GRE vs GMAT: Which Grad School Test Should You Take?

GRE vs GMAT Overview

You're thinking about graduate school. Maybe you want an MBA. Maybe you want a master's degree. Either way, you need to take a standardized test. But which one? GRE or GMAT?

Both are valid graduate school entrance exams. Both are widely accepted. But they're different tests with different formats, different scoring systems, and different emphases. Choosing the right one for you matters because your score affects your graduate school options.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a general test used for admission to graduate programs across multiple disciplines. Business, engineering, biology, chemistry, English, psychology—the GRE works for all these fields. It's broad and comprehensive.

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically for business graduate programs. It was designed by business schools for business schools. If you're applying to MBA programs, GMAT is traditional. But importantly, most MBA programs now accept both GRE and GMAT.

Both are accepted by 99% of MBA programs. This is crucial. You're not locked into one or the other if you want an MBA. You can choose the test that plays to your strengths.

When to Take: Timeline Considerations

Graduate school timelines vary. Understanding when you need to take the test helps you plan.

Most students take the GRE or GMAT in the fall of their senior year or in the year before applying to graduate school. You want scores available when you submit applications.

Graduate program applications typically open in September. Application deadlines are often in December, January, or February. You need test scores before or with your applications.

Working backwards: if you want scores by December, you need to take the test by November at the latest. If you want scores by January, you need to test by December.

Test registration typically requires 1-2 weeks of advance notice. You can't usually test immediately. Plan ahead.

Test preparation takes 3-4 months on average. Some people study faster. Some study longer. Most people need 3-4 months of focused preparation.

If you're graduating in May and planning to apply to graduate school in the fall, you should start preparing in summer. Take the test in September or October. Submit applications in fall.

If you're working and applying to graduate school part-time, your timeline is different. You might study for 6 months while working. That's fine. Adjust based on your situation.

The key: start early. Don't cram. The tests are demanding. They require genuine preparation.

Content Differences: What Each Test Covers

GRE and GMAT test similar content but with different emphases.

GRE covers verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The verbal section tests reading comprehension, text completion, sentence equivalence. You're reading passages and answering questions about them. You're understanding complex text.

The quantitative section tests math. Algebra, geometry, data analysis, some statistics. The math isn't particularly advanced but it requires precision and speed.

The analytical writing section requires you to write two essays. One analyzes an argument. One addresses an issue. You're writing under timed conditions.

GMAT covers verbal, quantitative, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning. The integrated reasoning section is unique to GMAT. It combines math and language. You're analyzing tables, interpreting data, synthesizing information. It's unique to the business context.

GMAT's verbal section is similar to GRE but with a specific focus. Critical reasoning (logical reasoning) is emphasized more than pure reading comprehension.

GMAT's quantitative section is more applied. Data sufficiency questions are unique to GMAT. You're determining whether you have enough information to solve a problem, rather than solving the problem itself.

In general: GRE is slightly easier for humanities backgrounds. The verbal section is closer to what humanities students know. GMAT is more quantitative. It emphasizes business-relevant math and logic.

If you're strong in humanities and weaker in math, GRE might suit you better. If you're strong in math and comfortable with business scenarios, GMAT might suit you better.

Test Format Differences

The tests are delivered the same way (computer-based) but formatted differently.

GRE uses a section format. You answer a section. Your performance determines the difficulty of the next section. It's adaptive within sections.

GMAT is fully adaptive. Each question you answer affects the next question you receive. Get one wrong, the next is easier. Get one right, the next is harder. This means questions later in the test are weighted more heavily.

GRE testing duration is about 3 hours 45 minutes with breaks. GMAT is about 3 hours 30 minutes with breaks.

GRE allows you to move back and forth within a section. You can change answers. You can skip questions and come back.

GMAT doesn't allow this. Once you answer a question, it's locked. You move forward. This creates pressure but also prevents overthinking.

These format differences matter. If you like flexibility and reviewing answers, GRE suits you. If you prefer moving forward confidently, GMAT might work better.

Scoring Systems

The scoring scales are different. This matters when comparing scores.

GRE scoring: 260-340 scale. Verbal and quantitative each score 130-170. Analytical writing scores 0-6. Your total score combines verbal and quantitative (260-340).

GMAT scoring: 200-800 scale. Quantitative (0-60) and verbal (0-60) contribute to the 200-800 score. Analytical writing scores separately (0-6). Integrated reasoning scores 1-8 separately.

Converting scores between scales is possible but inexact. A GRE 320 is roughly equivalent to a GMAT 650. But these aren't directly comparable.

Average GMAT score is 568. Average GRE scores are approximately 150 verbal and 153 quantitative. These are typical scores. MBA programs typically want 600+ GMAT or 310+ GRE.

Different programs have different expectations. Some MBA programs have average GMAT scores of 700+. Some have averages of 550. Research specific programs to understand their expectations.

Schools and Program-Specific Requirements

Most MBA programs accept both GRE and GMAT. But it's worth checking specific programs.

Top MBA programs all accept both tests. Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Columbia—all accept GRE and GMAT equally.

GMAT was historically the business test. Applicants to MBA programs took GMAT. But GRE acceptance has grown. Many applicants now take GRE specifically because they're applying to a mix of programs (MBA and master's in other fields).

Master's programs vary. Some require GRE. Some accept either. Engineering master's programs typically require GRE. Business master's programs accept either. Check specific program requirements.

The most important: research the programs you're interested in. Check their website. See what tests they accept. Some programs show average scores and test statistics. This helps you understand competitiveness.

Test Difficulty Comparison

Which test is harder? This is subjective, but there are real differences.

GRE verbal tends to be harder. The vocabulary is dense. The reading passages are academically sophisticated. If verbal is a weakness, GRE might be more challenging.

GMAT quantitative tends to be harder. The questions require precise logical reasoning. Data sufficiency questions are unique and tricky. If quantitative is a weakness, GMAT might be more challenging.

Overall, GRE is slightly easier for most test-takers. The verbal section, while challenging, is more straightforward than GMAT's integrated reasoning. The quantitative section is less business-focused, which some find easier.

But difficulty is personal. Your background, strengths, and weaknesses determine which test feels harder to you.

Preparation Timelines and Study Strategies

Both tests require genuine preparation. You can't just show up unprepared.

Average preparation time is 3-4 months for both. Some people study 2 months intensively. Others study 6 months casually. 3-4 months is reasonable.

Study strategies differ. GRE requires building vocabulary. Flashcards and word lists are helpful. GMAT requires practicing data sufficiency and integrated reasoning, which are less familiar to most people.

Both require practice tests. Taking full practice tests under timed conditions is essential. You need to understand the timing, the format, the content. Practice tests reveal your weak areas.

Test prep resources vary. Both tests have official prep materials from ETS (GRE) and GMAC (GMAT). Third-party prep companies like Magoosh, Princeton Review, Kaplan offer courses and materials.

Online prep courses are available. Many are self-paced, letting you study on your timeline. Some have structure and tutoring. Choose based on your learning style and budget.

Cost Comparison

Test fees are not insignificant. Budget accordingly.

GRE costs $205. This is the official ETS fee. It's the same worldwide (sometimes adjusted for currency).

GMAT costs $275. This is more expensive. Some test centers charge additional fees in certain countries.

Score reporting is additional. Both tests allow you to select schools to send scores to. Additional score reports cost money. GRE is $9 per school. GMAT is $35 per school.

If you're applying to multiple schools, score reporting adds up. Factor this into your budget.

Test prep materials cost additional money if you use paid courses or tutoring. Budget $500-2,000 for comprehensive prep.

Retake Policies

What if you don't score well? Can you retake?

Both tests allow retakes with score replacement. You can retake and choose which score to send. Schools see all scores, but some programs only consider your highest score.

GRE allows unlimited retakes with some limits. You can take it multiple times but need to wait 21 days between attempts.

GMAT allows up to 5 retakes in a year with 16-day waiting periods. After 5 in a year, you can retake after one year has passed.

The retake option is reassuring. If you don't score well on your first attempt, you can try again. Most people score higher on second attempts because they understand the test better.

Sending Scores and Applications

How do you submit scores to schools?

ETS and GMAC send scores directly to schools. When you register, you select schools. Scores are automatically sent after the test.

You can select additional schools later, but it costs extra per school.

Some schools show scores in their admissions portal immediately. Others take days or weeks. Check with schools about their timeline.

Make sure to send scores before application deadlines. Late score arrivals can affect your application status.

Your Next Step

Start by researching graduate programs you're interested in. Check their website. See what tests they accept. See average scores.

Then assess your strengths. Are you stronger in verbal or quantitative? Are you more humanities-oriented or business-oriented? This helps you choose between GRE and GMAT.

Take a diagnostic test for both (or the one you're leaning toward). See how you perform. This gives you actual data rather than assumptions.

Schedule test prep. Set a timeline. Plan to study 3-4 months before taking the test.

Register for the test once you've prepared. Give yourself 1-2 weeks of buffer before your application deadlines.

Remember: test scores are one component of your graduate school application. They matter, but so do your GPA, work experience, statement of purpose, and recommendations. Manage your test preparation in context of your overall application strategy.