Comparing the GRE and GMAT
Comparing the GRE and GMAT. Which is the Right Test for You?
The Graduate Record Examination, abbreviated as GRE and Graduate Management Admission Test, abbreviated as GMAT, have a lot of other differences apart from their abbreviations. These test scores are one of the most significant evaluation criteria for admissions in most business schools worldwide. Yet, these tests are similar in several aspects as well.
Aspiring students must make a decision after comparing the GRE and GMAT so that their decisions align with their career objectives.
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Vital Points
- While GRE supports admission for a broader range of programs including science, engineering, art and nearly 1300 MBA programs, GMAT is preferred by business schools especially.
- The test structure of the GRE comprises three sections, while that of the GMAT consists of four.
- Students taking GRE can navigate section-based questions, but this is not allowed by the GMAT.
- The GRE quantitative section includes basic math and data interpretation and hence it is easier than GMAT which focuses on problem-solving and advanced reasoning.
- The verbal section of the GRE is difficult, with primary stress given on vocabulary and reading comprehension, compared to the GMAT, which is more logic driven.
- The scoring system of the GRE is split into analytical writing and verbal and quantitative sections, while the GMAT offers individual scores.
- GRE costs less and offers a more liberal retake policy than GMAT.
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The Differences between GRE and GMAT
One of the most significant differences between the GRE and GMAT lies in the number of test takers. Typically, according to reports, the number of GRE takers is three times higher than that of GMAT, being more than 341500 and 108850 respectively.
While comparing GRE and GMAT, there are some other significant differences revealed, such as:
While the GRE is designed by the exam produced by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GMAT is designed by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
GRE comprises an analytical writing section, including two essays to be completed in 60 minutes, two verbal sections to be completed in 30 minutes each, two quantitative sections to be completed in about 35 minutes each, and either a verbal or quantitative experimental section to be completed in 30 minutes.
On the other hand, the test format is almost similar, but the time allotted is significantly different. The time offered for the analytical and integrated reasoning section is around 30 minutes, while you can spend around an hour each to complete the quantitative and verbal sections.
Including the USA, Canada, and the UK, there are more than 90 countries all over the world that accept GRE scores. In comparison, over 6000 programs in over 2100 universities worldwide accept GMAT scores for the admission process.
While the score range of the GRE is typically between 130 and 170 with a single-point increment, that of the GMAT is within 200 to 800 in a 10-point increment.
While GRE includes only four free score reports limited to one specific score, GMAT allows you to send score reports to five schools from the past five years.
The GMAT is comparatively more expensive than the GRE. While the average cost of the GMAT for takers at the offline test centers is around $275 and $300 for online home-based tests, the average cost of the GRE in comparison is significantly low ranging between $220 and $230.
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The Similarities between GRE and GMAT
According to Princeton reports, the GRE and GMAT scores are accepted by over 1200 MBA programs offered by different business schools worldwide. This is mainly attributed to the notable similarities between the two tests. For example:
- The purpose of both these tests is to evaluate the readiness and aptitude of aspiring students in writing, reasoning, and quantitative analysis for graduate-level studies.
- The sections of the two tests are almost similar, comprising verbal reasoning that evaluates reading comprehension and critical thinking, quantitative reasoning to evaluate data analysis and math skills, and analytical writing. In addition, a unique Integrated Reasoning section is included in GMAT.
- Both these tests are computer-adaptive, though GRE is section-level adaptive, while the GMAT is question-level adaptive. This means difficulty level of questions is gradually adjusted based on the performance of the students.
- The validity of scores for both these tests is for five years, giving ample time and flexibility to the candidates to apply.
- Both these tests are available throughout the year and can be taken offline and online in some locations.
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Which is the Right Exam to Take?
Are you still confused after comparing the GRE and GMAT? Are you wondering which exam should you take?
To put it in simple words, consider your strengths, your career aspirations and your academic preferences to make the right choice. Also, the eligibility requirements of the program or the institution you want to study in will influence your choice.
Typically, you must choose the GRE if:
- You want to apply to graduate schools in various fields
- Your chosen school needs a GRE score as an eligibility criterion
- You are looking for a flexible program
On the other hand, you must opt for GMAT if:
- You restrict your admission preference to business schools typically
- Schools or MBA programs that need GMAT scores for evaluation
According to experts, there are a few specific factors you should consider while choosing between the two types of tests. These include:
- The test focus
- The score value
- Your math skills
- Your language skills
- Your career aspirations
- Availability of test preparation materials and
- Score reporting rules.
Conclusion
In conclusion, considering both the tests overall, the GMAT is suitable for students who have strong analytical and quantitative skills to solve complex problems, with an ability to interpret data, tables, charts, and text.
While strong editors prefer the GMAT for its verbal section, the GRE is preferred by takers who have a strong vocabulary. Furthermore, comparing the GRE and GMAT math sections, the former is much simpler, with a calculator included to solve quantitative problems, unlike GMAT.
However, both these tests have unconventional question types that will require some preparation from your end to solve, such as the quantitative comparison of the GRE and the data sufficiency of the GMAT.
So, now, when you choose a business school, research the business schools you are interested in studying in, find out whether they accept GRE or GMAT scores, and choose one accordingly.
A Footnote:
GMAT Focus is an updated version of GMAT. It is accepted by more than 2400 universities and 7700 business programs except Harvard, which has recently included a new requirement for a separate written assessment. This is mainly because the GMAT Focus test structure typically does not include an essay like the standard GMAT or GRE.
This means there is no way to judge the writing and communication skills of students based on the GMAT Focus scores. Hence, HBS has included the GMAC Business Writing Assessment exam to judge how good they are at it, especially without using AI tools.
Currently, this is a unique requirement of the Harvard Business School. However, there are rumors that other universities might soon follow suit.
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Embark on this transformation journey with ScoreGetter, where we guide you through these changes and equip you for success in the evolving landscape of graduate admissions testing and admision process.
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GMAT Integrated Reasoning
Unveiling the Integrated Reasoning Section on the GMAT
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is no stranger to those aspiring to pursue a graduate management exam. This standardized exam is a crucial step in the application process for business schools worldwide. Within the GMAT, one particular section stands out as a unique challenge – the Integrated Reasoning section.
Section
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Time
|
No. og Questions
|
---|---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning
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62 Minutes
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31 Questions
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Verbal Reasoning
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65 minutes
|
36 questions
|
Integrated Reasoning
|
30 minutes
|
12 questions
|
Analytical Writing Assessment
|
30 Minutes
|
1 Question
|
Total
|
3 hrs 7 minutes
|
80 Question
|
Understanding the Integrated Reasoning Section
What is the Integrated Reasoning Section?
The GMAT Integrated Reasoning section is a significant component of the GMAT exam, comprising 12 questions. These questions are designed to evaluate your ability to analyze and synthesize data presented in various formats and from multiple sources.
Diverse Question Types
The Integrated Reasoning section encompasses four distinct question types, each demanding a different approach. These question formats are constructed to assess your aptitude for integrating data to solve multifaceted problems. It’s important to note that to score in this section, you must answer all components of a single question correctly; partial credit is not awarded.
A Seamless Interface
While tackling the Integrated Reasoning questions, you’ll notice that all answer choices for a single question are conveniently presented on the same screen. This feature eliminates the need to navigate through different screens, enhancing efficiency. Furthermore, once you provide your responses to a question, you cannot revisit and modify your answers.
Dealing with Textual Data
A vital aspect of this section is the data presented in text form, with passages typically containing approximately 300 words or fewer. This text data can encompass a range of topics, and you are required to interpret and utilize this information effectively.
Is There Any Help?
In contrast to some GMAT sections, the answer choices in the Integrated Reasoning section do not offer hints or clues to assist with other questions. Each question stands independently, and your success in one question does not hinge on your performance in another.
The Multi-Source Reasoning Challenge
One noteworthy aspect of the GMAT Integrated Reasoning section is Multi-Source Reasoning, where a single set of data is employed for several questions. However, it’s essential to understand that these questions are autonomous, meaning you don’t have to answer one correctly to unlock another.
Mastering Integrated Reasoning
In summary, the Integrated Reasoning section of the GMAT is a distinct and essential segment of the exam that gauges your ability to navigate complex data and solve intricate problems. To excel in this section, it’s crucial to become proficient in various question types and to hone your data integration skills.
At ScoreGetter, we offer GMAT coaching that comprehensively covers the Integrated Reasoning section, equipping you with the skills and strategies needed to tackle this unique GMAT challenge. So, if you’re ready to enhance your GMAT performance and gain admission to your dream business school, we’ve got you covered.
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GMAT Overview
GMAT Exam Overview
Section
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Time
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No. og Questions
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---|---|---|
Quantitative Reasoning
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62 Minutes
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31 Questions
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Verbal Reasoning
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65 minutes
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36 questions
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Integrated Reasoning
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30 minutes
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12 questions
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Analytical Writing Assessment
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30 Minutes
|
1 Question
|
Total
|
3 hrs 7 minutes
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80 Question
|
Types of Questions on the GMAT
n the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning Section, you’ll encounter two question types:
Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency.
These questions are based on arithmetic, elementary algebra, and common geometry concepts. The challenge lies in your logic and analytical skills, not advanced math. Remember, you won’t have a calculator for this section.
Problem Solving
Evaluates your logical and analytical problem-solving skills.
Choose the best answer from five choices.
Data Sufficiency
- Assesses your quantitative problem analysis.
- Decide if you have enough data from a question and two statements to solve the problem using math and everyday knowledge.
The GMAT Verbal Section comprises three question types: Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. Each is designed to assess specific verbal skills. Importantly, you won’t need specialized subject knowledge to answer these questions.
Reading Comprehension
- Evaluates your ability to grasp words and statements, recognize logical connections between key points, draw inferences, and follow the development of quantitative ideas.
- Tests various reading skills, including identifying the main idea, supporting points, inferences, applications, logical structure, and style.
- Questions are based on passages that cover topics in social sciences, humanities, physical and biological sciences, or business-related fields.
Critical Reasoning
- Assesses your capacity to make and evaluate arguments, as well as to formulate or assess action plans.
- Involves short reading passages, typically under 100 words, followed by questions asking you to identify which of five answer choices strengthens or weakens an argument, reveals its flaws, or strongly supports or undermines it.
Sentence Correction
- Measures two key aspects of your language proficiency: correct expression, focusing on grammatically and structurally sound sentences, and effective expression, concentrating on clear, concise, and grammatical ideas.
- Each Sentence Correction question presents a sentence, with an underlined part. Below the sentence, you’ll find five different phrasings for the underlined portion. Your task is to choose the answer that results in the most effective sentence.
The Integrated Reasoning Section comprises four distinct question types: Multi-Source Reasoning, Table Analysis, Graphics Interpretation, and Two-Part Analysis. These questions involve both quantitative and verbal reasoning, either individually or in combination. It’s essential to note that many questions in this section require multiple responses, and you’ll have access to an online calculator with basic functions. Since these questions aim to assess your ability to integrate data for solving complex problems, you must answer all responses to a question correctly, as no partial credit is given.
Here’s a brief GMAT overview of each Integrated Reasoning question type:
Multi-Source Reasoning: Evaluates your capacity to examine data from various sources (text passages, tables, graphics, or combinations) and carefully analyze each source to answer multiple questions. You may need to identify discrepancies among different data sources, draw inferences, or determine data relevance.
Table Analysis: Assesses your ability to sort and analyze table data (similar to a spreadsheet) to determine relevant information or specific conditions.
Graphics Interpretation: Measures your capacity to interpret information presented in graphical formats (scatter plots, x/y graphs, bar charts, pie charts, or statistical curve distributions), enabling you to identify relationships and make inferences.
Two-Part Analysis: Evaluates your problem-solving skills in both quantitative and verbal contexts, with the flexibility to cover a wide range of content. You’ll demonstrate your ability to assess trade-offs, solve simultaneous equations, and recognize relationships between two entities.
Within the Analysis of an Argument (AWA) section, you’ll evaluate the reasoning quality of a given argument. This involves analyzing the argument’s logical structure and use of supporting evidence. Before you start writing, it’s advisable to take a few minutes to assess the argument and plan your response. Ensure your ideas are well-organized and fully elaborated. While you should reserve some time for reviewing and revising your response, keep in mind that you have a 30-minute time limit for this task.
AWA essays receive scores from a combination of human raters and an automated algorithm. In cases where there’s a discrepancy between the algorithm’s score and the human score, an additional human rater reviews and may adjust the score accordingly.
Rescoring Service:
If you wish to have your AWA section rescored by an independent evaluator, you can do so for a fee of US$45. Please note that requests for rescoring must be submitted within six months of your test date, as any requests received after this period won’t be considered.
Here are five key points to keep in mind regarding rescoring:
- Rescoring requests are limited to one per test taker.
- The rescore process may result in either an increase or decrease in your original AWA score.
- Revised scores are typically sent to you and the programs you selected as score recipients approximately 20 days after receiving your request.
- Once your rescoring request is initiated, the fee becomes non-refundable.
- To request a rescore, please reach out to GMAC Customer Care.
Important Note: It’s important to be aware that the Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal sections of the GMAT exam are not eligible for rescoring.
ScoreGetter provides comprehensive GMAT Coaching featuring up-to-date resources, official materials, and the latest question types and strategies in line with the current exam format. Our well-structured GMAT training program caters to the needs of both working professionals and college students, ensuring effective preparation
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