The GRE and GMAT tops the list of some of the most important academic tests, which are required for the university admission procedures. Some universities accept GRE scores to assess the academic eligibility of the students while some accept the GMAT scores. Both tests have certain similarities and differences, which often confuse the students to select the most suitable test for them. If you wonder which test you should go for, then this blog will help you out by revealing the key differences between the GRE and GMAT tests, and the suitability of the tests with respect to the requirements of the university and your program of interest.
📚 What is GRE?
GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. This test aims to assess the critical thinking, analytical writing and reasoning capabilities of a student. Graduate students from diverse fields such as education, science, research, humanities, etc. can attempt this test to gain admission into a university program.
✏️ What is GMAT?
GMAT stands for Graduate Management Admission Test. This test aims to evaluate the problem-solving, logical thinking and reasoning skills of a student. This test is more viable for students who either belong to a business background or want to pursue a career in business and management. The GMAT test meets the evaluation criteria of the business schools and is considered more viable by certain business and management schools at the time of admission.
🤷♂️ GRE vs. GMAT: Which Test Should you Choose?
Here are some key differences between the GRE and GMAT tests in detail. Give it a read and find out which test is viable for you.
1️⃣ GRE vs GMAT: Latest Test Structure 2024
The exam formats for the GRE and GMAT have been recently changed to make the tests more focused and pertinent. The new GRE test format has been applied since September 22, 2023, while the modified version of the GMAT test format would be applicable from 31 January 2024. The modified test formats of the GRE vs. GMAT are provided below:
| Sections | GRE | GMAT |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 1 task (essay, 30 minutes) | 1 task (essay, 30 minutes) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questions (21 minutes) Section 2: 15 questions (26 minutes) | 31 questions (62 minutes) |
| Verbal Reasoning | Section 1: 12 questions (18 minutes) Section 2: 15 questions (23 minutes) | 36 questions (65 minutes) |
| Integrated Reasoning | Not Applicable | 12 questions (30 minutes) |
📊 The GRE Test Structure Breakdown
In the GRE, the analytical writing section refers to a task in which the test-taker is asked to write an argumentative essay on a given topic. The test-taker is required to analyze an issue and respond to it with sufficient reasoning. This section has been purposefully designed to assess the ability of a student to state an argument and defend it rationally, initiate a reasonable discussion and add ideas to work. In this section, the test takers are provided with an ETS word processing document, in which basic options such as cut, paste, delete, insert and undo are available. However, options for spelling and grammar check are not available. To get an idea, students can visit the website of ETS and check the pool of argumentative essay topics there. Moreover, for exceptional preparation, you can also visit argumentative essay topics, to help you out with this section.
The verbal reasoning section in the GRE is further decomposed into three sub-sections, which are reading comprehension, text completion and sentence equivalence. In the first subsection, the test takers have to read a passage and answer the questions relevant to the comprehension. In this subsection, the capabilities of the test-taker to understand the meaning of different words, differentiate between main points, infer data, and provide relevant answers are assessed. The second subsection of verbal reasoning is about text completion, in which the test-takers are asked to fill in the missing words by choosing the appropriate options. The purpose of this sub-section is to assess the vocabulary and reading skills of the test-takers. However, the third subsection refers to sentence equivalence in which the test-taker has to complete sentences, demonstrating their ability to understand the theme, meaning and format of the sentences.
Another section of the GRE exam is quantitative reasoning. In this section, the test-takers have to solve different mathematical questions, in which they have to use their mathematical skills and concepts to solve questions using quantitative methods and reasoning. In this section, test-takers are provided with an online calculator to assist in performing basic mathematical operations.
📝 The GMAT Test Structure Breakdown
In the analytical writing assessment section of the GMAT, the test-takers are requested to analyse and critique an argument with rationale reasoning. In this section, having sufficient knowledge of the given topic is not assessed, but the ability of the test taker to critique an argument with a logical and valid rationale is assessed. Moreover, this section also aims to evaluate the communication and critical thinking skills of a candidate.
The next section of the GMAT refers to the integrated reasoning section. In this section, the test-takers are requested to integrate and manipulate the mathematical data present in different forms, such as graphics, tables, etc. The test takers have to assess and evaluate the data and then organize it to form a meaning or a mathematical relationship for solving further mathematical problems.
In the next section of the GMAT, which is the quantitative reasoning section, the candidates have to solve different quantitative problems using quantitative methods. In this section, the ability of the candidates to interpret graphical data, and to form conclusions through reasoning is assessed.
However, the verbal reasoning section of the GMAT is composed of 3 basic components, i.e. reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction. In the first subsection, the test taker is required to read a comprehension and answer a few questions related to it. In the second subsection, the candidate has to evaluate an argument or a question and has to provide a conclusion with supporting rationales. Meanwhile, in the last subsection, the test taker is required to choose the best and correct version of the sentence structure. The purpose of this section is to assess the reading comprehension, editing and interpretation capabilities of the candidate.
2️⃣ GRE vs GMAT: Scoring/Grading Criteria 2024
The latest scoring criteria for the GRE vs GMAT test is mentioned below:
| Sections | GRE scoring criteria | GMAT scoring criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Analytical Writing | 0-6 (increment in half points) | 0-6 (increment in half points) |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 130-170 (increment in one point) | 6-51 (increment in one point) |
| Verbal Reasoning | 130-170 (increment in one point) | 6-51 (increment in one point) |
| Integrated Reasoning | Not applicable | 1-8 (increment in one point) |
| Total Score: | 340 points | 200-800 points |
3️⃣ GRE vs GMAT: Test Locations
The GRE and GMAT tests, both are computer-adaptive, where the level of difficulty of the questions and content changes after each section or question. In the case of the GRE, the level of difficulty varies after every section, however, in the case of GMAT, the level of difficulty varies after every question. Therefore, the GMAT test is known as an item-adaptive test, while the GRE test is known as a section-level adaptive test. Both the tests offer online home-based exams to the test takers as well.
4️⃣ GRE vs. GMAT Costs
The GRE fees in Pakistan is approximately $ 205 US Dollars, which in Pakistani rupees currently is around 57,306 PKR. However, the GMAT test fee in Pakistan is around $ 250 US Dollars, which according to the Pakistani rupee currently is around 69,886 PKR.
5️⃣ GRE Vs. GMAT Validity and Score Reporting
The GRE and GMAT tests are both valid for up to five years right after the date of the exam, however, test-takers are allowed to retake the tests if they find their scores low. Test-takers are allowed to take the GRE test every 21 days, up to 5 times continually. In the case of the GMAT, test-takers are allowed to re-attempt the test after 16 days from the last attempt.
Now that you have an eminent illustration of the GRE vs GMAT in your mind, we hope that it will help you to select the best test for the university and program of your choice. If you are looking for further assistance on the suitability of these tests for your program of interest, contact us for a one-on-one consultation, and allow us to help you achieve your academic goals.
