Differences Between Graduate Record Examination and Graduate Management Admission Test

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are two standardized tests commonly used for admission to graduate programs. Although both are designed to evaluate the academic aptitude of candidates, they serve different purposes and cater to different fields. The GRE is a more general test accepted by a wide variety of graduate programs, including business, engineering, arts, and sciences. It is a popular choice for students seeking flexibility in their graduate studies because many programs, including some MBA programs, accept GRE scores.

On the other hand, the GMAT is specifically designed for admission to MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs and other business-related graduate courses. It is highly focused on assessing skills related to business and management, such as analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and quantitative problem-solving. While many business schools now accept both GRE and GMAT scores, the GMAT remains the preferred option for those specifically aiming for business education, especially at elite business schools.

Graduate Record Examination Overview

The GRE is a standardized test administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is widely accepted for admission to various graduate programs. Below are five key aspects of the GRE to better understand its structure, purpose, and significance.

1. Purpose of the GRE

The primary purpose of the GRE is to assess a candidate's readiness for graduate-level academic work. The test evaluates skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Since the GRE is not specific to any particular field, it provides a general measure of a student’s abilities and can be used for admission to a broad range of graduate programs, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and business schools.

General Test: Evaluates broad academic skills applicable across various fields of study.
Graduate Admission: Used by universities worldwide for admission to master’s, PhD, and MBA programs.

2. GRE Sections and Structure

The GRE consists of three main sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Each section is designed to measure different skills:

Verbal Reasoning: Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking through text analysis.
Quantitative Reasoning: Measures mathematical problem-solving skills, including algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
Analytical Writing: Requires candidates to write essays that evaluate their ability to articulate complex ideas and support arguments logically.

Each section is scored separately, with the verbal and quantitative sections scored on a scale of 130-170, and the writing section scored from 0-6.

Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning: Each section includes two 30-35 minute subsections.
Analytical Writing: Requires two essays within 60 minutes, testing argument analysis and critical thinking.

3. GRE Score Validity and Use

GRE scores are valid for five years, meaning candidates can apply to graduate programs using their GRE scores for several years after taking the test. Many universities set specific score thresholds, but the importance of the GRE score varies depending on the program and institution. For example, science and engineering programs often prioritize quantitative scores, while humanities programs may focus more on verbal and writing scores.

Score Validity: Scores are valid for five years, offering flexibility for future applications.
Score Requirements: Different programs may emphasize different sections of the GRE, depending on their focus.

4. GRE Test Format and Availability

The GRE is available in two formats: computer-based and paper-based. Most candidates take the computer-based test, which is offered year-round at testing centers worldwide. The computer-based GRE is adaptive by section, meaning that the difficulty level of the second verbal or quantitative section depends on your performance in the first section. The paper-based test is offered in locations where computer-based testing is not available and follows a fixed format.

Computer-Based Test: Adaptive by section, meaning the test adjusts based on your performance.
Paper-Based Test: Offered in areas where computer-based tests are unavailable, with fixed difficulty levels.

5. GRE Versatility for Different Fields

One of the major advantages of the GRE is its versatility, as it is accepted by a wide variety of graduate programs across different disciplines. Whether you're applying to a master’s program in psychology, a PhD in engineering, or even an MBA, the GRE can open doors to various educational pathways. Many MBA programs, particularly in the U.S., have started accepting GRE scores in addition to the GMAT.

Accepted in Many Fields: GRE scores are used for admission to various academic fields and some MBA programs.
MBA Programs: Increasingly, business schools are accepting the GRE as an alternative to the GMAT.

Graduate Management Admission Test Overview

The GMAT is a standardized test administered by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) and is designed specifically for admission to business and management programs, particularly MBA programs. Below are five key aspects of the GMAT to better understand its structure, focus, and role in business school admissions.

1. Purpose of the GMAT

The GMAT is designed to assess the skills required for success in business and management programs. Unlike the GRE, which is more general, the GMAT focuses on skills directly related to business education, such as critical thinking, analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and data interpretation. It is the preferred test for students applying to MBA programs, and many top business schools use GMAT scores as a crucial factor in their admissions decisions.

Business-Specific: Evaluates skills relevant to business and management education.
MBA Admission: Primarily used for MBA and other management-related graduate programs.

2. GMAT Sections and Structure

The GMAT is divided into four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section tests specific skills necessary for success in business programs:

Analytical Writing: Requires a 30-minute essay analyzing an argument.
Integrated Reasoning: Tests the ability to evaluate data from multiple sources, including graphs, tables, and charts.
Quantitative Reasoning: Measures mathematical skills related to problem-solving and data sufficiency.
Verbal Reasoning: Tests reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar.

Each section is scored separately, with a total score range of 200-800 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections combined.

Integrated Reasoning: Focuses on the interpretation of complex data, a critical skill in business.
Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning: Measures analytical and language skills necessary for business decision-making.

3. GMAT Score Validity and Use

Similar to the GRE, GMAT scores are valid for five years, giving candidates flexibility in when they apply to business schools. The GMAT total score, ranging from 200-800, is often a key component in MBA admissions. Business schools may set specific GMAT score thresholds, but they also evaluate candidates based on other criteria such as work experience, academic history, and interviews.

Score Validity: GMAT scores are valid for five years, allowing for flexible application timelines.
Total Score: Business schools often focus on the total score (200-800) to assess a candidate’s suitability for their program.

4. GMAT Test Format and Availability

The GMAT is offered in a computer-adaptive format, where the difficulty of questions in the Quantitative and Verbal sections adjusts based on the test taker’s performance. The test is available year-round at designated test centers globally. While the GMAT is available primarily in English, it is accessible in over 110 countries, ensuring global availability for aspiring business students.

Computer-Adaptive Format: The difficulty of questions adapts based on previous answers.
Global Availability: Offered year-round at centers worldwide.

5. GMAT as a Business Standard

While some MBA programs accept both GRE and GMAT scores, the GMAT remains the gold standard for business schools. Many top-tier business schools prefer GMAT scores due to their specific focus on business-related skills. For students aiming to pursue a career in business or management, the GMAT is often viewed as a more relevant and tailored test compared to the GRE.

Preferred by Business Schools: The GMAT is specifically designed for MBA and business-related graduate programs.
Targeted Skill Assessment: The GMAT’s sections focus on the analytical and reasoning skills necessary for business success.

Differences Between Graduate Record Examination and Graduate Management Admission Test

Test Purpose
- GRE: A general test used for various graduate programs, including business, engineering, and humanities.
- GMAT: Specifically designed for admission to business and management programs, especially MBA programs.
Target Audience
- GRE: Used by students applying to a wide range of graduate programs.
- GMAT: Primarily used by students applying to MBA and business-related programs.
Test Sections
- GRE: Includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
- GMAT: Includes Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Integrated Reasoning.
Adaptiveness
- GRE: Adaptive by section, meaning the difficulty of the second section is based on the performance of the first section.
- GMAT: Computer-adaptive at the question level, adjusting the difficulty of each question based on the previous one.
Verbal Emphasis
- GRE: The verbal section is vocabulary-intensive, focusing on complex word usage.
- GMAT: The verbal section emphasizes grammar, critical reasoning, and reading comprehension.
Quantitative Focus
- GRE: Quantitative reasoning focuses more on basic algebra, geometry, and data interpretation.
- GMAT: Quantitative reasoning focuses on data sufficiency and problem-solving, often considered more challenging.
Integrated Reasoning
- GRE: Does not have an integrated reasoning section.
- GMAT: Includes Integrated Reasoning to test data analysis from multiple sources.
Score Range
- GRE: Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored from 130-170 each, with a total score range of 260-340.
- GMAT: Total score ranges from 200-800, combining Verbal and Quantitative sections.
Global Use
- GRE: Used worldwide for a variety of graduate programs.
- GMAT: Primarily used for business schools, but accepted globally in MBA programs.
Flexibility for Multiple Fields
- GRE: Offers flexibility for various graduate programs beyond business schools.
- GMAT: Tailored for business and management programs.

Conclusion

Both the GRE and GMAT are valuable standardized tests used for graduate admissions, but they cater to different academic and professional paths. The GRE is versatile, suitable for a wide range of graduate programs, and emphasizes verbal and quantitative reasoning across various fields. Meanwhile, the GMAT is specifically tailored for business and management programs, assessing skills critical for success in an MBA or similar degree. Understanding the differences between these two tests can help you choose the right exam based on your career aspirations and academic goals. Whether you're aiming for an MBA or a general graduate program, selecting the appropriate test will play a crucial role in your application process.

FAQs

Yes, many business schools now accept GRE scores in addition to GMAT scores for MBA applications.

It depends on the individual’s strengths. The GMAT has more challenging quantitative questions, while the GRE has more vocabulary-intensive verbal questions.

Both GRE and GMAT scores are valid for five years.

While the GMAT is primarily used for MBA programs, some other management-related programs may also accept GMAT scores.

Yes, you can take both tests if you’re applying to both general graduate programs and business schools, but it’s important to consider which test aligns with your goals.