GMAT vs. GRE: Which Should You Take?
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In recent years, a growing number of schools have stopped requiring the GMAT and GRE, but many institutions still require those admissions tests for prospective students.
If you’re thinking about heading to graduate school, a standardized admissions test might be in your future. In fact, even though a number of schools have adopted test-optional policies, the number of law schools accepting the GRE has actually grown in recent years.
The GMAT and GRE analyze your reasoning skills and, with a good score, can help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to graduate admissions.
Read on to learn about how these standardized tests work, and find out which one is best for you.
What Is the GMAT?
The GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, assesses logic, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. Designed to measure skills key for business and management programs, the GMAT is the most-used test for business schools.
A new version of the test, the GMAT Focus Edition, is now the standard. The previous GMAT was sunsetted at the end of January 2024.
The GMAT Focus Edition includes the following sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning, which focuses on problem solving skills.
- Verbal Reasoning, which is centered around reading comprehension.
- Data Insights, a new section that focuses on interpreting and applying data.
The GMAT Focus Edition was designed to be more flexible and efficient than its predecessor. The three sections can be completed in any order, and students can bookmark questions to return later as they take the test.
The test provides a total GMAT score between 205 and 805. The total score is comprised of all three section scores, with each section weighted equally.
What Is the GRE?
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, measures reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. Graduate programs in many fields, including the humanities, the social sciences, natural science, social work, and education, use the GRE.
The GRE, which debuted in a new format in 2023, includes the following sections:
- Analytical Writing
- Two Quantitative Reasoning sections
- Two Verbal Reasoning sections
The Analytical Writing section, which consists of one essay in its revamped format, always appears first on the GRE, while the other sections can appear in any order.
You’ll get two Verbal and two Quantitative sections. The computer-based, section-adaptive test changes the difficulty of your second Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning sections based on the accuracy of your answers in the first sections.
Your total GRE score ranges from 130-170. You’ll also get a separate Analytical Writing score out of 6.
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8 Key Differences Between the GMAT and GRE
What’s the difference between the GRE and GMAT? While the GMAT is typically used for business programs, the GRE covers many other graduate fields. Understanding the major differences between the two tests can help you choose which exam to take.
1. Structure and Timing
The structures of the GMAT vs. GRE differ in key ways. The following table breaks down the sections, timing, and questions for both tests. Keep in mind that the GMAT also includes one optional 10-minute break, whereas the GRE has no breaks.
| Section | GMAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | N/A | 1 essay (30 mins) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 21 questions (45 minutes) | 2 sections, one with 12 questions (21 minutes) and another with 15 questions (26 minutes) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 23 questions (45 minutes) | 2 sections, one with 12 questions (18 minutes) and another with 15 questions (23 minutes) |
| Data Insights | 20 questions (45 minutes) | N/A |
| TOTAL | 64 questions (2 hours and 15 minutes) | 54 questions + 1 essay (1 hour and 58 minutes) |
2. Scoring
The GRE and GMAT use different scoring systems. The overall score range does not include Data Insights score for the GMAT. Learn more about the GRE scoring system in our guide.
| Section | GMAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | N/A | 0-6 in half-point increments |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 60-90 in 1-point increments | 130-170 in 1-point increments |
| Verbal Reasoning | 60-90 in 1-point increments | 130-170 in 1-point increments |
| Data Insights | 60-90 in 1-point increments | N/A |
| TOTAL | Scores range from 205-805 | Scores range from 260-340 |
3. Format and Location
Both the GMAT and GRE use a version of a computer-adaptive format. That means test-takers complete the exam on a computer that changes the difficulty level of questions or sections based on their answers. The GMAT adapts difficulty after each question, whereas the GRE adapts difficulty after each section.
While the GMAT only offers a computer-based option, the GRE provides a paper option in locations where the computer test is unavailable. Both tests can be taken remotely or at an official testing center.
4. Content Difficulty
In general, both the GRE and GMAT challenge students. However, test-takers typically rank the GRE Verbal sections as more challenging than the GMAT Verbal section because the GRE has questions that test vocabulary. However, the GMAT Quantitative section often ranks harder than the GRE Quantitative sections.
The GRE tends to ask more challenging Verbal questions with more obscure vocabulary, while the GMAT Quantitative section often has harder math questions and does not allow you to use a calculator. Nonnative English speakers with strong math skills will generally find the GMAT to be less difficult than the GRE.
5. Cost
In the U.S., test-takers pay $300 for the GMAT online or $275 at a testing center, plus $35 for an enhanced score report and $35 for each additional score report. The GRE costs $220 in most parts of the world, with each additional score report costing $35.
6. Test Focus
The GMAT specifically measures skills related to graduate-level business programs. As a result, the test’s focus emphasizes data analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. The GRE, in contrast, focuses on broader graduate-level skills.
Applicants considering graduate programs outside the field of business will likely need to take the GRE, while business students can often choose either test. Test-takers applying to multiple types of graduate programs may benefit from taking the GRE. However, make sure to check with the insitutitons you’re applying to make sure what scores they prefer.
7. Testing Style
The GMAT Focus Edition allows you to take sections in any order, and also lets you bookmark questions for later.
The GRE allows you to mark questions to review during your remaining time in the section. You can complete questions within a section in any order, which can be very beneficial.
8. Score Reporting
You can list up to five schools to send your score report on the GMAT. Meanwhile, the GRE includes four free score reports.
When applicants submit GMAT scores, schools receive all scores from the past five years, whereas GRE test-takers can choose one specific score to send to schools.
GMAT vs. GRE: Which Test Should You Take?
Should you take the GMAT or GRE? The answer depends on your academic goals.
If you’re applying to non-business graduate programs, you’ll likely need to take the GRE. However, if you’re applying to business school, you can often choose between the GMAT and GRE.
Before deciding, check whether your prospective programs accept both exams. Research whether programs prefer one test over the other — some heavily quantitative programs may prefer the GMAT, for example.
Then consider taking both practice GMAT and GRE tests. The difficulty level of these tests depends on your individual strengths. If you have strong logic and math skills, the GMAT might be a better match. If you are a strong writer, are an avid reader, and have an extensive vocabulary, you might score higher on the GRE.
Finally, consider whether you need to take a standardized test at all. Many programs today offer test-optional admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the GMAT and GRE
Business and management schools typically require the GMAT, whereas the GRE is a more general exam for master’s programs. Additionally, a growing number of schools have moved to test-optional policies.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed June 10, 2024.
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