GMAT vs GRE for MBA: Which One Should You Take?

Many MBA applicants are at a crossroads when deciding between the GMAT and the GRE. Business schools widely accept both, but which one do you need to take?

As you probably already know, the answer is complicated.

Statistics have shown that the number of GRE test takers has declined, suggesting a growing preference for the GMAT among some applicants. Choosing between the GMAT and GRE can influence your chances of acceptance and how admissions committees perceive your strengths. With many top business schools accepting both tests, the decision comes down to which exam aligns better with your skills and career goals.

Today, I’ll break down the key differences between the GMAT and the GRE, explore the advantages and disadvantages of both grad school exams, and help you determine which test is needed for your MBA journey.

Key Takeaways

• Understand Your Test Options: The GMAT is tailored for business school admissions with a focus on quantitative and analytical skills, while the GRE is more versatile and accepted by a wider range of graduate programs, emphasizing verbal reasoning and basic math skills.
• Align the Test with Your Strengths: Choose the GMAT if you are strong in quantitative reasoning and critical thinking. Opt for the GRE if you excel in verbal reasoning and vocabulary.
• Consider Your Long-Term Goals: If you are committed to a career in business, the GMAT can enhance your application by showing your dedication to business studies. The GRE, however, is a better option if you want to keep your graduate school and career options open.
• Evaluate the Test Experience: The GMAT adapts question-by-question, which can increase pressure, whereas the GRE adapts section-by-section, potentially offering a less stressful experience. Select the test format that suits your comfort level with timed conditions.
• Prepare Strategically: Research the test preferences of your target MBA programs and use the available prep resources for each exam to maximize your performance and align your scores with your career goals.

Understanding the Basics: GMAT vs GRE

The GMAT is a standardized test specifically designed for business school applicants. It was developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

The GMAT’s four sections include:

• Analytical Writing Assessment
• Integrated Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Verbal Reasoning

On the other hand, the GRE is given by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is a more general standardized test accepted by a variety of graduate programs, including MBA programs.

The GRE consists of three main sections:

• Verbal Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning
• Analytical Writing

Like the GMAT, the GRE is also a computer-adaptive test, but it adapts by sections rather than individual questions.

Key Differences Between the GMAT and GRE

While both tests are accepted by most business schools, they differ in structure, content, and scoring. You’ll want to consider the following before deciding which to take.

Verbal and Quantitative Sections

The GMAT places a significant emphasis on quantitative skills, especially in the Quantitative Reasoning section. This section includes questions on data sufficiency and problem-solving that require robust math skills and the ability to solve complex problems efficiently. The GMAT Verbal section, on the other hand, tests critical reasoning, sentence correction, and reading comprehension, focusing on your ability to analyze and interpret written material effectively.

Analytical Writing

Both the GMAT and GRE include an Analytical Writing section, but the tasks differ slightly. The GMAT has test takers analyze an argument, assessing critical thinking and how one communicates ideas. The GRE, however, includes two writing tasks: analyzing an issue and analyzing an argument, providing a broader range of writing challenges.

Scoring Systems

The GMAT scoring scale ranges from 200 to 800, with separate scores for each section: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The combined score, primarily influenced by the Quantitative and Verbal sections, plays a significant role in MBA admissions decisions.

The GRE, on the other hand, scores both the Verbal and Quantitative sections on a scale of 130 to 170. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately from 0 to 6 in half-point increments. When business schools evaluate GRE scores, they often convert them to an equivalent GMAT scale, which can sometimes lead to different interpretations of the applicant’s performance depending on the school.

Test Length and Format

The GMAT is slightly longer, typically taking around 3.5 hours to complete, including breaks. The GRE usually takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including breaks. Both tests are computer-adaptive, but the GMAT adapts question-by-question, which can increase the pressure on test takers as each answer influences the next question’s difficulty. In contrast, the GRE adapts section by section, potentially offering a less stressful experience.

Why Choose the GMAT?

• Targeted for Business School Applicants: The GMAT is designed specifically for MBA and graduate business programs, focusing on skills like quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and data interpretation that are crucial for business school success. A high GMAT score signals strong potential to excel in rigorous MBA programs.
• Widely Accepted by Top Schools: Most prestigious business schools accept GMAT scores, making it a preferred choice for applicants. The GMAT is valued for its rigorous assessment of quantitative and analytical skills essential for MBA coursework.
• Aligned with Business Skills: The GMAT tests skills directly relevant to business, such as data analysis and critical thinking. Its sections, like Integrated Reasoning and Quantitative, reflect the decision-making and analytical skills needed in the business world.
• Extensive Prep Resources: The GMAT has a wide array of test prep materials, including practice tests and study guides, providing ample resources for thorough preparation and a competitive edge in MBA admissions.

Why Choose the GRE?

Greater Flexibility: The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, including business, law, and other non-business fields, making it ideal for applicants who want to keep their options open or pursue multiple career paths.

Favors Verbal Skills: If you excel in verbal reasoning and vocabulary, the GRE’s challenging Verbal section may be a better fit than the GMAT, focusing more on reading comprehension and analytical writing than on advanced math.

Easier Math Section: The GRE’s Quantitative section is generally considered less difficult than the GMAT’s, featuring more straightforward math problems that benefit those who may not be as strong in math.

Score Flexibility: With the GRE’s ScoreSelect option, you can send only your best scores to schools, reducing test anxiety and allowing multiple retakes without negatively impacting your application.

Making the Decision: GMAT or GRE for MBA?

Choose GMAT if you…

• Have a clear focus on a career in business, then choose the GMAT. It’s specifically designed for MBA programs and is often preferred by business schools as a strong indicator of potential success in their programs.
• Are stronger in quantitative reasoning and critical thinking, then choose the GMAT. The test emphasizes these skills, making it ideal for applicants who excel in math and data interpretation.
• Want to signal your commitment to business schools, then choose the GMAT. A high score is often viewed favorably by admissions committees and can strengthen your application.
• Have access to extensive GMAT prep resources, then choose the GMAT. With a wealth of study guides and practice materials available, you can better prepare for the test and increase your chances of a high score.

Choose GRE if you…

• Want to keep your graduate school options open, then choose the GRE. It’s accepted by a wider range of programs, including law and non-business graduate programs, providing flexibility for diverse career paths.
• Are stronger in verbal reasoning and vocabulary, then choose the GRE. The test places more emphasis on these skills, making it a better fit for those who excel in reading comprehension and analytical writing.
• Prefer a less challenging quantitative section, then choose the GRE. Its math problems are generally more straightforward, which can be advantageous for test-takers less confident in advanced math.
• Experience test anxiety and prefer flexible score reporting, then choose the GRE. The ScoreSelect option allows you to send only your best scores to schools, reducing stress and allowing multiple attempts without a negative impact on your application.

Conclusion

When asking, the best option between the GMAT and the GRE depends on your strengths, career goals, and the specific requirements of the MBA programs you’re targeting. Business schools respect both tests, and both can open doors to top MBA programs.

In the end, thorough preparation is key, regardless of which test you choose. Utilize available test prep materials, take practice tests, and focus on improving your weaker areas. With the right preparation, you can achieve the test scores you need to reach your MBA goals and take the next step in your career. Whether you decide to take the GMAT or the GRE, remember that both tests offer a pathway to success in business school and beyond.

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