If you're planning to apply to business school, graduate programs, or a PhD, you may be wondering: Should I take the GMAT or GRE?
Both the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) are standardized tests used for admissions to business schools, graduate programs, and PhD programs. However, each test serves a different purpose and choosing the right one depends on your career goals, target schools, and test-taking strengths.
In this guide, we will compare GMAT vs GRE based on exam format, difficulty level, scoring, acceptance, and which test is best for you.
What Is the GMAT?
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is designed specifically for business schools and MBA programs. It tests quantitative skills, logical reasoning, and data interpretation, which are essential for business and management studies.
📌 Who Should Take the GMAT?
✔ Students applying for MBA programs at top business schools.
✔ Candidates applying for finance, consulting, and business analytics programs.
✔ Professionals looking to advance in business and management careers.
📌 GMAT Exam Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 minutes | 6-51 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 minutes | 6-51 |
| Integrated Reasoning | 12 | 30 minutes | 1-8 |
| Analytical Writing (AWA) | 1 essay | 30 minutes | 0-6 |
💡 Why Take the GMAT?
- Required for top-tier MBA programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
- The Quantitative section is more challenging than GRE.
- Strong GMAT scores improve chances of getting business scholarships.
What Is the GRE?
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a general test accepted by graduate schools, business schools, and PhD programs worldwide. Unlike the GMAT, the GRE is more versatile, allowing students to apply for a wide range of programs beyond business schools.
📌 Who Should Take the GRE?
✔ Students applying for MS, MA, PhD, or MBA programs.
✔ Candidates applying for STEM, humanities, or social sciences programs.
✔ Applicants who want flexibility in choosing between different programs.
📌 GRE Exam Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 27 | 41 minutes | 130-170 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 27 | 47 minutes | 130-170 |
| Analytical Writing | 1 essay | 30 minutes | 0-6 |
💡 Why Take the GRE?
- Accepted for both MBA and non-MBA graduate programs.
- The Verbal section is more difficult than the GMAT.
- GRE allows ScoreSelect, so you can send only your best scores to schools.
GMAT vs GRE: Key Differences
📌 Which Exam Should You Take?
| Feature | GMAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Used For | MBA, Business Schools | MS, PhD, MBA, Law Schools |
| Accepted By | Business schools only | Business & graduate programs |
| Difficulty Level | Harder Quant section | Harder Verbal section |
| Score Range | 200-800 (Total) | 260-340 (Total) |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Test Duration | 3 hours 7 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
💡 Pro Tip: If applying for an MBA only, take the GMAT. If you want multiple options, take the GRE.
Which Test Is Harder: GMAT or GRE?
✔ GMAT is harder in Quant: Requires strong data interpretation and problem-solving skills.
✔ GRE is harder in Verbal: Tests complex vocabulary and critical reading skills.
📌 GMAT vs GRE Difficulty Comparison
| Test | Hardest Section | Overall Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT | Quantitative (data interpretation) | High |
| GRE | Verbal (complex vocabulary) | Moderate |
💡 Why It Matters? If you're better at math, choose the GMAT. If verbal skills are stronger, choose the GRE.
GMAT vs GRE Scoring System
📌 How Are the GMAT & GRE Scored?
| Exam | Score Range | Scoring Increments |
|---|---|---|
| GMAT | 200-800 (Total) | 10-point increments |
| GRE | 260-340 (Total) | 1-point increments (Verbal & Quant) |
✔ GMAT scores are business-school specific, while GRE scores are more general.
💡 Pro Tip: Many MBA programs now accept the GRE, so you have options.
Which Test Is Best for Business School?
✔ GMAT is preferred by top business schools (Harvard, Stanford, MIT Sloan).
✔ GRE is accepted by many business schools, but GMAT is still the gold standard for MBA admissions.
✔ If you are unsure about MBA vs MS, take the GRE for flexibility.
📌 Business Schools That Accept GRE & GMAT
| Business School | GMAT Required? | GRE Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School | Recommended | ✅ Yes |
| Stanford GSB | Recommended | ✅ Yes |
| Wharton (UPenn) | Recommended | ✅ Yes |
| MIT Sloan | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Columbia Business School | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
💡 Why It Matters? If your target school accepts both tests, take the one where you can score higher.
FAQs About GMAT vs GRE
1. Is GMAT harder than GRE?
✔ GMAT has a harder Quant section, while GRE has a tougher Verbal section.
2. Can I take the GRE instead of GMAT for MBA?
✔ Yes! Many top business schools accept GRE scores.
3. Which test is better for scholarships?
✔ High GMAT scores can help get MBA scholarships, while GRE scores are used for graduate scholarships.
4. How long are GMAT and GRE scores valid?
✔ Both GMAT and GRE scores are valid for 5 years.
5. Should I take both the GMAT and GRE?
✔ No need! Take the test that aligns with your strengths and target schools.
Conclusion
✔ Take the GMAT if you are focused on an MBA.
✔ Take the GRE if you want flexibility to apply for both MBA and other graduate programs.
