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GMAT or GRE – Which test should you choose?

For their business school applications, prospective MBA students can submit either GMAT or GRE scores. Many business schools accept both tests; nevertheless, you should study the schools you’re interested in to ensure that both test results are accepted or not. 

A major difference between the GMAT and the GRE is that the GMAT is accepted for admission to business schools, while the GRE is accepted for entrance to a variety of graduate programs. The exam Fees, Test duration, Test design, Test structure, Scoring system, and Number of business schools accepting them are the six significant differences between the GMAT and GRE. But how can you know which test to take? Let’s read on to get some clarity on this:

 

GRE:

Most graduate schools accept the GRE test for admission. GRE consists of two 30-minute essays and a 60-minute Analytical Writing section. There are two 30-minute sections of Verbal Reasoning, two 35-minute questions of Quantitative Reasoning, and a 30-35-minute experimental section that can be either math or verbal. The exam is conducted as a computer adaptive section exam and also where computer-delivered testing isn’t available, papers are delivered throughout the world. 

Institution provides students 3.75 hours to complete the test and the score can be validly used for five years. In comparison to the GMAT, which costs $250, the GRE General Test costs $205 globally. While the difference in price may not appear to be significant, it may become an issue if you need to retake the GMAT. The GRE is also available in more places than the GMAT.

 

GMAT:

GMAT consists of a 30-minute Analytical Writing section with one essay, a 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section, a 62-minute Quantitative section and a 65-minute Verbal section. The GMAT is also a computer-adaptive test and its composite score ranges from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments. Students are given 3.5 hours to complete the test, and the GMAT is also valid for five years.

 

Which exam is easy and why?

There are a lot of significant differences in the syllabus of both the exams. The verbal and math components of the GRE and GMAT are also different. 

  • The verbal component of the GRE is more vocabulary-focused. The verbal section of the GMAT places a greater emphasis on language, logic, and reasoning abilities. 
  • While the GRE and GMAT are both created for native English speakers, the GRE benefits people who have a solid command of the English language. As a result, non-native English speakers may find the verbal component of the GMAT to be simpler. 
  • The most significant topic distinction is between GMAT and GRE math. The GRE math section emphasizes math and complexity problems. However, GMAT math requires you to develop a methodical strategy to solve word problems.

 

Which exam do business schools prefer?

Despite the fact that many business schools claim to have no preference for GMAT or GRE results, GMAT scores are included in almost 90% of applications and are preferable. What is the reason for this? There are three causes for this:

  • The GMAT is meant to examine skills that enable MBA admission committees to determine who can not only get into, but successfully complete an MBA from their B-school.
  • Taking the GMAT gives business schools an insight of how clear your professional objectives are. Because the GRE is accepted for other graduate programs, it may cause admission committees to question your commitment to a business graduate program.
  • Because they are more comfortable evaluating GMAT scores, most business schools are used to comparing GMAT scores of applicants.
  • You must show that you have a quantitative background in order to be admitted to business school. If you come from a quantitatively weaker background you’ll have to depend on the GMAT or GRE to demonstrate your quantitative abilities. As a result, your math skills may be the decisive factor in the test you take.

 

Which exam should you take- GMAT or GRE?

Here are 4 steps that you should evaluate to understand which exam you should actually take:

  • Finalize which specific course/program you want to go for:

As we read above, GRE scores are accepted by a wide range of schools offering hundreds of various courses for your graduation. Whereas, GMAT scores are only accepted by the schools that offer MBA and related programs i.e. the business schools. So, it is suggested to take the GMAT if you have decided what course you want to go for and specifically want to focus on MBA. Whereas, you should take the GRE if you’re still uncertain and want to keep your choices open to various programs offered.

  • Research your target Business Schools preferences:

Properly research, check and evaluate if the business schools that you are aiming for accept both the GMAT and the GRE, or if they prefer the GMAT or GRE individually. You can easily find the report of the school preference on their official sites.

  • Take a mock test for GMAT and GRE to evaluate your capability:

Examine your strengths and weaknesses with a free GMAT and GRE mock test. You’ve found your solution if you excel in one test rather than another. Whichever test you decide to take, make sure to look at the 5-year trend in top business school scores to determine your target score and to evaluate if you are capable of the best score. 

  • Compare the value of GMAT and GRE after graduating

Many consulting firms place a premium on candidates who have a stellar GMAT score. As a result, a GMAT score can help you land both an internship and a job. Find out more about the significance of the GMAT. If you’re applying to business schools, I recommend taking the GMAT rather than the GRE. A high GMAT score will not only help you get into your desired business school, but it will also help you crack your dream post-MBA job.

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