If you’re looking at Business schools for your master’s, you’re probably wondering if you should appear for the GRE or the GMAT. Both of these tests have a lot of similarities but there are some differences that you must consider when deciding which test to take. First, let’s begin with information about the tests.

Information about the GRE and GMAT

GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination and there are three sections on the GRE. They are Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing. The GRE is scored out of 340.  310 on 340 is considered to be a good GRE score.  The GRE is accepted by a wide range of programs for their master’s admissions. 

GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. It has four sections, which are: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative reasoning and Verbal reasoning. GMAT is scored out of 800. A GMAT score of 650 on 800 is considered to be a good score. GMAT is only accepted by Business-related programs for their master’s admissions.

Now let’s get to the steps which would help you decide on which test is right for you.

Deciding between the GRE and GMAT

Know your goals

It’s important to obtain clarity on your goals. Are you only looking to apply to Business schools? Or are you also considering other programs? The GMAT is only accepted by Business schools while the GRE is accepted by a wider range of programs. If you’re super sure that you only want to apply to Business schools, then taking the GMAT may be a good option for you. If you’re unsure, taking the GRE would make more sense so that you don’t limit your options. 

Know what your chosen universities prefer
Business schools have only recently started accepting GRE scores for admissions. Initially, only GMAT scores were accepted. Remember that the GMAT was created specifically for business and management related programs, so some universities, while accepting both the GRE and GMAT, still prefer the GMAT over the GRE. When you make a universities’ list, we advise that you reach out to the Admissions office to see which test they prefer. 

Know the testing differences 

The verbal section on the GRE is tougher than the verbal section on the GMAT. So, if your language-related abilities are not very strong, it might be better to take the GMAT. 

Similarly, the Quantitative section on the GMAT is tougher than the one on the GRE. Also, remember that an on-screen calculator is available to use on the GRE but not on the GMAT. So, if your mathematical abilities are not very strong, taking the GRE over GMAT makes more sense. Assess your strengths and weaknesses to choose which one may be suitable for you. 

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