Looking to pursue an MBA program but unsure whether to take GMAT or GRE? You’re not alone. Many prospective MBA candidates face this dilemma when considering which test to take for admission to business school. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences between GMAT and GRE, examine which test might be easier for you, and make an informed decision for your MBA journey.
Quick Decision Guide: GMAT or GRE?
Not sure whether to take the GMAT or GRE? Try our Quick Decision Guide—answer a few simple questions, and get instant recommendations on choosing between GMAT and GRE based on your strengths.
Taking a mock test is a crucial first step in deciding whether to prepare for the GMAT or GRE, as it sets a baseline and highlights your strengths and weaknesses.
GMAT vs GRE: 5 Key Factors
When choosing between the GMAT and GRE for graduate level programs, consider these key factors:
1) Program Type: MBA vs Other Graduate Programs
If you may apply to non-business graduate programs or dual degrees, the GRE offers more flexibility. The GRE is accepted for a wide range of graduate programs (arts, sciences, etc.), including MBA admissions, whereas the GMAT is specifically designed for business schools. If you’re MBA-only, GMAT is built for that; if you want options beyond business school, GRE is preferred.
In short: If you’re MBA-only, GMAT is built for that; if you want options beyond business school, GRE is preferred
2) Your Strengths: Quantitative vs Verbal
Play to your strengths. The GMAT’s quantitative section is generally more advanced and trickier than the GRE’s, so strong quant thinkers often favor GMAT. The GRE’s verbal section is vocabulary-intensive, which can challenge those without an extensive vocab. If you have weaker vocabulary skills, you might find GMAT verbal (which focuses more on grammar and logic) easier. Conversely, if you excel at language and memorization but are less confident in high-level math, the GRE’s slightly easier quant and tough vocab might suit you.
3) Industry Goals and Post-MBA Career
If you’re aiming for top consulting or corporate strategy roles, a high GMAT score can be an asset. Many consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) and investment banks ask for or look at GMAT scores during MBA recruiting. The GMAT is seen as a better indicator of the strategic problem-solving and quantitative skills these employers value, whereas GRE scores “don’t get used in the same way” by business recruiters.
4) Scholarship Opportunities
Many business schools use test scores to award merit scholarships, and there’s evidence that a stellar GMAT may carry extra weight. Schools report GMAT scores in rankings, so a high GMAT can not only get you in but also attract scholarship dollars. In fact, some MBA adcoms explicitly use GMAT scores in scholarship decisions, and applicants with 730+ GMATs often land larger scholarships or even full rides.
5)Purpose & Test-Taking Mindset
The GMAT, designed by business schools, tests critical reasoning and data analysis skills essential for an MBA and business career. It emphasizes logic and higher-order thinking, making it valuable beyond just admissions. In contrast, the GRE is a general aptitude test, often seen as a checkbox exercise that rewards memorization of vocab and formulas. If you excel at rote learning, the GRE may be a quicker path. However, if you enjoy problem-solving and want to enhance your reasoning skills, the GMAT might be a better fit.
- Quick Decision Guide: GMAT or GRE?
- GMAT vs GRE: 5 Key Factors
- GMAT vs GRE : Test Structure, Format & Skills Tested
- GMAT and GRE Acceptance in Business Schools
- Top Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Acceptance Distribution
- M7 Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
- European Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
- Other Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
- Scholarships: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
- GMAT vs GRE – Which is easier?
- Admissions Trends at Top MBA Programs: GMAT vs GRE
- Conclusion : Which exam should you take? GMAT or GRE
- Planning to take the GMAT?
- FAQs – GMAT vs GRE
GMAT vs GRE : Test Structure, Format & Skills Tested
Both exams assess similar academic skills (quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, critical thinking), but they differ in format and emphasis.
What is GMAT?
The GMAT, administered by Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), is a key entrance exam for MBA programs, testing reasoning and critical thinking. It can be retaken up to five times within a rolling 12-month period, with an eight-attempt lifetime limit. It has 3 sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning (21 questions, 45 min)
- Verbal Reasoning (23 questions, 45 min)
- Data Insights (20 questions, 45 min)
The total exam time is 2 hours 15 minutes plus one optional 10-minute break. [1]
What is the GRE?
The GRE, conducted by ETS, is accepted by thousands of graduate, business, and law schools. It assesses verbal and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. You can retake the GRE up to five times in a rolling 12-month period (once every 21 days). With the ScoreSelect option, you can choose which scores to send to schools. It consists of:
- 2 Verbal sections (total ~27 questions)
- 2 Quant sections (total ~27 questions)
- 1 essay task (30 minutes)
Each section is around 20–27 minutes, with a total exam time of about 1 hour 58 minutes. [2]
Key differences between GMAT and GRE
Here’s a quick comparison of the two exams:
| Differences | GMAT | GRE |
| Should you take GMAT or GRE? | If you plan on getting into business school graduate programs | If you are still undecided about the type of graduate program you wish to attend |
| Which business schools accept these tests | More than 7000 programs at 2300 business schools | Fewer business schools |
| Test fee | $275 online or $300 in person | $220 |
| Test Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Test dates | Year-round | Year-round |
| Test Format | Computer adaptive test | Computer adaptive test |
| Test duration | 2 hours 15 minutes (with one optional 10-minute break), | 1 hour 58 minutes (with no scheduled breaks) |
| Number of sections | 3 | 5 |
| Sections | Verbal – 1 Section Quant– 1 Section Data insights – 1 Section | Verbal – 2 sections Quant – 2 Section Analytical Writing – 1 Section |
| Quant Section | 21 questions – 45 minutes | 27 questions over 2 sections – 47 minutes |
| Verbal Section | 23 questions – 45 minutes | 27 questions over 2 sections – 41 minutes |
| Data Insights | 20 questions – 45 minutes | NA |
| AWA section | NA | 1 essay – 30 minutes |
| Test Score Range | 205 – 805 (in 10-point increment) | 260 – 340 (in 1-point increment) |
| Quant score range | 60 – 90 (scaled score) | 130 – 170 |
| Verbal score range | 60 – 90 (scaled score) | 130 – 170 |
| Data Insights score | 60 – 90 (scaled score) | NA |
| AWA score | NA | 0 – 6 |
Which exam is better- GMAT or GRE for MBA admissions? Read this article to know more.
Take a FREE GMAT mock test to understand your baseline score and start your GMAT Focus prep with our free trial. With access to 10+ hours of AI-driven video lessons and 400+ practice questions, we provide a comprehensive resource for your GMAT Focus preparation. As the most reviewed online GMAT Prep company with 2700+ reviews on GMATClub.
GMAT and GRE Acceptance in Business Schools
Both the GMAT and GRE are widely accepted by business schools worldwide. While the GMAT has traditionally been the standard for MBA admissions, the GRE has gained significant traction over the past decade.
| Exam | Accepted By |
| GMAT | 7,700+ programs at ~2,400 business schools globally |
| GRE | 1,300+ business schools, including most top-ranked MBA programs |
From an admissions policy standpoint, nearly all MBA and business master’s programs accept either test, making the choice between GMAT and GRE dependent on individual strengths rather than test availability.
GMAT vs GRE Submission Trends at Top MBA Programs
While GRE acceptance is growing, most applicants to top business schools still submit GMAT scores. Here’s a breakdown of recent MBA class profiles:
Top Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Acceptance Distribution
| Business School | Acceptance through GMAT | Acceptance through GRE | Additional Notes |
| Harvard Business School | 71% | 29% | No stated preference between tests |
| Stanford GSB | 61% | 39% | Median GMAT: 737, Median GRE: 330 (165V/165Q) |
| Wharton MBA | 67% | 33% | Recent enrolled students |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | 76% | 24% | |
| Chicago Booth | 73% | 24% | Middle 80% GRE range: 326-332 |
| Yale SOM | ~(60-65)% | ~(35-40)% | More GRE-friendly, Average GRE: 165V/164Q |
| UC Berkeley (Haas) | 47% | 53% | One of rare top programs where GRE overtook GMAT |
Key Insights:
- Most top MBA programs still see a majority of GMAT submissions
- GRE acceptance has grown from 10-20% a few years ago to ~30% or more at M7 programs
- Schools officially state no preference between tests
- Overall testing volume: ~108,900 GMAT vs ~37,200 GRE exams for business school purposes (2022-23)
M7 Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
| Business School | Acceptance through GMAT (Median) | Acceptance through GRE (Median) | Additional Notes |
| Harvard Business School | 71% (730) | 29% | No stated preference between tests |
| Stanford GSB | 61% (737) | 39% (330) | Equally stellar scores expected on both tests |
| Wharton | 67% (700+) | 33% | Recent enrolled students |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | 76% | 24% | Highest GMAT percentage among M7 |
| Chicago Booth | 73% | 24% (326 – 332) | Strong preference for GMAT historically |
| MIT Sloan | (~730) | (~332) | Explicitly publishes GRE-to-GMAT conversion of average admits |
Key Insights:
- GMAT remains the predominant test choice (60-76% of admitted students)
- GRE acceptance has increased significantly in recent years
- Top GMAT scores typically range from 720-730+ for M7 schools
- Equivalent GRE scores are typically in the 330+ range (165+ in both sections)
European Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
| Business School | Average GMAT Score | Average GRE Score | Additional Notes |
| INSEAD | 710 | 323 (160V/163Q) |
|
| London Business School (LBS) | 700+ | 160+ on each section |
|
Key Insights:
- European MiM (Master in Management) programs: About 70% of students submit GMAT
- Most European programs accept both GMAT and GRE scores
- European schools generally align with global trends in test acceptance
- Many European programs offer scholarships considering both GMAT and GRE scores
Note: Many European schools don’t publicly report detailed GMAT vs GRE breakdowns.
Other Business Schools: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
| Business School | Average GMAT Score | Average GRE Score | Additional Notes |
| CEIBS (China Europe International Business School, Shanghai) | 688 | 329 | Shows that a strong GRE can match a strong GMAT |
Key Insights:
- Most MBA programs globally (including Asian programs) accept GRE
- Over 90% of MBA programs openly accept GRE
- Both exams are acceptable almost everywhere, including MBA programs in Asia
Scholarships: GMAT vs GRE Comparison
| Criteria | GMAT | GRE |
| Impact on Rankings | Scores reported in MBA rankings, making them more visible and valuable | Scores not reported in MBA rankings |
| Scholarship Decisions | Explicitly used by MBA adcoms in scholarship decisions | Considered for merit aid but less prominently |
| Score Impact | 730+ often leads to larger scholarships or full rides | Can yield scholarships but impact less documented |
| Documented Success | Clear cases of scores in 700+ range leading to full fellowships | Less documented evidence of scholarship impact |
| School Preference | Preferred for scholarship decisions (based on anecdotal evidence) | Listed alongside GMAT in criteria but less preferred |
| Score Improvement Impact | Documented cases of improved scores (600s to 700+) leading to full scholarships | Impact of score improvements less clearly documented |
Key Conclusion:
A high score on either test helps, but a 700+ GMAT is often a more ‘visible’ metric for unlocking MBA scholarships.
| Business School | GMAT Submitters | GRE Submitters |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Business School (HBS) – Class of 2023 | 71% | 29% |
| Stanford GSB | 61% | 39% |
| Wharton | 67% | 33% |
| Chicago Booth | 73% | 27% |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | 76% | 24% |
| Yale SOM | ~60-65% | ~35-40% |
| UC Berkeley Haas (2023) | 47% | 53% (GRE overtook GMAT) |
Key Takeaways:
- GMAT is still the dominant test for MBA admissions, with most top schools admitting a majority of GMAT test-takers.
- GRE representation is rising—a few years ago, GRE submitters were only 10-20% at top schools, but now they make up 30% or more at some M7 programs.
- UC Berkeley Haas (2023) saw a rare shift, where GRE submitters (53%) outnumbered GMAT submitters.
GMAT vs GRE – Which is easier?
When it comes to the overall difficulty level of the GMAT and GRE, both exams are similar. While the GMAT section has a Data Insights section, the GRE has a Analytical Writing section. These two sections cannot be compared directly to each other. Thus, the correct question to ask at this point is which common section of both the tests (quant and verbal) is relatively difficult.
To answer this question, let’s compare:
- GMAT verbal vs GRE verbal
- GMAT quant vs GRE quant
GRE vs GMAT – Which test’s Verbal section is easier
| GMAT | GRE | |
| Number of Verbal Sections | 1 | 2 |
| Number of Verbal Questions | 23 | 27 |
| Duration | 45 minutes | 41 minutes |
| Sub-sections | -Reading comprehension | -Reading comprehension |
| -Critical reasoning | -Text completion | |
| -Sentence equivalence | ||
| Score Range | 60-90 (scaled score) | 130-170 |
The emphasis of the GMAT verbal section is on reasoning and reading, whereas GRE verbal questions primarily focus on testing your vocabulary. Let me illustrate this difference with Sample Questions Comparison:
Sample GMAT Question : Critical Reasoning
Q: A new machine for harvesting corn will allow rows to be planted only fifteen inches apart, instead of the usual thirty inches. Corn planted this closely will produce lower yields per plant. Nevertheless, the new machine will allow corn growers to double their profits per acre because ________
Options :
- with the closer spacing of the rows, the growing corn plants will quickly form a dense canopy of leaves, which will, by shading the ground, minimize the need for costly weed control and irrigation
- with the closer spacing of the rows, corn plants will be forced to grow taller because of increased competition for sunlight from neighboring corn plants
- with the larger number of plants growing per acre, more fertilizer will be required
- with the spacing between rows cut by half, the number of plants grown per acre will almost double
- with the closer spacing of the rows, the acreage on which corn is planted will be utilized much more intensively than it was before, requiring more frequent fallow years in which corn fields are left unplanted
Source: Official GMAT practice question
Correct answer: option 1, which highlights cost savings that, combined with more plants, outweigh the lower yield per plant)
Explanation : This Critical Reasoning question exemplifies GMAT logic: you must complete the argument by finding the assumption or reason that reconciles a seeming contradiction (closer spacing gives lower yield per plant, yet doubles profit per acre). The GMAT rewards careful analysis of the argument’s structure. Many test-takers might be tempted by option 4 (“number of plants…will almost double”) because it’s intuitive, but that was a trap – it doesn’t account for the lower yield per plant. The correct answer involved a less obvious factor (reduced costs) that, when combined with more plants, doubles profitThis shows how GMAT CR tests your critical thinking and ability to avoid logical traps.
Sample GRE Question : Text Completion
Q: Given that Hefele was obviously sophisticated and worldly, his failure to do well in the position can hardly be ascribed to ________
Options:
A. callowness
B. unintelligence
C. sloth
D. cupidity
E. incompetence
Source: Official GRE Text Completion practice
Correct answer: A. callowness, meaning immaturity or lack of experience
Explanation : This GRE verbal question is all about finding the word that fits the sentence’s logic, and it hinges on vocabulary knowledge. The sentence suggests that because Hefele was sophisticated and worldly, his failure can’t be blamed on something. You need an opposite of “sophisticated/worldly.” The correct answer was “callowness”, which means youth and inexperience – essentially NOT worldly. Many people struggle if they don’t know the word callow. The other choices are easier words (“sloth” = laziness, “cupidity” = greed, etc.), which you can eliminate if you know their meanings (e.g. his failure wouldn’t be attributed to greed or laziness given he’s described as sophisticated). This example highlights the GRE’s focus on precise vocabulary; the test often requires picking a single right word out of several high-level synonyms. If you didn’t know callowness, you’d have to guess – underscoring why GRE prep involves a lot of vocab building.
As GRE verbal tests challenging vocabulary, GMAT Verbal tends to be slightly easier.
GRE vs GMAT – Which test’s Quant section is easier
| GMAT | GRE | |
| Number of Quant Sections | 1 | 2 |
| Number of Quant Questions | 21 | 27 |
| Duration | 45 minutes | 47 minutes |
| Score Range | Quantitative: 60 – 90 | 130 – 170 |
GMAT Quant now contains only Problem-Solving questions whereas GRE Quant is an assortment of Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Interpretation questions.
Sample GMAT Question : Quantitative
Q: A certain airline’s fleet consisted of 60 type A planes at the beginning of 1980. At the end of each year, starting with 1980, the airline retired 3 of the type A planes and acquired 4 new type B planes. How many years did it take before the number of type A planes left was less than 50% of the total fleet?
Options:
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Source: Official GMAT practice question (problem solving).
Answer: : 9 years
Explanation :This GMAT quant question involves a word problem with simple arithmetic progressions. It tests the ability to model an evolving situation year by year. You could solve it algebraically or by logical iteration. A quick approach (as the official explanation notes) is to “back-solve” using the answer choices. Try 8 years: 60 – 8(3) = 36 A planes left, and 8(4) = 32 B planes; total 68 planes, of which A = 36 (just over 50%). Try 9 years: 60 – 9(3) = 33 A, and 9(4) = 36 B; total 69, A = 33 which is <50% of 69. So 9 is the first year A falls below half. This kind of problem is not extremely hard math; the GMAT is testing whether you choose an efficient strategy and avoid mistakes. At 700+ level, GMAT quant often presents questions where picking the right approach (back-solving, clever logic, etc.) is crucial.
Sample GRE Question : Quantitative
Q: In how many different ways can 3 identical green shirts and 3 identical red shirts be distributed among 6 children such that each child receives a shirt?
Source: GRE practice question.
Answer: 20 ways
Explanation: This GRE quant question tests combinatorics in a simple way. We have 6 indistinguishable green shirts and 6 kids – effectively, choose which 3 of the 6 kids get the green shirts (the rest will get red). Since the shirts of each color are identical, it’s just the number of subsets of 3 kids out of 6 to assign green shirts, which is “6 choose 3” = 20. The GRE often includes combinatorics, probabilities, or comparisons that are conceptually straightforward if you know the formulas, but can trip you up if you misinterpret. Here, recognizing it as a combinations problem yields the answer quickly.
GRE quant questions are slightly easier than GMAT and also GRE allows you to use a calculator, and GMAT does not.
Comparing the exams: you can see the GMAT questions emphasize reasoning (figuring out a puzzle or logic in the argument, or deciding a strategy to solve a problem), whereas the GRE questions rely on knowing the meaning of words or applying a formula (with less trickery). Of course, both exams include a mix, but the balance differs. The GMAT’s format (e.g. Data Sufficiency questions in quant, which we didn’t show here) often demands deeper thought about what information is needed, while the GRE’s hallmark is knowing a breadth of vocabulary and math concepts but in a more direct question style.
Admissions Trends at Top MBA Programs: GMAT vs GRE
Top business schools accept both GMAT and GRE scores, but trends show varying preferences across institutions. Below is a detailed breakdown of how these exams are viewed in MBA admissions, including class profile statistics, admissions officer insights, and career implications.
Class Profile Breakdown: GMAT vs GRE Acceptance Rates
Most top MBA programs still see a majority of applicants submitting GMAT scores, but GRE representation is growing. Here’s a look at the GMAT vs GRE distribution at leading business schools:
| Business School | GMAT Submissions | GRE Submissions | Median GMAT | Median GRE (V/Q) |
| Harvard Business School (HBS) | 71% | 29% | 730 | ~330 (165/165) |
| Stanford GSB | 61% | 39% | 737 | ~330 (165/165) |
| Wharton | 67% | 33% | ~730 | ~328 (163/165) |
| Kellogg (Northwestern) | 76% | 24% | ~730 | ~326 (162/164) |
| Chicago Booth | 73% | 27% | ~730 | 326-332 range |
| Yale SOM | ~60-65% | ~35-40% | ~720 | 165V / 164Q |
| INSEAD (France/Singapore) | Majority GMAT | Accepts GRE | 710 | 323 (160/163) |
| London Business School (LBS) | Majority GMAT | Accepts GRE | 700+ expected | ~160+ each |
| CEIBS (China Europe) | ~688 avg GMAT | ~329 avg GRE | 688 | 329 (out of 340) |
Key Takeaways:
- GMAT remains the dominant exam, but GRE acceptance is increasing.
- Schools like Yale SOM, Michigan Ross, and Stanford GSB have higher GRE proportions (~35-40%).
- European schools like LBS and INSEAD accept both but maintain a strong GMAT average (~700+ equivalent).
- Master’s in Management (MiM) and Finance programs often favor GMAT, but GRE is still accepted.
Admissions Officer Insights: GMAT vs GRE Preferences
Official Statements from Schools
Most top MBA programs insist they have no preference between the GMAT and GRE. For example:
- Harvard Business School (HBS): States explicitly that they have “no preference” for either test.
- Stanford, Wharton, and Columbia also maintain that they evaluate both equally.
- Schools use ETS’s GRE-to-GMAT conversion tool to ensure fair comparisons.
Do Some Schools Implicitly Prefer GMAT?
While officially neutral, some MBA programs lean toward the GMAT for these reasons:
- Historical Trust: GMAT has decades of data correlating scores with MBA success.
- Rankings Impact: Rankings like U.S. News historically considered GMAT scores but not GRE, giving schools an incentive to maintain high GMAT averages.
- Business-Specific Format: The GMAT’s Data Sufficiency and Integrated Reasoning sections align better with business school coursework.
Survey Insights:
A Kaplan survey of business school admissions officers found:
- 73% of schools consider GMAT and GRE equally.
- 26% of schools admitted they “prefer GMAT” when candidates are otherwise equal.
GMAT as a “Safer Bet”
- Admissions consultants suggest that a high GMAT score can sometimes carry more weight than an equally high GRE.
- Schools like MIT Sloan have published GRE-to-GMAT conversion charts, showing an average GMAT equivalent of 730.
- Bottom line: A GRE 330+ is competitive, but a GMAT 720+ may have an edge in certain cases.
Median Score Benchmarks for Top MBA Programs
| School | GMAT Median | GRE Verbal Median | GRE Quant Median |
| Harvard | 730 | ~165 | ~165 |
| Stanford | 737 | ~165 | ~165 |
| Wharton | 730 | ~163 | ~165 |
| Chicago Booth | 730 | 161-166 | 163-167 |
| Duke Fuqua | 705-710 | ~160 | ~159 |
| INSEAD | 710 | 160 | 163 |
Key Insight: Schools expect GRE scores to be in the top 10-15% percentile, meaning a high GRE is just as challenging as a high GMAT.
Career Impact: Does GMAT Matter for Job Recruitment?
Industries That Care About GMAT Scores
Some industries still favor the GMAT, particularly:
- Consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) – Firms have historically expected 700+ GMAT scores from applicants.
- Investment Banking & Finance – Some bulge bracket banks ask for GMAT scores during MBA recruiting.
- Corporate Strategy Roles – Certain rotational leadership programs consider GMAT scores as an analytical benchmark.
Q. If you take the GRE, will it hurt job prospects?
Not necessarily. Some firms accept GRE scores or ask for conversions, but a strong GMAT score is a known asset in consulting/finance hiring. If you’re targeting these fields, taking the GMAT might be a safer choice.
Scholarships and Test Choice
High test scores are linked to MBA scholarships, and many schools explicitly consider both GMAT and GRE.
| Scholarship Considerations | GMAT vs GRE |
| Merit-Based Awards | High scores on either test can secure funding. |
| European Programs (HEC, LBS, Judge) | Accept both GMAT & GRE for scholarships. |
| Big Scholarship Trends | Many top scholarships have gone to 750+ GMAT scorers. |
| GRE Scholarship Cases | Anecdotal cases exist (e.g., GRE 332 → full ride at a top 10 MBA). |
| Funding from External Donors | Some niche scholarships specify GMAT-only criteria. |
Key Advice:
If you’re aiming for scholarships, a high GMAT (750+) or GRE (330+) is key.
Since more applicants submit GMAT scores, scholarship stats tend to skew toward GMAT winners.
Conclusion : Which exam should you take? GMAT or GRE
Choosing between the GMAT and GRE ultimately comes down to which test will let you put your best foot forward for business school. There is no one-size-fits-all answer – top schools accept both, and each exam has its own challenges. Here’s a quick summary and some final advice:
Choose GMAT if:
✅ You have strong analytical and quantitative abilities
✅ You’re exclusively focused on MBA programs
✅ You excel at business-oriented problem solving
✅ You’re targeting consulting, finance, or top-tier MBA roles
✅ You want potential advantages in MBA recruiting and scholarships
✅ You perform well with adaptive testing and data sufficiency
✅ You prefer logical reasoning over vocabulary memorization
Choose GRE if:
✅ You have exceptional verbal and vocabulary skills
✅ You’re considering multiple graduate program options
✅ You prefer traditional math problem-solving approaches
✅ You want more flexibility in your graduate education path
✅ You find GMAT’s quantitative section particularly challenging
✅ You perform better with standard question formats
✅ You’re stronger in reading comprehension and vocabulary-based testing
Remember:
✅ Take practice tests for both exams to determine your natural strengths
✅ Focus on achieving the highest possible percentile score
✅ Choose based on your performance, not perceived preferences
✅ Both tests are equally valid for MBA admissions
✅ Dedicated preparation is key for success on either exam
Planning to take the GMAT?
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If you are planning to apply to a business school, let us help you conquer the first step of the process: Acing the GMAT.
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FAQs – GMAT vs GRE
The most significant difference between GMAT and GRE is that the GMAT is used exclusively for business school admissions whereas the GRE is used for a wide variety of graduate programs.
GMAT is a standardized test that you submit with your MBA application. GMAT has three sections and you can score anywhere between 205 and 805 in 10-point increments. GMAT can be taken round the year and you can take it a maximum of 5 times in a year and 8 times in a lifetime.
GRE is a standardized test that you submit for a plethora of graduate programs. There are 5 sections in the GRE and you can score anywhere between 130 and 170 in 1-point increments.
You can submit your GRE score to business schools. However, there are business schools that only accept the GMAT score. Applying with a GMAT is certainly better because majority applications come with a GMAT and it becomes easier for business schools to objectively compare you. Learn more in this article.
A good GMAT score is one that is at least 20 points higher than the average GMAT score of the latest incoming class of your target business school. Learn in detail on what is a good GMAT score.
Officially, yes – schools do not state a preference. They want you to submit whichever score strengthens your application. Nearly all MBA programs consider GMAT and GRE on equal footing. In admissions committee evaluations, your percentile ranking on the chosen test matters more than the test type. That said, as discussed, the GMAT has a longer history in MBA admissions, so adcoms are extremely familiar with it. A very high GMAT score can sometimes carry implicit weight – one admissions consultant noted it “might mean more” to see a 740 GMAT than a GRE 330, only because the GMAT is specialized for business school. But a GRE 330 is still an outstanding score; schools will recognize it and often convert it to an equivalent GMAT for comparison. No school will reject you for choosing GRE – the data shows thousands of GRE applicants are admitted to top programs. So, don’t worry that choosing GRE will put you at a disadvantage. Focus on whichever exam you can knock out of the park. scores.
This is a common perception, but the truth is “it depends.” The GRE’s quant is widely considered easier in content (high school level math, no tricky data sufficiency) – for instance, a 165 GRE Quant is roughly equivalent to a 48 on GMAT Quant, which is a bit more attainable for many test-takers. And if you have a talent for memorizing vocabulary, you might find GRE Verbal straightforward. However, GRE Verbal can be brutal if you’re not a strong vocab person (those Text Completions can feature very obscure words). The GMAT’s verbal focuses more on logic, grammar, and critical reasoning, which some applicants (especially non-native English speakers) actually prefer over memorizing hundreds of words. The GMAT’s quant is more challenging for most – it involves trickier word problems and the adaptive format can make it feel hard quickly. So one exam isn’t uniformly easier; it depends on your skill set. One could say GRE is easier to do OK on (you can get a decent score with basic prep), but GMAT is perhaps easier to distinguish yourself on the high end (if you’re very strong in quant/logic, you can demonstrate that on the GMAT). Again, trying practice exams of each is the best way to gauge which is easier for you. As a general guide, if you consistently struggle with GMAT Sentence Correction or find GMAT math overwhelming, give GRE a try; if you find GRE’s vocab questions frustrating or too reliant on rote learning, you might lean toward GMAT.
You absolutely can get merit scholarships with a GRE score. Schools will typically consider whatever test score you applied with when awarding scholarships – they convert GRE to GMAT or vice versa to ensure fairness. Many programs explicitly state that GRE-only applicants are fully eligible for any merit aid. For example, Yale SOM has given significant scholarships to GRE applicants; European schools like HEC, Oxford, etc., list GRE scores in criteria for certain scholarships. However, because the GMAT is more commonly used and higher-profile in MBA circles, we hear more about GMAT scores in scholarship stories. Some scholarship committees (especially those aiming to raise a school’s average GMAT) might favor a high GMAT slightly. Anecdotally, candidates with exceptional GMAT scores (750+) often see substantial scholarship offers. One GRE applicant with a 330 might not get the same fanfare, but they are certainly in the running for merit aid at that level – schools will recognize a 330 GRE is about 730 GMAT equivalent. In short: a high GRE score can absolutely net you a scholarship, but if you’re capable of a super-high GMAT, that might open even a few more doors. Don’t let the scholarship question be the sole determinant – focus on which test lets you shine. Either way, aim for a score in at least the top 10-20% to strengthen your scholarship chances.
Technically yes – some applicants do take both the GMAT and GRE (not at the same time, but sequentially) to see which yields a better result. A few even submit both to schools, though that’s usually unnecessary. A smart approach is to take a full-length mock of each exam early in your prep (or even the official practice tests – GMAT offers two free, ETS offers two free GRE tests) to see which one you feel more confident with. If your mock GRE score converts to a much higher GMAT equivalent (or vice versa), that’s a clue. It’s not generally worth going deep into prep for both exams in parallel – that time is better spent acing one. Remember, schools only require one or the other. So pick the exam that gives you the better odds and focus on it. You can always switch if needed (some applicants start with GMAT, then switch to GRE if GMAT isn’t working out, or the opposite). Just keep an eye on application deadlines so you have time for a retake if needed on the new exam
The tests serve primarily as an admissions criterion, but the GMAT in particular advertises itself as a measure of skills useful in both b-school and business. Studying for the GMAT can indeed reinforce your quantitative fundamentals (useful for MBA courses in finance, statistics, etc.) and your logical reasoning abilities. The Data Insights/Integrated Reasoning section exposes you to interpreting data from charts and tables, which is a handy skill in the MBA. The GRE, being more general, is less directly tied to MBA coursework, though building your vocabulary and reading skills never hurts. Some applicants report that preparing for the GMAT helped “warm up” their math brain for the quantitative rigor of an MBA. That said, MBA programs will teach everything from the ground up, so you won’t be behind if you took GRE instead. Use the test prep period as an opportunity to discipline yourself academically – whichever exam you choose, preparing thoroughly will improve your time management, focus, and test-taking strategies, which are all valuable in graduate school. But once you’ve gotten your score and you’re in the program, the score itself doesn’t matter – no one uses your GMAT/GRE in classes. So view it as a means to an end: develop good study habits and skills now, but know that the content of the test is mostly to get you admitted. In summary, treat the exam as both a hurdle and a training exercise – clear the hurdle to get in, but also leverage the process to sharpen your analytical skills for the road ahead.
