While preparing for an MBA abroad admission, one of the very important decisions you will have to make is whether to take the GMAT or GRE. The GMAT and GRE, though accepted by the most renowned business schools, differ with respect to your strengths, goals, and preferences. Therefore, this blog will assist you in understanding the difference between the GMAT and GRE and which test you are better suited for.
Overview of GMAT for MBA Abroad Admission
The Graduate Management Admission Test is specifically designed for MBA admissions. It tests your ability in analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills through a number of sections:
- Quantitative Reasoning: Tests the ability to analyze and solve quantitative problems.
- Verbal Reasoning: It tests your ability to evaluate written material and reasoning.
- Integrated Reasoning: Tests the ability to synthesize data from multiple sources.
- Analytical Writing Assessment: To include writing an essay analyzing an argument.
- Scoring: The GMAT is scored from 200 to 800 points, with separate scores for the Analytical Writing and Integrated Reasoning sections.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours.
Overview of GRE MBA Abroad Admission
The GRE is a general test which can be accepted to a wider range of graduate programs. Such programs include the MBA, which covers the following:
- Verbal Reasoning: Tests inference as well as conclusion-making in relation to written material.
- Quantitative Reasoning: Tests your mathematical skills, which are based on basic math concepts.
- Analytical Writing tests your ability to express complex ideas in written form.
- Scoring: The GRE scores scale is 130-170 for the Verbal and Quantitative sections, while for Analytical Writing, it scores separately on a 0-6 scale.
Duration: About 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Key Differences Between GMAT and GRE
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of the two exams:
| Feature | GMAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Primarily for MBA admissions | Accepted by various graduate programs, including MBA |
| Test Sections | Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing | Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing |
| Scoring Range | 200-800 | 260-340 |
| Verbal Focus | Critical reasoning and logic | Vocabulary and reading comprehension |
| Quantitative Focus | Advanced data interpretation | Basic algebra and arithmetic |
| Additional Sections | Integrated Reasoning | None |
| Test Duration | 3.5 hours | 3 hours 45 minutes |
| Cost | ~$275 USD | ~$205 USD |
Which Test Should You Take for MBA Abroad Admission ?
- Career Goals: If you are absolutely applying to an MBA, the GMAT is created for business school applicants. But if you are interested in non-MBA graduate programs-in say, engineering or economics-the GRE might suit you better.
- Strengths in Verbal vs. Quantitative Skills: If one is strong in the realm of quantitative analysis, one could be well-suited for the GMAT, due to the advanced data interpretation required. On the other hand, if algebra and arithmetic flow more easily for you, the GRE math section would likely be more suited for your skills.
- Target Schools: Research the preference of your target schools. The majority of top business schools accept both tests but a few prefer GMAT scores for MBA programs, check specific requirements of each school.
- Flexibility and Cost: GRE is more versatile, as it is accepted widely by a number of graduate programs, so flexibility is higher in this regard. It also costs less than the GMAT. So, if you’re not sure of what you want to do, then this test will serve well for you.
When Should You Take the GMAT vs GRE?
It’s important to align your test preparation with your application deadlines. Here’s a general timeline:
- GMAT: Take the GMAT three months before application deadlines in order to provide a time buffer for retaking it if necessary.
- GRE: If you are applying to a range of programs, the GRE may provide you with more flexibility and time to apply across different fields.
Tips for Preparing for GMAT and GRE
- GMAT Preparation: Stress Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing since these are found nowhere else. Practice harder and more complex quantitative problems; work on logical reasoning so as to enhance your capabilities when dealing with the verbal part.
- GRE Preparation: Good vocabulary for the Verbal Reasoning section will strengthen your grasp of basic algebra and arithmetic for the Quantitative Reasoning section, which calls for writing clear and coherent essays for the Analytical Writing section.
Conclusion
GMAT and GRE both are excellent options for overseas MBA admissions, but based on individual strength, goals, and target schools’ preferences, a student needs to decide what best fits his or her requirement. If you want an MBA only, GMAT may be the preferred one; otherwise, with broad applicability to all sorts of graduate programs, you might prefer the GRE. Regardless of which test you opt for, proper preparation will make you excel and put you on the road to your MBA.
