GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should I Take?

When you’re applying to a graduate business program, you may notice that many schools request test scores as part of their admissions requirements. Often, you’ll have the option to submit either your Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score or your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.

Take a closer look at each exam and why you might decide to take one test over the other—or neither—to elevate your graduate program application.

Differences between the GMAT and GRE

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). Beyond that, the two tests have different formats with different types of questions, testing policies, and options for sending your scores to schools.

Here's a quick comparison of the two exams:

What is the GMAT?

The GMAT, administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is an entrance exam widely used for admission to business schools and MBA programs. The exam measures reasoning and critical thinking skills meant to demonstrate an ability to succeed in top graduate business programs.

You can retake the GMAT at a testing center up to five times in a rolling 12-month period (no more than eight times total). This applies to all exam formats.

GMAT format

The GMAT has three sections, and you can choose to order the sections in one of three ways to best fit your strengths and testing style.

• Quantitative Reasoning: This section of the exam assesses your ability to apply the foundations of algebra and arithmetic to solve problems.  You'll have 45 minutes to answer 21 problem-solving questions and cannot use a calculator [4]. It is scored from 60 to 90 points in one-point increments [8].

• Data Insights: This 45-minute section has 20 questions [4]. Questions include graphics interpretation and “Data Sufficiency” problems, which ask you to determine whether you have enough data to answer a given question. You can earn 60 to 90 points in one-point increments [8].

• Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning section lasts 45 minutes and contains 23 questions designed to test your ability to read, understand, and evaluate written materials [4]. The two types of questions you’ll encounter include reading comprehension and critical reasoning. This is scored from 60 to 90 points in one-point increments [8].

You’re permitted to use a physical or online whiteboard (at-home testing) or a provided laminated notebook with dry-erase markers (testing center) to work through problems and take notes. During the GMAT, you can mark questions you want to go back and review before moving on to the next section and submitting your answers.

You also get your unofficial scores immediately after taking the GMAT.

Learn more about what a good GMAT score is.

What is a computer-adaptive test?

Both the GMAT and GRE exams use a technology called adaptive testing. The GMAT determines the difficulty of each question within a section by how you did on the previous question. If you answered correctly, the next question will be harder. If you got it wrong, the next question will be easier. Since the GRE allows you to change your answers at any time, the exam adapts the difficulty of each section based on the one before.

What is the GRE?

The GRE, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is used as an admissions consideration at thousands of graduate schools, including business and law schools. The exam is designed to evaluate your verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills.

You can retake the GRE up to five times in any 12-month rolling period (once every 21 days). If you take the test more than once and pay for the ScoreSelect option, you can choose which scores get sent to the schools to which you’re applying. 

GRE format

The GRE comprises three scored portions, as well as a possible unscored or experimental section. The Analytical Writing section will always come first, but you won’t know the order of the remaining sections or which section is unscored.

• Analytical Writing: This section has one 30-minute writing task [5]. You’ll be asked to construct your own argument on an issue and evaluate someone else’s argument on an issue. This section is scored from zero to six in half-point increments [9].

• Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning test comprises one 18-minute section and one 23-minute section with 12 and 15 questions [5]. You’ll encounter three types of questions in this section: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. You can get a score of 130 to 170 in one-point increments [9].

• Quantitative Reasoning: This portion of the exam, designed to test your basic math skills, features two sections with 12 and 15 questions each [5]. You have 21 minutes to complete the first section and 26 minutes for the second [5]. Questions might be multiple choice with one or several answers, numeric entry questions, or quantitative comparison questions. Topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. You can get a score of 130 to 170 in one-point increments [9].

During the test, you can use an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning section. You can move backward and forward through each section, change your answers, and mark questions for “Review” if you’d like to return to them later.

If you’re currently unemployed or can demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for a fee reduction on the GRE. This program also includes free access to select test prep materials from ETS.

Is the GMAT or GRE easier?

Determining which test will be easier for you will depend on your academic strengths and testing style. 

The quantitative section on the GRE tends to be a bit easier than its GMAT counterpart (and you get to use a calculator). The GRE section typically has more geometry, while the GMAT has more logical reasoning questions. 

The GRE verbal section, on the other hand, tends to feature more difficult vocabulary than the GMAT. Many test-takers consider the GMAT verbal section to be slightly easier.

Should I take the GMAT or GRE?

Although the vast majority of business school applicants choose to take the GMAT over the GRE, it’s common for business schools to accept GRE scores as part of their admissions requirements. This means you can take the test that will best highlight your own academic strengths. Here are some things to consider as you make the decision that’s right for you.

Academic goals: If you’re considering different graduate programs or simply want to keep your options open, the GRE is accepted in a wider variety of degree programs. If you’re certain about business school, taking the GMAT is a way to demonstrate your commitment.

School requirements: Many schools accept either score, but it’s a good idea to verify admissions requirements ahead of time. If possible, speak to an admissions representative to ask whether they have a preference between the two tests.

Academic strengths: If your math skills tend to be stronger than your verbal skills, the GMAT might offer a better opportunity to show off those strengths. If you’re a strong writer, consider the GRE. Due to the vocabulary involved, the GRE can sometimes be more challenging for non-native English speakers.

Testing style: If you like to skip around and go back over your answers, the GRE and GMAT allow you to do so. However, the GMAT limits you to three questions per section. This might give some test takers a greater sense of confidence. 

Practice exam performance: One way to determine which test you’re best suited for is to take a practice test for each. Take them separately under circumstances as close to the real thing as possible. Once you take and score your exams, you’ll have a better idea of which you feel more comfortable with. 

Score reporting: If you take the GRE exam more than once, you can choose which scores you send to prospective schools. For the GMAT, schools receive all your scores. Many programs only consider the highest score. 

Career goals: Some companies, particularly investment and business consulting firms, ask for GMAT scores as part of the job application process. If you have certain target employers in mind, research these requirements ahead of time. Taking the GMAT before business school could spare you from having to take it during your job search.  

Executive Assessment: An alternative for working professionals

If you’re already a working professional, applying to business school can open up new job opportunities and earning potential. GMAC designed the Executive Assessment exam as an alternative to the GMAT for those with career experience.  Many business schools accept this exam, particularly for executive MBA applicants.

The exam is designed to be shorter and require less preparation. This makes it an attractive alternative if you’re already balancing the demands of a career and family.

Location: Online or at a testing center

Cost (US): $350 (includes unlimited score delivery) [10, 11]

Length: 90 minutes 

Test format: The Executive Assessment has three sections: Integrated Reasoning (12 questions), Verbal Reasoning (14 questions), and Quantitative Reasoning (14 questions) [12]. Question types are similar to what you’d find on the GMAT. 

Scores good for: Five years [11]

You can take the exam up to four times (two online and two in person), and you choose which scores to send. 

Test-optional colleges: The new norm?

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic forced changes in the college admissions process, some colleges and universities started dropping standardized tests as a requirement. Although many schools have already reinstated test requirements or plan to do so gradually, you can still find schools that do not require a test as part of the admissions process. For example, Clemson University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign still have test-optional graduate programs.

You may need to have a certain number of years of professional experience or meet a minimum GPA threshold to qualify for a test waiver. Each school has its own requirements.

Even if you’re applying to a test-optional school, you may want to consider taking an entrance exam anyway. High scores might help demonstrate your academic capabilities or enable you to qualify for scholarships. Should you choose to omit your GRE or GMAT scores, be sure to take extra care on the other elements of your application to make them shine.

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