GMAT vs GRE: What’s the difference and which should you be taking?

Table of Contents

1. The main features of the GMAT

2. The main features of the GRE

3. Key differences in each section

3.1 For the verbal section

3.2 For the quantitative section

4. Which assessment is right for you?

One of the most popular questions we get from our students:

“GMAT vs GRE: What’s the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?”

It’s a completely understandable query—after all, they’re both assessments that contribute to further education applications; they both have a variety of different assessment types (qualitative, quantitative, etc.), and they even sound the same!

And while they both do contribute 20% to your overall application, there are some key differences you need to be aware of.

The GMAT is an assessment used to give admissions teams an insight into how you would handle the curriculum of an MBA or business school.

The Total Score ranges from 205 to 805.

The GMAT Focus Edition is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and consists of 64 questions:

• • Quantitative Reasoning: 21 questions, 45 minutes
  • Verbal Reasoning: 23 questions, 45 minutes
  • Data Insights: 20 questions, 45 minutes
• A $275 test fee

The GRE, on the other hand, is used for those who are undecided about which type of graduate program they want to take.

In other words, it’s a broader assessment designed to give the admissions team a more general sense of your capabilities, but it’s not an appropriate replacement for the GMAT if you are 100% sure you want to attend a business school.

One core difference of the GRE is how it’s scored. The GRE is scored on a 130-170 scale for the verbal and quantitative sections, while the writing section is scored on a 0–6 scale in half-point increments. There is also a percentage aspect to the GRE, which rates your performance relative to that of a large sample population of other GRE takers.

Here’s what the GRE is composed of:

• 2 Analytical Writing assessments of 60 minutes total
• 2 quantitative sections of 40 total questions (70 minutes)
• 2 Verbal sections of 40 questions (60 minutes)
• 1 Experimental section, either Quant or Verbal (35 minutes)
• A $205 test fee

There are some nuances you should be prepared for when picking which assessment is right for you, and that’s how you’re assessed for each of the different sections.

For the verbal section, the GMAT is more focused on grammar and punctuation, while the GRE is focused more on vocabulary. So, depending on whether or not you’ve got a very firm grasp on English grammar rules (which is more geared for the GMAT) or whether you’re more confident in your breadth of vocabulary (a GRE must), you’ll need to make a tactical decision about which test suits your strengths more.

(Small note: Both assessments have a Critical Reasoning aspect; however, the GRE’s are hidden within the Reading Comprehension section of the assessment, whereas the GMAT’s are throughout the whole assessment.)

For the quantitative section, the GRE is objectively easier, as it focuses more on “textbook” math questions, while the GMAT requires more Quantitative Reasoning, i.e., the ability to think logically about different quantitative topics.

You’re also allowed a calculator in the GRE exam, but not in the GMAT Quantitative Reasoning section, which can make a big difference if your mental arithmetic skills aren’t as strong. You can use an on-screen calculator while working on the Data Insights section.

Additionally, if you’re still a beginner when it comes to Data Sufficiency, then the GRE can be comparatively harder for you.

Neither the GMAT nor the GRE assessment should be taken lightly, even if one might play more to your strengths than another. Passing these tests alone isn’t sufficient to give you a solid chance of getting into your dream school, let alone securing an interview.

That’s where our services can help you at 700+Club, as we provide dedicated courses for both the GMAT and GRE in one-on-one and group course variations.

These courses will help you not only get a clearer understanding of the minutiae of each test that other students might miss, but they’ll also prepare you for each individual aspect of the assessments far better than most students manage alone.

If you want to learn more, you can check out courses for either of these assessments right here!

This is not a straightforward question to answer, as only you will be able to make the final judgement on which assessment you should take.

However, there are some additional factors that should influence your decision, in line with the differences outlined above.

1. 1. Identify which assessment your chosen school(s) accepts or has a preference for: The last thing you want to do is invest time and energy into the GMAT, for example, when the school you’re applying to more regularly assesses the GRE (or doesn’t accept the GMAT at all!).
   2. Take a mock assessment for each of the tests: This will give you a better sense of how you perform in each assessment, and if you’re in a position where taking either is fine, then it can be advantageous to pick one that plays to your strengths better.
   3. See if there are potential scholarship opportunities for each: If you’re seeking a bursary or scholarship for your attendance at a given school, make sure you check whether or not they provide scholarships based on certain tests and what scores you need to secure in order to gain them.
   4. Chat with us directly: 700+Club offers expert guidance on a variety of higher education programs, from graduate programs to MBAs.

If you want to talk directly with us to determine which assessment is right for your education and career goals, just click this link to schedule a free call!