Both the GMAT and GRE are widely accepted and used for graduate college admissions in the United Kingdom, as well as in the US and Canada. These tests allow admissions officers to better assess students from all geographies, on a similar scale. These scores are not required by all universities. Some universities may only require these scores for certain courses so make sure you check the requirements of all the universities you are interested in. For the universities where these scores are required, this is one of the most important parts of your application process, and scoring well on either of these two tests is very important. 

These scores are one of the first things that universities look at when shortlisting applicants. Moreover, they also play an instrumental role in your application for scholarships. Hence, it is important to score well in either of the two. You don’t need to take both the tests. 

First, we’ll talk about the GRE.

GRE

GRE is a standardized test conducted by ETS. The GRE is scored out of 340. These points are divided into 3 key components: 

1. Verbal Reasoning, which is scored on a scale of 170
2. Quantitative Reasoning, which is also scored on a scale of 170
3. Analytical Writing Assessment, which is scored on a scale of 6.0

The Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning parts compose collectively of the 340 points. A good GRE score is a 320+ and a great GRE score is 330+.

The registration cost of the GRE is approximately $190. The duration of the test is 3 hours 45 mins, and it is conducted every month on several days. It is important to choose your date wisely, for when you are best prepared to take the test. 

Now, let’s talk about GMAT.

GMAT

The GMAT is administered by the GMAC Admissions council and is scored out of 800. These points are divided into 4 key components –

1. Verbal Reasoning is scored on a scale of 6 to 51
2. Quantitative Reasoning is scored on a scale of 6 to 51
3. Integrated Reasoning is scored on a scale of 1 to 8
4. Analytical Writing Assessment is scored on a scale of 6.0

A good GMAT score is 700+ and a great one is 750+. 

The registration cost of the GMAT is 250 USD. The duration of the test is 3 hours 30 mins, and like the GRE, it is conducted on multiple days each month. It is important, again, to pick your date well in advance before your application is due, and when you are best prepared.

To decide if you want to take the GMAT or the GRE, it is important that you have a look at the paper pattern and the scoring method for each, on their websites, and make a decision for yourself. Also, it is important to note that most Masters programs accept the GRE and not the GMAT, while the GMAT is more common among MBA programs. Having said that, MBA programs accept both the GMAT as well as the GRE. An ideal time to take either the GRE for your Master’s Degree or MBA program or the GMAT for the MBA program is 5 months before your deadline round. This will give you ample time for a retake of the test, if necessary to improve your score. 

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