GRE or GMAT?
Which should you take?
Recently, a number of MBA programs, including those at Harvard, MIT, Instituto de Empresa, and CEIBS, have begun to accept the GRE test for admission to graduate business school programs, in lieu of the GMAT.
What does this mean?
For MBA applicants, this means that if you already hold a GRE score, you may not need to take the GMAT in order to get into certain business schools. Similarly, if you are daunted by the GMAT and think the GRE might be easier for you, then you may have the choice of doing either test, depending on which programs you are targeting.
What is the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?
The GMAT is the established test for business school admissions. It measures verbal, mathematical, and analytical skills that candidates have developed in both education and work. It does not measure specific business knowledge or skills. English vocabulary is less strongly tested on the GMAT than on the GRE, while the GMAT Quantitative section is thought to be more difficult.
While the GMAT was designed to predict an applicant’s suitability for a management program, the GRE was created to do the same for other types of graduate programs, including English, Maths, and many science subjects. The GRE measures candidates’ verbal, quantitative and abstract thinking skills which have been developed over a long time throughout their education. For non-native English speakers, the GRE requires stronger English writing skills and particularly greater vocabulary knowledge that the GMAT. However, the Quantitative Section is generally less feared than that of the GMAT.
Are the Scores the Same?
The GMAT provides candidates with an overall score (out of 800) plus subscores for each individual section of the test. The overall score is the most widely used and referred to by both schools and students. The GRE, on the other hand, provides a score out of 800 for each section – no overall score is awarded.
ETS (the GRE test maker) has provided a score comparison tool for comparing GMAT and GRE scores.
What should you do?
If you are confused – ask! Ask the admissions office at all of the schools to which you are applying whether they need you to take to the GMAT or the GRE. If you end up with a choice of being able to take both then you should make the decision based on your own strengths. If you are worried about your English level or vocabulary skills then the GMAT may be best for you. If you have great writing skills and are more worried about Math, then you may prefer to take the GRE.
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