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GMAT or GRE?
Many students find themselves in a conflict when deciding between taking the GRE or GMAT. Let’s explore and analyze the differences and similarities among the two exams.
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Differences and similaritiesTest StructureNot surprisingly, when comparing the structures and time frames of the GMAT and GRE, both tests comprise similar sections, and their duration is the same. Take a look at the table below.
| GRE
| GMAT
| | Analytical writing section | 2 essays, 60 minutes
| 2 essays, 60 minutes
| | Verbal section | 2 sections, 25 questions each, 35 minutes each
| 1 section, 41 questions, 75 minutes
| Quantitative section
| 2 sections, 25 questions each, 40 minutes each
| 1 section, 37 questions, 75 minutes
| | Total time ( without breaks) | 210 minutes
| 210 minutes
| | Optional breaks | 5-10 minutes between sections
| 10 minute break after the first verbal section, 1 minute breaks between all other sections |
As seen from the table, although they differ in their infrastructure, both tests contain similar subject topics. The most noticeable difference is the average time for each question. In the GMAT quantitative section there are just more than two minutes on average for each question. On the GRE the average time given to each quantitative question is 1 minute and 36 seconds.
Comparing the verbal sections of both tests reveals that in the GMAT, there are approximately a minute and 48 seconds for each question, and in the GRE the average time per question is one minute and 24 seconds.
Difficulty and intellectJudging by the data given in the table, one could claim that more time is given to each GMAT question and thus it should be an easier test, but this is of course an erroneous assumption. The fact that each question on average requires more time to solve inflicts the GMAT might be a tougher test.
The GMAT is known to evaluate skills specifically for business schools, while the GRE was developed for a wider array of graduate level academic programs. This implies that the GMAT is more focused on crunching numbers, and the GRE is more widely spread, as it targets a greater audience of graduates.
How could a test be tailored to trace people that “are born to do business”? It can be argued that the format taken by questions presented in the GMAT reflects a higher level of sophistication. Evidence for this is present in two places. The critical reasoning section requires analytic thinking through a verbal medium. This question type is also used on the LSAT, the law school admission test, as it demands high levels of reasoning, conclusion making, and drawing complex inferences from written texts.
Another place where this sophistication is evident is the quantitative section: Data sufficiency questions present a complex format of multiple choice questions. The examinee must cross details which are given in a cluttered manner, some in the opening sentence, the rest in two short statements. Instead of just asking a question about quantities, another aspect is added to the solution process.
The GRE, on the other hand, throws in some fields of human intellect which also rely on general knowledge rather than strictly on reasoning, as can be seen in the verbal section which contains vocabulary based questions. The verbal section of the GRE is truly difficult, and many find it as a reason for not taking the test in the first place.
INSEAD is a top business school in Europe, and under its admissions and requirements, it states that prospect students' GMAT scores should at least in the 70-75th percentile, while GRE scores should be at least in the 75-80th percentile. This implies that the GRE is regarded as easier.
Two tests, two developing companies and a lot of money
You must take into account the fact that each of these tests is developed and written by profit making companies, and thus their existence and legitimacy is highly influenced by financial and marketing forces. A test developer would want as many schools as possible to use its testing methods, as it will drive more people to use its product. Hence, GMAT developers would defend their product and present it as the ultimate assessment tool for discovering the future managers of the business world, while in fact the GRE might give as good predictions as the GMAT does if not better.
Our summary – for and against GMATThe GMAT is still regarded as the official stamp for business schools entry, with all the prestige it involves. Some schools still refer to it a prerequisite for admissions. These schools, however, are far less in number than before, as most of them have already started accepting GRE scores as well.
The GMAT quantitative section is more complex than the one appearing on the GRE, and the critical reasoning section is also quite witty for people who are not accustomed with reasoning processes.
As the revised GRE version includes a calculator for the quantitative section, this might cause a relief among students who lack computational abilities, and are intimidated by math in general.
The best way to decide on which test to take should first be made according to the schools you wish to apply for. Schools that do not consider GRE scores as valid entrance requirements should lead to the GMAT of course.
Second, if you are seriously intimidated by Math in general, the GRE is a better solution for you, and not necessarily because the questions are easier but because their format and the access to an online calculator might help in stress relief.
Good luck
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