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GMAT vs. GRE: Key Differences to Consider
By
Zach Skillings
Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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The GMAT and GRE are both graduate school entry exams, but the GMAT is designed specifically for students applying to business school. Many MBA programs accept either exam, which can leave applicants wondering which test they should take. Let’s break down the key differences between the GMAT and the GRE.
See also: What is the GMAT? Everything you need to know
GMAT vs GRE: Overview
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) are both graduate school entry exams. The main difference is that the GRE is taken to gain admission to a range of graduate programs, while the GMAT is designed specifically for business school programs. However, many business schools accept scores from either exam. Accepting the GRE widens the admission pool beyond students from traditional business backgrounds. It also gives MBA applicants the flexibility to choose which test can best showcase their academic potential.
GMAT vs GRE: Key differences
| GMAT | GRE | |
| Why Take It | Accepted by most business schools | Accepted by 1,300+ business schools worldwide |
| Test Structure | – Quantitative Reasoning (45 minutes)Â – Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes)Â – Data insights (45 minutes) | – Analytical writing section with one essay (30 minutes)Â – Verbal Reasoning (41 minutes) – Quantitative Reasoning (47 minutes) |
| Test Duration | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 1 hour and 58 minutes |
| How it’s Scored | 205 to 805 | 260 to 340 |
| Registration Fee | $275 | $220 |
Do business schools prefer the GMAT or the GRE?
Nearly all business schools accept both exams, but some programs prefer the GMAT over the GRE. To compare applications objectively, many business schools use this comparison tool to convert GRE scores to GMAT scores. Check with the business schools you’re considering and see if they indicate a preference for one exam over the other.
Which exam should I take?
If your prospective MBA program doesn’t indicate a preference either way, you should take the test that highlights your individual strengths. The GMAT and GRE are similar in many ways. Both involve early high school-level math and rely heavily on reading comprehension. But it’s important to understand that the tests have different focuses.
The GMAT is designed specifically for business students. Because of this, students with traditional MBA backgrounds in finance, banking, or consulting may prefer this exam. The GMAT generally suits students who excel at solving complex problems using data presented in charts, tables, and text. Meanwhile, the GRE is designed for a variety of graduate programs ranging from visual arts to higher education. Because the GRE caters to a wider audience, it may be preferable for students transitioning to business from other fields of study.
Also see: Top business scholarships
When in doubt, take a practice test
Ultimately, the best way to decide between the exams is to take a practice test. After taking a GRE practice test and a GMAT practice test, compare the two and see which one you prefer. Both practice tests can be taken for free. And of course, a solid study plan is key to performing well on either exam.
Once you take both practice tests, you can decide which test to tailor your studying to. If the schools you are looking into accept either, there’s no sense in studying for the exam you perform worse on. Using this strategy, you can maximize your GRE or GMAT score.
Keep on reading
If you’re considering returning to school to obtain your MBA, you may find these resources helpful:
- Top MBA scholarships in 2021
- Grad school financing options
- Can I defer my loans if I go to grad school?
- Getting into graduate school with a low GPA
Frequently asked questions about the GMAT vs. the GRE
How long are GRE and GMAT scores valid?
Which test should I take if I’m unsure about my graduate program?
Is the GRE or the GMAT more challenging?
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