbal, and analytical writing skills, but they do so in different ways. Take a practice test for each exam to understand which test format better aligns with your strengths and weaknesses. Remember, the GMAT is more algebra-intensive and requires strong analytical reasoning skills, while the GRE is more vocabulary-intensive and requires stronger reading comprehension skills.
4. Consider Test Logistics: Evaluate the test locations and availability for both exams. The GRE is offered more frequently and in more locations worldwide than the GMAT.
5. Evaluate Costs: The GMAT and GRE have registration fees but differ in cost. Consider your budget when deciding which test to take. Remember to factor in the cost of study materials and any necessary test prep courses.
6. Take a Diagnostic Test: Take a full-length practice test for the GMAT and GRE to understand your baseline score for each exam. This will help you understand how much you need to improve and which areas you need to focus on.
7. Consider Retaking: Both tests allow you to retake them if you're unsatisfied with your score. However, the policies differ. For the GMAT, you must wait 16 days before retaking the test, and you can take the test up to five times in a rolling 12-month period. For the GRE, you can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within a rolling 12-month period.
8. Talk to Current Students or Alumni: Speak with students or alumni of the programs you are considering to gain insights into which test they took and why.
9. Consult a Career or Academic Advisor: If you're unsure which test is right for you, consult a graduate school admissions consultant or MBA admissions consulting service. They can provide guidance on which test may be more suitable for your goals and skills.
10. Preparation Time: Consider how long GMAT is and how long GRE is and how much time you have to prepare for the test. If you have a strong vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, you may find it easier to prepare for the GRE. If you have strong analytical reasoning and algebra skills, the GMAT may be easier for you to prepare for.

Programs That Accept the GMAT and GRE

Understanding which programs accept the GMAT or GRE is crucial when considering graduate school. In this section, we'll explore the types of programs that typically accept each exam, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your academic and career goals.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is specifically designed to assess the analytical, quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning skills necessary for success in a business context. As a result, it is widely accepted by business schools and is often required for MBA program admission. Here are some types of programs that typically accept or require the GMAT:

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is used for admission to various graduate and professional programs. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills that are critical for success in any graduate program. Here are some types of programs that typically accept the GRE:

Test-Taking Strategies for the GMAT and GRE

When preparing for the GMAT or GRE, it's essential to have a solid test-taking strategy to maximize your chances of achieving a high score. Here are some strategies that can help you figure out how to study for the GRE and the GMAT:

1. Understand the Format: Get familiar with the structure, types of GRE and GMAT questions, and timing of each section. Practice with official test prep materials to get a feel for the actual exam environment.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured GRE test prep or GMAT prep plan tailored to your needs and timeframe. Set specific, measurable goals and track your progress over time. Include regular practice tests to gauge your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
3. Work on Time Management: Time management is critical, especially in computer-adaptive tests like the GMAT and section-adaptive tests like the GRE. Practice pacing yourself, and ensure you have time to answer all questions within the allocated time limits.
4. Practice Process of Elimination: On multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer.
5. Focus on Your Weaknesses: Allocate more study time to the most challenging sections. Seek additional resources to address these areas, like targeted practice problems or tutoring.
6. Don't Overlook Analytical Writing: While the quantitative and verbal sections often get the most attention, don't neglect the analytical writing section. Practice writing essays under time constraints and review sample responses to understand what scorers look for in high-quality essays.
7. Develop Critical Reasoning Skills: Both tests assess your critical reasoning abilities. Practice analyzing complex information, drawing logical conclusions, and evaluating arguments.
8. Simulate Test Day Conditions: Take practice tests in a quiet environment, free of distractions, and under actual test conditions. This will help you become more comfortable with the format and time constraints, making you better prepared for the actual test day.
9. Review and Learn from Mistakes: After taking practice tests, review your answers to understand why you got certain questions wrong. Analyzing your mistakes will help you recognize patterns and improve your performance.
10. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Well-being: Prioritize self-care during your test preparation. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and take breaks when needed. Managing stress and staying focused will be key to performing your best on test day.

Retaking the GMAT or GRE

Deciding whether to retake the GMAT or GRE can be a tough decision. Here are some scenarios in which it might be advisable to retake one of the exams, some information on how schools view multiple test scores, how often you can retake each test, and strategies for improving your scores on a retake.

When to Retake

1. Score Below Target Range: If your score falls significantly below the average scores of admitted students at your target programs, it might be beneficial to retake the test.
2. Unsatisfied with Performance: If you feel that your test scores do not reflect your true abilities or potential, it might be worth considering a retake.
3. Improvement in Test Prep: If you have made substantial progress in your test preparation since the last test, it might make sense to retake the test to showcase your improvements.
4. Significant Test-Day Issues: If you had a bad test day due to illness, excessive stress, or other unexpected issues, you might want to consider retaking the test.

How Schools View Multiple Scores

Most business schools and graduate programs consider the highest score when evaluating applicants, but they typically have access to all your scores from the past five years. While a higher score on a retake can demonstrate perseverance and the ability to improve, too many retakes might raise questions about your judgment or test-taking skills.

Retake Limits

• For the GMAT, you can retake the test up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, with a 16-day waiting period between attempts.
• For the GRE, you can take the test once every 21 days, up to five times within a continuous 12-month period.

Strategies for Improving Retake Scores

1. Analyze Your Previous Performance: Review your previous test to identify areas of weakness. Understand the types of questions you missed and why you missed them.
2. Adjust Your Study Plan: Based on your analysis, adjust your study plan to focus more on your weak areas. If you struggled with time management, practice pacing yourself on timed sections.
3. Use Official Resources: Use official test prep resources to understand better the types of questions that appear on the test and practice under realistic conditions.
4. Seek Help: If you're struggling with certain concepts or sections, consider hiring a GMAT tutor or joining a GMAT prep course.
5. Practice More: Take more practice tests to build your stamina and get comfortable with the test format and timing.
6. Address Test Anxiety: If test anxiety affected your performance, learn relaxation techniques, practice mindfulness, or seek professional help.
7. Improve Test-Day Strategies: Develop strategies for guessing, skipping difficult questions, and managing your time effectively during the test.

Conclusion

Deciding between the GMAT vs GRE can be a pivotal moment in your academic and professional journey. While both tests share some similarities, their differences in format, focus, and usage in admissions processes are significant. Before deciding, it's essential to thoroughly consider your academic goals, program preferences, and individual strengths and weaknesses. Remember that your choice can influence not only your admissions prospects but also your future career opportunities. Regardless of which test you choose, dedicating ample time to preparation and employing effective test-taking strategies will be crucial to achieving a competitive score. Whichever path you choose, investing your time and effort in the process will set you up for success in your future endeavors.

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Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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