GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should I Take?

When applying to a postgraduate business programme, 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.

Universities consider your performance on these tests as part of the admission process. Other factors may include your work experience, previous academic records, and a face-to-face interview. This information helps schools determine if you'll be a good fit for the programmes they offer.

Take a closer look at the GMAT and GRE and why you might take one test over the other to elevate your graduate programme application.

Differences between the GMAT and GRE

The biggest difference between the GMAT and the GRE is the types of programmes that consider them part of the admissions process. Business schools are more likely to accept the GMAT, while the GRE is typically better suited for general graduate programmes. Beyond that, the two tests have different formats, different types of questions, and different testing policies.

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 programmes. The exam measures reasoning and critical thinking skills to demonstrate an ability to succeed in top graduate business programmes. You can retake the GMAT at a testing centre up to five times in a rolling 12-month period (no more than eight times total). 

GMAT format

The GMAT has three sections (Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights), and you can answer questions within each section in any order. This allows you to structure your testing experience to best work with your test-taking style. Take a closer look at the types of questions you'll see in each section.

• Quantitative Reasoning: This section has 21 questions that assess your knowledge of math, including algebra and arithmetic [7]. You must solve the problems manually, as you cannot use a calculator in this section.

• Verbal Reasoning: In this section, you answer 23 questions that measure your reading comprehension and critical reasoning [7]. Skills assessed include drawing inferences, identifying relationships between ideas, and evaluating arguments. Some questions have an accompanying text to analyse.

• Data Insights: The final section of the GMAT has 20 questions that test your skills in quantitative problem-solving, data literacy, and decision-making [7]. Questions ask you to synthesise information from multiple formats to make informed business decisions.

What is a computer-adaptive test?

Both the GMAT and GREs 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, the exam adapts each section's difficulty based on the previous one.

What is the GRE?

The GRE, administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), is used as an admissions consideration in more than 160 countries worldwide [8]. The exam evaluates 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, you can choose which scores get sent to the schools to which you’re applying. 

GRE format

The GRE comprises three scored portions and 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. You’ll 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 and one 23-minute section with a total of 27. In this section, you’ll encounter three types of questions: reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. You can score 130 to 170 in one-point increments [9].

• Quantitative Reasoning: This portion of the exam, designed to test your basic maths skills, features one 21-minute and one 26-minute section with 27 questions. Questions might be multiple choice with one or several answers, numeric entry, 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].

You can use an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Reasoning section during the test. 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.

Which is easier, GMAT or GRE?

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

The quantitative section on the GRE is 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 easier.

Should I take the GMAT or GRE?

Although most business school applicants worldwide 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 right decision.

Academic goals: If you’re considering different graduate programmes or want to keep your options open, you may want to take the GRE. If you’re certain about business school, taking the GMAT is a way to demonstrate your commitment.

School requirements: Verify admissions requirements before you choose which test to take. If possible, speak to an admissions representative to ask whether they prefer the two tests.

Academic strengths: If your maths skills are 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.

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 better understand which you feel more comfortable with. 

Career goals: Some companies ask for GMAT scores as part of the job application process. If you have certain target employers in mind, research these requirements beforehand. 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 shorter and requires less preparation, making it an attractive alternative for those who already have to balance the demands of a career and family.

Location: At a testing centre [10]

Cost (US): USD 350 (includes unlimited score delivery) [11]

Length: 90 minutes [10]

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

Scores good for: Five years [12]

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The GMAT and GRE are used for postgraduate admissions at universities worldwide. Understanding the structure and purpose of each exam can help determine which is the right choice for you.

If you're ready to pursue a master's degree, consider taking real MBA classes at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business on Coursera. Start learning today for free with a specialisation in areas such as Strategic Leadership & Management, Business Analytics, and Financial Management, and consider a test-optional business degree from one of these top universities: