GMAT vs GRE: All Your Questions Answered (FAQs)

by Alex Morgan · September 20, 2024

GMAT and GRE are two of the leading tests that graduates or university aspirants are required to take in the United States. Around a quarter million (250,000) students take the GMAT every year, while 350,000 students go for the GRE annually.

So, what are these two tests? What else do you need to know about them? Let’s answer all the frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding GMAT and GRE.

What Is GMAT

GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a test given by students to assess their analytical, verbal, quantitative, and literacy skills. These skills are evaluated during a 2-hour and 15-minute test, which is based on a 200–800-point system.

The test first started in 1953 and has been the primary way to measure a student’s abilities. It is accepted by 2400+ institutions globally, with 7500+ programs requiring GMAT scores. The test itself is a CAT (Computer Adaptive Test), which means it’s taken on a web-enabled device nowadays.

What Is a GRE?

GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standard testing process, which is a pillar in the college admission process. It’s regulated by universities in Canada and the United States, and they require it to adjudge the admission tests.

The purpose of these tests is to understand three critical things about the student, including:

Verbal Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning

Analytical Writing Skills

It helps measure the critical thinking as well as analysis abilities of the university applicant. Besides, problem-solving is one of the pillars of this testing system. Therefore, it enables universities and colleges to assess if the student is suitable for graduate-level education.

The assessments are given in three different parts, as the test duration is 1 hour and 58 minutes. The verbal and quantitative sections are 130-170 points, with each offering 1-point increments. Nowadays, this test is computer-based, and the student can take it up to five times a year.

Which is better, the GRE or GMAT?

GMAT has become more respected among high-profile institutions compared to the GRE. Mainly because GMAT focuses more on analytical and mathematical skills, while also emphasizing the importance of verbal and quantitative reasoning.

On the other hand, this doesn’t make the GRE any less critical because it’s considered to be the best for those with creative thinking, and more focused on literary elements. So, writers, storytellers and vocabulary masters can benefit more from the GRE. It’s also deemed a bit more difficult for ESL students.

So, let’s make it simple for you:

Choose GMAT if…	Choose GRE if…
You’re looking to pursue an MBA or other business-focused master’s program after your bachelor’s.	You’re looking to pursue a wide range of degrees, including business, creative, literary, and other choices.
You want to pursue the top institutions in your state/country.	You want to broaden the schools you wish to pursue, including online schools, community colleges, etc.
You want to focus on quantitative and analytical skills.	You want to portray a variety of skills but don’t want to focus only on quantitative/analytical skills.

You can also look at the university requirements, as it’s another simple way to figure out which one is better. So, if you’re pursuing a specific program/university, make sure you see if they accept one of these or both of them.

Which is harder, GMAT or GRE?

You might be wondering, should I take the GMAT or GRE? Which is Easier? While both tests have their difficult areas, the GMAT is widely considered to be the harder one of the two. This is because it focuses on quantitative reasoning and offers a more challenging math section.

GRE, on the other hand, is more about solid vocabulary and reading comprehension. The linear nature of the GMAT makes it a bit more arduous than the GRE. In other words, you can return to one question later while taking the GRE, but GMAT won’t allow any such luxury.

So, if you aren’t good with math, you’ll have a tough time taking GMAT. And if you’re average with verbal and reading skills, then the GRE will be more difficult.

Is GMAT or GRE better for MBA?

A majority of MBA-offering universities prefer the GMAT over the GRE. The reason is apparent–GMAT allows them to assess technical abilities of the students. Besides, admissions committees view GMAT as a better indicator of the applicant’s mathematical skills.

On top of that, GMAT’s analytical and quantitative assessment aligns well with any business school requirement. However, some universities also accept the GRE, but the GMAT is preferable among business schools.

Should I Take the GMAT Or the GRE For MBA?

As mentioned above, GMAT is a better choice over the GRE for an MBA. It’s a lot more aligned with MBA requirements compared to GRE, which is more suitable for non-business degrees. Therefore, choosing GMAT compared to the GRE for an MBA application is recommended.

Do Business Schools Prefer GMAT Over GRE?

Yes, they do. Most of the universities in the United States prefer the GMAT over the GRE. There are some institutions that accept the GRE as well. Here are some top institutions that accept one or the other:

School	Preference
Harvard Business School	Neither GMAT nor GRE, as Harvard prefers experience, leadership, and other academic qualifications.
Stanford Graduate School of Business	Prefers the GRE over the GMAT, but requires English proficiency proof, as well as a resume, essays, recommendations, etc.
Kellogg School of Management	GMAT isn’t required but preferred when a student has it. Evaluates based on work, academic, and management experience.
Sloan School of Management at MIT	Same as Kellogg, as it offers GMAT waivers for applicants.

Therefore, it’s essential to research the school before taking either of the tests.

How to Convert GRE Score to GMAT?

There was an official conversion tool offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to convert the scores. Simply enter the GRE Verbal Reasoning score, followed by the Quantitative Reasoning score. Then let the tool do the rest.

Is GRE and GMAT Math the Same?

Both GRE and GMAT include similar mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, data interpretation, and word problems. However, the difference between them is highlighted by the method that tests these methods, here’s an example:

Methods	GRE	GMAT
Question Types	Multiple-choice with a single answer Multiple-choice with multiple answers Numeric entry Quantitative comparisons	Multiple-choice problem-solving questions
Calculator Use	On-screen calculator provided	No calculator allowed
Difficulty Perception	Considered slightly easier than GMAT math	Considered more challenging than GRE math
Scoring	130-170	6-51
Structure	2 sections, 20 questions each	1 section, 31 questions
Adaptivity	Difficulty changes based on performance in that section	Difficulty changes based on previous answers

Do I need a GMAT or GRE for these Universities? (Duke, MILs, Northwestern, NYU Stern, Drexel?)

Some of these universities require either of the two, while others care more about your professional or academic experience; they don’t require GMAT. Besides, these universities also offer executive, full-time, or part-time MBA programs. So, let’s analyze if any of them accept GRE or GMAT, and if they offer waivers.

University/School	Program(s)	GMAT/GRE	Waivers
Duke University (Fuqua)	Full-Time and Executive MBA	Only for full-time/not needed for Executive MBA	No waivers were offered.
MIT Sloan	Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA	Required in all, except Executive MBA	Yes, based on academic and professional accolades.
Northwestern University, Kellogg	Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA	Required for full-time, but not for Executive MBA. LSAT, MAC, or EA also accepted for Part-Time MBA.	Only available in part-time MBA, if academic and professional accolades meet standards.
NYU Stern	Full-Time, Part-Time,	GMAT, GRE, EA, LSAT, MCAT or DAT for Full-Time and GMA GRE for Part-Time.	Based on professional or academic experience.
Drexel University	Full-Time, Part-Time, and Executive MBA	GMA/GRE not required in any MBA.	Not offered.

What is GMAT/GRE score?

The GMAT and GRE scoring systems are vaguely similar, but there are some striking differences too. Here’s a table to help you understand:

Features	GMAT	GRE
Total Score Range	205 to 805	130 to 170
Sections	Analytical Writing (0-6) Integrated Reasoning (1-8) Quantitative Reasoning (6-51) – Verbal Reasoning (6-51)	Analytical Writing (0-6) Verbal Reasoning (130-170) – Quantitative Reasoning (130-170)
Scoring Increments	10-point increments for total score	1-point increments for total score

What is the GRE equivalent of GMAT?

Each of the scores on GRE has a different GMAT equivalent. There are converters, and we mentioned one earlier, but here’s a score conversion table:

GMAT	GRE Equivalent
570	158
590	160
610	162
630	164
650	166
670	168
700	170
730 (GMAT Classic)	330 (GRE total)
685 (GMAT Focus)	330 (GRE total)

What’s the Difference Between GMAT and GRE?

The differences between GMAT and GRE are quite a few, and they include who these tests are intended for, and what they assess. So, to explain these differences in a simple manner, here’s a table:

GMAT	Features	GRE
Designed specifically for business schools, like MBA programs.	Purpose	Designed for wide range of programs, including law, business, etc.
Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal	Structure	Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning
Challenging math section as its data sufficiency and problem-solving heavy.	Math Focus	Comparatively more straightforward quantitative section with simple questions.
Grammar, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension.	Verbal Focus	Vocabulary, reading comprehension, and text completion.
200-800 overall score, with separate scores for each section.	Scoring	130-170 for Verbal and Quantitative sections; 0-6 for Analytical Writing.
Primarily accepted by business schools.	Acceptance	Accepted by a broader range of graduate programs, including many business schools.
Adaptive by question; no skipping or returning to questions.	Flexibility	Allows skipping and returning to questions within a section.

Are there other Tests Besides GMAT and GRE?

Yes, there are other tests besides GMAT and GRE, but those are for specific fields. These tests are required for very specific degree programs in various fields. Here is what each of these particular tests are called:

LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

DAT (Dental Admission Test)

PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

CAT (Common Admission Test)

GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering)

MAT (Miller Analogies Test)

Therefore, only look for these if a program specifically necessitates one of them.

Can GMAT Math Help Me Prepare For the GRE?

Yes, it can. GMAT math is considered to be much more challenging than the GRE’s. Therefore, preparing or taking the GMAT test will help you develop Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Data Analysis skills. Besides, their conceptual overlap of GMAT math will ensure you overtake any GRE math challenges quickly.

Can I waive my GMAT/GRE if have masters?

There are some universities, like Harvard Business School, Kellogg School of Management, and Sloan School of Management at MIT, that prefer professional or academic experience over GMAT/GRE. So, you have to research the university or school you apply to.

Therefore, you should check program requirements, prepare a waiver request, and consult the admissions office. Make sure you check if they require academic credentials, professional experience, etc.

Can you take both the GRE and GMAT?

Yes, you can take both GRE and GMAT. It can maximize your options ensure the test strength and allow you to perform better. Besides that, you also have to consider the time and cost it might take to attempt both tests.

However, most education experts would vote against it. Because you can can spend more time preparing for one, instead of both. So, only pursue both if they align with your academic and professional goals.

Do companies in the US ask for GRE GMAT scores?

Yes, there are some companies in the US that ask for GRE and GMAT. For instance, McKinsey, BCG or Bain have GMAT as one of the prerequisites in their hiring/recruitment process. Besides, a position in education, such as a teacher or researcher also requires GRE or GMAT.

On top of that, having good GRE and GMAT scores indicate strong characteristics and quantitative skills. So, having it on your resume can surely elevate your chances of being hired.

Do GRE and GMAT scores matter for scholarships?

Yes, the GRE and GMAT can impact the chances of receiving scholarships. These can open up the door to Merit-Based Scholarships, School-Specific Scholarships, External Scholarships, and Fellowship Programs. There are some universities that specifically prefer GMAT when offering scholarships; this includes:

Columbia University MBA Scholarships

Stanford University Scholarships

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School

Dartmouth College – Tuck School of Business

Do you need a GMAT or GRE for Duke University?

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business accepts both the GRE and GMAT. However, the school requires you to have a specific score. For instance, in 2024, the average GMAT score for an applicant is around 718. So, you need to score:

GMAT: 670-7 60
GRE: 260 – 318

Besides that, there is also the application process. Some specializations in MBA in this university can also ensure test waivers, as long as you have professional or academic experience in the said field.

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