GMAT vs GRE: Which Test is Right for You?
More than 1,200 MBA programs now accept scores from the GMAT or GRE for business school admissions, and that means more options for you. Before you decide which test to take, research the business schools you're interested in and find out if they will accept GRE scores instead of GMAT scores. Compare the differences between the GMAT and the GRE exam content and structure below.
The GMAT changed on April 16, 2018. The Quantitative Reasoning Section dropped from 37 questions in 75 minutes to 31 questions in 62 minutes. The Verbal Reasoning Section dropped from 41 questions in 75 minutes to 36 questions in 65 minutes. GMAC has elected to reduce overall exam time from 4 hours to 3.5 hours (including breaks and instructions) by reducing the number of unscored questions used for research on the exam.
GMAT vs. GRE Structure & Scoring
| GRE | GMAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Why Take It | The test is required for admission to most graduate schools and a growing number of business schools. | The test is required for admission to most business schools. |
| Test Structure | The GRE consists of a 60-minute Analytical Writing section - with two essays at 30 minutes each. There are two 30-minute Verbal Reasoning sections. There are two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections. There's also a 30-35 minute experimental section that can be either math or verbal. | The GMAT consists of a 30-minute Analytical Writing section with one essay, a 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section, a 62-minute Quantitative section and a 65-minute Verbal section. |
| Test Format | Offered as a computer adaptive by section exam. Paper version only offered in areas of the world where computer-delivered testing is not available. | The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test. |
| How It's Scored | Verbal and Quantitative scores from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. | The overall, or composite, GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments. |
| Cost | $205 | $250 |
| Testing Time | 3.75 hours (Computer) -- 3.5 hours (Paper) | 3.5 hours |
| How Long Are Scores Valid For? | 5 years | 5 years |
GMAT vs GRE Scores for MBA Programs
Admissions trends are showing that business schools are looking for applicants with more than just a business background, and that means that the GMAT is not the only test in the game anymore. Since the GMAT and the GRE are completely different tests, comparing scores on the two is like comparing apples to oranges. ETS (the folks who administer the GRE) and GMAC (the folks who administer the GMAT) both use comparison tools to put student’s scores into perspective, but many MBA programs use the ETS comparison tool as a benchmark. To get the most out of your score and your application, you should research your chosen schools to see what score ranges they require for admission. Use our business school search to research the MBA programs on your list.
Which test is easier: GRE or GMAT?
In general, the GMAT suits those who have strong quantitative and analytical skills, who also excel at interpreting data presented in charts, tables, and text to solve complex problems. The GRE math section tends to be more straightforward and, unlike the GMAT, includes a calculator for all quantitative problems. Strong editors may gravitate to the GMAT’s verbal section while test-takers with strong vocabularies may prefer the GRE. Both tests have their “oddball” question types—Quantitative Comparison on the GRE and Data Sufficiency on the GMAT—that will take some prep to get used to.
How do I choose?
The best way to determine whether the GMAT or GRE is better suited to your abilities is to get your feet wet with a practice test for each exam. Getting into business school is competitive and you don't want to take an actual GRE or GMAT sight unseen. We offer full-length computer-adaptive diagnostic tests for both the GRE and the GMAT.
Take a Free GMAT Practice Test
No matter which test you decide to take, you'll need to prepare if you want to get a score that admissions officers can’t ignore. We have prep options for both the GMAT and GRE to ensure you get the best score possible.
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