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When considering pursuing an MBA in USA, one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make early in the process is whether to take the GMAT or the GRE. Both tests are accepted by most MBA programs, but each has its own structure, emphasis, and approach to assessing a candidate’s qualifications. Your decision on which exam to take could influence your application process, preparation strategy, and even your chances of being admitted to your dream school.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between the GMAT vs GRE, explore which test is better suited for various types of applicants, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for your aspirations for an MBA in USA.

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GMAT vs GRE: Overview

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a standardized test designed specifically for applicants to graduate business programs, particularly MBA programs. The GMAT is developed and administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC). The exam is used by over 2,300 business schools worldwide as part of their admissions process.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations), on the other hand, is a more general test used for a wide range of graduate programs, including business, law, engineering, and humanities. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is accepted by many MBA programs, especially those that don’t have a strict preference for the GMAT.

GMAT vs GRE Test Structure: What’s the Difference?

Both the GMAT and the GRE are computer-based exams, though their structure and scoring are quite different.

GMAT Structure

Duration 2 hours 15 min
Sections 3 sections:

  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Data Insights
Breaks One 10-minute break (optional)
Ability to change answers Yes (up to 3 per section)
Performance Insights Detailed performance insights included in official score report at no additional cost.
Number of Questions 64 (no AWA task)
Score Range 205-805 (in 10-point increments)
Section Scores 60-90 (All three sections use the same scale)

GRE Structure

Duration 1 hour 58 min
Sections 3 sections:

  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Analytical Writing – 1 task
Breaks No breaks
Ability to change answers Yes (but you can only go back and forth between questions and edit your answers within the same section. Once you have completed a section, you cannot go back to it).
Performance Insights Available for a fee
Number of Questions 54 + 1 AWA “Analyze an Issue” task
Score Range 260-340 (in 1-point increments)
Section Scores 130-170 (Verbal & Quant) 0-6 (AWA)

GMAT vs GRE: Key Differences

  1. Focus Areas:

    2. GMAT: The GMAT is known for its strong focus on business-related skills. Its sections are tailored toward measuring analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. It places a heavy emphasis on data interpretation, logical reasoning, and grammar.

    The Quantitative Section on the GMAT is more focused on problem-solving and data sufficiency. Data sufficiency problems are unique to the GMAT and test your ability to determine if you have enough information to solve a question.

    The Verbal Section is focused on critical reasoning and reading comprehension. You will be expected to have a high level of proficiency in business-related reading and writing. Explore GMAT prep.

    GRE: While the GRE also tests verbal and quantitative reasoning, the questions tend to be more general in nature. The GRE focuses on testing verbal skills that are critical to graduate-level studies in any discipline, not just business.

    The Quantitative Section on the GRE is more straightforward and does not include the unique data sufficiency problems. Instead, it tests basic math skills such as arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

    The Verbal Section is more geared toward evaluating your ability to understand complex texts and use advanced vocabulary. It includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Explore GRE prep.

  2. Flexibility and Difficulty:

    3. GMAT: The GMAT is generally considered more difficult, especially in the quantitative section. It includes questions designed to challenge even the most mathematically inclined individuals. Additionally, the GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance. If you get a question right, the next question will be more difficult, and if you get it wrong, it will be easier. This format can make it difficult to get a high score if you’re not consistently performing well.

    GRE: The GRE is less adaptive in nature. While the difficulty of questions still increases with each correct answer, it’s not as tightly calibrated as the GMAT. In terms of overall difficulty, the GRE is generally seen as less challenging than the GMAT, particularly in the quantitative section. However, it still requires strong reasoning and analytical skills to perform well.

  3. Test Duration:

    4. GMAT: The GMAT has a total testing time of 2 hours and 15 minutes.

    GRE: The GRE has a total testing time of 1 hour and 58 minutes.

  4. Scoring and Percentiles:

    5. GMAT: The GMAT scoring scale ranges from 205 to 805 for the combined quantitative and verbal sections. A 675+ score is considered excellent and places you in the 90th percentile or higher.

    GRE: The GRE is scored on a 130-170 scale for both the verbal and quantitative sections. The average GRE score typically hovers around 300, but a competitive score for top business schools is usually around 320 or higher. The Analytical Writing section is scored separately from the rest of the test on a scale that ranges from 0-6.

    GMAT vs GRE: Which Test is Better for Those Applying for an MBA in USA?

    There’s no definitive answer to this question as both the GMAT and GRE are accepted by most business schools, and it largely depends on the applicant’s strengths, background, and preferences. However, there are a few considerations that might help you decide which test is right for you.

  1. Your Strengths in Math and Verbal Skills

    2. GMAT: If you’re comfortable with business-related concepts, data sufficiency questions, and logical reasoning, the GMAT may be a better fit. It’s a more specialized test that measures skills most relevant to business students.

    GRE: If you have stronger general verbal reasoning and reading comprehension skills, or if you feel more comfortable with algebra and basic math, the GRE might be a better choice. The GRE’s math section tends to be more straightforward, and it may be more approachable for those who are not as strong in advanced quantitative reasoning.

  2. Your Undergraduate Background

    3. If your undergraduate degree was in a business-related field, you might find the GMAT to be a more natural choice because of its focus on problem-solving and quantitative analysis.

    If your degree is in a humanities, social sciences, or other non-business field, you may prefer the GRE, which is more broadly applicable and places more emphasis on verbal reasoning and reading comprehension.

  3. The Schools You’re Applying To

    4. GMAT: Some top-tier business schools still prefer the GMAT over the GRE for MBA in USA. Schools like Harvard Business School, Wharton, and the University of Chicago Booth tend to place more weight on GMAT scores when evaluating applicants.

    GRE: However, many MBA programs have moved toward more flexibility and now accept both tests equally. In fact, schools like Stanford, MIT Sloan, and Columbia have been known to be more welcoming to GRE scores.

    If you have a specific school in mind, it’s always a good idea to check their admissions website to see if they have a preference for one test over the other.

  4. Career Considerations

    5. While both tests are accepted by most top MBA programs, you may want to consider how your test scores could be viewed by potential employers post-graduation. In some industries, particularly consulting and finance, the GMAT is still seen as the gold standard, while the GRE may be more commonly associated with non-traditional applicants or those applying to interdisciplinary programs.

  5. Convenience and Preparation

    6. If you’re applying to other graduate programs besides an MBA, you may want to consider the GRE, as it is accepted by a wider range of graduate schools. Additionally, the GRE allows for more flexibility with score reporting, and its structure may suit your study habits better, especially if you prefer a broader focus on verbal reasoning.

Conclusion: GMAT vs GRE – Which is Better for an MBA in USA?

Ultimately, the choice between the GMAT and GRE will depend on your strengths, goals, and the specific requirements of the programs you’re targeting. While the GMAT is specifically tailored for business students and emphasizes skills necessary for success in an MBA program, the GRE offers more flexibility for applicants who might be applying to other graduate programs as well.

If you excel in quantitative reasoning and have a background in business or a related field, the GMAT might be the better choice. However, if you are stronger in verbal reasoning or are applying to multiple graduate programs, the GRE could be a more strategic option.

Largely, though, taking the GMAT is a more prudent choice when it comes to pursuing an MBA in USA.

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