GMAT Vs GRE: What are the Key Differences?
GMAT vs GRE: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are two prominent standardized tests used for graduate school admissions. The GMAT is primarily aimed at business school applicants, especially for MBA programs, while the GRE caters to a wider array of graduate programs, including arts, sciences, and engineering. Understanding their differences is crucial for choosing the right test based on your academic and career goals.
When considering the pursuit of graduate-level education, especially in the field of business, two standardized assessments are invariably considered: the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). While both exams facilitate matriculation into advanced academic programs, they differ in topical substance and ultimate objective. This blog, as a thorough analysis, demonstrates the principal differentiations between the GMAT and GRE to facilitate an informed decision regarding the assessment that most effectively corresponds to an individual’s scholastic and vocational ambitions.
GMAT vs GRE: Test Structure and Sections
Both tests assess verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills, but their structures differ:
- GMAT:
Section Number of Questions Time Allotted Question Types Quantitative Reasoning 21 45 minutes Problem-solving questions covering arithmetic and algebra. Verbal Reasoning 23 45 minutes Critical reasoning and reading comprehension questions. Data Insights 20 45 minutes Multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, two-part analysis, and data sufficiency. - GRE:
Section Number of Questions Allotted Time Analytical Writing 1 task 30 minutes Verbal Reasoning 2 sections: Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questionsSection 1: 18 minutes
Section 2: 23 minutesQuantitative Reasoning 2 sections: Section 1: 12 questions
Section 2: 15 questionsSection 1: 21 minutes
Section 2: 26 minutes
The GRE has two sections, verbal and quantitative, potentially offering more flexibility in pacing, while the GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning section is unique to business school assessments.
Read More: GMAT Syllabus
GRE Syllabus
GMAT vs GRE: Content
| Component | GMAT | GRE |
| Sections | – Quantitative Reasoning
– Verbal Reasoning – Data Insights |
– Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)
– Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections) – Analytical Writing |
| Quantitative Focus | Emphasizes data analysis and problem-solving relevant to business contexts | Covers a range of mathematical concepts, including geometry and data interpretation |
| Verbal Focus | Tests grammar, sentence correction, and critical reasoning | Emphasizes vocabulary and reading comprehension |
| Unique Question Types | Data Sufficiency questions assess the ability to determine the sufficiency of information | Quantitative Comparison questions require comparing two quantities |
Read More: How hard is the GMAT? Do GMAT classes make it easier to score well?
GMAT vs GRE: Cost and Availability
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) typically has a higher examination fee than the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). It is administered throughout the year at authorized testing facilities worldwide.
Conversely, the GRE is generally associated with a lower examination fee than the GMAT. It is offered at many testing centers globally, and flexible scheduling options are available.
GMAT vs GRE: Recent Trends and School Acceptance
More business schools are accepting the GRE, giving students flexibility, but the GMAT remains preferred for MBA programs. Always check specific school requirements, as some non-business programs may take the GMAT.
Tables for Clarity
Here is a table summarizing key differences:
| Feature | GMAT | GRE |
| Purpose | Primarily for MBA and business school admissions | Accepted for a wide range of graduate programs, including business, law, and other disciplines |
| Total Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Sections | – Quantitative Reasoning (21 Q, 45 min) – Verbal Reasoning (23 Q, 45 min) – Data Insights (20 Q, 45 min) | – Quantitative Reasoning (27 Q, 47 min) – Verbal Reasoning (27 Q, 41 min) – Analytical Writing (1 essay, 30 min) |
| Question Types | Problem-solving, data sufficiency, critical reasoning, reading comprehension, multi-source reasoning, graphical data interpretation | Multiple-choice, text completion, sentence equivalence, quantitative comparisons, analytical writing |
| Computer Adaptiveness | Section-level adaptiveness (questions adjusted based on performance) | Section-level adaptiveness (performance in the first section determines the difficulty of the second) |
| Use of Calculator | Not allowed for Quantitative section | Allowed for the Quantitative section |
| Test Flexibility | Choose section order before starting the test | Fixed section order (AWA → Verbal → Quant) |
| Accepted By | Business schools worldwide (preferred for MBA programs) | Business schools, law schools, and other graduate programs worldwide |
| Cost | $300 | $220 |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Difficulty Level | Focused on business-related skills, requires strong data analysis skills | More balanced between verbal and quant skills, suitable for a variety of graduate programs |
Another table for school acceptance:
| Type of School | Preferred Test | Alternative |
| Business Schools | GMAT | GRE (increasingly accepted) |
| Non-Business Graduate | GRE | GMAT (rare) |
Read More: Mistakes To Avoid on The GRE Exam
GMAT vs GRE: Choosing Between
When deciding which examination to undertake, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
- Program Admission Requirements: You must thoroughly research the admission criteria of your desired academic institutions. Certain business programs may give preference for or mandate the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), while others may accept either the GMAT or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
- Professional Objectives: If you definitively aspire to pursue a career in business management, the GMAT may be a more suitable choice. Conversely, for individuals contemplating a diverse array of graduate programs, the GRE offers a broader scope of application.
- Individual Aptitudes: Assess your competency in the subjects evaluated by each examination. Engaging in practice assessments for both examinations can furnish valuable insights into which test more closely corresponds with your skill set.
Read More: ISB GMAT cut-off 2024: Admission, Fee Structure, Good GMAT Score
GMAT vs GRE: Conclusion
The GMAT and GRE differ significantly in purpose, structure, and content, with the GMAT focusing on business skills and the GRE offering broader applicability. By understanding these differences, students can choose the test that best aligns with their goals, ensuring they meet the requirements of their target programs.
GMAT vs GRE: FAQs
What is the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?
The GMAT and GRE are both standardized tests used for graduate school admissions. The GMAT is primarily used for business school admissions, while the GRE is accepted by a wider range of graduate programs.
How do the GMAT and GRE differ in structure?
The GMAT has three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights. The GRE has three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Which test should I take?
The best test for you depends on your academic and career goals. If you are applying to business school, the GMAT is the preferred test. If you are applying to a non-business graduate program, the GRE is the more common choice.
How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?
Both GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years.