Tackling the Test Choice Dilemma
Looking to apply for an MBA? You’re probably wondering whether the GMAT or GRE is your best bet. Almost every full-time MBA program requires one of these tests, and they’re recognized by countless grad schools in the US and Canada. While the GMAT was once the undisputed king for business school hopefuls, many programs today happily accept the GRE, offering test-takers a choice that matches their strengths.
How to Choose Your Test
You might be asking yourself, “Does it really matter which test I take?” Generally, many MBA programs don’t mind either way. But let’s dig a little deeper. If you’re laser-focused on business schools and have clear post-MBA goals in traditional fields, the GMAT might be more up your alley. Admissions folks often see it as a commitment to an MBA journey because it’s long been the standard measure of readiness.
Plus, some companies—think management consulting or investment banking—might want to see your GMAT scores during recruitment. That’s why it’s smart to check ahead if your dream job favors the GMAT. If this sounds like your situation, maybe gearing up for the GMAT is worth it.
On the flip side, if you’re juggling applications for other grad programs or haven’t decided 100% on an MBA yet, leveraging an existing GRE score could be just the ticket. Top business schools generally claim no bias between the two tests, so it boils down to which one you’ll ace.
Can’t decide? Take practice tests for both and see where you’re shining. Your gut feeling—or actual scores—can steer you to the right choice.
GRE Insights
So what’s on the GRE menu? It serves up analytical writing and both verbal and quantitative reasoning sections. Some say its verbal section is tougher than what you’ll find on the GMAT, which might trip up non-native English speakers a bit. The writing bit challenges you to logically argue complex points through tasks like “Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument.” Your performance here is scored from 0-6 in half-point steps.
The math segment checks your algebra and geometry skills among others. With help from an on-screen calculator, you’ll tackle various question types like Quantitative Comparison and Numeric Entry. Scoring ranges from 130-170 here.
Then there’s verbal reasoning where you’ll navigate reading comprehension and text completion challenges, scored similarly from 130-170. This test is no breeze—it usually takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
GRE takers can choose which of their scores get sent out to schools, though some places might ask for every score you’ve got. Check out this detailed GMAT vs GRE guide.
Unpacking the GMAT
The GMAT measures skills across analytics, writing, verbal understanding, and reading comprehension. It’s often considered more math-intensive than its GRE counterpart. The Analytical Writing Assessment examines how well you express ideas via one Analysis of Argument task and scores range from 0-6.
The Integrated Reasoning section checks how you handle different data forms with scores from 1-8. Quantitative Reasoning assesses data analysis skills with scoring from 6-51. Verbal Reasoning evaluates argumentative comprehension within the same score range.
Taking about 3 hours and 30 minutes, this adaptive test changes difficulty based on your answers’ accuracy—more right answers mean tougher questions and potentially higher scores between 200-800 overall.
If you’re still on the fence about which test suits you best, consider peeking at your favorite MBA schools’ requirements or average scores for each test type before making that crucial decision.
Both tests have their merits—what counts is knowing which will highlight your strengths as an applicant amidst fierce competition!
