What is the Difference Between GRE and GMAT?

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are both standardized tests used for graduate school admissions, but they differ in their purpose, structure, and content. Here are the main differences between the GRE and GMAT:

1. Purpose: The GMAT is typically used for business school admissions, while the GRE is accepted for most graduate programs, including business and law schools.
2. Structure: The GRE has five sections, including two sections each of Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning, while the GMAT has a fixed structure with three sections (Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights).
3. Length: The GMAT is 3.5 hours long on the test day, while the GRE takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
4. Sections: The GMAT includes sections for Analytical Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning. The GRE, on the other hand, has sections for Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning.
5. Content: The GRE focuses on a broader range of subjects, while the GMAT is specifically designed to test skills relevant to business and management studies.
6. Adaptability: The GRE adapts difficulty after each section, whereas the GMAT is section-level adaptive.
7. Testing Style: On the GRE, you can skip around and go back over your answers, which is not allowed on the GMAT.
8. Scoring: The GRE has a maximum score of 340, with the verbal and math sections scored from 130 to 170. The GMAT has a total score of 200 to 800, with the verbal and math sections scored 6 to 51.
9. Cost: The GMAT costs between $275 to $300, while the GRE costs between $220 to $232.

In conclusion, if you only plan to apply to business schools, the GMAT is likely the better choice. However, if you are considering graduate programs outside of business or multiple types of graduate programs, the GRE may be a better fit for you.

Comparative Table: GRE vs GMAT

Here is a table comparing the key differences between the GRE and GMAT:

Both the GRE and GMAT are used for graduate program admissions, but the GMAT is more focused on assessing business-related skills, while the GRE tests wider academic abilities. The GMAT and GRE have different formats, with the GRE having five sections and the GMAT having three. The GRE is accepted by more than 1,300 business schools and is used for general graduate program admissions. The GMAT is accepted by over 2,400 institutions worldwide, but it is primarily used for business school admissions.