GMAT vs. GRE – Which One Should You Take?

Confused about whether to take the GMAT or the GRE? This article will help you understand all the differences between the two so you can confidently prepare for the one that fits your higher education goals. Let’s find out in this GMAT vs. GRE special.

Both the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are competitive examinations for admission to graduate programs. 

The main difference between the two is that the GMAT is primarily taken to apply for business programs, while the GRE allows you to apply for many more graduate programs beyond business, including law and social sciences.

But here’s the twist – Many business schools are now open to accepting both! So you can go ahead with the test that suits your strengths better.

Here’s a glance at the main differences between the GMAT and the GRE.

Aspect	GMAT	GRE
Accepted in	More than 7,700 programs at 2,400 universities across the globe. Search for GMAT-accepting programs in your country here.	More than 1,300 business schools worldwide and thousands of graduate and law programs. Search for GRE-accepting business programs in your country here. See Law Schools that Accept GRE Scores for Their JD Programs here.
Marking system	The total score scale ranges from 205 to 805	Total score: 346
Good score range	650+ is considered a strong score. To be among the top 10 percentiles, you’d need your score to be in the 700s.	320 is considered a good score on the GRE.
Score validity	5 years	5 years
Exam cost	Test Center: $275 Online: $300	$220

The GMAT is designed to test students on business-related skills. The test runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes and consists of sections on quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and data insights. 

The math on the GMAT is considered to have a high difficulty level. The exam tests logic, data, and math skills that are considered essential to excelling in a business environment. A good score on the GMAT can land you in prestigious business schools. 

Exam Sections

The GMAT consists of the following sections:

Quantitative Reasoning: 21 problem-solving questions based on your algebraic and arithmetic foundational knowledge. You cannot use a calculator.

Verbal Reasoning: 23 Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning questions.

Data Insights: 20 questions combining graphic, numeric, and verbal elements that need to be understood in relation to one another to solve the problem.  A basic on-screen calculator will be provided for this section.

Learn more.

Exam Features

• You can review all questions and edit up to 3 answers in the review and edit page which will pop up after you have completed a section. 

• You can answer the sections in any order.

• You are given one optional 10-minute break. You can choose to take the break after the first or second section.

• After you take the exam, you can select which schools receive your free score reports.

• Receive your comprehensive test results within 3 to 5 days of the exam. It’ll include sectional performance, performance by school and program standards, content domain-wise performance, time management, and more.

Exam Duration

2 hours and 15 minutes 

Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes

Verbal Reasoning: 45 minutes

Data Insights: 45 minutes

Related: Here’s Why You Should Study Business

The GRE is designed to test how well you will perform in today’s demanding graduate programs, including business and law. 

The total duration of the test is 1 hour and 58 minutes. On the test, you will find questions on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. These are the skills that are integral to almost all fields of study. With a good score on the GRE, you can secure admission into prestigious graduate, business, and law schools. 

A growing number of business schools are now accepting GRE scores alongside GMAT scores. However, it’s always a good idea to check if your preferred business school accepts GRE scores for admissions.

Exam Sections

The GRE exam consists of the following sections:

Verbal Reasoning: This section includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.

Learn more.

Quantitative Reasoning: Expect questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. A basic on-screen calculator is available.

Learn more.

Analytical Writing: This section will present you with an opinion on a given issue with instructions on how to respond. You’ll need to evaluate the issue and develop an argument with reasons and examples to support your views.

Learn more.

Exam Features:

• You can skip questions and answer them later at the end of the section.

• Choose which questions you want to answer first within a section.

• Section level adaptation will adjust the difficulty level of the next section based on your performance on the first section.

• Change and edit answers within a section.

• Move back and forth freely within each section.

Exam Duration

1 hour and 58 minutes

Analytical Writing (One section): 30 minutes

Verbal Reasoning (Two Sections): 

Section 1: 18 minutes

Section 2: 23 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning (Two Sections):

Section 1: 21 minutes

Section 2: 26 minutes

Related: Your Complete Guide to the GRE

Sending in your GMAT or GRE scores can definitely improve your overall profile and establish you as a worthy aspirant for top universities. 

While some colleges and universities no longer strictly require GMAT or GRE scores, you can still submit them if you believe they strengthen your application. Schools now consider applicants holistically, beyond just test scores. 

Now the question arises: Which exam should you take? The GMAT or the GRE? It is widely believed that the GMAT is designed solely for business school admissions and is the better option if you want to pursue an MBA. Then why is it that an increasing number of business schools, including the top ones, accept GRE scores alongside GMAT scores?

This is because both the GMAT and the GRE are equally important, but their areas of emphasis are different. With universities aiming to accept students from various backgrounds, applicants with high GRE scores can be very appealing. So, depending on your strengths, you can choose between either of the two.

Based On Strengths

• GMAT: The GMAT math section is widely viewed as more challenging than that of the GRE. If math is your forte, opting for the GMAT could be advantageous. Moreover, the GMAT places a strong emphasis on logical reasoning skills, making it a suitable choice if you excel in logic-based questions.

• GRE: If you possess strong verbal and writing skills, the GRE can be a good fit for you. The exam includes a broader verbal reasoning section and emphasizes analytical writing in addition to quantitative reasoning.

Based On Your Goals

• GMAT: If you’re specifically targeting business schools and are more confident in your math abilities, then opting for the GMAT is a good choice. 

• GRE: Choosing the GRE is advisable if you’re aiming for an MBA and have strong verbal skills. Moreover, opting for the GRE allows you to keep your options open, as it also qualifies you for graduate school enrollment should your plans change.

Based On The Difficulty Level

• GMAT: The quantitative and reasoning sections in GMAT are often seen as more challenging. It demands strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• GRE: Some test-takers agree that the GRE is slightly more manageable because it emphasizes vocabulary and writing skills.

Ultimately, the decision between the GMAT and GRE should be based on your individual strengths, academic goals, and the specific requirements of the programs to which you are applying. 

Related: 7 Important Features of an MBA Program

No, you cannot convert GRE scores to GMAT scores or vice versa. In the past, ETS would host a score converter on its website but that was soon discontinued because of inaccuracies. It is important to understand that the two exams cannot be compared because they are designed differently and test different areas of knowledge.

Any attempt to convert one score to another would not accurately reflect an individual’s performance on the other exam.

For anyone deciding which exam to take for admissions purposes, take some time to research the specific requirements of your target programs. Consider which exam aligns better with your strengths and the expectations of your chosen field.

Top business schools now accept both the GMAT and GRE, giving you the flexibility to choose the test that best highlights your abilities. Whether you excel in math and logic (favoring the GMAT) or possess strong verbal and analytical skills (aligning more with the GRE), either exam can propel you toward your academic and professional aspirations.