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GMAT
GMAT vs GRE for Business School: Which Test Should You Choose?
GMAT vs GRE for Business School is one of the most common dilemmas faced by MBA applicants. Both tests are accepted by top programs, but they differ in structure, scoring, and skill emphasis. Choosing the right exam can significantly impact your application strategy. This guide explores all the key differences to help you make an informed decision and boost your chances of admission.
GMAT vs GRE for Business School: What’s the Difference?
Before diving into which test you should take, it’s essential to understand the key differences between the GMAT and GRE.
1. Purpose and Popularity
GMAT vs GRE for Business School: The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is specifically designed for students applying to business schools. It is widely accepted by MBA programs and other business-related graduate programs around the world.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a more general test used for admissions to a variety of graduate programs, including business schools. In the context of GMAT vs GRE for Business School, the GRE is often the preferred choice for those applying to both business and non-business programs.
2. Test Structure
When comparing the GMAT vs GRE for Business School, both exams assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, but the format and emphasis differ.
GMAT Structure:
- AWA: 1 essay
- IR: 12 questions
- Quant: 31 questions
- Verbal: 36 questions
- Time: 3 hours 7 minutes
GRE Structure:
- AWA: 2 essays
- Verbal: 40 questions
- Quant: 40 questions
- Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
The GMAT vs GRE for Business School comparison shows that the GMAT focuses more on business-specific skills like Integrated Reasoning, while the GRE emphasizes general aptitude with longer verbal sections.
3. Question Types
GMAT vs GRE for Business School boils down to what kind of skills the test emphasizes.
GMAT:
- Quant: Problem-solving and data sufficiency
- Verbal: Reading comprehension, critical reasoning, sentence correction
- IR: Data analysis from multiple sources
GRE:
- Quant: Problem-solving, quantitative comparisons, basic math, and data analysis
- Verbal: Text completion, sentence equivalence, reading comprehension
In the debate of GMAT vs GRE for Business School, the GMAT suits candidates with stronger quantitative and logical skills, while the GRE leans toward verbal-heavy test-takers.
4. Scoring System
Scoring is another key area of comparison in GMAT vs GRE for Business School discussions.
GMAT Scores:
- Total: 200–800 (Quant + Verbal)
- AWA: 0–6
- IR: 1–8
GRE Scores:
- Verbal: 130–170
- Quant: 130–170
- AWA: 0–6
The GMAT vs GRE for Business School score breakdown shows that GMAT gives a single total score, while GRE provides sectional scores, which some schools may interpret differently.
5. Flexibility in Test Taking
A major test-taking factor in the GMAT vs GRE for Business School comparison is the adaptive format.
GMAT: Question-adaptive—questions change difficulty based on your previous answers. No skipping allowed.
GRE: Section-adaptive—difficulty changes between sections. You can skip and come back to questions.
When considering GMAT vs GRE for Business School, know that the GMAT rewards precision and time management under pressure, while the GRE allows more flexibility in pacing.
GMAT vs GRE for Business School: Which Test Should You Take?
1. Business School Preferences
If you’re specifically targeting an MBA or other business-related programs, the GMAT is often the better choice. Top business schools such as Harvard Business School, Stanford, and Wharton tend to prioritize GMAT scores. However, some schools now accept the GRE as well, allowing you to apply to a broader range of graduate programs.
Top Business Schools Accepting GMAT:
Harvard Business School
Stanford Graduate School of Business
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
MIT Sloan School of Management
Columbia Business School
If you’re considering a dual program (such as a joint MBA and law degree) or are unsure whether you want to apply only to business schools, the GRE might be the more flexible option.
2. Test-Taking Strategy
GMAT: If you are strong in quantitative reasoning and critical thinking, the GMAT will likely play to your strengths. The questions tend to be more challenging, particularly in data analysis and problem-solving.
GRE: If you have strong verbal reasoning and vocabulary skills, the GRE may be a better fit. The GRE’s larger verbal section and focus on vocabulary can give you an advantage if you are adept in these areas.
3. Cost and Availability
GMAT Cost: The GMAT costs $275 USD for the exam. Additional fees may apply for rescheduling or sending scores to additional schools.
GRE Cost: The GRE costs $205 USD, with additional fees for sending scores to more schools or rescheduling.
Both exams are available year-round, but you will need to check availability and schedule early to ensure you get a test date that fits your application deadlines.
Top 10 B-Schools Accepting GMAT and GRE Scores
Top 10 B-Schools in the USA Accepting GMAT and GRE
| Rank | Business School | Program Fees (per year) | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard Business School | $73,440 | $250 |
| 2 | Stanford Graduate School of Business | $74,706 | $275 |
| 3 | Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) | $81,378 | $275 |
| 4 | MIT Sloan School of Management | $77,168 | $250 |
| 5 | Columbia Business School | $77,376 | $250 |
| 6 | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management | $74,871 | $250 |
| 7 | Chicago Booth School of Business | $74,919 | $250 |
| 8 | Yale School of Management | $74,000 | $250 |
| 9 | UC Berkeley Haas School of Business | $64,374 | $200 |
| 10 | Tuck School of Business (Dartmouth) | $74,000 | $250 |
Top 5 B-Schools in Canada
| Rank | Business School | Program Fees | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rotman School of Management (University of Toronto) | CAD 96,300 | CAD 200 |
| 2 | Desautels Faculty of Management (McGill University) | CAD 58,500 | CAD 150 |
| 3 | Sauder School of Business (UBC) | CAD 45,000 | CAD 135 |
| 4 | Ivey Business School (Western University) | CAD 85,500 | CAD 150 |
| 5 | Schulich School of Business (York University) | CAD 54,000 | CAD 170 |
Top 5 B-Schools in Europe
| Rank | Business School | Program Fees | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | INSEAD | €89,000 | €250 |
| 2 | London Business School (LBS) | £92,735 | £150 |
| 3 | HEC Paris | €76,000 | €200 |
| 4 | IE Business School (Spain) | €72,200 | €150 |
| 5 | ESADE Business School (Spain) | €70,000 | €150 |
Academy 24’s GMAT and GRE Programs: A Step Ahead in Your Test Preparation
At Academy 24, we understand the challenges of preparing for standardized tests like the GMAT and GRE. That’s why our comprehensive GMAT and GRE prep programs are designed not only to help you ace your exam but also to guide you in making the right choice in the GMAT vs GRE for Business School debate.
Whether you’re aiming for a GMAT score that lands you in a top MBA program or looking to excel in the GRE for your graduate studies, Academy 24 offers a tailored approach, including expert guidance, in-depth resources, and continuous support. Our GMAT and GRE courses focus on the most crucial aspects of these exams—from quantitative reasoning to verbal strategies—ensuring you achieve the best possible results.
Our GMAT program offers:
Personalized learning paths
Practice tests and mock exams
Expert tips on the Analytical Writing Assessment
Detailed study materials and video lessons
Conclusion
In the end, the decision between the GMAT and GRE largely depends on your strengths, your program preferences, and your business school’s requirements. If you’re aiming for a traditional MBA program, GMAT might be the better fit, while the GRE offers more flexibility if you’re considering other graduate degrees. Regardless of which test you choose, proper preparation will be key to succeeding in your business school application journey.
Key Takeaways:
GMAT: Best for those pursuing an MBA or business-related graduate program.
GRE: More flexible for those considering a variety of graduate programs, including business.
Consider your strengths in math, verbal reasoning, and test format to determine which test suits you best.
✅ Suggested External Resources to Link Out To:
- GMAT Official Website (mba.com):
Use in a sentence like:
“To register for the GMAT or learn about upcoming changes, visit the official GMAT website.” - ETS GRE Official Site:
Use in a sentence like:
“For details on GRE scoring and registration, check the official ETS GRE page.” - U.S. News MBA Rankings:
Use in a sentence like:
“See how top MBA programs rank based on acceptance of GMAT vs GRE scores at U.S. News MBA Rankings.” - GMAT vs GRE Comparison from Kaplan or Princeton Review (optional):
“Get a deeper breakdown of test differences from Kaplan’s GMAT vs GRE guide or The Princeton Review.”