What are the key differences, and how do you choose which exam is best for you?
The GMAT Focus Edition (Graduate Management Admission Test-Focus Edition) and GRE (Graduate Record Exam) are two standardized tests required by most MBA and graduate programs in the US and UK. If you’re planning to apply to top graduate programs, it’s crucial to decide early whether to take the GMAT or GRE.
The basics
The GRE is administered by ETS, the same company that creates the TOEFL. Most graduate programs widely accept the test, and several popular master’s degree programs only accept the GRE as part of their admissions requirements. The GRE tests quantitative and English language skills (verbal), including vocabulary knowledge, reading comprehension, and writing proficiency.
The GMAT is widely known as the primary test for MBA programs and is accepted by virtually all business schools. However, over 1200 business schools, including most of the top 20 MBA programs in the US, now accept the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE for their applications. The GMAT strongly emphasizes quantitative questions, making it particularly suitable for individuals with strong numerical skills or an engineering background. It’s important to note that the GMAT also includes a verbal section that focuses on grammar, reading skills, and critical reasoning. Additionally, the Integrated Reasoning and Data Sufficiency sections further evaluate a candidate’s business acumen and analytical abilities.
Who is the test more suitable for
The best way to determine which test is right for you is to take practice exams. Both the GMAT Focus Edition and GRE offer official practice tests. At EduSmith, we provide free mock GMAT Focus Edition and GRE exams, complete with detailed scoring and expert analysis from our test prep professionals.
Test Content and Detail
GMAT
2 hours and 15 minutes (including a 10-minute break)
Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes, 21 multiple-choice questions
Verbal Reasoning: 45 minutes, 23 multiple-choice questions
Data Insights: 45 minutes, 20 multiple-choice questions
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- Data Sufficiency: 20-40%
- Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR): 10-20%
- Table Analysis: 10-20%
- Graphical Interpretation: 20-30%
- Two-Part Analysis: 10-20%
*Test-takers can choose which section to complete first.
Review and Edit Feature: In the new GMAT Focus Edition, test-takers can bookmark questions they are unsure about and return to review and revise their answers if time allows. This feature can be a helpful tool for improving scores by allowing extra time for review.
GRE
1 hour and 58 minutes (removed the 10-minute break)
Analytical Writing: 30 minutes, 1 essay
Quantitative Reasoning: 47 minutes, 2 sections (27 total questions)
Verbal Reasoning: 41 minutes, 2 sections (27 total questions)
Test Format
GMAT
Computer-adapter test
One of GMAT’s key features is that the test is question-adaptive.
If you answer the first set of questions correctly, the next set will become more difficult (and vice-versa). This design can be intimidating for students who can be stressed out by the test, which keeps getting more difficult. This also means that students cannot go back and review their previous answers.
GRE
Computer-delivered test
The GRE is also adaptive, but the difficulty is adaptive by section and NOT by question.
What this means is that the questions do not change within the section depending on whether you answer them correctly. You can think of it this way – each section is static. Your performance on the first section will determine whether you get an easy section or a difficult section next. This allows students to check their previous answers.
Scoring Detail
GMAT
Total scores range from 205 to 805
Quantitative Reasoning: 60-90
Verbal Reasoning: 60-90
Data Insights: 60-90
GRE
Total scores range from 260 to 340
Analytical Writing: 0 – 6
Quantitative section: 130-170
Verbal section: 130-170
Cost and Validity
GMAT
Cost: $275
Score Validity: 5 years
GRE
Cost
- Registration Fee: $220
- Additional Score Reports: $35 (per recipient)
- Rescheduling Exam Date: $50
- Changing Test Center: $50
- Reactivating a Canceled Score: $50
Score Validity: 5 years
How many times can you take the test?
GMAT
You are allowed to retake the GMAT exam every 16 days but no more than five times within any 12 months. Additionally, you can attempt the GMAT a maximum of eight times over your lifetime.
GRE
You are eligible to take the GRE once every 21 days, with a limit of five attempts in any rolling 12-month period (365 days). Unlike other tests, the GRE does not impose a lifetime cap on the number of times you can take it.
Deciding on GMAT? Don’t forget to check out the New GMAT Focus Edition: Things you need to know to start preparing for the exam!
Still trying to figure it out? Contact us for mock exams to find out which exam is the one for you.
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