Thinking of applying to colleges? Confused whether you should take GMAT or GRE according to your college major? If you ever asked yourself how does GRE vs GMAT compare look no further!
The truth is, a lot of colleges accept either GRE or GMAT, which means you have to make a choice when it comes to these two tests.
Before you choose either one of them, you need to know what each test is, what the differences between GMAT and GRE, and which one will be better suited for you. We are here to tell you the difference between GRE and GMAT.
You need to get the proper and authentic information about everything in life, especially about college programs. To save you time that you will spend on researching the features, pros, and cons of each test, we have put together this GMAT vs. GRE article for you. This will help you get to know each test in a better way so that you will be able to make an informed decision by the end of it.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations. It is a basic admission requirement in several graduate schools in Canada and the United States. It was established by the Carnegie Foundation in 2936. GRE basically measures your quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
Test Structure of GRE
The total time for the GRE General test is approximately 3 hours & 45 minutes. The total sections are 6. After three sections are complete, you get a break of 10 minutes.
- Analytical Writing Section
There are two tasks in this section.
- Task 1: Analyze an issue
- Task 2: Analyze an argument
You get 30 minutes to complete each task.
- Verbal Reasoning Sections
There are two sections of verbal reasoning. Each section has 20 questions. You get 30 minutes to complete each section.
- Quantitative Reasoning Sections
There are 2 sections of Quantitative Reasoning as well. Both the sections have 20 questions and you have to finish each section in 35 minutes.
- Unscored Section
You will probably get another section after the Analytical Writing section that will not be scored. The allotted time as well as the number of questions for this section can vary.
- Research Section
This section appears at the end of the test and it is meant to fulfill ETS research purposes.
What is GMAT?
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admissions Test. It is a computer adaptive test that assesses your quantitative, analytical, verbal, reading, and writing skills in English. This test is designed for admission in graduate management programs by management schools.
You can watch this video to know more about GMAT.
GMAT Test Structure
Want to know what is the difference between GRE and GMAT? The total testing time for GMAT is 3 hours GMAT consists of 4 sections.
- Analytical Writing Assessment
There is one essay that you have to write in this section. You get 30 minutes to complete it. This is the analysis of an argument. You have to analyze the reasoning behind the given argument and then present your critique of it.
- Integrated Reasoning
There are 12 questions in this section and you get 30 minutes to finish the section. This section includes 4 question types:
- Graphics Interpretation
- Table analysis
- Two-part analysis
- Multi-source Reasoning
- Quantitative
The number of questions in this section is 31 and you get 62 minutes for it. The questions are in multiple-choice form.
- Verbal
This is the last part and has 36 questions. You have to complete the questions in 65 minutes. The questions are in multiple-choice form. This is a computer adaptive test. This means that the questions are adjusted according to the ability of the test-taker.
The exam begins with questions with average difficulty. If the questions are answered correctly, the computer presents you with questions of increasing difficulty and vice versa until the part is complete.
GMAT vs. GRE – Which is Easier?
Is the GRE or GMAT easier? When we are thinking about which test to choose and are making a comparison of GMAT vs GRE, we often wonder which is harder: GMAT or GRE. Generally, if you have strong analytical and quantitative skills, GMAT will suit you.
Moreover, you need to be good at interpreting data that is in the form of tables, charts, and texts while solving complex problems. Want to know is GRE easier than GMAT? There is no clear cut answer to the question that is GRE or GMAT easier.
The math part of GRE is relatively straightforward. Moreover, it includes a calculator for you to solve the quantitative problems while for GMAT, you need to up the ante for math skills without a calculator. If you have good editing skills, then you will gravitate to the verbal part of GMAT while those with good vocabularies will prefer GRE.
You need to know that the question “which is easier GMAT or GRE” depends on what your strengths are and to know which is easier GRE or GMAT?
You need to stick with your strengths. The math part of GMAT is tough while the verbal section of GRE and its emphasis on vocabulary makes it difficult as well.
How Should You Choose Which Test to Take?
Wondering should I take the GMAT or GRE? Students always ask the question that should I take GMAT or GRE. The best way to determine which test suits you and your skills better are to take practice tests for both.
This way you can play to the best of your abilities instead of just rolling with the tests. Since both the tests are completely different, comparing their scores is like comparing apples to oranges. You need to take a look at the business schools that you are applying to see which score do they accept.
We have explained the difference between GMAT and GRE. Students often wonder is GMAT or GRE easier. Your preparation determines how you answer the question that is the GMAT or GRE easier. Your skills determine what is easier; GMAT or GRE.
Although lots of business schools, including Harvard, say that they don’t have a preference when it comes to GRE or GMAT, most applicants go with GMAT. Learn the policies of the Graduate school you are going to apply to. After that, take a practice test for GRE and GMAT.
Todd VanDuzer
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