GRE vs. GMAT

GMAT vs GRE Comparison

1. Purpose and Usage

  • GMAT: Designed specifically for business school (MBA) admissions, evaluating leadership and business-related skills.
  • GRE: Used for a broader range of graduate programs (Masters and PhD), accepted in humanities, sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

2. Test Fees

  • GMAT: Approximately $275, more expensive than GRE.
  • GRE: Approximately $220, relatively cheaper than GMAT.

3. Score Validity

Both GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years.

4. Test Length and Format

  • GMAT: Total test time is about 3 hours 7 minutes, uses Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) format where questions adjust based on answers.
  • GRE: Total test time is about 3 hours 45 minutes, uses Section Adaptive Test format where section difficulty adjusts.

5. Graduate School Preferences

  • GMAT: Most MBA programs require or prefer GMAT scores.
  • GRE: Suitable for various graduate programs and accepted by business schools.

6. Test Preparation Difficulty

  • GMAT: Quantitative section based on logical reasoning with complex problems.
  • GRE: Quantitative section relatively simpler, but verbal problems (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence) can be challenging due to advanced vocabulary.

7. Retake Policy

  • GMAT:

    • Maximum 5 attempts within 12 months.
    • Lifetime limit of 8 attempts.

  • GRE:

    • Can retake every 21 days.
    • No lifetime limit on attempts.

8. Score Reporting

  • GMAT: Can submit only recent scores or select specific scores.
  • GRE: Offers ScoreSelect option to submit best scores from multiple attempts.

9. Career Plans

  • GMAT: Highly valued in business, finance, and consulting fields.
  • GRE: Suitable for students pursuing careers in science, technology, arts beyond business.