GMAT vs GRE: Know the difference and which test is right for you

The GMAT and the GRE test can be important elements of your application for studying abroad. These tests enable the reviewer at your university/ college to easily compare applications. Given the sheer magnitude of applications that top universities receive for their popular programs, you can see why such tests are an integral part of the application. Using GRE/ GMAT scores to evaluate applications is good news for students because it is a fair and objective way to measure students who have applied to the same course at the same university. But how do these two tests compare with each other? How different are they, and is one easier than the other to do? Let’s delve deeper and find out.

What are the GRE and GMAT tests?

Let’s start with the basics and begin with an introduction to both the tests.

GRE: The Graduate Record Examination evaluates your abstract thinking ability in areas like mathematics, vocabulary, and analytical writing. Many graduate schools overseas depend heavily on GRE scores to determine if the applicant is ready for their program.

The GRE score gives the Grad school a simple tool to compare applications from international students. While the GMAT is the preferred business school test, some also accept GRE scores for applications. Some law schools accept GRE scores instead of the LSAT.

GRE is a computer adaptive test (CAT), and the structure is extremely student friendly. That means when you take the test, you can complete the questions you know for sure in a section, skip over others, and then double back to them at the end. You also have the flexibility to go back and change answers within a section.  The Analytical Writing section comes first, and other sections may appear in any order.

GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test has been around for more than five decades and is the entrance test for business schools. Business programs usually have a significant amount of quantitative and analytical work, and the GMAT test evaluates how ready you are to take this on. Most business schools, especially the top-rated ones, prefer the GMAT test over other entrance test scores.

In the last months of 2023 and early 2024, the GMAT test and the GMAT Focus edition were both offered. From July 2024 onwards, the Focus edition is the only test available, and the term GMAT refers to this version.

If you want to study an MBA or any business program, your application must include your GMAT test scores.

In fact, including your GMAT scores can give you a better chance of getting accepted and receiving a scholarship. Business programs usually have a significant amount of quantitative and analytical work, and the GMAT test evaluates how ready you are to take this on.

GMAT vs GRE

Students often think that the tests are interchangeable, and they can do either, irrespective of what they wish to study. While there are some similarities, the tests have too many significant differences to ignore.

Structure of the tests

Computer adaptive aspects

GRE: The test is computer-adaptive. In the segments where two sets of questions appear, the difficulty level of set two hinges on how well you perform with set one. If you succeed with set one, you get harder questions, allowing you to score higher. Since it is section-wise adaptive, you can switch back and forth within a section to correct answers or answer them in random order.

GMAT: The GMAT test’s Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning sections are computer-adaptive but only at a question level. So, if you answer the question correctly in a section, this answer, along with previous answers, is factored in to determine how difficult your next question is. For example, if your first answer is wrong, your second question is easier. If your first answer is correct, the next question is slightly tougher.  By the time you complete the section, the computer can evaluate your strengths on the section topic. Since the sections are question-level computer-adaptive, you cannot change your answers or go about them in random order. This is one major difference between the GMAT and GRE tests.

Scoring

GRE: The GRE test scoring comes in three sections to match the structure of the test itself. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are scored between 130 and 170. The Analytical Writing part is scored between 0 and 6. The final GRE score combines the first two and yields a score between 260 and 340. The score for Analytical Writing is given separately.

GMAT: All three sections of the Focus edition are scored between 60 and 90. Your final GMAT score will end in a five and range between 205 and 805. There is a penalty for leaving sections incomplete, so practice enough so you answer all of them within the time limit.

Acceptance

Your GRE and GMAT scores are both valid for five years. While business schools primarily accept GMAT scores, GRE scores help you if you want to study higher in other areas apart from management. A few business schools also accept the GRE. Choose the right exam given what kind of program you want to enrol in.

This also brings us to the question: Which should I take-the GRE or GMAT?

As already discussed, the first point here is to decide whether to apply to business/ management programs or other subjects as well. Apart from this:

• Students good with numbers and quantitative analysis can score well on the GRE. Those who are not as skilled can seriously consider the GMAT, which tends to prioritize verbal reasoning in this section rather than numbers.
• If you tend to get very anxious during exams, especially when you encounter a tough question, choose the GRE. In this test, you can skip over tough questions, complete those you are confident about and return to the tough ones when you feel surer of yourself. GMAT does not allow you this flexibility.

The GMAT and GRE may seem like similar tests, but this isn't accurate. They have very different purposes, and the exams are designed to fulfil those very closely. If the GMAT test content aims to measure your skills and determine if you have what it takes to succeed in a business school program, the GRE does not confine itself to evaluating any one area of study. This is why you should take the test your school/ university/ college specifies to have a seamless application process and maximise your chances of acceptance.