GRE vs GMAT: Which Test is Best for Graduate School & MBA?

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The journey to graduate school begins with a critical decision: GRE or GMAT? These two standardized tests open doors to world-renowned universities and programs but are tailored to different academic and career paths. The GMAT, specifically designed for business schools, focuses on the analytical and quantitative skills needed for management and leadership roles. On the other hand, the GRE offers broader flexibility, accepted across various graduate programs, including MBA courses.

Choosing the right test is not just about understanding the difference between GRE and GMAT but also about aligning the exam with your academic goals, strengths, and career aspirations. In this blog, we’ll break down their key differences, costs, formats, and scoring systems to help you determine the best fit for your graduate journey in 2025.

GMAT vs GRE: Key Differences

When choosing between the GMAT and the GRE for graduate admissions, it’s essential to understand their distinct purposes and structures. The GMAT is specifically designed for business school applicants, assessing skills pertinent to management and business studies. In contrast, the GRE serves a broader range of graduate programs, including business schools, making it suitable for candidates considering various fields.

However, the decision isn’t solely about the test’s intended audience. A comprehensive evaluation of each exam’s sections, design, structure, scoring system, fees, and acceptance rates is crucial. Here’s key differences of the latest versions of the GMAT and GRE exams 2025:

Differences	GMAT	GRE
Purpose	Tailored for business school graduate programs.	Accepted by a wide array of graduate programs, including business schools.
Acceptance	Recognized by over 7,000 programs at 2,300 business schools.	Accepted by numerous graduate programs, though fewer business schools compared to GMAT.
Test Fee	$275 for the online version; $300 for the in-person test.	$220.
Score Validity	5 years.	5 years.
Test Dates	Available year-round.	Available year-round.
Test Format	Computer-adaptive by question.	Computer-adaptive by section.
Test Duration	Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, including an optional 10-minute break.	Approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes, with no scheduled breaks.
Number of Sections	3	5
Sections	– Verbal Reasoning: 1 section- Quantitative Reasoning: 1 section- Data Insights: 1 section	– Verbal Reasoning: 2 sections- Quantitative Reasoning: 2 sections- Analytical Writing: 1 section
Quantitative Section	1 section with 21 questions in 45 minutes.	2 sections with a total of 27 questions in 47 minutes.
Verbal Section	1 section with 23 questions in 45 minutes.	2 sections with a total of 27 questions in 41 minutes.
Data Insights	1 section with 20 questions in 45 minutes.	Not applicable.
Analytical Writing	Not applicable.	1 essay in 30 minutes.
Total Score Range	205–805, in 10-point increments.	260–340, in 1-point increments.
Quantitative Score Range	60–90 (scaled score).	130–170.
Verbal Score Range	60–90 (scaled score).	130–170.
Data Insights Score	60–90 (scaled score).	Not applicable.
Analytical Writing Score	Not applicable.	0–6.

GMAT vs GRE: Score Comparison

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) have distinct scoring systems for their respective sections. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Test Section	GRE Scoring	GMAT Scoring
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.	Scored on a scale of 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
Integrated Reasoning (IR)	Not applicable.	Scored on a scale of 1 to 8, in single-point increments.
Quantitative Reasoning	Scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.	Scored on a scale of 6 to 51, in 1-point increments.
Verbal Reasoning	Scored on a scale of 130 to 170, in 1-point increments.	Scored on a scale of 6 to 51, in 1-point increments.

Total Score:

GRE: Combined scores for Verbal and Quantitative sections range from 260 to 340.

GMAT: Total score ranges from 205 to 805, in 10-point increments.

Understanding these scoring differences helps prospective graduate students align their preparation strategies with the requirements of their targeted programs.

GMAT vs GRE 2025 Exam Cost

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) have distinct fee structures and associated benefits. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Exam	Cost	Included Score Reports
GRE	$220	Four free score reports
GMAT	$275	Five free score reports

Point to be noted:

GRE: The $220 fee includes the option to send your scores to up to four graduate programs without additional charges.

GMAT: The $275 fee allows you to send your scores to up to five programs at no extra cost.

GMAT and GRE 2025: Exam Format

GMAT and GRE exams both have different exam formats. Below are the exam formats of GMAT and GRE exams:

Section	GMAT (Latest Focus Edition)	GRE
Analytical Writing	No longer included in the latest GMAT Focus Edition.	1 essay: “Analyze an Argument” (30 minutes).
Quantitative Reasoning	21 questions in 45 minutes, emphasizing problem-solving and data interpretation.	2 sections, each with 20 questions, broader topics with calculator usage allowed.
Verbal Reasoning	23 questions in 45 minutes, focusing on critical reasoning and comprehension.	2 sections, each with 20 questions, including vocabulary, reading comprehension, and text completion.
Integrated Reasoning / Data Insights	20 questions in 45 minutes, combining data analysis and interpretation.	Not applicable.
Test Duration	Approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, with a 10-minute optional break.	Approximately 1 hour and 58 minutes, with no scheduled breaks.

Which exam is easier GRE or GMAT?

Determining whether the GRE or GMAT is easier depends on individual strengths and preferences, as both exams are designed to assess different skills and aptitudes. The GRE exam is generally known for its emphasis on verbal reasoning and analytical writing, making it more suitable for those with strong vocabulary skills and the ability to analyze and interpret text. On the other hand, the GMAT focuses heavily on quantitative reasoning and logical problem-solving, favoring those with strong math and data interpretation skills. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which exam might be a better fit for you:

Quantitative Section:

GMAT: Requires solving complex data sufficiency problems and logical reasoning, without a calculator.

GRE: Covers broader mathematical topics and allows the use of a calculator, which some find more manageable.

Verbal Section:

GMAT: Emphasizes grammar and critical reasoning, requiring you to analyze arguments.

GRE: Focuses on vocabulary through text completion and sentence equivalence questions.

Test Format:

The GRE provides flexibility in skipping and revisiting questions within a section, while the GMAT is strictly computer-adaptive by question.

If you excel in quantitative problem-solving and logical reasoning, the GMAT might be a better option. If your strengths lie in vocabulary, analytical writing, and general reasoning, the GRE could be more aligned with your abilities.

GMAT or GRE: Which Exam Should You Take?

Deciding between the GMAT and GRE can be simplified by following these four steps:

Research Business School Policies: Check whether your target business schools accept both exams or prefer the GMAT. Many business schools lean towards GMAT scores, but several now accept GRE scores as well.

Take a Diagnostic Test: Attempt both a GMAT and a GRE diagnostic test to assess your strengths and weaknesses. Choose the exam on which you perform better. If opting for the GMAT, research the 5-year score trends of top business schools and set a realistic target score.

Clarify Your Graduate Program Goals: If you’re certain about pursuing a business degree, the GMAT is the ideal choice. For those still exploring a broader range of graduate programs, the GRE offers more flexibility.

Evaluate the Post-Graduation Value: A strong GMAT score can boost your profile for internships and job opportunities, particularly in consulting and finance sectors. While the GRE is versatile, the GMAT is often preferred in business-focused careers.

Conclusion

Choosing between the GRE vs GMAT is not just about difficulty—it’s about aligning the exam with your academic aspirations and career trajectory. The GMAT is tailored for business-focused paths, while the GRE test offers versatility for diverse programs. Evaluate your target schools, career goals, and test-taking strengths to decide which exam is your perfect match. Whichever path you choose, both exams pave the way to prestigious institutions and exciting opportunities.

If you found this blog helpful, explore more insightful posts on our website!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: GMAT or GRE for business school?

Both are accepted, but GMAT is specifically designed for MBA programs, making it a preferred choice for many applicants.

Is the GRE cheaper than the GMAT?

Yes, the GRE costs $220, while the GMAT costs $275.

How many times can I retake the GRE or GMAT?

Both exams can be taken up to five times in a year, allowing you flexibility in improving your scores.

Is the GMAT or GRE Harder?

The difficulty of the GMAT versus GRE depends on individual strengths. The GMAT's quantitative section is often seen as harder due to its focus on logic-based problems, while the GRE's quantitative section includes more geometry questions, which may challenge some test-takers. Your experience will vary based on your comfort with these topics.

Which Exam Should You Take: GRE or GMAT?

The key distinction between the GMAT and GRE lies in their purpose. The GMAT is specifically designed for admission to business schools, making it the preferred choice for MBA and other management-focused programs. In contrast, the GRE is a more versatile exam accepted for a wide range of graduate programs across various disciplines, including business, arts, sciences, and more.