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GMAT vs GRE | Which exam should you take in 2022?

Written by  Vishesh Chogtu

Published on Tue, November 16, 2021 5:50 AM   Updated on Tue, January 11, 2022 10:12 AM   14 mins read

When comparing GMAT v/s GRE, one important contrast is that GMAT is designed to measure precisely the talents that count in business school, whereas GRE is a generic exam created for the entrance to graduate schools spanning from a Ph.D. in astrophysics to an MFA in poetry.

To get admission, many business institutions accept either GRE or GMAT as grad school entrance exams. MBA candidates get to choose the test they want to take to demonstrate their academic ability. 95% of the 96 MBA courses that replied to an email poll conducted by Kaplan in 2020 said they enabled candidates to submit GRE numbers instead of GMAT results.

In this article, we’ve covered everything you just might need to know about GMAT v/s GRE, along with some FAQs. Keep reading!

GMAT 

GMAT is an essential part of the application process for business schools. It is a standardized exam that is commonly needed for acceptance in MBA around the world. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based, and computer-adaptive test.

GMAC, the test creator, created and administers the GMAT to offer business schools standardized evaluations of applicants’ readiness for grad-level educational work. The GMAT score, as well as the academic report, work experience, and supporting papers, are used by biz school entrance committees to judge your suitability for an MBA course.

GRE

The GREs were created with a specific goal in mind: to add worth to the entrance judgment process. Knowing what the exams were created to measure & predict can assist administration & faculty in assigning an appropriate position for the usage of exam scores without counting on them to do more than the capacity.

The GRE Generic Test is taken by applicants from all over the globe who want to pursue a master’s, specialized master’s in management, MBA, PhD, or JD degree.

Is GMAT Or GRE Easier?

Initially, GRE had an easier mathematics section as compared to GMAT. But now, after many modifications in the GRE’s syllabus and question pattern, both the exams have almost the same level of difficulty. Both tests have a quant portion that is high school math. Trigonometry, calculus, as well as other higher-level maths are not included. One distinction is that, unlike the GRE, the GMAT quantitative section prioritizes logic-based math problems over geometry.

The GMAT vocabulary is easier for most test participants. The GMAT vocabulary is easier for most test participants. There’s reading knowledge problems on both assessments. You will read 1-2 paras and afterwards respond to questions from the text. Both feature critical analysis questions that examine a discussion’s logic. The GRE chooses to use vocab questions too. So, the GMAT vocab portion assesses the candidate’s comprehension skills, grammar competence, and ability to express yourself. The GRE assesses the same skills but adds the challenge of unusual vocabulary.

So, in the battle of GMAT v/s, GRE both are not easy exams to appear. But, the math portion is tougher in GMAT, and GRE has a tougher vocabulary portion. 

GMAT vs GRE Syllabus

Let’s have a look into a brief of the syllabus of GMAT v/s GRE:

GRE Syllabus

Students interested in pursuing a postgrad at institutions all around the world take the GRE, which is a standardized paper/computer-based exam. The three sections of the 3hrs. & 45 minutes test — Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning— assess your writing & reasoning abilities.

You have 60 minutes to compose an analysis of 2 arguments in the Analytical Writing portion. You’ll have 60 minutes to solve 40 problems in the Verbal Reasoning portion & 70 minutes to solve 40 problems in the Quantitative portion. There’s an unscored portion too that comes somewhere between portions or at the paper’s ending and is used by the ETS for the purpose of research.

The GMAT is graded on a range of 260 – 340, with each point worth one point.

GMAT Syllabus

GMAT is a computer-based test used by people all around the world to apply for programs in business schools. Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning are the 4 sections of the test, which run for 3 hrs. & 30 minutes. You have the option of arranging these sections on the exam in any sequence you like.

You must analyze the given argument in half an hour for the Analytical writing assessment. Quantitative Reasoning asks you to solve 31 problems in 62 mins, while Verbal Reasoning asks you to solve 36 problems in 65 mins.

The GMAT is graded on a range of 200 – 800, with each point worth ten points.


Check out : How to improve your GMAT score?


GMAT vs GRE for MBA

The GMAT & GRE are 2 completely different exams that have nothing in common. Which exam to pick will be determined by the individual’s profile, undergraduate major & coursework, and prospective MBA programs. Let’s check out GMAT v/s GRE for MBA!

GRE

GRE® results are used by business schools all around the world as part of the enrollment process for specialized masters, MBA, as well as other business school programs. The GRE test is, in fact, the most commonly accepted indicator of a student’s preparedness for graduate studies— and also the only exam that enables you to get into grad, law school, and business school, increasing your chances of success.

The GRE Generic Test is available at over 1,000 locations in over 160 countries throughout the world. Furthermore, in most places around the world, the GRE Generic Exam can be performed from home. Also, other graduate entrance exams that evaluate the same skills cost more than the GRE.

GMAT

A large percentage of MBA schools require the GMAT. The exam is required by most b – schools, and it’s heavily weighted in the admissions stage. The GMAT is commonly required by b – schools for 2 reasons:

  • To begin, the test has been proven to be a good indicator of candidates’ academic achievement in MBA programs, especially during the 1st year of b-school.
  • Second, the test is standardized: everybody takes the exam in the same manner, and the material has been thoroughly examined to ensure that it’s fair to all people.

While MBA admittance is holistic, taking into account LOR, undergraduate GPA, writing samples, essays, work history, and interviews, the GMAT’s amongst the most crucial parts of a biz school application. Different admission committees, however, place varying degrees of importance on the GMAT.

GMAT vs GRE Which is Easier?

Both the GMAT & the GRE are difficult exams to crack. Many find the GMAT easier than GRE, and others think that GRE worked best for them.

The type of exam you want to take depends on your skills and ability. For instance, if you’re good in math, you’ll probably perform well in GMAT. But, if you’re someone who has strong knowledge of the English language, then GRE is a great option for you. 

We’ve divided the Difficulty into 3 sections to explain it in a better way. Have a look!

VERBAL 

For both exams, there’s a big difference in this part. The GMAT shall put your grammar & comprehension knowledge to the test, but it won’t be concerned with your vocabulary. However, on the GRE, you’ll be examined on complicated and uncommon vocabulary, with less emphasis on sentence-building Reasoning. Now, it’s nearly impossible to determine which of these is easier since it varies entirely on the learner.

QUANTITATIVE

Although the math problems on both exams are indeed of high school level, there still are distinctions in the types of questions given on these 2 examinations. The GRE focuses on geometry, whereas the GMAT focuses on equations, numbers, and derivatives.

Furthermore, the information sufficiency section of the GMAT exam is far more complicated than that of the GRE, mainly because more accountants, engineers, and individuals with a business academic background attempt the GMAT than graduates from other fields of study. If math isn’t your strong suit, we’d advise you to reconsider attempting the GMAT and perhaps opt for GRE.

WRITING

The writing too is relevant to business as well as the economy, as GMAT is about entering into a b- school. You must compose an analytical paragraph on a given subject with your own words as a solution.

In the GMAT, there’s only a single essay to write. However, there are 2 essays to write on the GRE. 

GRE marks are also recognized for postgraduate degrees other than MBAs. Thus the emphasis isn’t very much on the analytical writing section. More emphasis is placed on the literature & logic of your mental process in this section.


Check out : How to Crack the GRE?


GMAT vs GRE Difficulty

The main contrast is that GRE focuses more on schoolbook math, but the GMAT focuses more on Quantitative Reasoning, or the ability to reason logically about quantitative problems. That’s why it is believed the GRE quant section is objectively easier—you’re most likely to pass with the “remember it” technique that many students took in high school classrooms.

If you prefer vocabulary, you might choose the GRE, but if you prefer grammar, you could prefer the GMAT. However, most individuals do not base their selection on the test’s Verbal component (or the essay portion).

Some students are apprehensive about the GMAT’s Integrated Reasoning portion. This portion was designed to mirror the type of analysis you will perform on a case study in a b- school, so decide whether or not you wish to utilize your test study to assist you in preparing for school. If so, take the GMAT exam; if not, the GRE will suffice.

GMAT v/s GRE vs CAT

MBA aspirant? Then you’re familiar with the many tests available to MBA candidates. The alternatives are endless, ranging from exams conducted by b- schools themselves to exams conducted by individualistic companies that are employed by a significant number of b- schools.

Let’s take a look at 3 of the most renowned tests: GMAT v/s GRE v/s CAT.

GMAT v/s GRE vs CAT: Quantitative Aptitude

When it concerns assessing a test-quantitative taker’s abilities, CAT seals the deal. The most complicated & advanced topics are tested on CAT, which is one of the 3 examinations we’ll be addressing in this article.

GMAT is the 2nd most difficult exam in terms of quantitative skill, not for the Difficulty of the subjects tested, but rather due to the complicated question structure. The GMAT’s complexity stems from a combination of tough questions, Computer Adaptive Assessment, as well as the test’s requirement for time management.

Even though GRE is the simplest test of a candidate’s quantitative aptitude, it should not be used solely for that purpose.

GMAT vs GRE vs CAT: Verbal Aptitude

If you struggle with verbal sections of exams or English, you may want to avoid the GRE. The CAT & the GRE both assess the participant’s vocabulary, but the GRE features far more difficult lexis.

The GMAT, contrarily, despite its Difficulty, does not assess the vocabulary of the participant. In addition, the exam has several guidelines that it follows.

So, attempting the GRE may be the ideal option if you’ve got a strong grasp of English, vocabulary, and grammar.

GMAT vs GRE vs CAT: Target B-School

It is the most crucial element to remember. While most institutions now accept both the GRE & the GMAT for MBA applications, you must always double-check with the institution to be sure. Furthermore, if you choose an Indian institution, you should be aware that they may not consider anything other than the CAT.

If you’re completely focused on a certain business school, ensure you verify which tests they allow.

GMAT vs GRE vs CAT: Target Course

The GMAT & the CAT, as you may have guessed, are solely for business school admissions. The GRE, on the other hand, allows you to apply to practically all postgraduate courses accessible throughout the world.

Consider taking the GRE if you’re not clear which PG course is suitable or just wish to assess your alternatives once you’ve received all of your acceptance letters.

Consider taking the CAT or GMAT if you are certain that getting MBA is indeed the best path for your future. They’ll also assist you in demonstrating your quantitative abilities to the admissions committee.

GMAT vs GRE vs CAT Fees

The GRE & GMAT application fees are nearly identical. The CAT, on the other hand, has a significantly lower charge than the other tests. The GMAT’s & GRE’s registration fees are almost 7-10 x more than CAT’s registration price.

 TEST          FEES
CAT1,000 INR (SC/ST)2,000 INR (Gen.)
GMAT250 USD
GRE205 USD

A student from a low-income family, on the other hand, can file for a cost waiver for GMAT as well as GRE at a variety of colleges. The sole disadvantage is the waivers wouldn’t extend to any subsequent re-tests that the candidate might take.

MBA Without GMAT Or GRE

Many business schools may admit students to MBA courses without taking the GMAT if they have a good GPA. Students who achieve a 3.3 GPA out of a total of 4 might, for example, transmit their results to institutions with other needed documentation. In such instances, universities will waive the GMAT norm.

Documents required:

  • LOR(s)
  • SOP
  • Work experience
  • Good GPA
  • Resume showing your career growth
  • Quality internships
  • Language test score

Just like with the GMAT, you’re not obliged to provide a GRE score; but, if done, it is possible that doing so will enhance your application & help you pop out from the crowd. Before applying to any b-school, make sure you check their eligibility criteria.


Also read : List of Top Colleges for MBA in Germany without GMAT


GMAT VS GRE

FAQs

Do colleges prefer GMAT or GRE?

Ans. As per a poll of business school applications officials conducted by Kaplan Test in 2016, over 90% of b- schools in Europe & the USA will consider GRE scores for MBA courses. However, over 26% of individuals express a definite preference for GMAT over GRE.

Which is easier GMAT or GRE?

Ans. The GRE is simpler to pass with merely an avg. score (about a 310). It’s correct that getting a perfect GRE score used to be simpler. However, at the period of this edit (June 2020), a strong GMAT score is actually simpler to come by for many candidates.

Is GRE better than GMAT for masters?

Ans. The scope of the GRE is broader. This implies that GRE results are accepted by a wide range of universities for various graduate programs. The GMAT, on the contrary, is only useful for b- schools &, in particular, MBA programs.

Does Harvard prefer GRE or GMAT? 

Ans. Harvard accepts both GMAT & GRE scores. However, HBS prefers candidates with a GMAT score more than candidates with GRE scores. The Admissions Committee expects that all candidates will understand the following: a complete range of GRE/GMAT scores is quite broad, that there’s no “minimum” number requirement, and also that the GRE/GMAT is merely one element of information among several that are utilized to analyze an application.

Is GRE test harder than GMAT?

Ans. It depends completely on the test taker’s ability. GMAT Quantitative is thought to be more difficult than GRE Quantitative. The GMAT Quantitative section assesses problem-solving abilities. Furthermore, the information sufficiency problems are rather difficult. Although GRE quant problems are quite easier than GMAT, GRE permits you to utilize a calculator, but GMAT doesn’t.
The verbal portion of the GRE is often more challenging than the portion of the GMAT; this Difficulty is mostly due to the degree to which GRE examines difficult vocabulary.

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Vishesh Chogtu

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