When applying to graduate programs, particularly in business and management, the choice between taking the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is crucial. Both tests are recognized and accepted by a wide range of institutions, but they have distinct differences that can influence which test might be better suited for your strengths, career goals, and the specific requirements of your desired programs.
Understanding the GRE
What is the GRE?
The GRE is a standardized test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). It is widely used for admissions to graduate programs in various fields, including the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and some business programs. The GRE evaluates a candidate’s verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
Structure of the GRE
The GRE is divided into three main sections:
- Verbal Reasoning: This section measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, synthesize information, and understand relationships among words and concepts. It includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence questions.
- Quantitative Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to understand, interpret, and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical concepts, and apply basic arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Analytical Writing: This section evaluates your critical thinking and analytical writing skills. It includes two tasks: an “Analyze an Issue” task, where you present your perspective on a topic, and an “Analyze an Argument” task, where you critique an argument’s logic and evidence.
Scoring of the GRE
The GRE scoring is divided as follows:
- Verbal Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Scores range from 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.
- Analytical Writing: Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
The total GRE score combines the verbal and quantitative sections, ranging from 260 to 340. The analytical writing score is reported separately.
Understanding the GMAT
What is the GMAT?
The GMAT is a standardized test administered by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) and is specifically designed for admissions to graduate business programs, including MBA programs. It evaluates analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills.
Structure of the GMAT
The GMAT consists of four main sections:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): This section measures your ability to think critically and communicate ideas. It includes one task: an “Analysis of an Argument” essay.
- Integrated Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats from multiple sources. It includes multi-source reasoning, table analysis, graphics interpretation, and two-part analysis questions.
- Quantitative Reasoning: This section measures your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills. It includes problem-solving and data sufficiency questions.
- Verbal Reasoning: This section evaluates reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction skills.
Scoring of the GMAT
The GMAT scoring is divided as follows:
- Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA): Scores range from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
- Integrated Reasoning: Scores range from 1 to 8, in 1-point increments.
- Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning: These sections are combined to provide a total score ranging from 200 to 800, in 10-point increments.
Key Differences Between GRE and GMAT
Purpose and Focus
- GRE: The GRE is used for a wide range of graduate programs, including those in the humanities, sciences, and some business schools. It is designed to test general skills that are applicable across disciplines.
- GMAT: The GMAT is tailored specifically for business school admissions and is designed to assess skills that are particularly relevant to business and management programs.
Test Structure and Content
- Verbal Reasoning: The GRE focuses more on vocabulary and complex reading comprehension, while the GMAT emphasizes critical reasoning and grammar.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Both tests cover similar mathematical concepts, but the GMAT includes a unique data sufficiency section that tests your ability to analyze given information efficiently.
- Analytical Writing: The GRE requires two essays (analyzing an issue and an argument), while the GMAT requires only one essay (analyzing an argument).
- Integrated Reasoning: Unique to the GMAT, this section evaluates the ability to integrate data from multiple sources, which is not tested on the GRE.
Scoring Systems
- GRE: Provides separate scores for verbal and quantitative sections, plus an analytical writing score. The verbal and quantitative scores are combined to give a total score.
- GMAT: Provides a combined score for the quantitative and verbal sections, plus separate scores for analytical writing and integrated reasoning.
Test Preparation Strategies
GRE Preparation
Verbal Reasoning
- Vocabulary Building: A strong vocabulary is essential for the GRE. Use flashcards, word lists, and apps like Quizlet to learn and review new words regularly.
- Reading Comprehension: Improve your skills by reading a variety of complex texts, summarizing paragraphs, and identifying main ideas and author’s tone.
- Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence: Practice identifying context clues and eliminating incorrect answers. Regular practice with GRE-style questions is crucial.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Fundamental Concepts: Ensure a solid understanding of basic math concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
- Problem-Solving Practice: Solve a variety of practice problems to build problem-solving skills and become familiar with different question types.
- Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting data from charts, graphs, and tables. Develop the ability to quickly extract and synthesize information.
Analytical Writing
- Essay Structure: Learn the standard structures for the “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument” tasks. Practice writing essays within the time limit.
- Critical Thinking: Develop skills in constructing logical arguments, using evidence effectively, and critically evaluating different perspectives.
- Feedback: Seek feedback on your essays from knowledgeable sources to improve your writing.
GMAT Preparation
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Argument Analysis: Practice analyzing arguments, identifying logical flaws, and constructing clear, concise responses.
- Clear Writing: Focus on clear, concise writing and logical organization of ideas. Practice writing within the time limit.
- Practice Essays: Write practice essays and seek feedback to refine your writing skills.
Integrated Reasoning
- Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting and synthesizing data from multiple sources, including tables, graphs, and text.
- Multiple Formats: Familiarize yourself with different question formats used in the integrated reasoning section.
- Timed Practice: Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Mathematical Concepts: Review arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis concepts.
- Data Sufficiency: Practice data sufficiency questions to develop skills in analyzing given information efficiently.
- Problem Solving: Solve a variety of quantitative problems to build problem-solving skills.
Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Practice reading complex texts and summarizing main ideas and arguments.
- Critical Reasoning: Develop skills in evaluating arguments and identifying logical flaws.
- Sentence Correction: Practice grammar and sentence structure to improve sentence correction skills.
Implications for Graduate School Admissions
Program Requirements
- GRE: Accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral programs in various disciplines.
- GMAT: Primarily accepted by business and management programs, such as MBA programs.
Flexibility and Opportunities
- GRE: Offers more flexibility for applicants considering a variety of graduate programs across different fields.
- GMAT: Specifically tailored for applicants aiming for business school and management programs.
Admissions Strategy
- Program Preferences: Research the specific requirements and preferences of your target programs to determine which test to take.
- Test Scores: Consider how each test’s scores align with your strengths and application strategy.
Choosing Between GRE and GMAT
Assessing Your Strengths and Weaknesses
- Skill Alignment: Choose the test that best aligns with your strengths in verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills.
- Practice Tests: Take practice tests for both the GRE and GMAT to determine which test you perform better on.
Career Goals and Program Fit
- Graduate Programs: Consider the types of programs you are applying to and their specific requirements.
- Career Aspirations: Think about your long-term career goals and which test aligns better with your desired career path.
Detailed Comparison: Section by Section
Verbal Reasoning
GRE Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Focuses on understanding and analyzing complex texts, including long passages and questions about the author’s intent, main ideas, and detailed information.
- Text Completion: Requires filling in blanks within a passage with appropriate words, testing vocabulary and context comprehension.
- Sentence Equivalence: Involves choosing two correct answers that complete a sentence and provide the same meaning.
GMAT Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension: Includes passages from various subjects, with questions testing comprehension, inference, and application.
- Critical Reasoning: Involves evaluating arguments, identifying assumptions, and determining the strength of evidence.
- Sentence Correction: Tests grammar, syntax, and proper sentence structure, requiring correction of underlined portions of sentences.
Quantitative Reasoning
GRE Quantitative Reasoning
- Content Areas: Includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. Emphasizes problem-solving and data interpretation.
- Question Types: Consists of quantitative comparison questions, multiple-choice questions, and numeric entry questions.
- Approach: Focuses on the ability to understand and interpret quantitative information, solve problems, and analyze data.
GMAT Quantitative Reasoning
- Content Areas: Similar to the GRE, covering arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, but with a distinct focus on business-related problem-solving.
- Question Types: Includes problem-solving questions and data sufficiency questions, which require determining whether given information is sufficient to answer a question.
- Approach: Emphasizes logical and analytical reasoning in a business context, testing the ability to reason quantitatively and solve quantitative problems.
Analytical Writing
GRE Analytical Writing
- Tasks: Includes two tasks: “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.”
- Analyze an Issue: Requires presenting your perspective on a given topic, supported by reasons and examples.
- Analyze an Argument: Involves critiquing an argument’s logic and evidence, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
- Task: Includes one task: “Analysis of an Argument.”
- Analysis of an Argument: Requires analyzing an argument, identifying logical flaws, and discussing how the argument could be improved.
Integrated Reasoning (GMAT only)
- Data Interpretation: Tests the ability to interpret data presented in multiple formats, including tables, graphs, and multi-source data.
- Multi-Source Reasoning: Involves synthesizing information from multiple sources to answer questions.
- Graphics Interpretation: Requires interpreting graphical data and drawing conclusions.
- Two-Part Analysis: Involves solving complex problems that have two components, testing the ability to evaluate relationships and determine solutions.
Test Day Experience
GRE Test Day
- Computer-Based Test: The GRE is primarily offered as a computer-based test at designated testing centers.
- Sections and Breaks: The test includes six sections with a 10-minute break after the third section. The Analytical Writing section comes first, followed by the Verbal and Quantitative sections in varying order.
- Adaptive Testing: The GRE is section-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the second Verbal and Quantitative sections depends on your performance in the first sections.
GMAT Test Day
- Computer-Based Test: The GMAT is a computer-based test administered at designated testing centers.
- Sections and Breaks: The test includes four sections with optional breaks between them. The order of the sections can be chosen by the test-taker, with options to start with AWA, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, or Verbal sections.
- Adaptive Testing: The GMAT is question-level adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your performance as you progress through the test.
Preparation Resources
Official Materials
- GRE: ETS provides official practice tests, questions, and prep books that are essential for effective preparation.
- GMAT: GMAC offers official practice tests, questions, and prep materials, which are invaluable for understanding the test format and question types.
Prep Courses and Tutors
- Prep Courses: Consider enrolling in prep courses from reputable providers like Kaplan, Princeton Review, Manhattan Prep, and Magoosh. These courses offer structured learning, practice tests, and expert guidance.
- Tutors: Hiring a tutor can provide personalized instruction and targeted strategies, helping you focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Online Resources and Apps
- GRE: Utilize online platforms and apps for vocabulary building, practice questions, and full-length mock tests. Resources like GRE Prep Club, Magoosh, and Quizlet can be very helpful.
- GMAT: Use online resources for practice questions, integrated reasoning exercises, and full-length mock tests. Websites like GMAT Club, Beat The GMAT, and GMAT Prep Now offer extensive resources.
Tips for Success
Time Management
- GRE: Practice managing your time effectively during each section. Allocate time to review your answers, especially for the quantitative and verbal sections.
- GMAT: Develop a strategy for pacing yourself during the test. Use the optional breaks to rest and recharge.
Answering Techniques
- GRE: Use elimination techniques to narrow down answer choices. For difficult questions, make educated guesses rather than leaving them blank.
- GMAT: For data sufficiency questions, practice identifying the minimum information needed to answer the question. For integrated reasoning, focus on synthesizing information from multiple sources.
Practice and Review
- Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests to simulate the test-day experience and assess your progress.
- Review: Thoroughly review your answers and understand your mistakes. Use this analysis to improve your strategies and focus on weak areas.
Staying Calm and Focused
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to stay calm during the test.
- Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and confidence in your preparation. Remind yourself of your goals and the progress you have made.