For most of you out here, GMAT might ring way more bells than GRE. Since international business education started gaining significance in India, students began grabbing every possible opportunity that would land them in a leading foreign B-School. Recently, the management education industry has introduced multiple alternatives of the standardized tests like GMAT due to the growing number of B-Schools and the competitive streak among them to outdo each other. One such test is GRE.
In this article, we would try to shed some light on the GRE vs. GMAT analysis, evaluate the opinions of institutes about both the entrance examinations and find out how exactly they evaluate a candidate based on their GRE scores in place of GMAT.
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The purpose of both GMAT and GRE is to fetch admissions into business graduate schools. While most institutes around the world accept the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) as a measure of the candidate's caliber for graduate-level target programs and master-level programs, GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is strictly meant to assert a candidate’s admission to business schools for MBA programs.
Before we begin, something that should be considered is that in case of a focused decision to pursue an MBA, you should steer in favor of GMAT much more than GRE. However, there might be schools which accept GRE scores as well, but the overall weightage would most probably trip in the favor of GMAT as most B Schools compare and convert the GRE scores in the context of GMAT using the ETS comparison tool. GMAT is seen as a sign of commitment to management programs.GRE on the other hand, is an appropriate option if you are thinking about pursuing a program at a later stage but want to give the examination right away. The scores for both GMAT and GRE lasts for five years but GRE scores would help a candidate opt for either B-Schools or non-management courses. However, in case you are looking to pursue dual degree programs, you need to perform a bit of the research. Some dual degree MBA programs require GRE scores in place of GMAT scores, in order to satisfy the admissions requirements of both programs.
GMAT and GRE are computer based methodized tests which do not require a special tier of manual administrators due to being “adaptive” in nature. By default, GMAT has been the preferred pick of most of the B-Schools round the world. However, an overall increasing number of students are opting for GRE in place of GMAT due to its broader reach and acceptance in maximum number of graduate schools for management as well as non-management programs which is beneficial for the candidate.
Interestingly, many premier B-schools now have started accepting GRE scores for admission into postgraduate programs.
As it has been a very short period since B-Schools have started accepting GRE scores, mostly top business schools have started converting GRE scores to GMAT to evaluate the candidate’s potential. The disparity between calculating the GRE score with respect to GMAT across universities could be an extra barrier to cross in the decision-making process of shortlisting the candidate. Let us break down the score conversion process of GRE to GMAT.
Discover which test is perfect for you - GRE or GMAT
When it comes to choosing between the GMAT and GRE for graduate school admission, it's essential to understand the scoring system of each test. The GMAT is scored on a scale of 200-800. The GRE, on the other hand, is scored on a scale of 130-170 for both the verbal and quantitative sections, and has a distinct score for Analytical Writing.
To help you understand the scoring system better, let's take a look at a comparison table of the GMAT and GRE scoring systems:
|
Differences |
GMAT Scoring Range |
GRE Scoring Range |
|
Verbal |
6-51 |
130-170 |
|
Quantitative |
6-51 |
130-170 |
|
Integrated Reasoning |
1-8 |
Not applicable |
|
Analytical Writing |
0-6 |
0-6 |
It is important to consider the scoring system of each test while choosing which one to take. Moreover, it's crucial to check with the specific graduate program to which you are applying to find out which test they require.
It is worth noting that, while both the GMAT and GRE are standardized tests used for admission to graduate school, they are typically associated with different types of programs. The GMAT is generally required for admission to MBA programs, as it focuses heavily on quantitative and analytical skills that are particularly relevant to business. In contrast, the GRE is more commonly required for admission to Master's programs, as it covers a wider range of topics, including quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing. Therefore, if you are specifically interested in pursuing an MBA, and have good math and analytical skills, the GMAT may be a better fit for you. However, if you have a broader range of academic strengths or are applying to a Master's program, the GRE may be a better choice. Nonetheless, it is always advisable to check the specific requirements of the programs you are interested in to make an informed decision.
To understand the GMAT exam pattern and guidelines in detail, visit GMAT Test Section
Get all your doubts cleared about the GMAT exam
Register for Free Demo ClassTo understand the GRE exam pattern and guidelines in detail, visit GRE Test Section
| Parameter | GMAT | GRE |
| Test Takers (2016 globally) | 2.61 lakhs | 5.84 lakhs |
| Test Cost | $250 | $190 |
| When can you give? | Year - around | Year - around |
| Mode of the test | Computer Adaptive Test | Computer Adaptive Test* |
| Time (Verbal Section) | 75 Minutes | 60 Minutes |
| Time (Quantitative Section) | 75 Minutes | 70 Minutes |
| Time (Other sections) |
|
|
| Total Time Duration | 3 Hrs. 30 Minutes | 3 Hrs. 45 Minutes |
| Score range | 200-800 | 260-340 |
| 90th percentile score | 700-710 | 326-328 |
GRE conducts paper-based exams in those parts of the world where computer adaptive test is not possible. This is done three times a year.
This is mainly a relative question which can only be answered by an aspirant who has marked an attendance for both the examinations. GMAT and GRE have some striking differences which can subside a candidate to choose either of the two tests. They access the caliber of the candidate in their own ways. Mainly, the difference can be evident if we compare the verbal section of both the papers. While GMAT is a core assessment of your conventional English grammar and critical reasoning, GRE focuses on strong academic vocabulary and rapid thinking skills. If you are well prepared for GMAT with your strong grammatical abilities, you are most likely to ace GRE with flying colors.
As for the quant section, GMAT has taken it up a notch in comparison to GRE as it focuses more on core problems of data sufficiency and data interpretation. GRE, on the other hand, can be a bit easy handed for quant where the examinees must solve basic mathematical questions related to quantitative comparison. Quantitative comparison is a section where examinees must determine which of the given columns represent the larger amount of data. Finally, GMAT has a new section, Integrated reasoning, which can be subjective to the test taker’s reasoning abilities.
You heard it right, there are companies that consider your GMAT scores at the time of shortlisting interviewees. They specifically pay attention to the verbal and the quant sections of GMAT and the subsequent scores of a candidate.
Consulting, financial, and other traditional MBA employers often ask for your GMAT scores and in case you have a passable GMAT score, they consider your application in comparison to another MBA from the same domain. It is always suggestable that you mention your GMAT scores in your resume, to help you score job interviews. As for GRE scorers, such opportunities are very rare since the examination emphasizes on graduate level programs more than business programs. Organizations do not see much of a reason to accept GRE scores while hiring employees and interns for managerial positions.
When it comes to pursuing an MBA, the decision to take either the GMAT or GRE is a major one. While both tests are widely accepted by some business schools, there are some key differences to consider before deciding which one to take. In this write-up, we'll explore why the GMAT may be the better choice for MBA admissions.
GMAT: Designed Specifically for Business School
One of the most significant differences between the GMAT and GRE is that the former is designed specifically for business school admissions. The GMAT exam has been around for decades and is trusted by top business schools around the world. This is because it is specifically validated to predict performance in the first year of an MBA program.
On the other hand, the GRE is a general graduate school exam that is accepted by a wide variety of non-business graduate programs. While some MBA programs do accept GRE scores, taking the GMAT communicates to business schools that you are committed to pursuing a degree in this field.
GMAT: Examines Relevant Business Skills
The GMAT exam is designed to measure skills that are highly relevant to success in a graduate business program and your future career in business. Each section of the GMAT is designed to target specific skills, such as analytical writing, critical reasoning, and data interpretation. Preparing for the GMAT not only helps you achieve your best score, but it also hones your skills and knowledge in these areas. This can give you a competitive edge in business school and in your future career.
GMAT: Potential Career Benefits
In addition to its use in admissions, the GMAT may also have career benefits. Some top-tier consulting firms and employers consider GMAT scores in their hiring process. Achieving a high GMAT score can demonstrate your strong analytical skills, critical thinking, and potential for success in a business environment.
Overall, the decision to take the GMAT or GRE for MBA admissions ultimately depends on your personal circumstances and goals. However, if you're specifically interested in pursuing an MBA or master's degree in business, the GMAT may be the better choice. Its focus on business-specific skills and validation for predicting performance in the first year of an MBA program can make it a more compelling choice for business schools.
In terms of the Quant section, the GMAT is generally considered to be more difficult than the GRE. The GMAT's Quantitative section tests problem-solving skills and often includes data sufficiency questions, which can be particularly challenging. The GRE's quantitative section is generally easier, but it does allow the use of a calculator, which is not permitted on the GMAT.
Both the GMAT and GRE exams include two quant sections; the GMAT Quant section consists of Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning sections. The GMAT Quant section has 31 questions, whereas the GRE hatand the GMAT exam pattern and guidelines is 40. The GMAT exam allows 62 minutes for the completion of the Quant section, whereas the GRE exam provides 60 minutes, with 30 minutes devoted to each of the two Quant sections. The score range for the GMAT Quant section is 0-60, while the GRE Quant score range is 130-170.
Ultimately, the decision of which exam to take will depend on your strengths, weaknesses, and the requirements of the specific programs you are applying to.
Ultimately, the decision of which exam to take will depend on your strengths, weaknesses, and the requirements of the specific programs you are applying to.
Remember, 'Test is just a part of your application"
Go for GMAT if you are strong in Quant, Logical Reasoning and Grammar.
Go for GRE if you typically do not favour Math, strong in Vocabulary and like writing essays.
Caution: Of course, you will have to first check with the college for acceptability of the test scores in
the first place!
The right test to take is what you feel would influence your future as a business professional, not the one you think you are more likely to crack.
All the best!