GRE vs GMAT: Which is more suitable for B-School admissions?

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are two prominent standardized tests used for graduate admissions, each overseen by a non-profit organization. GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), while GRE is managed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). While both tests play a crucial role in graduate admissions, they serve different purposes and cater to a wide range of academic fields.

Primary Purpose

• GMAT: Designed primarily for admission into graduate management programs, especially MBA (Master of Business Administration) courses. It evaluates skills related to business and management, including analytical, quantitative, and verbal reasoning, as well as integrated reasoning skills.

• GRE: A more general graduate admissions test that covers various fields of study, including business, science, engineering, social sciences, and the humanities. It is used for admission to a wide range of graduate programs, not limited to MBA courses.

Test Content

• GMAT: Emphasizes quantitative skills and includes sections for integrated reasoning and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA). The verbal section assesses critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and sentence correction skills.

• GRE: Comprises sections for Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning, evaluating general quantitative and verbal skills without specific emphasis on business-related content. The GRE also offers more flexibility for test-takers, allowing them to choose the order of sections and modify responses without restrictions.

Acceptance by Programs

• Historically, the GMAT has been favored by MBA programs, while many leading business schools either mandate or strongly prefer GMAT scores. However, an increasing number of MBA programs now accept GRE scores.

• The GRE is accepted across a broad spectrum of graduate programs, extending beyond business schools to fields such as science, engineering, arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Scoring Scales

• GMAT: Scores range from 200 to 800, with separate scores for Quantitative and Verbal sections. AWA and Integrated Reasoning sections are graded separately.

• GRE: Scores range from 130 to 170 for both Verbal and Quantitative sections, with Analytical Writing assessed on a scale from 0 to 6. The GRE does not penalize test-takers for unanswered questions.

Cost of the Test

• The GMAT is more expensive than the GRE, with additional fees for score reports, rescheduling, and late registration.

• The GRE examination fee is consistent at INR 22,550 for Indian test-takers, offering cost savings through local banking channels.

Availability of Test Centers

• The GMAT offers a more extensive network of test centers compared to the GRE, providing candidates with more options and locations for scheduling exams.

Test Duration and Score Validity

• The GRE will be shortened to under 2 hours starting September 22, making it the shortest assessment for graduate admissions. The GMAT typically takes 3.5 hours.

• Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years, allowing candidates to use their scores for admissions applications during this timeframe.

Score Acceptance

• Both GRE and GMAT scores are widely accepted worldwide, offering candidates flexibility in choosing programs and destinations.

• Prestigious institutions globally, including top U.S. business schools and European universities, recognize both GRE and GMAT scores for admissions.

When deciding between the GMAT and GRE, consider your academic and career goals, as well as the requirements of the programs you plan to apply to. Understanding the key differences and similarities between these tests will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your educational journey and aspirations.