Navigating the GRE and GMAT: Which Exam is Right for You?

Today, we're diving deep into everything you need to know about the GRE and the GMAT, including an overview of the basics, the content you're tested on, the structure and format of both exams, and the pros and cons of each. By the end of this article, you'll have a clearer idea of which exam might be the best fit for your academic and career goals.

Overview of the Basics

First off, let's clarify what each exam is and who offers them. The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service), while the GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is offered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council). Both exams are accepted by business schools and given equal consideration, but they cater to slightly different audiences.

The GRE is not only accepted by business schools but also by Master's programs, PhD programs, and law schools. In contrast, the GMAT is primarily designed for MBA programs, although some business-related Master's programs also accept it. Each year, around 340,000 students take the GRE, which is accepted by over 1,300 business programs. On the other hand, about 110,000 students take the GMAT, which is accepted by over 7,700 business programs.

When it comes to cost, the GRE is priced at $220, while the GMAT costs $275 at test centers and $300 online. It's a bit puzzling why the online version is more expensive, but that's the current pricing structure.

In terms of exam timing, the GRE is slightly shorter, lasting 1 hour and 58 minutes with a 10-minute break, while the GMAT takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, also with an optional 10-minute break. The scoring scales for the two tests are quite different as well. The GRE is scored from 260 to 340 across its three sections: Analytical Writing (0 to 6), Verbal (130 to 170), and Quantitative (130 to 170). The GMAT, however, is scored from 205 to 805, with all three sections—Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights—scored from 60 to 90.

As you consider which exam to take, it’s a good idea to compare your practice test scores and percentiles to see where you might perform better.

Content Tested on Each Exam

Both the GRE and GMAT underwent significant changes in late 2023, shortening their exam times by over an hour each. The GRE removed an unscored section used for research purposes, while the GMAT eliminated Sentence Correction from the Verbal section, Plain Geometry from Quant, and the Analytical Writing Assessment essay section. The GMAT also replaced Integrated Reasoning with Data Insights, which is now a key section alongside Verbal and Quant.

GRE Content Overview

The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing.

• Verbal: This section includes Sentence Equivalence (selecting two words to create a coherent sentence), Reading Comprehension (reading passages and answering questions), and Text Completion (filling in blanks within a passage).
• Quantitative: The types of questions include Quantitative Comparison (comparing two quantities), Problem Solving (solving math problems), and Data Interpretation (analyzing tables and graphs).
• Analytical Writing: You’ll write an essay that presents and supports an argument on a given topic, known as the Analyze an Issue task.

It’s worth noting that vocabulary plays a significant role in the GRE, which can be a challenge for some test-takers.

GMAT Content Overview

The GMAT also has three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Data Insights.

• Verbal: This section includes Reading Comprehension (similar to the GRE), Critical Reasoning (analyzing arguments), and Sentence Correction.
• Quantitative: The GMAT features Problem Solving (solving math problems) and Data Sufficiency (determining if there is enough data to answer a question).
• Data Insights: This section tests your ability to interpret graphs, charts, and tables, requiring integrated reasoning skills.

All GMAT questions are multiple-choice, which can simplify the testing experience compared to the GRE.

Structure and Format of Each Exam

Understanding the structure and format of each exam is crucial for effective preparation.

GRE Structure

• Verbal: 27 questions divided into two sections (18 minutes and 23 minutes).
• Quantitative: 27 questions divided into two sections (21 minutes and 26 minutes).
• Analytical Writing: One essay lasting 30 minutes.

Including the mandatory 10-minute break, the GRE takes a total of 2 hours and 8 minutes to complete.

GMAT Structure

• Verbal: 23 questions.
• Quantitative: 21 questions.
• Data Insights: 20 questions.

Each section lasts 45 minutes, and with the optional 10-minute break, the total exam time is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Adaptive Testing

One of the key differences between the GRE and GMAT is how they adapt to your performance. The GRE is section-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second section depends on your performance in the first section. The GMAT, on the other hand, is question-adaptive, adjusting the difficulty of each question based on your previous answers. This means that the better you perform, the harder the questions become.

With the recent updates to the GMAT, you can now flag questions and change up to three answers at the end of each section, which can help alleviate some of the pressure during the exam.

Pros and Cons of Each Exam

Now that we've covered the basics, content, and structure, let's discuss the pros and cons of each exam to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of the GRE

• Widely accepted by various graduate programs, not just business schools.
• No Data Insights section, allowing you to focus on Verbal and Quant.
• Ability to change answers within a section, reducing pressure.
• Lower cost compared to the GMAT.

Cons of the GRE

• Some top MBA programs may prefer the GMAT.
• Requires extensive vocabulary knowledge, which can be challenging for some.

Pros of the GMAT

• Some MBA programs may have a slight preference for the GMAT.
• No essay section, which can be a relief for those who struggle with writing.
• Ability to revise three answers, reducing stress.
• Question-adaptive format provides a more accurate assessment of your abilities.

Cons of the GMAT

• Less widely accepted than the GRE.
• Quantitative section is generally considered more challenging.
• Includes the Data Insights section, adding to your study load.

Final Thoughts

While I’ve tried to remain unbiased throughout this discussion, I do believe that if you have equivalent scores on both exams, the GMAT may be the better choice due to its slight preference among MBA programs. However, if you perform better on the GRE, don’t hesitate to submit that score. Many successful applicants have gained admission to top programs with GRE scores.

As you prepare for your exam, consider using tools like GMAT Sprint to track your progress and stay organized. It can be a helpful resource in your study journey.

Ultimately, focus on the exam that aligns best with your strengths and goals. If you're interested in more detailed guidance on applying to business schools, check out our Liquid MBA course, which offers valuable insights and resources.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration of the GRE and GMAT. I hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Good luck with your studies, and I look forward to seeing you succeed!