If you are planning to study abroad, you have likely come across the GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL exams. But which one do you need? While they all play a role in admissions, each test serves a different purpose.
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination): Required for graduate school (MS, PhD) and some MBA programs.
- GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): Required for business schools and MBA programs.
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Tests English proficiency for non-native speakers applying to universities in English-speaking countries.
In this guide, we will compare GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL based on exam format, difficulty, purpose, and which test is right for you.
What Is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test for students applying to graduate programs, business schools, and PhD programs worldwide.
📌 Who Should Take the GRE?
✔ Students applying for MS, MA, MEng, MSc, PhD programs.
✔ MBA applicants (some business schools accept GRE instead of GMAT).
✔ Students applying for STEM, humanities, or social sciences 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 by a wide range of graduate programs.
- Easier than GMAT in quantitative reasoning.
- Allows ScoreSelect, so you can choose which scores to send to universities.
What Is the GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized exam specifically designed for business school and MBA admissions.
📌 Who Should Take the GMAT?
✔ Students applying for MBA and business school programs.
✔ Candidates aiming for top business schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton.
✔ Business professionals planning to switch careers or advance in management.
📌 GMAT Exam Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Reasoning | 31 | 62 minutes | 0-60 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 36 | 65 minutes | 0-60 |
| 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.
- More challenging quantitative section than the GRE.
- Some business schools prefer GMAT over GRE for MBA admissions.
What Is the TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures the English proficiency of non-native speakers applying to universities in English-speaking countries.
📌 Who Should Take the TOEFL?
✔ Non-native English speakers applying for undergraduate or graduate programs.
✔ Students applying to universities in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia.
✔ Professionals applying for work visas or residency programs in English-speaking countries.
📌 TOEFL Exam Structure
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Limit | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 30-40 | 35 minutes | 0-30 |
| Listening | 28-39 | 36 minutes | 0-30 |
| Speaking | 4 tasks | 16 minutes | 0-30 |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 29 minutes | 0-30 |
💡 Why Take the TOEFL?
- Required for English proficiency proof in English-speaking universities.
- Accepted in more than 150 countries.
- Preferred by U.S. and Canadian universities over IELTS.
GRE vs GMAT vs TOEFL: Key Differences
📌 Which Exam Should You Take?
| Feature | GRE | GMAT | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate & Business School | MBA & Business School | English Proficiency |
| Accepted By | MS, MA, MBA, PhD programs | Business schools & MBA programs | Universities for English-language proficiency |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High (Quant section is harder) | Easy (for fluent English speakers) |
| Score Range | 260-340 (Total) | 200-800 (Total) | 0-120 (Total) |
| Test Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes | 3 hours 7 minutes | 2 hours |
💡 Pro Tip: If applying for MBA programs, check if your university accepts both GMAT and GRE—if yes, take the test you are more comfortable with.
Which Test Is Harder: GRE, GMAT, or TOEFL?
✔ GMAT is the hardest because of its challenging quantitative and data interpretation sections.
✔ GRE is moderately difficult, with a focus on verbal and analytical writing.
✔ TOEFL is the easiest for those who are fluent in English.
📌 GRE vs GMAT vs TOEFL Difficulty Comparison
| Test | Hardest Section | Overall Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| GRE | Verbal (complex vocabulary) | Moderate |
| GMAT | Quantitative (data interpretation) | High |
| TOEFL | Speaking (for non-native speakers) | Low |
💡 Why It Matters? Choose the test that best aligns with your skills and academic goals.
FAQs About GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL
1. Do I need to take both the GRE and TOEFL?
✔ If you are a non-native English speaker applying for an MS or PhD, many universities require both GRE and TOEFL.
2. Can I take the GRE instead of the GMAT for MBA?
✔ Yes! Many top business schools now accept the GRE instead of GMAT.
3. Which test is easier: GRE or GMAT?
✔ The GRE is easier in Quant, but GMAT is more difficult overall.
4. What is a good TOEFL score?
✔ Most universities accept TOEFL scores of 90-100+.
5. How long are GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL scores valid?
✔ GRE & GMAT scores are valid for 5 years; TOEFL is valid for 2 years.
Conclusion
The GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL serve different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your academic and career goals.
