GMAT or GRE for MBA : Which is better?

While GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) has been designed solely for business school applicants, GRE (Graduate Record Examination) allows you to apply for most graduate programs. As an increasing number of MBA programs are accepting both exams, the question “GMAT or GRE for MBA?” has become fairly common among applicants. To help answer it, we suggest you follow these 4 steps.

Step 1: Which exam do business schools prefer

If you haven’t chosen between an MBA program and another graduate degree, taking the GRE will give you the flexibility you need. But keep in mind – not all MBA programs have an equal preference for GRE and GMAT. In a 2015 survey conducted by Kaplan Test Prep, 25% of the 222 participating MBA programs said that the GMAT test-takers had an added advantage. These schools believe that students taking the GMAT will be more committed and better equipped to pursue an MBA. Moreover, some business sector employers continue to consider the GMAT scores of job applicants.

On the other hand, if you’re sure the program you’ll be applying to isn’t inclined towards the GMAT, you can consider taking the GRE. So, the first step is to get in touch with the MBA schools on your list and ask them what they would prefer. This would make your decision easier about taking either GMAT or GRE for MBA. 

Step 2: GMAT or GRE for MBA: Structure and scoring

GMAT and GRE have a lot in common. They’re both about three and a half hours long, computer adaptive, and designed to test your verbal, analytical, quantitative, and time-management skills. But, there are certain things that can help you decide whether you should take GMAT or GRE for MBA.
However, the Quantitative Section of GMAT is considered tougher because of its data sufficiency and integrated reasoning sections. While the GRE tests pure math skills, memorizing mathematical concepts and performing mental math is not going to be sufficient for the GMAT.
The Verbal Section in GMAT places a higher value on grammar. In contrast, the GRE requires you to have a vast vocabulary and know-how to decipher context clues.

GMAT General Info –

The exam is clocked at 3 hours and 30 minutes. It consists of 4 sections-

1. Analytical Writing – 1 essay in 30 minutes
2. Quantitative Section – 36 questions in 75 minutes
3. Verbal Reasoning – 36 questions in 75 minutes
4. Integrated Reasoning – 12 questions in 30 minutes

The GMAT test is computer adaptive. This means that the difficulty of questions increases as you go on answering them correctly.

GRE General Info –

The GRE General Test lasts for 3 hours and 40 minutes. It is divided into 3 main sections- 

1. Analytical Writing – 2 essays in 60 minutes 
2. Two Verbal Sections – 40 questions in 60 minutes
3. Two Quantitative Sections – 40 questions in 70 minutes

Apart from these, the GRE contains an unscored research section of 30 minutes. It can be either quantitative or verbal. Unlike the GMAT, GRE is section-adaptive. This means that if you did well in the first section, the second one is going to be tougher.

Another key difference between the two tests is that, in GRE, you can change your answers within a particular section. But the GMAT does not allow you to go back. You are not allowed to use a calculator when attempting the Quants Section in GMAT. And while the GRE allows repeat test takers to send their scores selectively, the GMAT reports all the past scores of an admission applicant.
Can you gauge which exam you might do better in?

Step 3: GMAT or GRE for MBA: Score comparison

If you’re not sure which one you’ll score more in, try both. No, this does not mean you have to actually take both exams. Take mock tests for GMAT and GRE, instead. While you can access several practice tests online, we have prepared sample papers of both GMAT & GRE for you.
To compare your scores, you can use the ETS Comparison Tool as a benchmark. However, the administrators of both the exams use different tools and ETS (the GRE test taker) says that their tool does not make perfectly accurate conversions.
Another way to assess your results is this – stack your scores up with the rest of your profile. Do you need to indicate you’re exceptional at math and already have a good academic record in English? Or do you have to prove your verbal skills? Decide if you should give GMAT or GRE for MBA accordingly.

Step 4: See what’s on your plate

If you scored comparatively well in one, you know which exam to go for. If not, give yourself some time to get a feel for each test.
In case you’re still not sure, consider other factors of GMAT and GRE. Like how much each test costs, what’s the expense for sending your scores to a university, and if registration is available for a date of your preference.
To find out more details about the syllabus, scoring, reporting, and test registration for these exams, you can read our posts on the GRE and GMAT exams.

More than 1200 business schools now accept GRE. And the number continues to increase. However, only a small percentage of such schools express a clear preference for GRE. The fact that 80% of students applied at Harvard Business School with their GMAT scores goes to show that GRE has only reached general acceptance among MBA schools.

So, if your target program doesn’t state a clear preference about GMAT or GRE for MBA, assume that GMAT is preferred. And if you wish to apply to non-MBA programs as well, the disadvantage in taking the GRE can be overcome by performing substantially better than you would in the GMAT. The same stands true for those scoring better in GRE and keen on pursuing an MBA.
So, take your pick, figure out which areas you need to work on, and get to studying!
But understand –  the test is just one part of your profile. Your academics, experiences, and extracurriculars will matter just as much.

Top universities accepting GRE scores

While every business school accepts GMAT scores, here are some of the top colleges accepting GRE scores for MBA- 

• Harvard Business School, USA
• London Business School, UK
• INSEAD, France
• Oxford University – Said, UK
• University of Cambridge – Judge, UK
• National University of Singapore, Singapore

What’s next?

Now, if you’re still confused about which courses will fit your profile, how to go about preparing for GMAT or GRE for MBA, when to give it, or what to do after you’ve taken the test, contact us. We, at iSchoolConnect, will help you from beginning to end. From finding the right program which suits your preferences, choosing the right university based on your scores, applying to these universities, and so much more!

Liked this blog? Read next: Career options in arts | Top 5 paths for you to choose from!

FAQs

Q1. Which exam is easier from GRE and GMAT?

Ans- There is no right or wrong answer to this question. However, if you possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, you can consider taking the GMAT. Besides, you can also go for GMAT if you have strong verbal skills. On the other hand, if vocabulary is your strong suit and you like straightforward Math questions, you can go for GRE. 

Q2. How many questions do the verbal ability section include in GMAT and GRE?

Ans- GMAT has 41 questions in the verbal section. GRE, on the other hand, has 2 verbal ability sections with 20 questions in each section. 

Q3. Which is one of the significant differences between GMAT and GRE?

Ans-  The GMAT test is exclusively for business school admissions. On the other hand, the GRE score is accepted for a wide range of graduate programs.