GMAT (Graded Management Admission Test) aims to assess the logical, problem-solving, and reasoning skills of a candidate before allowing them admission into one of the top business schools. GRE (Graded Record Examination) on the other hand, measures reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. The scores in the GRE are considered in many fields including Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social work and education, etc.

The eligibility criteria for both the exam are almost the same. Hence the question. Which exam should one take GMAT or GRE?

Before concluding the subject concerned, let us first look briefly at the difference between GMAT and the GRE.

GRE vs. GMAT

1. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GRE AND GMAT

• GMAT focuses only on business skills whereas GRE takes care of a wider range of academic abilities.
• GMAT and GRE vary in format, difficulty scoring, etc.
• The cost of taking both exams varies. The cost for taking GMAT is around $275 for in-center exams while the online version costs $300. The GRE costs $220.
• The duration of both tests varies as well. The GMAT is 2 hours and 15 minutes long with an optional 10-minute break. The GRE is 1 hour and 58 minutes long with no breaks.
• The GMAT has more of a fixed structure with three sections namely, Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights. GRE on the other hand has five sections including two sections each on Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning with one section on Analytical Writing.
• The scores are in a range from 205-805 whereas GRE scores are in a scale of 260-340.
• The most significant difference between both of these is that GMAT is used for business school admissions whereas GRE is used for admission to a series of graduate programs.

However, it looks like the choice is easy if you have clarity regarding what you want to do in the future. More specifically, the choice is clear if you know whether you want to join a business school or some other institute. But here is the catch- scores of both the GRE and GMAT are considered for admission into many business schools.

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2. WHICH TEST IS EASIER: GRE or GMAT?

GMAT is easier for those who have strong quantitative and analytical skills as well as interpreting visual data such as charts, bar graphs, pie charts, etc.

The section on math in the GRE is pretty simple and demands speed and accuracy in calculation. Though some factors make the GRE look easier than the GMAT, both exams have their own surprising and time-consuming elements that might throw one off-guard.

3. WHAT FACTORS SHOULD ONE CONSIDER WHILE CHOOSING BETWEEN GRE AND GMAT?

The decision to choose between one of the two exams can be difficult because they can determine your future. Here is a list of things that you should keep In mind while you decide which exam to take.

• One of the deciding factors while making this decision should be a consideration of your skills, capabilities, and interests.
• You should also keep in mind your academic goals or your vision for the future. If you have a particular business school in mind, you must take the test that is accepted by them.
• If you do not have any particular business school in mind and you want to keep your options, you may attempt the GRE.
• You must analyze the paper format and see which paper has more components from your skill set. It is advised that if your skills in mathematics are stronger than your verbal skills, then you must go for the GMAT. But if you feel that your strengths lie in the area of language, you must seek to attempt the GRE.
• One major ice-breaker between the two exams is to know where you feel more comfortable. To know this, you might attempt a full-length mock test for both exams. You can even use a past year’s paper for this purpose. Attempt both exams with equal seriousness. At the end of the exams analyze what exam made you feel more comfortable or which one was easier for you if you conclude. You must attempt the exam accordingly.
• Consider other factors such as for how long the scores from each exam are considered for admissions, the fee for registration, the mode of exam, the number of competitors, etc. You must also know the fact that if you take the GRE more than once, you are free to choose which score you want to send to the schools. For the GMAT, schools will receive all your scores.
• This last point will make sense and have relevance if you have a long-term vision for yourself. If you have a company or a business firm in mind that you want to work with after you graduate, then you must also pay attention to what scores they prioritize.

The decision to choose one exam must be made after considering all the points listed to reach the best conclusion. Everyone may have their preferences, strengths, and weaknesses. Your dream of studying in a particular college or working with a prestigious institution depends on how informed of a choice you make.

This responsibility may feel like a bit too much. So you should feel free to talk to others who know about the exams and other factors but in the end, you have to consider how well can you do in which exam and make the final call.

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