- The Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardized test used exclusively for admissions into business schools and the Graduate Record Examination is used for admissions at many graduate schools in North America including law and business schools.
- The major difference between GMAT and GRE is the scope of the test for admissions and each test has a different format with different types of questions, testing policies and options for sending the scores to schools.
GRE
- The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service and it is used as an admissions consideration at graduate schools. The examination is designed to evaluate verbal and quantitative reasoning skills, analytical writing and critical thinking skills.
- The examination is conducted for 3 hours and 45 minutes with one optional 10-minute break following the third section and it costs up to $205. The test is conducted online or at a testing centre and the scores are valid for five years.
- GRE can be retaken up to five times in any 12-month rolling period and if the test is taken more than once, the test takers can choose which score has to be sent to their chosen schools. The GRE comprises four scored portions and a possible unscored or experimental section.
- The Analytical Writing section of the GRE consists of two separately-timed 30-minute writing tasks(or essays) in the first of which you have to construct your own argument on an issue, and in the second one you have to evaluate someone else’s argument on an issue. This section is scored in half-point increments from zero to six.
- The Verbal Reasoning test also comprises two 30-minute sections with 20 questions each which consists of three types of questions including reading comprehension, sentence equivalence and text completion. The section can be scored in one-point increments from 130 to 170.
- The quantitative reasoning section is designed to test basic math skills and features two 35-minute sections with 20 questions each. Questions might be multiple-choice with one or several answers, quantitative comparison questions or numeric entry questions. Algebra, Arithmetic, data analysis and geometry are the topics included and the section is scored on one-point increments from 130 to 170.
- An on-screen calculator can be used during the Quantitative Reasoning section of the test. The test taker is allowed to move back and forward through each section within the given time limit, change the answers and mark questions for Review if they wish to return to them later.
- The consolidated GRE score is a sum total of your Verbal and Quantitative ability scores, which is between 260 (being the lowest) to 340 (being the maximum). An average score is 300, and anything above 320 is a good score, with strong chances of getting admission in top colleges, depending on other profile details of the student. The AWA score is reported separately between 0 to 6.
GMAT
- The GMAT is administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council and it is used as an admissions consideration to business schools and MBA programs. The examination is designed to evaluate the reasoning and critical thinking skills that help in succeeding in top graduate business programs.
- The examination is conducted for 3 hours and 30 minutes with two optional 8-minute breaks and it costs up to $275 in person and $250 online. The test is conducted online or at a testing centre and the score is valid for five years.
- GMAT can be retaken up to five times in any 12-month rolling period and for the GMAT online exam, the candidate can appear for retest once. The GMAT comprises four scored portions while taking the test in person.
- The Analytical Writing section consists of one 30-minute writing task in which you have to analyze and write a critique of a given argument. This section is scored in half-point increments from zero to six.
- The Verbal Reasoning test comprises a 65-minute section with 36 questions which consists of three types of questions including reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction. The section is scored in one-point increments from 6 to 51 points.
- The Integrated Reasoning is a 30-minute section with 12 questions in which you’ll be asked to examine and analyze data from multiple sources including graphs and tables along with solving both verbal and quantitative problems. The section is scored in one-point increments from one to eight.
- The quantitative reasoning section is a 62-minute section with 31 multiple-choice questions that include quantitative problems and Data Sufficiency problems. The section is scored in one-point increments from 6 to 51 points.
- An on-screen calculator can be used during the Integrated Reasoning section and for quantitative reasoning, a whiteboard can be used or a provided laminated notebook with dry erase markers to work through problems. GMAT does not allow to skip and return to questions or change answers.
The final GMAT score report consists of 3 scores-
- Consolidated Quantitative and Verbal Ability score which is a scaled score between 200 to 600 points.
- The Analytical Writing Assessment, or AWA score which is between 0 to 6.
- Integrated Reasoning Score which is between 1 to 8.
- The quantitative section on the GRE is easier than the one in GMAT. While the GRE section has more geometry, the GMAT has more logical reasoning questions. The GRE verbal section consists of more difficult vocabulary than the GMAT which tests you more on your grammar skills.
- You have to take the test that will best highlight your academic strengths. However, if you’re considering different graduate programs, the GRE is accepted in a wider variety of degree programs and if you’re certain about business school, you have to take the GMAT.
- You must also be keen on the school requirements, the testing style you are comfortable with, score reporting and career goals before taking the test. If you need professional support, please leave your details and our counselors will call you to resolve your queries on the matter. You can also take a free assessment test to gauge which test matches your skill set more accurately.
- If you are applying to a test-optional school, you must take an entrance examination and high scores in GMAT and GRE might help enhance your application. If you choose to omit your GRE or GMAT scores you must take extra care on the other elements of your application.
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