Looking to pursue an MBA program but unsure whether to take the GMAT or GRE? You’re not alone. Many prospective MBA candidates face this dilemma when considering which test to take for admission to business school. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences between the GMAT and GRE, examine which test might be easier for you, and make an informed decision for your MBA journey.
Quick Decision Guide: GMAT or GRE?
Not sure whether to take the GMAT or GRE? Try our Quick Decision Guide—answer a few simple questions, and get instant recommendations on choosing between GMAT and GRE based on your strengths.
Taking a mock test is a crucial first step in deciding whether to prepare for the GMAT or GRE, as it sets a baseline and highlights your strengths and weaknesses.
GMAT vs GRE: 5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between GMAT and GRE
When choosing between the GMAT and GRE for graduate-level programs, consider these key factors:
1) Program Type: MBA vs Other Graduate Programs
If you may apply to non-business graduate programs or dual degrees, the GRE offers more flexibility. The GRE is accepted for a wide range of graduate programs (arts, sciences, etc.), including MBA admissions, whereas the GMAT is specifically designed for business schools. If you’re exclusively applying to MBA programs, the GMAT is built for that; if you want options beyond business school, the GRE is preferred.
In short: If you’re MBA-only, GMAT is built for that; if you want options beyond business school, GRE is preferred
2) Your Strengths: Quantitative vs Verbal
Play to your strengths. The GMAT’s quantitative section is generally more advanced and challenging than the GRE’s, so strong Quant thinkers often favor the GMAT. The GRE’s verbal section is vocabulary-intensive, which can challenge those without an extensive vocabulary. If you have weaker vocabulary skills, you might find the GMAT verbal section (which focuses more on logical thinking and reasoning) easier. Conversely, if you excel at language and memorization but are less confident in advanced mathematics, the GRE’s slightly easier quant section and vocabulary-focused verbal section might better suit you.
3) Industry Goals and Post-MBA Career
If you’re aiming for top consulting or corporate strategy roles, a high GMAT score can be an asset. Many consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) and investment banks ask for or look at GMAT scores during MBA recruiting. The GMAT is seen as a better indicator of the strategic problem-solving and quantitative skills these employers value, whereas GRE scores are not typically utilized in the same way by business recruiters.
4) Scholarship Opportunities
Many business schools use test scores to award merit scholarships, and there’s evidence that a stellar GMAT score may carry extra weight. Schools report GMAT scores in rankings, so a high GMAT can not only help secure admission but also attract scholarship dollars. In fact, some MBA admissions committees explicitly use GMAT scores in scholarship decisions, and applicants with GMAT scores of 705+ often receive larger scholarships or even full rides.
5) Purpose & Test-Taking Mindset
The GMAT, designed by business schools, tests critical reasoning and data analysis skills essential for an MBA and business career. It emphasizes logic and higher-order thinking, making it valuable beyond just admissions. In contrast, the GRE is a general aptitude test, sometimes viewed as a standardized assessment that rewards memorization of vocabulary and formulas. If you excel at memorization-based learning, the GRE may be a more straightforward path. However, if you enjoy problem-solving and want to enhance your reasoning skills, the GMAT might be a better fit.
GMAT vs GRE: Test Structure, Format & Skills Tested
Both the GMAT and GRE assess essential academic skills like quantitative reasoning, verbal reasoning, and critical thinking, but they differ in format, emphasis, and intended audiences. The GMAT is geared primarily toward candidates applying to MBA programs, while the GRE serves a broader range of graduate programs, including business, law, and more. The GMAT focuses on business school readiness with a three-section format (Quantitative, Verbal, and Data Insights), whereas the GRE offers a diverse format for a wider range of graduate programs. By considering factors such as exam logistics, structure, timing, and scoring, as well as your personal strengths and career goals, you can choose the test that best fits your academic and professional ambitions.
GMAT vs GRE: Exam Overview and Logistics
This section summarizes general test details such as the target audience, test fees, retake policies, overall test duration, and logistics.
Which Test Should You Choose? (Logistics Perspective)
- Choose the GMAT if: You are focused on business school programs and want a test that is widely recognized by top MBA programs. The longer duration with a strategic break may work well if you prefer having a moment to regroup during the exam.
- Choose the GRE if: You value a slightly shorter testing experience and plan to keep your options open for a range of graduate programs beyond business school. The lower fee and ScoreSelect option also add flexibility if you are undecided about your future path.
Which exam is better- GMAT or GRE for MBA admissions? Read this article to know more.
GMAT vs GRE: Test Structure and Timing
This section details the structure of each exam, including the number of sections, question counts, and time allocations per section.
Which Test Should You Choose? (Test Structure Perspective)
- Choose the GMAT if: You prefer a clear three-part structure with an emphasis on integrated data insights and are comfortable managing a longer test with an optional break. The uniform timing across sections can help if you like predictable pacing.
- Choose the GRE if: You benefit from having separate sections for verbal and quantitative skills, along with an independent writing assessment. This breakdown may be advantageous if you want to showcase strong writing abilities or if you perform better with multiple shorter segments.
Take a FREE GMAT mock test to understand your baseline score and start your GMAT Focus prep with our free trial. With access to 10+ hours of AI-driven video lessons and 400+ practice questions, we provide a comprehensive resource for your GMAT Focus preparation. As the most reviewed online GMAT Prep company with 2700+ reviews on GMATClub.
GMAT vs GRE: Score Range and Performance Metrics
This section focuses on the scoring systems, including the overall score ranges and individual section scores for both exams.
Which Test Should You Choose? (Scoring Perspective)
- Choose the GMAT if: You are aiming for a competitive business school application where the scoring ranges are tailored to assess MBA-readiness, particularly if you have a strong quantitative and analytical background.
- Choose the GRE if: You appreciate a scoring system that separates your performance in writing, verbal, and quantitative skills, allowing you to highlight areas of strength, especially if you want the flexibility to apply to programs with different emphases.
GMAT and GRE Acceptance in Business Schools
Both the GMAT and GRE are widely accepted by business schools worldwide. While the GMAT has traditionally been the standard for MBA admissions, the GRE has gained significant traction over the past decade.
From an admissions policy standpoint, nearly all MBA and business master’s programs accept either test, making the choice between GMAT and GRE dependent on individual strengths rather than test availability.
GMAT vs GRE Submission Trends at Top MBA Programs
While GRE acceptance is growing, most applicants to top business schools still submit GMAT scores. Here’s a breakdown of recent MBA class profiles:
Key Takeaways:
- GMAT is still the dominant test for MBA admissions, with most top schools admitting a majority of GMAT test-takers.
- GRE representation is rising—a few years ago, GRE submitters were only 10-20% at top schools, but now they make up 30% or more at some M7 programs.
- UC Berkeley Haas (2023) saw a rare shift, where GRE submitters (53%) outnumbered GMAT submitters.
GMAT vs GRE - Which is easier?
When it comes to the overall difficulty level of the GMAT and GRE, both exams are similar. While the GMAT section has a Data Insights section, the GRE has a Analytical Writing section. These two sections cannot be compared directly to each other. Thus, the correct question to ask at this point is which common section of both the tests (quant and verbal) is relatively difficult.
To answer this question, let’s compare:
- GMAT verbal vs GRE verbal
- GMAT quant vs GRE quant
GRE vs GMAT - Which test’s Verbal section is easier
The emphasis of the GMAT verbal section is on reasoning and reading, whereas GRE verbal questions primarily focus on testing your vocabulary. Let me illustrate this difference with Sample Questions Comparison:
As GRE verbal tests challenging vocabulary, GMAT Verbal tends to be slightly easier.
GRE vs GMAT - Which test’s Quant section is easier
GMAT Quant now contains only Problem-Solving questions whereas GRE Quant is an assortment of Quantitative Comparison, Problem Solving, and Data Interpretation questions.
GRE quant questions are slightly easier than GMAT and also GRE allows you to use a calculator, and GMAT does not.
Admissions Trends at Top MBA Programs: GMAT vs GRE
Top business schools accept both GMAT and GRE scores, but trends show varying preferences across institutions. Below is a detailed breakdown of how these exams are viewed in MBA admissions, including class profile statistics, admissions officer insights, and career implications.
Class Profile Breakdown: GMAT vs GRE Acceptance Rates
Most top MBA programs still see a majority of applicants submitting GMAT scores, but GRE representation is growing. Here’s a look at the GMAT vs GRE distribution at leading business schools:
Key Takeaways:
- GMAT remains the dominant exam, but GRE acceptance is increasing.
- Schools like Yale SOM, Michigan Ross, and Stanford GSB have higher GRE proportions (~35-40%).
- European schools like LBS and INSEAD accept both but maintain a strong GMAT average (~655+ equivalent).
- Master’s in Management (MiM) and Finance programs often favor GMAT, but GRE is still accepted.
Admissions Officer Insights: GMAT vs GRE Preferences
Official Statements from Schools
Most top MBA programs insist they have no preference between the GMAT and GRE. For example:
- Harvard Business School (HBS): States explicitly that they have “no preference” for either test.
- Stanford, Wharton, and Columbia also maintain that they evaluate both equally.
- Schools use ETS’s GRE-to-GMAT conversion tool to ensure fair comparisons.
Do Some Schools Implicitly Prefer GMAT?
While officially neutral, some MBA programs lean toward the GMAT for these reasons:
- Historical Trust: GMAT has decades of data correlating scores with MBA success.
- Rankings Impact: Rankings like U.S. News historically considered GMAT scores but not GRE, giving schools an incentive to maintain high GMAT averages.
- Business-Specific Format: The GMAT’s Data Sufficiency and Integrated Reasoning sections align better with business school coursework.
Survey Insights:
A Kaplan survey of business school admissions officers found:
- 73% of schools consider GMAT and GRE equally.
- 26% of schools admitted they “prefer GMAT” when candidates are otherwise equal.
GMAT as a “Safer Bet”
- Admissions consultants suggest that a high GMAT score can sometimes carry more weight than an equally high GRE.
- Schools like MIT Sloan have published GRE-to-GMAT conversion charts, showing an average GMAT equivalent of 685.
- Bottom line: A GRE 330+ is competitive, but a GMAT 675+ may have an edge in certain cases.
Median Score Benchmarks for Top MBA Programs
Key Insight: Schools expect GRE scores to be in the top 10-15% percentile, meaning a high GRE is just as challenging as a high GMAT.
Career Impact: Does GMAT Matter for Job Recruitment?
Industries That Care About GMAT Scores
Some industries still favor the GMAT, particularly:
- Consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) - Firms have historically expected 655+ GMAT scores from applicants.
- Investment Banking & Finance - Some bulge bracket banks ask for GMAT scores during MBA recruiting.
- Corporate Strategy Roles - Certain rotational leadership programs consider GMAT scores as an analytical benchmark.
Scholarships and Test Choice
High test scores are linked to MBA scholarships, and many schools explicitly consider both GMAT and GRE.
Key Advice:
If you’re aiming for scholarships, a high GMAT (715+) or GRE (330+) is key.
Since more applicants submit GMAT scores, scholarship stats tend to skew toward GMAT winners.
Conclusion : Which exam should you take? GMAT or GRE
Choosing between the GMAT and GRE ultimately comes down to which test will let you put your best foot forward for business school. There is no one-size-fits-all answer - top schools accept both, and each exam has its own challenges. Here’s a quick summary and some final advice:
Choose GMAT if:
✅ You have strong analytical and quantitative abilities✅ You’re exclusively focused on MBA programs✅ You excel at business-oriented problem solving✅ You’re targeting consulting, finance, or top-tier MBA roles✅ You want potential advantages in MBA recruiting and scholarships✅ You perform well with adaptive testing and data sufficiency✅ You prefer logical reasoning over vocabulary memorization
Choose GRE if:
✅ You have exceptional verbal and vocabulary skills✅ You’re considering multiple graduate program options✅ You prefer traditional math problem-solving approaches✅ You want more flexibility in your graduate education path✅ You find GMAT’s quantitative section particularly challenging✅ You perform better with standard question formats✅ You’re stronger in reading comprehension and vocabulary-based testing
Remember:
✅ Take practice tests for both exams to determine your natural strengths✅ Focus on achieving the highest possible percentile score✅ Choose based on your performance, not perceived preferences✅ Both tests are equally valid for MBA admissions✅ Dedicated preparation is key for success on either exam
Planning to take the GMAT?
If you are planning to take the GMAT, we can help you with a personalized study plan and give you access to quality online content to prepare for GMAT Focus Edition. Write to us at acethegmat@e-gmat.com.
If you are planning to apply to a business school, let us help you conquer the first step of the process: Acing the GMAT.
Take a FREE GMAT mock test to understand your baseline score and start your GMAT prep with our free trial. With access to 10+ hours of AI-driven video lessons and 400+ practice questions, we provide a comprehensive resource for your GMAT preparation. As the most reviewed online GMAT Prep company with 2800+ reviews on GMATClub, we’re committed to helping you succeed.
