There are a few exceptions, but the simple answer is that you want to take GMAT over the GRE if you are applying to business school. It’s more competitive, more difficult, and it more rigorously tests the skills business schools prefer in their applicants.
But before you come to a decision, ask the admissions offices of the schools you are applying to. First of all, it’s good to be in touch with admissions offices generally. You want them to know your name – it indicates significant interest in the school, and schools prefer to admit applicants who have shown significant interest (for the same reason, consider arranging a date to visit or an informational interview with a counselor). Often, they will reply that while they accept the GRE, they prefer the GMAT.
In 2011, the GRE changed its format primarily to increase its appeal to business schools and compete with the GMAT. GRE increased the difficulty of its math sections, changed its format from the Computer Adaptive Test (which the GMAT still uses) to a new “Adaptive By Section” approach, and made its vocabulary testing more comprehension-based. In theory, this caters more broadly to the admissions offices of business schools, which prior to GRE’s changes, had come to strongly prefer the GMAT to the GRE.
And perhaps for a few months, the GRE gained ground against GMAT. But in 2012, GMAT changed to test new skills and move further away from the GRE. GMAT dropped one of its essays (the “Analyze an Issue” essay, very similar to the essay required in the SAT writing section, and still included n the GRE) in favor of a brand new section,” Integrated Reasoning,” which tests an applicant’s ability to read and evaluate graphs and business plans quickly.
The major differences between the GMAT and GRE are:
- The GMAT is a Computer Adaptive Test, which means, generally, that when you get a question correct, the next one is more difficult; when you get a question incorrect, the next one is less difficult. The GRE is “Adaptive By Section,” which means that the second section of Verbal and Math will be easier or harder based on how well you did on the standard, not adaptive first section
- The math on the GMAT ranges into significantly more difficult territory than the GRE
- GRE tests vocabulary; the GMAT tests grammar
- GRE has two essays (Analyze an Issue and Analyze an Argument) while GMAT has only one (Analyze an Argument) and an Integrated Reasoning section
- GMAT includes far more Critical Reasoning questions; GRE includes far more SAT-style Reading Comprehension questions
- Experimental questions on the GRE all appear in one experimental section (you will not know which one this is); on the GMAT, they are interspersed with normal questions
The GMAT is a more difficult test and tests a broader range of abilities. Most test-takers find its format more challenging, as it does not allow the user to skip questions or return to previously answered questions.
Both tests include verbal and quantitative sections, but when it comes to verbal, top business schools are really looking for a minimum score – after a point, a higher score in the verbal is not going to greatly increase your chances of admissions. On the other hand, the higher the quantitative score, the better; and the quantitative section on the GMAT is far more difficult.
The simple answer is, take the GMAT. If the schools you are interested in sincerely do not care, then consider the GRE if you are either weak on math or weak on grammar. Also if you equally considering an MBA or an MA, you may want to take the GRE as both programs would accept it as part of the application process.
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