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If you are looking forward to studying abroad, you need to know all about Graduate Record Examination (GRE) exams and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The GMAT is a standardised test used to assess the abilities of prospective students seeking admission to graduate management programs such as MBA (Master of Business Administration) and other business-related courses offered by universities around the world. The GRE is a similar test that is used by graduate schools in a variety of fields, including business, law, and engineering.
Both tests assess verbal and quantitative reasoning, but the GMAT places a greater emphasis on problem-solving and analytical writing skills, while the GRE places a greater emphasis on vocabulary. Also, both exams are popular to study abroad, and it is important for you to know the key differences between them.
The GRE is a general test that is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, while the GMAT is specific to business school programs and assesses skills that are particularly relevant to the field of business and management. Here is how they are different from each other:
Differences | GRE | GMAT |
Admission | Required for graduate programmes | Required for Business schools |
Duration | 3 hrs, 45 mins | 3 hrs, 7mins |
Acceptance | Few business schools | More than 2300 business schools |
Sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning | Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal |
Length | 3 hours and 45 minutes, plus one optional 10-minute break | 3 hours and 7 minutes, plus two optional 8-minute breaks |
Test score range | 260 – 340 (in 1-point increment) | 200 – 800 (in 10-point increments) |
Fees | $227 (INR 18,863) | $275 (INR 22,800) |
The GRE and GMAT are both exams used to assess the qualifications of applicants to graduate-level programs, but they are designed for different types of programmes.
The GRE is a general test that is accepted by many graduate programs in fields such as business, engineering, and the sciences. It covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
The GMAT, on the other hand, is specifically designed for business school programs. It covers the same types of material as the GRE (verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing), but with an emphasis on problem-solving and analytical skills that are particularly relevant to business and management.
The GMAT is focused on test takers' analytical and problem-solving abilities which are essential for MBA programmes, while the GRE is a more general test that covers a broader range of subject matter and is accepted by many graduate programmes in various fields.
It is difficult to say which exam is "easier" as both the GRE and GMAT are designed to measure different skills and abilities, and what may be easier for one person may not be for another. The GRE is generally considered to be more focused on verbal and analytical skills, while the GMAT is more focused on quantitative and reasoning skills.
Additionally, the GRE has a more extensive ‘Verbal section ‘and the GMAT has a more extensive ‘Quantitative section’. Ultimately, both exams are challenging and require a significant amount of preparation. It is recommended that you research both exams to determine which one aligns more closely with your strengths and the programme you are applying to.
GMAT is the test to take if you are competent at solving quantitative problems and data questions, while GRE is a wonderful option if you have a large vocabulary and are skilled at both analytical writing and quantitative reasoning.
Several other courses require both GRE and GMAT. So, you can choose the one that fits you the best. Here are a few reasons why international students prefer to take these exams for their courses:
Exam | GRE | GMAT |
GRE vs. GMAT for PhD courses | If you are going ahead with other courses than business | If you are going ahead only with business courses |
Ques. Can I submit my GRE score to MBA schools?
Ans. Yes, you can submit your GRE scores to business schools as many MBA programmes accept the GRE as part of their application process. However, it is best to confirm with the specific schools you are applying to as some may only accept the GMAT.
Ques. What is a good GRE score?
Ans. A good GRE score can vary depending on the competitiveness of the graduate programmes you are applying to. On a scale of 130-170 for each of the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and a score of 0-6 for the Analytical Writing section, a combined score of around 308-310 is considered competitive for most graduate programmes.
Ques. What is an acceptable GMAT score?
Ans. An acceptable GMAT score is at least 20 points better than the average score of your selected business school.
Hope this blog helps you understand the between the GRE and GMAT exam, and if you are looking forward to studying abroad and want to know all about which exam to take, you can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP. They guide you through the admission process.
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