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GRE vs. GMAT exams – Which test to take to study abroad?

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Check out the key differences between GRE and GMAT

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.

GRE vs. GMAT – Differences outlined 

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)

GRE vs. GMAT: Syllabus  

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.

Which exam is easier GRE or GMAT?

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.

GRE vs. GMAT for PhD courses

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

GRE and GMAT score comparison

GRE and GMAT both have different scoring methods for each section of the exam, check out the comparison here:

Test sections

GRE

GMAT

AWA

0-6

0-6 points

IR

-

1-8 points

Quantitative

130-170

6-51 points

Verbal

130-170

6-51 points

Cost of GRE and GMAT

Both GRE and GMAT somewhere have similar fees for the exam. Here’s what each cost:

Exam

Cost and benefits

GRE

  • $227 (INR 18,863)
  • It includes four reports

GMAT

  • $275 (INR 22,800)
  • It includes five reports

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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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