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GMAT vs GRE, which one should you give?

Viral Vora

Viral Vora

Nov 30, 2022

7 mins read

GMAT vs GRE, which one should you give? Cover Image

Applicants have multiple options because over 1,200 MBA institutions now accept GMAT or GRE scores for business school applications. Find out whether the business schools you are interested in will get GRE rather than GMAT scores before choosing which test to take. Here are some of the significant differences between the two. 

What are GMAT and GRE?

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) administers the GMAT, a widely used test for admission to MBA programs and business schools. The exam gauges one’s capacity for critical analysis and reasoning, which are necessary for success in prestigious graduate business schools.

Numerous graduate institutions, including law and business schools, examine the GRE conducted by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) when deciding who gets into their programs. The exam will assess the candidate’s verbal and quantitative thinking, critical analysis, and analytical writing abilities.

Acceptance of GMAT and GRE

The GMAT is often used for business school admissions, whereas the GRE is acceptable for most graduate programs for majorly business and law schools. This is the main distinction between the two exams.

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FactorsGMATGRE
Who accepts it?Business schoolsMost graduate programs, mainly business and law schools
LocationOnline or at a testing centerOnline or at a testing center
Cost$275 or around ₹22,444$213 or ₹17384.42
Duration
3 hours and 7 mins, plus two additional 8-minute breaks
Three hours and 45 minutes, with a 10-minute break available.
SectionsIntegrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical WritingVerbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning
ValidityFive yearsFive years
ScoringThe total GMAT score, sometimes known as the composite score, runs from 200 to 800 in increments of 10.Verbal and quantitative scores in increments of 1 point from 130 to 170.

GMAT vs. GRE Format

1. GMAT Format

SectionsDurationNo. of tasks
Analytical Writing Assessment30 minutesOne essay analysis
Integrated Reasoning30 minutes12 MCQs
Quantitative62 minutes31 MCQs

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2. GRE Format

SectionsDurationNo. of tasks
Analytical Writing30 minutes1 statement analysis
Verbal Reasoning60 minutesTwo tasks (30 minutes each)

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3. GMAT vs. GRE scoring

A composite score is the most significant GMAT score you may earn. Your combined verbal and quantitative reasoning scores make up your composite score. Additionally, you will be given points for each segment. The scale for verbal and quantitative reasoning is 0 to 60, with each point worth one point. Scores for the Analytical Writing section range from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. Finally, the scale for the Integrated Reasoning portion is 1 to 8, with each point worth one. The range of your composite score is 200 to 800. In 10-point increments, the raw calculation is raised to a higher value in the Total Score range. There are no aggregate scores, and the results for the three sections are published independently on the GRE, unlike the GMAT. The scores for the Quantitative Reasoning section, which has a range of 130 to 170, and the Verbal Reasoning section, which has a range of 130 to 170, vary from 260 to 340. The Analytical Writing component of the GRE has a score range of 0 to 6 in half-point increments, just like the GMAT. Check to see if the program you’re applying to takes the essay score into account; some don’t.

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GMAT vs GRE, which is easier?

Comparatively speaking, the GRE’s quantitative section is usually more straightforward than the GMAT’s, and you can use a calculator. While the GMAT includes more logical reasoning problems, the GRE section often contains more geometry questions. Contrarily, the GMAT’s verbal component typically uses more challenging terminology than the GRE’s. Many test-takers see the GMAT oral component as being a little simpler.

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GMAT vs. GRE, which to choose?

A practice test for each exam is the best method to determine whether the GMAT or GRE is more appropriate for your capabilities. It is advised to select the GRE if your strength is in the liberal arts and you struggle with math. The GMAT’s math is much more challenging than the GRE. A candidate with weak arithmetic skills is predicted to score 44 on the GMAT and 163–166 on the GRE. The GRE is more predominant in the score evaluation. It is advised to take GRE if you believe the logical difficulties are unclear. Suppose you excel in logic and math subjects and enjoy problem-solving. It is recommended to take the GMAT. It can be challenging for someone who is emotionally volatile to maintain mental clarity and stick to their ideas when answering several GMAT questions. You might want to think about taking an admission exam even if you’re applying to a school where tests are not required. High marks may help you exhibit your academic aptitude or help you become eligible for scholarships. If you decide not to include your GRE or GMAT results, pay extra attention to making the other parts of your application stand out.

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Viral Vora
Viral Vora

Viral Vora is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a platform that is building the world’s best study abroad experience. He is a graduate of IE Business School and KJSCE Vidyavihar. Viral is passionate about helping students achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

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