GMAT vs. GRE

Difference Between GMAT and GRE Two standard admission tests accepted universally are the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)…

Difference Between GMAT and GRE

Two standard admission tests accepted universally are the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and GRE (Graduate Record Exam). Many business and graduate schools accept either of these two as criteria for admissions. Schools, however, have the privilege of setting their own standards concerning weighing individual scores and selecting their desired candidates for admission. Knowing the natures of these two exams can prove useful in preparing for them and in assessing the demands that they bring.

GRE

This entrance exam is accepted in almost all business and graduate schools in the United States, and numerous other graduate schools around the world. The scores that individuals acquire from the GRE are used in addition to recommendation letters, undergraduate records and other qualifications that are required for graduate studies.  The GRE is composed of three sections that assess quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, analytical writing skills and critical thinking. The questions contained in these are not necessarily related to the any of the known fields of study.

First part of the GRE is the Quantitative assessment which tests the examinees’ proficiency in data analysis and solving word problems. This part of the test must be answered in less than 75 minutes and is then followed by the Verbal section. Under this section, examinees are given questions that test their reading comprehension, sentence correction and reasoning, all to be answered within 75 minutes as well. The final part, which must be answered within 30 minutes, is where the examinees are tasked to ‘write’ regarding a given issue, testing their argument analysis. The GRE in general lasts up to three hours, excluding breaks and recesses, and is composed 2400 points in all.

The GRE can be taken at computer-based testing centers worldwide all year round or at paper-based testing centers in some areas. It can cost from $160 to $205.

GMAT

The other admission test, GMAT, is also accepted by numerous business and graduate schools anywhere in the world, especially those graduate programs that focus on business and the other fields that are related to it. GMAT, like GRE, is composed of three parts as well. It is less lenient, however, regarding time limits. The GMAT quantitative section must be answered within 45 minutes; that’s 30 minutes less than its GRE counterpart. The GMAT verbal section, which is composed of analogies, antonyms, sentence completion and reading comprehension must be finished within 30 minutes. The writing sections of both GMAT and GRE, however, are very similar in their duration and contents. As a whole, GMAT allows an hour and forty-five minutes for the exam to be finished; exclusive of breaks. Still, all this is fair since GMAT’s perfect score only amounts to 800 points, which is 1600 less compared to GRE.

Examinees may avail of GMAT in paper or computer adaptive format in testing centers worldwide at any time of the year. It costs more though at exactly $250 anywhere in the globe. Test preparation and review materials may be purchased online, as well as test preparation software that you may acquire for free.

Both GMAT and GRE can be taken once every 31 days and cannot be taken for more than 5 times for every 12 months.

Important Points:

  • GMAT or GRE is required when entering graduate school.
  • GRE specializes in graduate courses while GMAT focuses on business related courses.
  • GRE’s perfect score is 2400 points, while GMAT’s is a mere 800.
  • Duration for a GRE session is 3 hours, while GMAT lasts for about an hour plus 45 minutes.
  • GRE fee ranges from $160 to $205 while GMAT costs exactly $250 wherever you are in the globe.

Knowing the nature and differences between the two will help you a lot in deciding which one to take in order to successfully pursue your dreams in graduate school. You also need only one, so if you’ve already taken either, its unnecessary to take the other, too.

 

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