Choosing the proper graduate school test is an important decision. The GMAT and GRE are both options for business school, but which one is better for you? Let’s discuss the differences between the GMAT and GRE so that you can make an informed decision about which test to take by covering topics such as question types, scoring, and cost. So, whether you are just starting to research graduate schools or have already decided on a business program, read on to learn more about GMAT vs GRE!
The Differences:
The GMAT and GRE are both exams required by many business schools for admission into their programs. The main difference is that the GMAT is specifically designed for business school, while the GRE is a more general test that can be used for many different graduate programs.
The GMAT has four parts: Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated, and Analytical Reasoning. The Quantitative and Verbal sections are multiple-choice, while the Integrated Reasoning section has multiple-choice and fill-in questions. The Analytical Writing section requires you to write one essay.
The GRE has four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and an unscored Experimental section. The Experimental section is not scored, but the test makers use it to try out new questions for future tests.
The GMAT has multiple choice and fill-in questions in the Integrated Reasoning section. The GRE only has multiple choice questions. However, the GRE has more essay questions than the GMAT – one versus two.
The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test, which means that the difficulty of the questions you get will depend on how well you are doing on the test. The GRE is not adaptive, so the difficulty of the questions will be the same for everyone.
The GMAT is scored from 200 to 800, while the GRE is scored on a scale from 130 to 170. The Verbal and Quantitative sections of both tests are graded separately. These two scores are combined for the GMAT to give you your overall score. Your Verbal and Quantitative scores are reported separately, and there is no overall score for the GRE.
Finally, let’s talk about cost. The GMAT costs $250, while the GRE costs $205. However, many business schools will accept either test, so you may not need to take both.
Which is Better?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, consider what type of questions you find easier. The GMAT may be better if you feel more comfortable with multiple choice questions. However, the GRE may be better if you prefer essay questions.
Second, think about how you learn best. If you learn best by practicing on your own, then the GRE may be a better option because it is less expensive and there are more prep materials available. However, if you prefer structured learning with a set curriculum, then the GMAT may be a better fit because more prep courses are available.
Finally, consider your goals. If you are only applying to business school, then the GMAT may be a better option because it is specifically designed for business school. However, considering other graduate programs, the GRE may be a better option because it can be used for many different programs.
