GRE vs GMAT

Some years before, a GMAT score was necessary for the student to get into business schools worldwide. And with the GRE arrival, the MBA application process to get into top business schools has become much more manageable for the candidates. Also, 90% of business schools worldwide have already started accepting GRE scores from applicants who wish to be a part of their MBA programs. This hiring phenomenon makes the students go clueless when it comes to the difference between the two tests. 

And now, the GRE vs the GMAT has become a debate the students face every year as they consider applying to business school to strengthen their skill sets and elevate their careers. If you are doubtful which exam will get you the best possibility for success, read our analysis of some of the essential characteristics and differences between the GRE and the GMAT below.

Understanding GRE and GMAT Exam

A significant variation between the GRE and GMAT exam is the subject topic you'll confront on each exam. The GRE is an all-purpose exam remarkably composed to evaluate your readiness for graduate-level performance in any academic discipline. And that's why the subjects are thus relatively general. It comprises only three subject areas: Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.

On the other hand, unlike the GRE, the GMAT examination is specifically composed to measure your potential to succeed in a business program. The GMAT also highlights Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning sections and features an additional subject called Integrated Reasoning. The job of individual Integrated Reasoning is to check your ability to solve complex problems and questions. And to support their complexity, you'll be given an online calculator to assist your work on quantitative components.

What Do Business Schools Want - GRE or GMAT?

As the names suggest, the significant difference lies in the purpose of writing the entrance exam. The GMAT is essentially for MBA admission in business schools, whereas the GRE is taken for all other master’s degree programmes and universities. And GRE has become widely chosen because of its comprehensive form of opportunities in different fields. Many of the worldwide business schools have relaxed their hiring criteria and started accepting the GRE scores. However, it is better and safer to inquire beforehand about the particular university's requirements and programmes you are targeting.

Exam Format

Both GMAT and GRE are computer-based written exams. However, GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, while the GRE is a section-adaptive test. The significant difference is that, in GMAT, each question will get arranged depending on your previous answers. If you answer the question correctly, the more difficulty the next question is, and if your answer is incorrect, the resulting question will be lenient. Hence you are not allowed to go back to the previous question again.

 But in the GRE, the questions will remain consistent in a particular section. However, depending on your performance on the first sets of both verbal and quantitative sections, the computer will arrange your second sets in difficulty (easy, medium or hard). The greater difficulty of the sections you endeavour will bring you a higher score.

Difficulty Level

Both GRE and GMAT subjects are comparatively similar in general. However, the complexity levels have been perceived to be different in each. GRE has a relatively more difficult verbal section, and the questions have been composed by giving a higher focus on vocabulary when compared with the GMAT. Likewise, in GMAT, the proposals focus on grammar, reasoning and logic, making it more manageable for those with average language skills.

 And the quantitative section in GRE is relatively more manageable than that of GMAT since the GRE concentrates on number manipulation and fast number sense. On the other hand, the GMAT quantitative section is estimated as more complex and will demand a systematic approach to answer word problems.

Summing Up

The decision to choose a GRE or a GMAT for your B-School admissions is indeed a prominent one that involves both financial and time commitments. Hence make sure you are making the best decision that aligns with your future goals and capabilities. If you have made the right decision, to ensure you get the best international admits, avail the best GRE & GMAT online coaching from Gradeway Prep, which is exclusively made for Indians by Indians. Our online GRE training institute offers you a one-stop solution for Engaging Tutorials, Hints, Study Material, Recorded Lectures, Learning Resources & More.

So why wait? Experience the most personalized, innovative and best-in-class private tutoring to succeed in your GRE & GMAT exam with winning scores.