GRE vs. GMAT: What's the Difference?

GRE vs. GMAT: An Overview

Some colleges require prospective students to take an entrance exam as part of the application process for certain graduate school programs. Two of the most common standardized tests for applicants are the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two.

Most graduate programs, including certain business schools, require applicants to take the GRE as part of the application process. It tests an individual's "reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills." The GMAT, on the other hand, is specifically tailored for business programs, such as the master of business administration (MBA). It tests students on quantitative, verbal, and integrated reasoning, along with analytical writing.

GRE

The GRE is an entry exam required by many colleges and universities around the world—notably those in Canada and the United States. Although it was originally designed for general graduate studies, it expanded to include graduate business programs including MBA degrees, at some business schools. Introduced in 1936, it has been administered by ETS in 1947. About 342,000 people took the exam in 2022.

As of Sept. 22, 2023, test takers have two hours to complete the exam. The test is divided into three blocks (six sections in total) with 109 questions that test an applicant's:

1. Verbal reasoning. This category is divided into two sections with 27 questions each. The scoring range for this section is 130 to 170.
2. Quantitative reasoning. Students answer two sections with 27 questions in each. The scoring range for this section is 130 to 170.
3. Critical thinking through analytical writing. There is one task in this section, in which a student must write an analytical essay. The scoring range for this section is 0 to 6.

Students can take the test at a Prometric testing center near them. The exam fee is $220, except for applicants in China who must pay $231.30. The cost is in U.S. dollars. Test takers in India have separate fees, which are charged in Indian rupees.

GMAT

The GMAT is an entry exam designed for business school applicants around the world and, more specifically, for MBA programs. The test was introduced in 1953 by nine business schools, with the first test administered the following year. It is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council. More than 112,000 individuals took the exam in 2022.

Students have three hours and seven minutes to complete the entire exam. It is made up of 80 questions and is divided into four different sections that cover:

1. Quantitative reasoning. This section is made up of 31 questions and has a score range of 6 to 51.
2. Verbal reasoning. This section is comprised of 36 questions with a score range of 6 to 51.
3. Integrated reasoning. Comprised of 12 questions, this section has a score range of 1 to 8.
4. Analytical writing. Test takers write an essay based on one question. The score range for this section is 0 to 8.
   

Exams take place at a GMAT testing center or students can take them online. Fees vary based on the country where the test is taken and whether it is done at a center or online. For instance, the fee for test center exams in the U.S. and Canada is $275 USD compared to £250 in the United Kingdom. Online testing fees are $300 USD and £275, respectively.

Special Considerations

If you know which schools you'll be applying to, it's worth verifying whether they'll accept both. Just don't assume that applying to a top-tier university means the GMAT is your only path. Some of the nation's most prestigious business schools, including Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University, accept scores from both exams.

For scholars who have their heart set on graduate school, but don't know for certain they'll study business, the GRE provides a degree of flexibility the GMAT doesn't offer. You can take the exam knowing that, if you later switch to a different field, you don't necessarily have to sit for a whole new test.

If the schools you want to attend accept either exam, it may make sense to take the one more suited to your strengths. Research both exams, take some practice tests, and see which one does a better job of showing off your skills.

Key Differences

One of the main differences between these two exams is the number of schools that require them. Previously, universities used the GRE for just about every graduate program except for business. As of 2011, it became the accepted standardized test for thousands of schools worldwide, including more than 1,300 business schools. The GMAT, on the other hand, is accepted by more than 2,400 institutions in 110 different countries.

Although both tests are valid for five years after the test date, there is a difference between the number of schools that you can send your results to when you apply for graduate studies. GRE results can be sent to four schools while GMAT scores can be sent to five.

Some test-takers say the GRE emphasizes vocabulary skills. The GMAT, on the other hand, puts more emphasis on reasoning. The GMAT also relies more heavily on word problems to test math skills than the GRE.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to the MBA entrance exam, students now have a choice. The tried-and-true GMAT is the obvious pick for business schools that still haven't jumped on the GRE bandwagon. However, the GRE is the more versatile option, providing a safety net for students who may choose to enter a different field altogether. But remember, not all schools require you to write these tests in order to apply. Be sure to review the requirements to ensure whether you have to write either test before you apply.