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GRE vs GMAT are the two most popular MBA and graduate program tests. Both the GRE and GMAT are used to get into graduate business schools. The full form of GRE and GMAT is Graduate Record Examinations and Graduate Management Admission Test.
Most schools worldwide accept the GRE as a measure of a candidate’s ability for various graduate-level target programs and master’s-level programs, but the GMAT is only used to prove a candidate’s entry to business school programs. Candidates for MBA programs should contact prospective institutions to inquire about entrance exam requirements.
In this post, we will explain the GRE vs GMAT. Let’s look more closely At GRE GMAT differences, including their structures, exam patterns, eligibility requirements, scores, requirements, and many other things.
GMAT v/s GRE
Here are some of the key differences between the GRE vs GMAT:
| Factor | GRE | GMAT |
| Section | Analytical Writing Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Unscored or Research Section | Analytical Writing Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning Integrated Reasoning |
| Mode Of Exam | It is done on a computer, with paper forms given up to three times a year. | Only available on a computer |
| program Relevance | Widely accepted for a variety of graduate-level programs | Emphasizes MBA admissions |
| Time for the Test | 3 hours and 45 minutes, plus short breaks | 3 hours and 7 minutes, plus short breaks |
GMAT vs GRE: Exam format
Find out how the GRE and GMAT syllabus tests are set up. Learn how each test is put together and what parts it has so you can decide which Is better GRE or GMAT for your school goals.
GMAT Exam Format
GMAT is made to test the skills of people who want to go to school for management. It tests the candidate’s data sufficiency, logic, critical thinking, analytical writing, and problem-solving skills.
GMAT has four sections, and applicants must be able to do simple math and English. The test will see how well you can solve problems, analyze and draw conclusions from knowledge, and think critically. The GMAT curriculum covers areas like Analytical Writing Assessment and Integrated Reasoning, as well as complex judgments, critical thought, and analytical skills.
Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing are the parts of the GMAT test. The total GMAT score is from 200 to 800 in 10-point levels. You’ll get different Verbal and Quantitative scores, each on a scale from 6 to 51, a Writing score out of six, and an Integrated Reasoning score out of eight.
- The Quantitative Reasoning test checks how good you are at math and how well you understand numbers.
- The Verbal Reasoning part checks how well you understand what you read and how well you understand written arguments.
- The Integrated Reasoning part tests how well you can look at and understand data.
- The Analytical Writing part tests how well you can communicate and think critically.
| GMAT Section | Number Of Question | Question Type | Duration |
| Analytical Writing Assessment | One topic | Analysis of argument | 30 minutes |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 question | Multi-Source Reasoning Graphics Interpretation Two-Two Part Analysis Table Analysis | 30 minutes |
| Quantitative | 31 questions | Data Sufficiency Problem Solving | 62 minutes |
| Verbal | 36 questions | Reading Comprehension Critical Reasoning Sentence Correction | 65 minutes |
| Total Exam Time | 80 questions | 3 hours seven minutes |
Computer Adaptive Nature Of GMAT
The GMAT uses computer adaptive testing, which changes the difficulty level of the questions based on how well the test taker does. The GMAT’s computer-adaptive structure ensures that each candidate has a unique testing experience that fits their skills. This dynamic method allows test takers’ skills and abilities to be judged more accurately.
GRE Exam Format
GRE is a requirement for admission to many foreign postgraduate programs, including MBA programs.
There are two kinds of GRE. GRE exam Subject Test and GRE General Test. The GRE tests a person’s verbal, numerical, critical thought, and analytical writing skills. These are covered in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Students may also have to take the GRE Subject Test at some places. The GRE topic test will check how much a candidate knows about Chemistry, Math, Physics, and Psychology. GRE exam duration is 3 hours and 10 Minutes total.
| Section | Total Question | Type Of Question | Score Range | Duration |
| Verbal Reasoning | 20+20= 40 | Reading Comprehension Text Completion Sentence Equivalence | 130-170 | 60 minutes (30 minutes per section) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 20+20= 40 | Quantitative Comparison Questions Numeric Entry Questions | 130-170 | 70 (35 minutes per section) |
| Analytical Reasoning Questions | 1+1= 2 | Analyzing an Issue Analyzing an Argument | 0-6 | 30 minutes for each task |
| Total | 80 MCQs 2 Descriptive | 260-340 | 3 hours and 10 minutes |
Not every graduate school requires a Subject Test, so candidates must ensure that the program they’ve chosen requires the Subject Test they want to take. The only way to take the GRE Subject Test is with paper and pencil. The GRE exam Subjects Test is for people who know much about one of the four fields listed above.
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
Topic Tests on the GRE are meant to see how much you know and how good you are at a topic.
Computer Adaptive Nature Of GRE
The GRE score is based on how many questions were answered properly and how hard those questions were. If you respond to more difficult inquiries properly, you get a greater result, while if you react to simpler queries correctly, you could receive a lower score.
Because the GRE CAT is adaptable, each test-taker gets the right questions for their skill level. With this method, the test can more accurately measure a person’s skills by asking questions that are just hard enough.
Differences Between GMAT and GRE Syllabus
Both the GRE GMAT differences aim to measure the skills needed for graduate management programs (like an MBA). Before choosing an exam, evaluate your skills, where it’s accepted, how open it is, etc. You must understand their distinctions to select between the GRE GMAT. These two tests’ GMAT and GRE Difference are compared here.
Verbal Section
In the verbal section of the GMAT, the other two question types are Sentence Correction and Critical Reasoning. In the verbal section of the GRE, the two question types are Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion. On the other hand, the GRE vocal part is considered hard because it has a difficult vocabulary and reading passages that might be hard for a non-native English speaker to understand.
Quantitative Aptitude
The ideas that are tested on the mathematical parts of the GRE vs GMATare similar. One big difference between the GRE and the GMAT is that you can use a computer on the GRE but not on the GMAT. The math questions on both tests are based on what you learned in high school.
Analytical Writing Assessment
Both the GMAT and the GRE test your English writing skills. The number of jobs is the main difference between the two. You have to write one task on the GMAT about a general interest topic. On the GRE, you have to do two different analytical writing tasks. The GRE and the GMAT take the same time and work to finish this part.
GMAT vs. GRE: What’s Best
Even though most business school candidates would rather take the gmat vs gre for mba, they often use GRE scores as part of their admissions criteria. This means you can choose the best test that shows your academic skills. Consider these factors while choosing your option.
Academic Goals
Your school goals will help you decide which test to take. Take the best test for your subject if you know it. For instance, if you plan a job in finance, you need to attempt the GMAT rather than the GRE because it relies on more mathematical reasoning than verbal analysis.
Career objectives
Some employers, like investment and business consulting groups, need GMAT scores for the job application process. Do your research ahead of time if you have certain companies in mind. You may not need to retest the GMAT if you complete it before business school.
Academic Strength
The GMAT may be a better venue if you’re a better mathematician than the speaker. If you can write well, you should take the GRE. The terms on the GRE can make it harder for people who don’t speak English as their first language.
Exam Performance
Getting practice exams for every exam is one way of determining which test is most suitable for you. Take them separately in situations that are as close to real life as you can get. After your tests, you’ll know which you prefer.
So, What’s the Next Step
Many graduate and business schools take both the GMAT and the GRE. The GMAT is for getting into graduate schools in management, while the GRE is a general test for graduate and business schools. Both tests have pros and cons, and which one you choose will rely on your academic goals, how you like to take tests, and how comfortable you feel. Before making a decision, it’s best to learn about the admissions standards of the schools you’re considering, how each test is set up, and what it covers. Ultimately, you should choose between the GRE vs GMAT based on your wants and goals.
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Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )
What is Harder: GRE or GMAT?
Most people think the Quant section of the GMAT is harder than the Quant section of the GRE. The Quantitative section of the GMAT tests your ability to solve problems. It often has data sufficiency questions, which can be especially hard. In general, the quantitative part of the GRE is easier, but you can use a calculator on it, which you can’t do on the GMAT.
Should I Take the GRE or GMAT?
Don’t forget that the test is only one part of your application. If you are good at math, logic, and grammar, you should take the GMAT. Go for the GRE if you’re not very confident in math, good with words, and like writing essays. You should check with the college first to see if the marks are acceptable.
Is GRE or GMAT Better For MBA in the US?
The main goal of the GMAT and GRE for an MBA is to improve your chances of getting into an MBA program abroad, such as in the USA. The group that decides who gets financial help or merit-based scholarships at the best universities worldwide also looks at GRE vs GMAT scores. Most colleges and universities don’t prefer one test over another, so the GMAT and the GRE are important.
Is GMAT English Easier Than GRE?
It focuses on reasoning and thinking critically. A bad thing about the GRE verbal part is that it puts a lot of weight on words that are hard to understand. Most students, even those who already know English, must learn between 1500 and 2000 words to relax. Because of this, the GRE can be more difficult than the GMAT.
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