MBA School Admission - GRE or GMAT?

An MBA (Master in Business Administration) is a graduate degree designed to develop the skills for careers in business and management. As with most graduate programs, an aptitude test is one of the factors considered for admission. In the past, MBA schools only accepted GMAT Focus scores, but in recent years, universities have started accepting GRE scores too.

While some colleges and universities also let candidates apply without a GRE or GMAT score , it is ideal for candidates to crack either of these tests to enter the best institutions of their choice. While contemplating the need to take one of these tests, candidates might find it hard to choose between them. Candidates are encouraged to leverage their strengths by evaluating their strengths and weaknesses and aligning these with the two tests to determine which assessment will yield a higher score. A better score on either test will aid candidates in their admission process.

What is GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the test required for admission to most business schools. Since business schools have accepted this test for many years, they often have more data on the scores of previously admitted applicants. The GMAT has been rebranded as GMAT Focus, with significant alterations to its structure and format implemented as of January 31, 2024. This edition is divided into three sections: Quantitative Reasoning, which contains 21 questions; Verbal Reasoning, comprising 23 questions; and a newly introduced section, Data Insights, featuring 20 questions. Each section is allocated 45 minutes for completion.

What is GRE?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for admission to most graduate and business schools. This test is accepted in over 160+ countries and contains three sections. The Verbal section focuses more on vocabulary and grammar, which can be challenging for non-native English speakers. As of September 22, 2023, the GRE has undergone updates. The test is divided into three main sections. The Analytical Writing section now includes only one task, "Analyze an Issue," which must be completed within 30 minutes. The Quantitative Reasoning section is divided into two subsections: Section 1 consists of 12 questions to be answered in 18 minutes, while Section 2 contains 15 questions to be completed in 23 minutes. Similarly, the Verbal Reasoning section is divided into two parts, with Section 1 comprising 12 questions to be completed in 21 minutes and Section 2 comprising 15 questions to be finished in 26 minutes.

Comparing GRE and GMAT

Before candidates embark on a personal comparison between the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) for admission into MBA programs, it is essential for them first to assess the overall structure and content of each examination. This initial evaluation will provide a foundational understanding of how each test is designed and what specific skills and knowledge areas they assess.

The GRE is designed to assess a broad range of skills relevant to graduate-level study, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. In contrast, the GMAT is specifically tailored for candidates pursuing business school and focuses on skills deemed essential for success in a graduate business program.

By understanding the distinct formats and subject matter of the GRE and GMAT, candidates can better determine which test aligns more closely with their strengths and the specific requirements of the MBA programs they are considering. This informed approach will ultimately aid them in making a more strategic decision regarding which examination to take based on their skills, academic background, and career aspirations.

Choosing Between GRE and GMAT

Due to the relative prominence of both these tests in the lives of candidates planning to pursue their graduate degrees, candidates can often get confused while choosing the best test for them. While one can compare and contrast the differences in the tests, starting with the basic differences in cost and test center availability is best before considering other in-depth factors.

A few pointers for choosing between the tests are as follows-

Consider Graduate School Plans

GRE is often chosen by candidates who wish to pursue graduate programs in the Sciences and sometimes even in Liberal Arts, though it isn’t strictly necessary. GMAT has been popular among candidates who attend business schools after their degree. The ideal choice for business school aspirants is to take the GMAT over the GRE. Candidates who are still unsure of the course they want to pursue and have a clue that they might choose another course than an MBA must go with the GRE since then they will not have wasted time and effort on a test that might not benefit them.

Research the Requirements of the Institution

Before weighing one’s options between the two tests, it would be best to consider the preferences of the institutions one plans to attend before registering for the test. It is also essential for candidates to look up scholarship options and estimate which test provides them with the chance of receiving a scholarship.

Compare Between One’s Quantitative and Verbal Skills

Every student will have a field they excel in. While some candidates might find solving the Quantitative sections in tests easier, others might score better in the Verbal section. Candidates must take diagnostic tests for both GRE and GMAT before choosing between them. This will give them an idea of which test will let them score better with minimal effort. Candidates who have strong Verbal skills should consider the GRE since the test mainly focuses on the Verbal section and can provide such candidates with high scores. At the same time, candidates who are excellent at math will excel in the GMAT due to the emphasis the test places on the quantitative section of the test.

Industry Expectations

The choice of standardized tests can significantly influence an individual's career trajectory, as different industries often have distinct preferences for specific assessments. This variation is primarily driven by the skills and competencies each field values the most. For instance, candidates pursuing careers in finance or consulting are likely to find the GMAT more widely acknowledged, whereas the GRE may hold greater acceptance in sectors such as public policy or academia.

Future Academic Plans

For candidates considering pursuing further graduate education after completing their MBA, the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) offers a more flexible and versatile option compared to the GMAT. One of the key advantages of the GRE is its widespread acceptance across a diverse range of graduate programs, including but not limited to fields such as law, education, engineering, and the sciences. This broad applicability means that candidates can take the GRE with the confidence that their scores will be relevant for multiple academic paths, should they choose to explore them.

Conclusion

Although there is the option of taking both tests for students, candidates shouldn't do it. Registering for two tests implies that the candidate must prepare separately for both tests simultaneously. Test preparation is time-consuming and expensive (not only the test fees but courses + materials as well), with the tests costing around $200 each, leaving the expenses for online courses and prep materials. Candidates should put all their energy into cracking one test rather than trying to score high in both and ending up with average scores.

It may seem to candidates that having both score reports will account for more. But most of the time, candidates will only be able to submit either of their scores and ultimately have to choose between the two tests while sending in their application.

Preparing for GRE and Preparing for GMAT

While preparing for the tests, candidates should remember that though it is great to have a high score on the test, a GRE or GMAT score will not be the only factor in choosing the applicant. It is just one of the many factors that admission officers will consider before calling the candidate for the interview.