General Record Examination (GRE) Test and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are both standardized tests for admission in graduate schools. GRE is accepted by many graduate schools all over the world. On the other hand, the GMAT is accepted only by business schools across the globe. Let’s have a look at both GRE vs GMAT in detail.

GRE vs. GMAT: An Overview

GRE and GMAT are comparable as they both test the applicants in similar disciplines. Both the tests include Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning (Mathematics) portions.

The pattern in both the tests is, however, a little different.

Let us first have a look at a brief comparison:

  •       Time Duration: GRE is 3 hours and 45 minutes long whereas GMAT is 3 hours and 30 minutes long.
  •       Writing Questions: GRE contains 2 writing questions in the section of Analytical Writing whereas the GMAT has only one writing question.
  •       Number of Sections: GRE has a total of 6 sections (one of the sections is unscored and unidentified) whereas GMAT has 4 sections in total.
  •       Scoring: The score ranges of Verbal and Quantitative sections at GRE are 130-170 in a one-point increment. This makes the total score range 260-340. Whereas, GMAT composite score range is 200-800 with a 10-point increment.
  •       Cost: GRE costs you $205, whereas GMAT costs you $250.

Now, let’s have a look at all the portions of GRE vs GMAT in comparison.

Verbal

The GRE Verbal Reasoning portion consists of 2 sections. Each section has 20 multiple choice questions making a total of 40 questions. Participants get 30 minutes for each section. This portion focuses on reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.

Total Questions: 40

Total Time: 60 Minutes.

Score Range: 130 -170

On the other hand, the GMAT Verbal portion consists of one section only. The section consists of a total of 41 questions. Participants get 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete this portion. This portion focuses on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

Total Questions: 41

Total Time: 75 Minutes.

Score Range: 0 – 60.

Difficulty Level: The Verbal section of the GRE and the GMAT assess similar skills of the participants. However, the questions on the GRE Verbal are considered a little more challenging than those on the GMAT Verbal.

Quantitative

The GRE Quantitative Reasoning portion consists of two sections. Each section consists of 20 questions. Participants get 35 minutes to complete each section. This portion focuses on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Analysis.

Total Questions: 40.

Total Time: 70 Minutes.

Score Range: 130-170.

On the other hand, the GMAT Quantitative portion has two sections: Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning. There are a total of 49 questions (Quantitative: 37, Integrated Reasoning: 12). The total time given to the participants is 1 hour and 45 minutes (Quantitative: 75 minutes, Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes). The Quantitative section focuses on Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. The Integrated Reasoning section focuses on Multi-score Reasoning, Graphics Interpretation, Two-part Analysis, and Table Analysis.

Total Questions: 49 (37 + 12).

Total Time: 105 Minutes (75 + 30).

Score Range: 130-170.

Difficulty Level: The Quantitative section of the GMAT is a little more challenging than that of the GRE. That is because of the Data Sufficiency questions and the Integrated Reasoning section, which are not a part of the GRE Quant.

Writing

The GRE Analytical Writing portion has two sections. Each section has one writing question. In one question, the participants are asked to analyze an argument and in the other to analyze an issue. For each section, participants get 30 minutes.

Number of Questions: 2.

Total Time: 60 Minutes.

Score Range: 0-6.

The GMAT writing section consists of only one question. The question comprises the analysis of an argument. Participants get 30 minutes to complete the section.

Number of Questions: 1.

Total Time: 30 Minutes.

Score Range: 0-6.

Difficulty Level: The writing section on both GRE and GMAT are equal in terms of difficulty as the type of questions asked are exactly the same.

Business Schools

Most test takers applying to business schools submit their GMAT scores. However, 90% of the business schools accept GRE or GMAT scores. So which one should you go for, GMAT vs GRE, for MBA?

Even though most business schools accept both scores, 25% still prefer the GMAT score over the GRE score. That is because of the following two reasons:

  •       They believe that the GMAT Quant and Integrated Reasoning tests participants on the knowledge that is more closely related to the business schools’ disciplines.
  •       If an individual is explicitly taking the GMAT, he is sure about going to the business schools. This, they believe, shows his commitment to the field.

GRE to GMAT Score Conversion

There are certain tools available online for GMAT to GRE scaled score conversion and vice versa. 

The official GRE ETS website has one such converter (GRE to GMAT conversion) that you can access here which converts your total score: https://www.ets.org/gre/institutions/admissions/interpretation_resources/mba_comparison_tool?WT.ac=40361_owt06_180820

However, a sectional score converter may be more difficult to locate.

GRE vs GMAT: Which One to Register?

So if you are still perplexed about which test to take GRE or GMAT? Here is some guidance for you test takers. 

So, if you are sure to attend a business school, then you should definitely go for the GMAT.

However, if you wish to apply to business schools as well as others, you need to decide based on the following factors:

  •       The admission policies of the schools you want to apply to.

Which test do they accept? And if they accept both, do they prefer one over the other?

  •       Take Practice Exams for both tests. Assess your performance and compare both your scores.

Go for the one you found easier and in which your total score was higher.

Many people ask if they can take both GRE and GMAT tests. Well, you can take both the tests as there is no official restriction, but it is something that is never recommended. Preparing for both the tests not only costs you a lot but also makes the experience a little too overwhelming. It is better to focus on one and invest all your energies in its preparation.

If you plan to prepare for the GRE test, then visit Scholar Den and start preparation. However, if you are looking to prepare for the GMAT, then visit its official page.

Next Article: Step-Wise Guide to the GRE Preparation