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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Changes on the GRE
Changes on the GRE
Changes on the GRE from September 2023
Welcome to the New GRE Era at ScoreGetter – Embrace the evolution of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) with groundbreaking changes set to redefine the landscape of graduate admissions tests. Geared towards enhancing the test-taking experience, alleviating anxiety, and respecting candidates’ valuable time, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) introduces a shorter version of the GRE. Commencing in September 2023, the revised GRE General Test will require less than two hours, revolutionizing the testing experience and establishing itself as the most efficient admissions test for graduate school.
Preparing for the GRE in 2023 and Beyond: Aspiring candidates aiming for the GRE General Test in or after September 2023 must acquaint themselves with these transformative changes to ensure optimal preparation. Let’s unravel the novel features of the GRE, paving the way for a more informed and seamless journey to your dream school.
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List of Rivisions on the GRE
First and foremost, the overall test duration will undergo a significant reduction, from approximately 4 hours to just under 2 hours. This noteworthy change aims to minimize test fatigue and enhance focus for test-takers.
Additionally, bid farewell to the “Analyze an Argument” task in the Analytical Writing section. The revised GRE will exclusively feature the “Analyze an Issue” task, requiring candidates to write a single essay instead of two, thereby saving valuable time and energy.
Furthermore, both the Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections will experience a reduction in the number of questions, decreasing from 40 to 27. Despite this reduction, the average time allotted for each question remains consistent, ensuring a fair testing environment.
The shorter GRE no longer includes an unscored section used for ETS research. This section, which didn’t affect the final score, has been removed, making the test process simpler.
Furthermore, since the test duration is now less than 2 hours, there won’t be a scheduled 10-minute break after the second hour. Test-takers at a test center can opt for unscheduled breaks, but the clock will not stop unless they have specific accommodations. Unscheduled breaks are not permitted for those testing at home.
Last but not least, anticipate a faster turnaround for official GRE scores, with results expected within 8-10 calendar days—a notable improvement from the current timeframe of 10-15 calendar days. This expeditious reporting enhances the efficiency of the application process.
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Section | Structure | Questions | Timings |
---|---|---|---|
Analytical Writing | 1 section | 1 essay | 30 minutes |
Quantitative Reasoning | 2 sections | 27 questions | 47 minutes |
Verbal Reasoning | 2 sections | 27 questions | 41 minutes |
Total | 1 hour 58 minutes |
Embark on this GRE transformation with ScoreGetter, where we guide you through these changes and equip you for success in the evolving landscape of graduate admissions testing.
Mastering the Admission Process despite Low GRE Scores
Mastering the Admission Process despite Low GRE Scores
Embarking on the GRE journey can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes the numbers on that scorecard might not align with our expectations. But fear not! In this blog, we unleash the top 5 tips that promise to overshadow those low GRE scores, transforming setbacks into stepping stones toward your academic dreams.
Leverage Your Application Essay:
In the world of applying for graduate school, your application essay is crucial. Start by smoothly shifting from your GRE scores to your story. Share your experiences, dreams, and the unique viewpoint you offer to the academic community. Allow the admissions committee to look past the numbers, transforming your essay into an engaging story that grabs their interest.
Showcase Stellar Letters of Recommendations:
Transitioning smoothly to our next tip. Building good relationships with professors or professionals who can speak highly of your academic skills is crucial. Their positive recommendations can outweigh a not-so-great GRE score, giving a complete picture of your abilities and knowledge.
Tips on Letter of Recommendations:
When seeking letters of recommendation for university applications, it’s common for students to approach professors or colleagues. However, to stand out, it’s crucial to request recommenders who can speak specifically about you. Many recommendations merely highlight conduct without emphasizing your unique qualities. Make your recommendation letter special by asking recommenders to focus on your strengths, such as your role in a successful project or your leadership skills. Whether from a professor or supervisor, request specific examples that showcase your impact and personality, providing a more insightful picture of you as an applicant.
Excel in Relevant Coursework:
Moving on, to showcase your expertise, it’s crucial to excel in the courses relevant to your chosen discipline. While a lower GRE score may bring concern, excelling in the subjects connected to the graduate program you’re passionate about can effectively level the playing field. By placing emphasis on your academic triumphs, you can demonstrate your readiness for more advanced studies.
Master the Interview Game:
Transitioning smoothly, nail your graduate school interviews. This is your chance to add a personal touch to your application. Articulate your passion, goals, and what you bring to the academic community. A stellar interview performance can leave a lasting impression, overshadowing the numerical hiccup in your GRE scores.
Consider GRE Retake Strategically:
Concluding our tips, if it’s possible, think about retaking the GRE strategically. It’s a good opportunity to show that you’re improving and committed. Many schools like it when applicants try to boost their scores, turning a retake into a positive story in your application. And if you need specialized GRE training, consider ScoreGetter. With over 20 years of experience and a promise of high scores, we’re experts in GRE preparation, providing the best help for your retake.
In conclusion, the journey to overshadowing a low GRE score is multifaceted. By strategically employing these tips, you can redefine your application narrative, proving that your potential goes beyond standardized test numbers. Let your unique qualities and achievements take center stage, transforming your GRE story into one of triumph and resilience.
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All About the GRE
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The GRE (Graduate Record Exam) is a standardized test that is purely for admission into graduate and business school programs in the USA. The GRE will test your verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills. The GRE Score plays a vital role in your application process to most graduate and business school programs. Moreover, getting a high GRE score will improve your chances of admission as it demonstrates a student’s readiness for graduate study.