If you’re applying to business school, one big question you’re probably facing is whether to take the GRE or the GMAT. And with both tests getting major updates in 2023—making them shorter and cutting out some question types—the choice might feel even more confusing. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you figure out which test fits you best.
Let’s break down the key differences between the two tests so you can decide which one will show off your skills and strengths.
GRE: The “Do-It-All” Test
The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is created by ETS (Educational Testing Service), and it’s been around forever as the go-to test for most grad programs. It’s getting more popular for business schools now, too—more than 1,300 MBA programs accept the GRE. Plus, it’s even an option for law school, so it’s the Swiss Army knife of admissions tests. If you’re looking for flexibility in where your scores can be used, the GRE could be a smart move.
GMAT: Built Just for Business Schools
On the other hand, the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is specifically designed for MBA programs. Created by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), it’s all about business skills. So if you’re sure you’re going the MBA route, this test was made for you.
Is the GMAT Focus Enough for All Business Schools?
For the most part, yes! The GMAT Focus (the new version that dropped in 2023) is accepted by over 7,700 programs in 2,400 schools worldwide. But here’s the catch: Harvard Business School (HBS) recently started requiring a separate Business Writing Assessment because the GMAT Focus no longer has an essay section. Harvard wants to see how you write without AI tools like ChatGPT stepping in. So if you’re aiming for HBS, you’ll have to take this extra writing test. Other schools might follow Harvard’s lead eventually, but for now, it’s just them.
Is the GRE Enough for Business School?
Yep, for the schools that already accept the GRE. And there are a lot of them—over 1,300 business schools accept it, so the GRE is definitely a solid choice. Plus, the GRE has an essay section (called the Issue Essay), which lets schools evaluate your writing skills. Since Harvard accepts the GRE without any extra tests, other schools probably will too.
The Structure: GRE vs GMAT
Let’s break down how the two exams are set up.
GRE Format:
- Issue Essay: 30 minutes for 1 essay
- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections (21 and 26 minutes)
- Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections (18 and 23 minutes)
GMAT Format:
- Data Insights: 45 minutes for 20 questions
- Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes for 21 questions
- Verbal Reasoning: 45 minutes for 23 questions
The GMAT lets you choose the order of the sections, but the GRE’s sections (after the essay) are randomly ordered. So if you like control over the flow of your test, the GMAT might be more your speed.
Math Sections: What’s the Difference?
Both the GRE and GMAT will make you revisit some high school math topics, like algebra and statistics. The big difference is that the GRE throws in some geometry, while the GMAT skips that. The GRE also mixes things up with a few question types like Numeric Entry (where you write in the answer) and Multiple Answer (where more than one answer might be correct).
Oh, and calculators—on the GRE, you can use an on-screen calculator for math. On the GMAT, no calculators are allowed in the math section (except in the Data Insights section). So, if having a calculator is a dealbreaker for you, keep that in mind.
Verbal Sections: Where Things Get Tricky
Both exams have Reading Comprehension questions that are pretty similar—passages about the same length, with questions that follow. But the GRE adds some extra challenges with Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, which focus a lot on your vocabulary and your ability to decode tricky sentences. If vocab is your weak spot, these might trip you up.
The GMAT, on the other hand, hits harder on Critical Reasoning questions (aka “analyze this argument”). So if you’re good at picking apart logic and arguments, you might prefer the GMAT.
GMAT Data Insights: A Unique Challenge
One of the biggest differences with the GMAT is the Data Insights section. About a third of the exam is devoted to interpreting graphs, tables, and charts, along with some unique question types like Data Sufficiency (where you decide if you have enough info to solve a problem without actually solving it). If you’re not a fan of data-heavy questions, the GRE might be more your style since it only asks a few data-related questions.
GRE Issue Essay vs GMAT’s Separate Writing Test
The GRE has an essay built right into the test. You get 30 minutes to analyze an issue and write a clear, well-structured response. The essay is graded separately from the math and verbal sections, so it won’t impact your overall GRE score, but it’s still important.
As for the GMAT, since it doesn’t have an essay anymore, some schools (like Harvard) may ask you to take an extra Business Writing Assessment. Just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of applying to HBS or similar programs.
Test Experience: What to Expect
The GMAT is known for being “question-adaptive,” meaning the difficulty of each question is based on how well you’ve answered previous ones within the same section. The better you do, the harder the questions get.
The GRE is “section-adaptive,” so your performance on one section determines how tough the next section will be. If you crush the first verbal section, expect a tougher second one.
Another big difference is pacing. The GMAT doesn’t let you go back to questions once you’ve answered them, while the GRE lets you jump around within a section and tackle questions in any order. So if you like skipping tough questions and coming back to them later, the GRE might feel more comfortable.
Test Dates and Options
Both tests can be taken in person or online from home, and they’re offered year-round. But make sure to register early if you want a specific date, especially if you’re taking the test at a center.
Which Test is Easier? Try a Practice Test!
The best way to figure out whether the GRE or GMAT is easier for you is to take a practice test for each. This will give you a feel for the question types, timing, and overall vibe of both exams. Plus, it’ll help you see which areas you need to work on before test day.
Which Score Stands Out More?
Most business schools don’t really care whether you submit a GRE or GMAT score—what matters is how you rank compared to other test-takers. So if you’re in the 90th percentile on the GRE but only the 80th percentile on the GMAT, go with the GRE score. Check the score averages for the schools you’re applying to, and use the test where your score stands out the most.
Final Thoughts
Deciding between the GRE and GMAT comes down to an honest assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, and test-taking preferences. But whichever path you choose, you’ll be in good shape as long as you prepare. So take some practice tests, figure out which test feels right, and you’ll be ready to crush it on test day!