GRE vs GMAT: Which Should You Take?

The GRE and GMAT are two of the most widely accepted standardized tests for graduate school admissions, but how do you know which one is the right choice for you? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between the GRE and GMAT, including their structure, content, and use in the admissions process. By understanding these differences, you can make an informed decision about which exam is best for your graduate school aspirations.

1. What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test used for admissions to graduate schools worldwide. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, and is accepted by a wide range of programs, including those in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and business fields.

GRE Structure

The GRE consists of three main sections:

  • Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems involving arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
  • Analytical Writing: Assesses your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively in writing, through two tasks: "Analyze an Issue" and "Analyze an Argument."

GRE Scoring

The GRE is scored on the following scale:

  • Verbal Reasoning: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
  • Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
  • Analytical Writing: 0–6 (in half-point increments)

Popular GRE Use

While the GRE is used for a wide range of graduate programs, it is especially common for applicants to non-business fields such as science, engineering, arts, and social sciences. Many top business schools also accept the GRE in lieu of the GMAT.

2. What is the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized test specifically designed for admissions to business schools, primarily for MBA programs. It evaluates your analytical, quantitative, verbal, and writing skills in the context of business-related scenarios.

GMAT Structure

The GMAT is divided into four main sections:

  • Analytical Writing Assessment: One essay, "Analyze an Argument," tests your ability to critique an argument and communicate your analysis effectively.
  • Integrated Reasoning: Assesses your ability to analyze data and solve complex problems, often involving multiple types of information.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Measures your ability to solve problems involving mathematical concepts such as algebra, arithmetic, and geometry.
  • Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to evaluate and analyze written material, including sentence correction, reading comprehension, and critical reasoning questions.

GMAT Scoring

The GMAT is scored as follows:

  • Total Score: 200-800 (combination of the Quantitative and Verbal sections)
  • Analytical Writing Assessment: 0-6 (in half-point increments)
  • Integrated Reasoning: 1-8 (in 1-point increments)

Popular GMAT Use

The GMAT is specifically used by business schools and is widely recognized as the standard test for MBA program applicants. If you are planning to apply to business school, especially for an MBA, the GMAT is often the preferred test.

3. Key Differences Between the GRE and GMAT

While both tests evaluate your academic and analytical abilities, they differ in several important areas:

Test Focus

The GRE is a more general test that assesses a broad range of skills, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The GMAT, on the other hand, is focused on skills most relevant to business, such as analytical writing, integrated reasoning, and quantitative problem-solving.

Test Structure and Content

The GRE has a separate section for analytical writing, while the GMAT combines both the verbal and quantitative sections with integrated reasoning, which focuses on interpreting data. The GMAT also includes a unique Integrated Reasoning section, which has no counterpart in the GRE.

Scoring and Percentiles

The GRE has separate scores for each section (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing), while the GMAT gives you a total score that combines your verbal and quantitative scores. Both tests use a percentile ranking system, but the score scales and interpretations differ. A score of 600 on the GMAT might be considered competitive for many business schools, whereas a 160 on the GRE in either section might be competitive for a top graduate program.

Acceptance

The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, including business schools. However, the GMAT is primarily accepted by business schools, especially for MBA programs. Some business schools now accept the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT, so it is worth checking the requirements of your target programs.

4. Which Test Should You Take?

Choosing between the GRE and GMAT depends largely on your graduate school goals and program requirements:

  • If you’re applying to business school: If you are focused on MBA programs, the GMAT may be your best option. However, if your target business school accepts the GRE, and you are more comfortable with the GRE format, that could be a good alternative.
  • If you’re applying to non-business graduate programs: The GRE is the more widely accepted test for programs in the humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
  • If you want flexibility: If you want to keep your options open and possibly apply to both business and non-business programs, the GRE might be the better choice as it is accepted by both types of programs.

5. Preparation for the GRE vs GMAT

Both exams require thorough preparation, but there are differences in how you should approach studying for each test:

GRE Preparation

Focus on improving your verbal reasoning and quantitative reasoning skills. Since the GRE emphasizes vocabulary, reading comprehension, and problem-solving, you should practice working with difficult reading passages and brush up on basic math concepts. Analytical writing practice is also essential, so spend time writing essays and analyzing arguments.

GMAT Preparation

GMAT preparation emphasizes both verbal and quantitative reasoning, as well as integrated reasoning and analytical writing. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the unique Integrated Reasoning section, which tests your ability to analyze complex data. Time management is crucial, as the GMAT is known for its difficulty and time constraints.

6. Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to take the GRE or GMAT depends on your academic goals and which test is more suited to your strengths. Both exams are important for graduate admissions, and preparing for either one can lead to success with the right strategy. Be sure to research the requirements of the programs you're applying to and choose the exam that best aligns with your career aspirations.