Is the GRE Right for You? How It Compares to the GMAT and Other Grad School Tests
If you’re considering graduate school, one of the first decisions you must make is which standardized test to take before applying.
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is the go-to choice for many prospective graduate students. In the 2022-2023 season alone, at least 319,000 individuals took the test.
But how does the GRE test stack up against other popular graduate school exams, like the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)? More importantly, how do you know which test is right for you?
In this blog post, we’ll evaluate the GRE vs GMAT and other grad school exams. Then, we’ll help you assess which test best fits your goals as you apply to grad school.
What Is the GRE?
Administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the Graduate Record Examination is a standardized test designed to assess the readiness of test takers for graduate school. The test measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
The GRE test is widely accepted by a variety of graduate programs, including those in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences. The ETS also reports that it is accepted by more than 1,300 business schools and many MBA programs.
Key Components of the GRE
Verbal Reasoning: Tests your ability to analyze written material, evaluate arguments, and understand the meaning of words and sentences in context.
Quantitative Reasoning: Measures your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, as well as solve problems using mathematical concepts.
Analytical Writing: Involves writing two essays that assess your critical thinking and ability to express complex ideas clearly and effectively.
This exam is scored on a scale of 130 to 170 for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, with scores in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 0 to 6.
According to the Princeton Review, the average GRE score typically falls around 150 for the Verbal section and 155 for the Quantitative section, with an average Analytical Writing score of about 3.5.
What Is the GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized exam used for admission to graduate programs, specifically at business schools and MBA programs. It measures your analytical, problem-solving, and reasoning skills, all essential for success in business school.
GMAT scores range from 200 to 800, based on the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The AWA and IR are scored separately. Generally, an average GMAT score is considered somewhere around 553, and an impressive score falls around 640 (according to US News).
Key Components of the GMAT Exam
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Write an essay analyzing an argument to assess critical thinking and communication skills.
Integrated Reasoning (IR): Measures your ability to analyze data from multiple sources, including charts and tables.
Quantitative Reasoning (Quant): Tests problem-solving skills in math, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Verbal Reasoning (Verbal): Assesses reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar through various question types.
In short, the GMAT tests a range of distinct skills required for business school, including analytical, verbal, and quantitative reasoning. In 2022, 73.8% of students sent their GMAT scores to MBA programs, 21.5% to business master’s programs, and 4.7% to others (Graduate Management Admission Council).
GRE vs GMAT: Core Differences
For those pursuing an MBA or other business-related graduate programs, the GMAT is often the clear exam of choice. However, considering that the GRE is broader and still accepted by many business schools, it’s still on the table for many students.
While both the GRE and GMAT test similar skills, some key differences could influence your decision between these grad school tests.
1. Test Focus
The GRE test is more general, while the GMAT exam is specifically designed for business school applicants. The GMAT focuses more on testing your ability to reason logically and solve problems in a business context.
2. Quantitative Section
The GMAT's quantitative section is generally considered more challenging than the GRE's. The GMAT test has a greater emphasis on problem-solving and data-sufficiency questions, whereas the GRE test focuses more on basic math concepts and word problems.
3. Verbal Section
The GRE tends to have a more extensive verbal reasoning section than the GMAT test. The GRE may be a better fit for you if you’re strong in vocabulary and reading comprehension.
4. Scoring
The GRE uses a score range of 130–170 for both the verbal and quantitative sections, while the GMAT exam uses a 200–800 scale, with both sections combined into one total score.
The truth is that most schools accept GMAT and GRE scores. Therefore, it’s up to you to determine which might offer you the most competitive scores and chances of admission, as well as the likelihood of receiving scholarships.
What About Other Grad School Tests?
Both the GMAT and GRE are common exams, but there are other tests that some graduate schools or programs may require:
1. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
The LSAT is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools. It measures critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning skills essential for success in legal studies. Administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), the LSAT is considered a key factor in the law school admissions process.
2. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
The MCAT is a standardized exam required for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada. It evaluates knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology, along with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT is a crucial step for aspiring medical professionals.
3. Subject Tests
Subject tests are specialized exams that assess in-depth knowledge in specific academic areas, such as psychology, biology, or literature. These exams are often required or recommended by certain graduate programs to demonstrate expertise in a particular field. They can help applicants stand out by showcasing their strengths in focused areas of study.
GRE vs GMAT: Which Test Is Right for You?
Choosing between the GMAT and GRE (or other exams) largely depends on your career goals and the programs you're applying to.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding:
1. What is the focus of the program I am applying to?
Most business schools accept both the GMAT and the GRE for admission, providing applicants with flexibility in choosing the test that best aligns with their strengths.
However, the GMAT is often regarded as the traditional standard for MBA programs, as it is specifically designed to measure skills relevant to business school success, such as quantitative reasoning, data interpretation, and critical thinking. While the GRE is widely accepted, submitting GMAT scores may demonstrate a stronger commitment to pursuing an MBA, depending on the program’s preferences.
Always check the specific requirements of your target schools to ensure you're making the best choice.
2. What are my strengths?
We’ve found that if you excel in math and logical reasoning, the GMAT might play to your strengths. Our experience indicates that students majoring in science and mathematics often prefer the GMAT, especially if they’re interested in pursuing an MBA.
On the other hand, if verbal reasoning and reading comprehension are your forte, the GRE could be a better fit. We’ve seen many lovers of literature and debate impress graduate schools with high GRE scores.
3. Do I want flexibility?
The GRE is accepted by a wider variety of programs and graduate schools, so if you’re uncertain about your future academic path, the GRE gives test takers more flexibility in their options.
How Can Score At The Top Help?
At Score At The Top, we understand that preparing for the GMAT and GRE can be daunting. Whether you're leaning towards one of those two or another graduate school test, we offer tutoring services to help you reach your target scores.
Our experienced instructors provide personalized test prep strategies, practice materials, and advice to make sure you're fully prepared for whatever exam you choose. We offer both in-person and online tutoring sessions, so you can prepare in the way that suits you best.
Whether you need help improving your GMAT scores or focusing on the GRE analytical writing section, our team is dedicated to helping you succeed in your graduate or business school journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the GRE or GMAT easier?
There’s no clear answer to this one. Whether the GRE or GMAT is easier depends on your strengths and academic background.
The GRE is often considered more forgiving for test-takers with strong verbal reasoning and reading comprehension skills due to its vocabulary-focused questions. Meanwhile, the GMAT tends to challenge those without a solid foundation in quantitative reasoning and logical problem-solving, as its math section is often regarded as more difficult.
Q2. How long should you study for the GRE or GMAT?
Most test takers spend 2 to 3 months preparing for the GRE or GMAT, dedicating 10 to 15 hours per week to studying. The exact amount of time needed depends on your baseline scores, target scores, and familiarity with the test format.
For those with significant gaps in their skills, a longer preparation period of 4 to 6 months might be necessary.
Q3. Do most MBA programs require the GMAT or GRE?
Most MBA programs accept both GMAT and GRE scores, although some programs may still show a slight preference for the GMAT, given its historical alignment with business school admissions. BusinessBecause also states that the GMAT may demonstrate a stronger commitment to securing an MBA.
Ultimately, the decision to require one over the other often depends on the program's admissions policies and emphasis.
In recent years, many schools have moved toward greater flexibility, welcoming GRE scores to attract a broader pool of applicants. However, it's always a good idea to confirm specific requirements with your target programs before deciding which test to take.
Final Thoughts on the GRE vs GMAT
The GRE is a versatile, widely accepted exam that’s well-suited for a variety of graduate school applicants. However, whether the GRE, GMAT, or another exam is right for you depends on your goals, strengths, and the specific programs you're applying to.
If you’re ready to start preparing for your grad school tests in Florida, Score At The Top is here for you. We’ll guide you through the process with expert tutoring services that cater to your needs.
Reach out to us today to start building your path toward success. We’ll help you get your GMAT or GRE score where it needs to be.
