1.GRE vs GMAT: Understanding the Key Differences and Choosing the Right Test for Your Graduate Journey
For many aspiring graduate students, the GRE and GMAT are often daunting acronyms that mark the beginning of their academic journey. While both tests are
standardized exams used for graduate school admissions, they cater to different
programs and assess distinct skill sets. The biggest difference between the GMAT and GRE is that the GMAT is typically used for business school admissions, while the GRE is accepted for most graduate
programs (including business and law schools). Understanding the key differences between the two is crucial in making an informed decision about which test to take.
2.What is the GRE? :
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized computer-based test (1 hour and 58 minutes duration) designed to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills. It consists of five sections:
two Verbal Reasoning sections, two Quantitative Reasoning sections, and one Analytical Writing section. In total, there are 55 questions to be answered. The cost to take the test is US$205.
The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE is available in both computer-based and paper-based formats. It is widely accepted for admission to a variety of graduate programs, including master’s degrees, Ph.D. programs, and some business schools for MBA programs. A student can take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days).
When selecting a test date, the student must ensure their scores will be reported in time for the application deadlines. Score reports are available 8-10 days after your test date, and schools may receive scores more quickly depending on their chosen delivery method. Electronic scores are sent to schools twice a week. Therefore, when choosing a test date, allow enough time for score delivery and processing by the institution.
3.What is the GMAT?:
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is specifically designed for business school applicants. It evaluates analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skills in written English. The GMAT exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (with one optional 10-minute break) and consists of 64 total questions.Primarily used for admission to MBA programs and other graduate management programs, the GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) as a computer-adaptive test. More than 70% of the test takers rely on the GMAT to get into business school.
GMAT Exam Fee Offline: USD 275+ USD 49.50 tax. The online test costs USD 300 GMAT test dates are available on almost all days of the year and can be taken around the year, and there is no specific period or a fixed date when the test can be taken.
Students can even take the GMAT Online test from their home, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For those preferring to take the GMAT at a test centre, it is crucial to be informed about the specific dates that each centre offers within a given month. Advanced booking is essential to secure a slot that suits your schedule.
4.Key Differences Between GRE and GMAT :
Feature | GRE | GMAT |
---|---|---|
Purpose | General graduate school admissions | Business school admissions |
Test Structure | Balanced between verbal and quantitative | Heavier emphasis on quantitative and analytical skills |
Question Types | Includes vocabulary-focused questions; calculators allowed | Focuses on data interpretation; calculators not allowed |
Adaptive Nature | Section-adaptive | Question-adaptive |
Scoring | 130-170 scale for verbal and quantitative | 200-800 scale |