Comparing GMAT and GRE: Key Differences and Suggestions for Success
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are two major entrance exams for prospective business and graduate school applicants. While both exams aim to measure similar skills, they have distinct features that cater to different test-takers. In this article, we will explore the key differences between GMAT and GRE, helping you decide which one is better suited for your academic and career goals.
Examination Focus
GMAT: Specifically designed for business and management studies, the GMAT focuses on assessing skills critical for success in a business environment. It evaluates quantitative reasoning, verbal skills, analytical writing and integrated reasoning.
GRE: A more general test, the GRE covers a wider range of topics, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. It is accepted by a diverse range of graduate programs, not just business schools but also law, engineering, and more.
Examination Structure
GMAT: The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Quantitative, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning. Test-takers can choose the order of taking these sections to best suit their strengths.
Analytical Writing Assessment: One task in which you must analyze an argument in 30 minutes. Quantitative: 62 minutes for 31 multiple-choice questions, including Data Sufficiency problems. Verbal: 65 minutes with 36 multiple-choice questions, including reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction. Integrated Reasoning: 30 minutes with 12 questions designed to assess your ability to analyze and integrate complex data.GRE: The GRE includes five sections: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and an unscored experimental section. The test typically lasts 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Analytical Writing: Two tasks, each 30 minutes, assessing your ability to construct and analyze arguments. Verbal Reasoning: Two sections of 30 minutes each, containing 20 questions each from reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Quantitative Reasoning: Two sections of 35 minutes each, with 20 questions per section on topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.Scoring Systems
GMAT: Scores range from 200 to 800, with the quant and verbal sections contributing to this score. Integrated Reasoning is scored from 1 to 8.
GRE: The Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored from 130 to 170 in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing score ranges from 0 to 6 in half-point increments.
Mathematics Section
GRE: The math section tends to be more straightforward and includes a calculator for all problems. It also covers more geometry questions.
GMAT: The math section is considered more challenging by many test-takers, featuring a higher percentage of problem-solving questions.
Language Skills
GRE: The verbal section includes more difficult vocabulary and focuses on text comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence.
GMAT: The verbal section may be easier for test-takers who prefer logical reasoning over geometry problems. It covers question types similar to the verbal section of the GRE but is often perceived as less challenging.
Examination Anxiety
GRE: Flexibility during the test allows test-takers to save and return to questions within each section, reducing stress. Retakes are allowed up to five times within 12 months, with one sending date every 21 days.
GMAT: Questions cannot be skipped or returned to after completion, which might be more stressful for some test-takers. Retakes are allowed up to five times within a 12-month period, no more than eight times in total.
Which Test is Right for You?
The choice between the GMAT and GRE depends on your academic background, job aspirations, and testing preferences. Here are some factors to consider:
Academic Strengths: If you excel in logical reasoning and have a strong math background, the GMAT might be a better fit. Job Objectives: If you are applying to a wide range of graduate programs, the GRE could be more suitable. Test Anxiety: If you tend to get nervous when skipping and returning to questions, the GRE might reduce your stress.To explore your options further, consider preparing with the right resources. For instance, you can contact Masterclass for comprehensive guidance and practice materials tailored to your goals.