Dear Future Business Leader,

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GMAT vs. GRE – Which Test to Take? (Part II)

A comparison of the two tests highlights the particular similarities and differences between the exams in practice. The differences between the two exams are most apparent in an analysis of their Verbal and Quantitative sections.

• Total Score: The GRE includes 3 sections and each section is given a score from 200 – 800, making a maximum total score of 2400. The GMAT has a total score from 200 – 800, the Writing section scored between 0 and 6 is presented separately.
• Total Sections: The GRE and GMAT both are made up of Verbal, Quantitative and Writing Sections. The Writing Sections of both tests are fairly similar including two essays, one on an issue and one on an argument.
• Verbal Section: Unlike the GMAT, the Verbal Section of the GRE tests vocabulary knowledge out of context. Meantime, the test is changing with more critical reading passages.
• Quantitative Section: The Quantitative section of the GRE is largely acknowledged as less challenging than that part of the GMAT. Currently, the GRE does not have a Data Sufficiency section and requires an overall lower level of Math proficiency as it is used for English PhD students too. However, the ETS (Educational Testing Service), the creator of the GRE, announced that it is adding more data interpretation questions and increasing the general difficulty level. In general, top business schools would be looking for fairly high percentile scores on the GRE, especially on the Quantitative Section.

An Additional Note: In June 08, the ETS announced that it is adding a new non-cognitive portion to the GRE, starting in July 2009, to make the test more relevant to business schools. The section will be known as the Personal Potential Index, or PPI.

When making a decision about whether or not to take the GMAT or the GRE, you should consider whether the schools you apply to accept the GRE score. If they are open to it, then consider the following:

Based on Academic Strengths and Weaknesses

• Skills: In general, if you have excellent quantitative skills, look more into the GMAT. If you have outstanding writing and verbal skills with less stellar quantitative skills, consider GRE.
• Background: If you are not a native English speaker, look more into the GMAT.

Based on Practical Factors

• What other majors you will apply for: If you are also interested in applying to other graduate programs that do not accept the GMAT, consider GRE.
• Financial Consideration: If you can not afford the GMAT, lean toward the GRE, though both exams do allow for fee waivers.
• Location Consideration: If the GMAT is not offered near you, lean toward the GRE (if it is offered near you)

The GRE path toward an MBA at this point is infrequently taken. There are not precise statistics on GRE scores at particular business schools and in general more applicants would have to test the option before there are sufficient statistics to carry adequate weight in admissions decision-making. Yet, increasing numbers of schools are opening their doors to applicants with just GRE scores, so it is definitely something to be aware of in your research into MBA application options.