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GMAT vs GRE : Key differences between the tests
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This blog delves into the significant differences between the GMAT and GRE, two major standardized tests for postgraduate applicants. It clarifies their purposes, content, scoring, and format. It gives a deeper insight into the best choice for graduate students and dissects their key differences to help candidates navigate their academic aspirations.
The pursuit of a master's degree is an exciting journey, but this path comes with many other difficult choices to be made. One of those choices is selecting the appropriate test that aligns with the academic aspirations and target programs that seekers have in their minds. For many, the GMAT and GRE evolve as the prime contestants, leaving a dilemma of what to opt for.
Key Differences in GMAT & GRE- A quick glance
Feature | GMAT | GRE |
Focus | Business and Management | Diverse Graduate Programs ( Arts, Science, Technology etc. ) |
Content | Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing Assessment | Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
Math Emphasis | Greater emphasis on business-related math concepts | Broader range of quantitative concepts, including calculus |
Verbal Emphasis | Analytical reading comprehension, critical reasoning | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, sentence equivalence |
Scoring | 200-800(10 point increments) | 0-340 ( 1- point increment) |
Target Programs | MBA, Master of Finance, etc. | Diverse graduate programs in various fields |
Average Test Taker | Professionals with business aspirations | Students with diverse academic backgrounds. |
Deep dive into the differences
Content and Format | GMAT and GRE diverge in their content. GMAT focuses on business-oriented skills, assessing the contenders quantitative and verbal reasoning abilities within a business context. The Integrated Reasoning section for GMAT tests the ability to analyze the data and draw inferences from multiple sources whereas analytical writing assessment examines the critical thinking and writing skills. Whereas GRE, on the other hand, adopts a broader approach, assessing verbal and quantitative reasoning skills across various academic disciplines. While the verbal Reasoning section echoes the GMAT in its focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary, the quantitative Reasoning section delves deeper into mathematics, including calculus concepts. |
Target Audience and Programs | The GMAT primarily focuses on the dedicated MBA aspirants. However, the analytical skills are beneficial for those applying to Master of Finance or other business-related programs. On the other hand, GRE caters a wider range of aspirants from diverse fields including Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Technology etc. |
Scoring and Interpretation | The GMAT and GRE employ different scoring systems, making it more complicated to differ between the two. GMAT uses a 200-800 scale with 10 points increments, while the GRE utilizes a 0-340 scale with a 1-point increment. A strong GMAT score showcases that an aspirant has great analytical and quantitative skills whereas high GRE score denotes one as a candidate with excellent verbal and reasoning skills for GMAT. |
Parameters to distinguish between GMAT and GRE
Differences | GMAT | GRE |
Which business schools accept these tests? | More than 7000 programs at approx. 2300 business schools | Fewer business schools |
Total Fees | $275 | $220 |
Test Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
Test dates | Year around | Year around |
How the test is administered | Computer-based | Computer-based and paper-based sometimes |
Test Format | Computer adaptive | Computer adaptive |
Test Duration | 2 hours 15 minutes | 1 hours 58 minutes |
Sections in GMAT and GRE tests
GMAT or GRE, which is easier?
When to take the test?
Planning is the key | The right time to start preparing should be six months prior to the set target application deadline. This allows ample time for thorough studying and practice tests. |
Application deadlines | Most graduate programs have application deadlines between October and January. The candidate must plan the test date and ensure the scores reach the schools on time. |
Practice makes perfect | Take practice tests for both exams and assess strengths and weaknesses. |
Retakes are possible | Both exams allow retakes, but policies may vary. But it’s advisable to maximize the score at the first attempt itself. |
How many attempts a candidate can make?
GMAT
Lifetime Limit | 8 Attempts |
Yearly Limit | 5 Attempts |
Minimum gap between the attempts | 16 days |
GRE
Lifetime Limit | No official limit exists, but the Educational Testing Service recommends at most five attempts in 5 years. |
Yearly Limit | 5 attempts |
Minimum gap between attempts | 21 days |
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