GRE vs GMAT
For students who want to pursue a graduate degree in business, the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are the two most common standardized tests used by graduate schools to assess their applicants’ academic ability. While both exams test for similar skills, there are some differences that prospective students should consider when deciding which test to take.
Test Format
One of the most noticeable differences between the GRE and GMAT is their test format. The GRE has three sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section consists of two essays, while the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections consist of multiple-choice questions. The GMAT also has three sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of one essay, while the other three sections consist of multiple-choice questions.
Content
While both exams test for similar skills, there are some content differences. The GRE tests for vocabulary and verbal reasoning, while the GMAT focuses more on grammar and sentence structure. The GMAT also includes a section on Integrated Reasoning, which tests the ability to analyze complex data sets and use critical thinking skills. The GRE does not have this section.
Scoring
Both the GRE and GMAT use a scoring scale of 200-800 for their Verbal and Quantitative sections, with a total score range of 400-1600. However, the scoring scale for the Analytical Writing section is different between the two tests. The GRE scores the Analytical Writing section on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments, while the GMAT scores the Analytical Writing Assessment on a scale of 0-6 in one-point increments.
Acceptance
The GMAT is more commonly used by business schools, while the GRE is accepted by a wider range of graduate programs. However, some top business schools now accept both exams, giving students more options when it comes to selecting a test.
Test-Taking Experience
While the content and scoring of the GRE and GMAT differ, the test-taking experience is similar for both exams. Both are computer-adaptive tests, meaning the difficulty of the questions increases or decreases based on the student’s answers. Both exams also offer test-takers the ability to cancel their scores if they do not feel satisfied with their performance on test day.
Overall, the decision to take the GRE or GMAT depends on the individual’s strengths and the requirements of the graduate programs they are applying to. Students who feel more confident in their verbal reasoning and vocabulary skills may prefer the GRE, while those who excel in data analysis and critical thinking may prefer the GMAT. It’s important to research the requirements of individual graduate programs and take practice tests for both exams to determine which test is the best fit for you.
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FAQ’s
Here are some frequently asked questions about the GRE and GMAT exams:
What is the difference between the GRE vs GMAT?
The GRE is a general graduate school entrance exam that tests a student’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The GMAT is specifically designed for students who are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in business and tests their analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal skills.
Which exam should I take?
The decision to take the GRE or GMAT depends on the individual’s strengths and the requirements of the graduate programs they are applying to. Students who feel more confident in their verbal reasoning and vocabulary skills may prefer the GRE, while those who excel in data analysis and critical thinking may prefer the GMAT. It’s important to research the requirements of individual graduate programs and take practice tests for both exams to determine which test is the best fit for you.
How long are the GRE and GMAT exams?
The GRE exam lasts for 3 hours and 45 minutes, while the GMAT lasts for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
How is the GRE scored?
The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, with a total score range of 260-340. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments.
Can I take the GRE or GMAT more than once?
Yes, you can take the GRE or GMAT multiple times, but there are certain limitations on how frequently you can take them. The GRE can be taken once every 21 days, up to five times in a year. The GMAT can be taken once every 16 calendar days, up to five times in a year.
Do all graduate schools accept both the GRE and GMAT?
While the GMAT is more commonly used by business schools, the GRE is accepted by a wider range of graduate programs. However, it’s important to research the requirements of individual graduate programs to determine which exam they prefer or accept.
