GRE vs GMAT. Which one should I go for?

If you’ve been thinking of doing an MBA, a few questions would often sway through your mind, throwing you into a state of dilemma.  One of the questions that would definitely top the chart is: Should I go for GRE or GMAT?
To decide which is better – GRE vs GMAT for MBA aspirants, we have to take into consideration a lot of factors. Let’s try to conclude based on thorough observations.

What is GMAT?

GMAT is called the Graduate Management Admissions Test. It’s the standardized test that is required by a vast pool of graduate schools. It measures your ability with questions that vary in difficulty level. The exam is question-wise adaptive with the difficulty of each question varying based on the answer to the previous question. The test happens for three and half hours.  The GMAT exam is considered to be tough though it doesn’t test your knowledge in business skills. The scores range from 200-800 with 10 points increment. The sections that appear in the GMAT are :

GMAT- Sections	No of Questions	Types of questions	Total Time
Analytical Writing	1	Argument Analysis	30 minutes
Integrated Reasoning	12	Table-Analysis, Multiple reasoning, Graphics interpretation, Two-part analysis	30 minutes
Quantitative	37	Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency	75 minutes
Verbal	41	Reading comprehension, Critical reasoning and Sentence correction	75 minutes
Total Exam Time			3 hours 30 minutes

What is GRE?

GRE is called the Graduate Record Examination. It is the definite exam that one has to undertake to pursue an MS in US. In addition, many top MBA schools have started to accept GRE scores for their admission process. GRE is also a computer-based exam, which is held for four and half hours. The scores range from 260 to 340 with 1 point increment. The GRE exam is adaptive at sectional level. The difficulty of section increases or decreased based on the performance if the previous section. The various sections that appear in the GRE Exam Syllabus are :

GRE- Sections	No of Questions	Types of questions	Total Time
Analytical Writing	2	Argument AnalysisIssue Analysis	30 minutes each
Quantitative (2 Sections)	20 questions in each section.	Algebra, Data Analysis, Geometry, Arithmetic(Multiple choice, Numeric Entry, Quantitative comparison)	35 minutes for each(70 Minutes)
Verbal	20 questions in each section.	Reading comprehension, Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence	30 minutes for each(60 minutes)
Total Exam Time			4 hours 30 minutes

Download the free checklist on GRE vs GMAT and learn about the questions that appear in the GRE and GMAT exams

Though GRE and GMAT look almost similar on paper, both has its set of pros and cons. Let us analyze further to understand which is better.

GRE vs GMAT

• One small difference between GRE and GMAT, which would matter to most of the students, is the cost. The cost for taking the GRE exam is $195, whereas for the GMAT it is $250. Though $55 dollars doesn’t make much of a difference, most of you might prefer taking the exam again if your scores weren’t up to the mark. This means you can save around $110 dollars if you’re taking the GRE.
• After taking the GRE, you have a lot of options. With a GRE score, you can apply for MS courses, MBA and PhD. Whereas GMAT is limited to business schools. Nowadays many potential MBA grads prefer taking the GRE instead of the GMAT.
• If you’re taking the GRE, you would find the quant part to be much easier than the GMAT. GMAT math is comparatively harder because all the top business schools require graduates with strong mathematical skills.
• In GRE, you can skip questions and move forward. Later, you can answers questions which you left unanswered. This allows you to manage time efficiently and also helps you take the test without any confusion. In GMAT, you cannot skip questions. This creates trouble while taking the exam.
• The emphasis on Grammar and Logical arguments is less in GRE. GRE stresses on vocabulary, whereas GMAT stresses on grammar and reasoning.  GRE allows you to use the online calculator, whereas GMAT doesn’t allow you.
• One biggest advantage of GRE is that, there is no Integrated Reasoning section. The section combines the difficult parts of verbal and quant. You can escape from the 12 questions if you’re taking the GRE.
• GRE is also held at more centers compared to the GMAT.  If you’re taking the GRE, you need to be good at number sense and number manipulation. GMAT follows a focused approach towards problems.

The decision protocol:

A high GMAT score is preferred over a high GRE score when it comes to admissions into business schools. However, GMAT is applicable only for business schools and hence cannot be a substitute for GRE.  On the other hand GRE score can be used for business schools too. With over 1200 business schools accepting GRE scores, many aspirants are leaning towards picking GRE out of the two. Go for the GMAT only if you wish to pursue an MBA in a college that doesn’t accept GRE score. Otherwise, GRE is the better choice , considering ease, flexibility and fallback options available.

Conclusion

Make a list of the top business schools where you would prefer to do an MBA. Get in touch with them and inquire if they accept GRE scores. Most of them would say yes.  If the universities of your choice accept GRE scores, then without a second thought, go for the GRE.
Many of you would want to get a high score in your GRE and pursue an MBA from top business schools like MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. Don’t just hope for the best when you can go ahead and make everything possible.

You can post all you doubts in the comment box regarding GRE and GMAT. I would personally make sure that all your doubts get answered within the next 24 hours. Also, you can share the article with your friends and relatives, who wish to do an MBA from top business schools. Help them and feel awesome!