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If the title of this article piqued your interest, you are likely wondering which of the two tests—the GRE or GMAT—might be the best test for you to take for graduate school. You are probably planning to apply to business school, for which either the GMAT or the GRE is an acceptable standardized test. Choosing the right exam can make a huge difference in your life!
For 70+ years, the GMAT and the GRE have been used to assess students’ potential for success in postgraduate studies. While you may not be enthralled about taking a tough exam to show admissions committees in your chosen field of study that you have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a graduate program, it is important to know the ins and outs of both exams.
By knowing the difference between GMAT and GRE, you’ll be able to ascertain which one is most suited for your academic strengths. You want to put your best foot forward, so a thorough knowledge of both exams will give you the best chance of getting a great score! Additionally, knowing which exam is best suited to you will allow you to accomplish successful test prep
In this article, we’ll try to answer the question: “What is the difference between the GMAT and the GRE?” by comparing the two exams in detail. We’ll look at each exam so that you can make the best decision about which one might be best for your unique situation.
Here are all the topics we’ll cover:
- Who Takes the GMAT and the GRE?
- The GMAT versus the GRE – Facts and Figure
- Overview of the Tests
- Recent Changes to the Exams’ Structure
- Computer-Adaptivity
- A GRE Plus: You Can Skip Around
- The “Mark, Review, and Edit” Feature
- Changing Answers on the GRE
- The Calculator
- GMAT vs. GRE Question Types and Content
- The Math Content of the GMAT and the GRE
- The Data Insights Section of the GMAT
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Let’s start by looking at who takes the two exams.
Who Takes the GMAT and the GRE?
With the exception of students applying to medical school and some law schools, any student seeking a postgraduate degree will take either the GMAT or the GRE. Historically, business school applicants took the GMAT, and those applying to (non-business) Masters or PhD programs took the GRE. However, in recent years, the lines have blurred, at least for the GRE. While many institutions still prefer the GMAT for their MBA applicants, the GRE has become an acceptable substitute by even the highest-rated business schools. Additionally, many law schools now accept GRE scores from applicants in place of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
As you might expect, more students take the GRE than the GMAT. For the year ending June 30, 2022, nearly 350,000 students took the GRE, compared to about 125,000 who took the GMAT.
The GMAT versus the GRE – Facts and Figures
Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of the two exams.
| GMAT | GRE | |
|---|---|---|
| Website | www.mba.com | www.ets.org |
| Exam Cost | $275 Test Center $300 Online | $220 Test Center $220 Online |
| Test Length | 2 hours 15 minutes | 1 hour 58 minutes |
| Total Questions | 64 | 54 |
| Scores Delivered | 3-5 days | 8-10 days |
| Sections | Quantitative (1) Verbal (1) Data Insights (1) | Analytical Writing (1) Quantitative (2) Verbal (2) |
| Section Select? | Yes | No |
Overview of the Tests
From the table above, we see that the GMAT and the GRE have similar costs, and you may take either of them at a test center or online. The choice between taking the test at a test center or online is more a matter of convenience or personal preference than cost. Be aware that you must meet certain criteria for taking the online GMAT or online GRE.
Both tests have recently been significantly shortened, from about 3.5 hours each to 2.25 hours for the GMAT and nearly 2 hours for the GRE. Even though the exams are shorter, the test-makers are confident that the two tests can identify and measure the skills and abilities of grad school applicants. Along with the shorter exam times, each exam now has fewer questions, which we will look at in detail later in this article.
GMAT Focus has shortened the time to deliver scores to just 3-5 days, whereas the GRE still requires 8-10 days for score delivery. This could be a deal-breaker for a student with a tight deadline.
Note that the GMAT has only three sections, while the GRE has five. A bonus feature of the GMAT is that you may choose the order in which you take the three sections. The GRE has no such option; you will always complete the Analytical Writing essay first. After that, the next section will be randomly chosen as either Verbal or Quantitative.
KEY FACT:
You may choose the order in which you take the three sections of the GMAT. The GRE does not offer this option.
Recent Changes to the Exams’ Structure
The GMAT Focus no longer requires a written essay, and the GRE now includes only one Analytical Writing section essay (Analyze an Issue). Both exams still test students on quantitative and verbal concepts. Additionally, the GMAT’s previous Integrated Reasoning section has been re-invented as the Data Insights section. There is no similar section on the GRE, although the GRE’s Quantitative section includes data analysis and interpretation questions.
KEY FACT:
You no longer need to write an essay on the GMAT. The GRE requires that you write one essay.
Computer-Adaptivity
Adaptivity refers to the way in which the computer analyzes students’ previous responses to questions to present later test questions. In other words, your early performance on the test is used to determine the difficulty level (and point value) of later questions on the test. As a result, no two students take exactly the same test.
The GMAT Focus and GRE are both computer-adaptive, but in different ways. Let’s look at how each works.
Question Adaptivity on the GMAT
The GMAT is adaptive at the question level. This scenario plays out for questions in Verbal, Quant, and Data Insights. In a nutshell, if you answer an easy question correctly, the next one will be more difficult, and answering it correctly will add more points to your score. Similarly, if you get the medium question correct, then you’ll be given the opportunity to answer a more difficult question, again with an even higher point value. Do note, too, that if you make a careless error and answer an easy question incorrectly, it can wreak havoc on your score. Of course, it’s critical to be extremely careful when you answer any question, but pay close attention to the easy ones!
Section Adaptivity on the GRE
We mentioned earlier that the GRE presents two Quantitative sections and two Verbal sections. So why the need for two of each? The answer is critical to the ability of the GRE to provide valid, reliable data to test-takers and the schools to which they apply.
The GRE is what is called a section-adaptive test. Let’s look at how section adaptivity works, using the Verbal section as an example.
In the first Verbal section, you’ll be presented with a mixture of easy, medium, and hard questions. After you finish the entire section, the computer will score your responses. If you performed well, your Verbal section 2 will present more difficult questions, and answering these questions correctly will give you more points. If instead, you didn’t score well on section 1, then section 2 will present easier questions, but correct answers won’t contribute as many points to your total score.
Section adaptivity works in an identical way for the two Quantitative sections. The key takeaway is to do your best on every question, but be sure to keep your focus as high as possible on section 1.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT adapts its difficulty based on your performance at the question level. The GRE adapts its difficulty level based on your performance at the section level.
A GRE Plus: You Can Skip Around
One major difference between the GMAT and GRE is that on the GRE you can skip around within a section. Skipping questions is not possible on the GMAT.
Because the GRE is section-adaptive, you can skip around within a section, answering questions in any order you choose.
On the GMAT, you must answer the question presented to you before moving on to the next one. You may not leave any question unanswered, unless you run out of time at the end of a section, which, of course, is to be avoided if at all possible.
Now, the ability to skip around may seem like a huge advantage of the GRE over the GMAT. However, it may not be the big benefit you initially assume. Let’s discuss why.
KEY FACT:
You may skip around in a GRE section. But on the GMAT, you must answer each question as you encounter it.
Skipping Around: Is It All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
For many, the ability to skip around within a section, especially a Verbal one, is a benefit. For instance, some test-takers use the strategy of answering questions that generally take less time, such as 1-blank Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, before answering more time-consuming questions, such as multi-blank Text Completion and Reading Comprehension questions. Or, on a Quant section, they cherry-pick the questions that they find easy to answer, saving the more challenging ones for later.
Others answer all the questions in the section in order but skip those questions that they can’t easily answer. They intend to return to the skipped questions after they have finished the section.
However, these strategies don’t work for everyone. Some students might feel disorganized by skipping around in a section. And, of course, the ultimate fear is that they will run out of time before they can answer those questions they skipped earlier.
So, don’t assume that the ability to skip questions will be a net gain.
One strategy that many students use is to answer questions sequentially in a section.
When they get to a question that is long or difficult, they guess at an answer and electronically mark the question for later review. Then, when they reach the end of the section, they have answered all the questions. So, if they have no time remaining, at least they have no unanswered questions. But if they have time remaining, they can bring up the “Review” screen and quickly find and answer the questions that they marked for review.
TTP PRO TIP:
Weigh the pros and cons of skipping around on the GRE to see if it works for you.
While the GMAT does not allow you to skip questions, it does allow you to revisit previous questions. Let’s discuss.
The “Mark, Review, and Edit” Feature
Yes, You Can Change Answers on the GMAT!
We earlier said that you must answer every GMAT question as you encounter it. With the “old” GMAT, once you answered a question, it was gone forever, and you could neither see it again nor change its answer. But GMAT Focus allows you to review previous questions and change up to 3 answers. Here’s how it works:
- As you work through, say, the Quant section, you must answer every question as it is presented to you.
- However, you may “mark” as many questions as you wish for later review.
- After you finish answering all the questions in the section, if there is any time remaining, a review screen will pop up, and it will show you the questions that you earlier marked for review.
- You may go back to any question in the section, time allowing, and you may change up to three answers.
If your time runs out in either section before you’ve answered all the questions, you will not see the review screen for that section. So, you will never have the opportunity to review or edit any of your previous answers.
Changing Answers on the GRE
On the GRE, you may bring up the review screen as often as you wish. It’s available to you at any time as you work through the section. Additionally, you may change as many answers as you like in a section, as long as time has not run out. You can see the review screen here. When you take a practice test, be sure to practice marking questions, bringing up the review screen, and returning to a question, to make sure this activity becomes second nature.
It’s important to reiterate that on both tests, you cannot return to previous sections.
KEY FACT:
The GRE allows you to change as many answers as you like in a section, whereas the GMAT caps you at 3 answer changes per section.
Now that we understand the structural differences between GMAT and GRE, let’s consider the differences in what’s tested on the two exams.
The Calculator
The GMAT allows the use of an on-screen calculator only for the Data Insights section. You will not have access to the calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
The GRE, on the other hand, allows the use of an on-screen calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning sections.
Be sure to learn the ins and outs of the on-screen calculator for the exam you choose. It is imperative that you are comfortable and familiar with all aspects of the calculator. Remind yourself that over-reliance on a calculator can be detrimental.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT allows a calculator for the Data Insights section. The GRE allows a calculator for the Quantitative Reasoning section.
GMAT vs. GRE Question Types and Content
It should not come as a total surprise to you that the topics tested and the types of questions are somewhat different on the two exams. However, remember that they are both measuring the skills, logic, and reasoning skills needed by postgraduate candidates. Thus, it’s important for you to decide which exam will best showcase your abilities. Knowing what’s tested on each exam and the types of questions asked will help you make that decision.
Let’s first concentrate on the Verbal Reasoning section.
Similar Question Types on GMAT and GRE Verbal Reasoning
GMAT Focus Verbal and GRE Verbal are similar in that they both feature Reading Comprehension (RC) questions and Critical Reasoning (CR) questions. However, the number of questions for these two categories is quite different on the two exams.
Let’s delve into the biggest similarity first: Reading Comprehension questions.
Reading Comprehension Questions
Reading Comprehension (RC) is the biggest similarity between the GMAT Focus Verbal and GRE Verbal sections. On both exams, you must read passages and answer questions about each passage.
GRE and GMAT RC questions have similar language and test many of the same skills. For example, both GMAT Focus and GRE RC test your ability to understand the following about a passage:
- the main idea
- the organization of the passage
- connections between ideas introduced in the passage
- the kinds of conclusions that can be drawn
There are significant differences between the questions on the two exams, however. GMAT RC questions are always single-answer multiple-choice. GRE RC questions are of three types: (1) single-answer multiple-choice, (2) multiple-answer multiple-choice, and (3) questions that ask you to highlight a sentence in the passage.
Furthermore, although it’s possible you might see a long passage, GRE passages tend to be short, perhaps 1 or 2 paragraphs. GMAT passages, on the other hand, tend to be longer—often in the range of 200-450 words. However, you will also see some very short 1- or 2-paragraph passages on the GMAT.
You’ll also see slightly more RC questions in GMAT Focus Verbal than in GRE Verbal: 13 or 14 vs. roughly 10 to 12, respectively.
The other question type GMAT and GRE Verbal have in common, Critical Reasoning, is where you’ll really see a big difference in the number of questions. Let’s discuss.
KEY FACT:
Both exams test you on reading comprehension, but there are differences in passage length and question type.
Critical Reasoning Questions
Both GMAT and GRE Verbal feature Critical Reasoning (CR) questions. CR questions present arguments that are just a few sentences long. Your job is to select the answer choice that relates to the argument as directed by the question.
For example, a question might ask you to:
- strengthen or weaken an argument
- identify an assumption made in an argument
- explain a seeming paradox within the argument
Critical Reasoning questions appear more frequently on the GMAT Focus. You’ll see 9 or 10 of them on the GMAT Focus but only 1 or 2 in total on the GRE.
So, while there are many similarities between the skills tested and style of passages in GMAT and GRE CR, you’ll need to focus on CR for your GMAT preparation more than for GRE prep.
KEY FACT:
On the GMAT Focus, you’ll see 9 or 10 Critical Reasoning questions, whereas on the GRE you’ll see only 1 or 2.
Now that we’ve covered the question types that the GMAT and GRE Verbal sections have in common, let’s talk about the types that are unique to each exam.
Unique Question Types (Verbal)
In addition to RC and CR questions, GRE Verbal features Sentence Equivalence and Text Completion questions. These question types largely test vocabulary skills and are unique to the GRE. Let’s explore each.
GRE Text Completion
Text Completion (TC) questions test your ability to use the correct word in context.
TC questions give you a single sentence or multiple sentences that contain 1, 2, or 3 blanks. Your task is to fill in the blanks with the correct word(s) or phrase(s) from among the answer choices. Note that there is no partial credit for 2-blank or 3-blank TC questions. You must correctly fill every blank to receive credit for that question.
KEY FACT:
Text Completion questions may feature 1, 2, or 3 blanks.
GRE Sentence Equivalence
Sentence Equivalence (SE) questions are similar to 1-blank Text Completion questions. However, in SE questions, you must select 2 answer choices that make the sentence convey the same meaning. For the sentence to convey the same meaning, the two correct answers will be synonyms. Note that in order to get credit for a SE question, you must choose both correct answers.
TTP PRO TIP:
To get Sentence Equivalence questions correct, you must be able to recognize synonym pairs among the answer choices.
Now that we know the differences between GRE and GMAT Focus Verbal Reasoning, let’s take a similar look at the Quantitative Reasoning sections of the two exams.
The Math Content of the GMAT and the GRE
In the Quantitative Reasoning sections, the GMAT and the GRE test roughly the same topics. Below are listed the 21 math topics that you may encounter. Note that the GMAT deleted Geometry as a testable math topic in 2023, and Data Interpretation on the GMAT is now tested in the Data Insights section.
- Basic Arithmetic
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Exponents and Roots
- Number Properties
- Inequalities
- Absolute Value
- General Word Problems
- Rates
- Work
- Unit Conversions
- Ratios
- Percents
- Overlapping Sets
- Statistics
- Combinations and Permutations
- Probability
- Geometry*
- Coordinate Geometry
- Functions and Sequences
- Data Interpretation*
Question Types on GMAT and GRE Quantitative Reasoning
Single-Answer Multiple-Choice Question (both GMAT and GRE)
Both the GMAT and the GRE ask the traditional single-answer multiple-choice question with 5 answer choices, sometimes referred to as Problem Solving questions (PS) on the GMAT. This is the only question type on the GMAT’s 21-question Quantitative Reasoning section.
In contrast, the GRE includes three additional question types. Let’s take a quick look at each of them.
Multiple-Answer Multiple-Choice (GRE only)
Multiple-answer multiple-choice questions are just what they sound like! Instead of selecting just one answer, you may need to select multiple answers. Keep in mind that there is no partial credit. In other words, you must choose all the correct answers to get credit for the question. The question stem will direct you to “select all that apply” as a reminder that there may be multiple correct answers.
Quantitative Comparison (QC) (GRE only)
Quantitative Comparison questions are unique to the GRE. You are usually given some information in the question stem. You are then given two quantities, A and B. It’s your job to determine whether Quantity A is greater than Quantity B (or vice versa), whether the two quantities are equal, or whether there is not enough information to determine a consistent relationship between the two quantities.
In addition to using your math skills, you can lean on your logical reasoning skills when you’re solving QC questions.
Numeric Entry (GRE only)
A Numeric Entry question is pretty much the same thing as a multiple choice – single answer question, except there are no answer choices provided. You must input your answer into a box instead of selecting an answer choice.
KEY FACT:
GMAT Quant questions are single-answer multiple-choice. There are four types of questions on the GRE Quant section.
The Data Insights Section of the GMAT
In addition to the Verbal and Quant sections of the GMAT, you’ll encounter the Data Insights section on the GMAT. There is no counterpart on the GRE.
The Data Insights section tests your ability to analyze and interpret data to make informed decisions, a critical skill in today’s fast-paced business world. You’ll find five question types on Data Insights:
- Data Sufficiency (DS) – You read a question and then must decide if two given facts provide sufficient information to conclusively answer the question. About 7 of the 20 Data Insights questions are DS questions.
- Graphics Interpretation (GI) – In a GI question, you must analyze and interpret a graphic.
- Table Analysis (TA) – Using a table of data, you must sort and analyze it to answer the questions.
- Two-Part Analysis (TPA) – TPA questions present you with either verbal or quantitative information, and you must answer two related questions
- Multi-Source Reasoning (MSR) – You integrate verbal and quantitative data from several sources to answer the questions.
Summary
Historically, the GMAT has been the go-to test for MBA applicants, and the GRE has been for those seeking graduate admission to most other programs. But in past years, the lines have blurred a bit, allowing more flexibility in the choice of test to take.
In this article, we have compared and contrasted the GRE vs GMAT for business school and other graduate programs. The following major differences were highlighted:
- The GMAT no longer has an Analytical Writing section, whereas the GRE requires writing one essay
- Both tests are computer-adaptive. The GMAT is question-adaptive, and the GRE is section-adaptive.
- On the GMAT, you must answer each question as it is presented to you. However, on the GRE, you can skip around in a section.
- You may change up to three answers in each GMAT section. On the GRE, you may change as many answers as you wish.
- The GMAT allows calculator use in only the Data Insights section. On the GRE, you may use a calculator for the two Quantitative Reasoning sections.
- Both the GMAT and the GRE ask Reading Comprehension and Critical Reading questions. The GRE also offers Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, which focus on vocabulary.
- Quantitative Reasoning topics tested are similar for the two exams.
- The GMAT has an additional section called Data Insights, which combines verbal, quant, and data analysis skills. It has no counterpart in the GRE.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the GMAT or GRE Better for Top MBA?
Nearly all business schools now accept either the GMAT or the GRE from applicants. However, there may still be a preference for GMAT scores at some institutions. It is a good idea to contact the admissions office at the schools you’re considering to see if a GMAT score might give you an edge during the admissions process.
Is the GRE Harder than the GMAT?
There is no universal agreement on which exam is “harder.” Obviously, everyone must make that decision individually. Many feel that the GRE verbal is more difficult because of the combination of reading, logic, and vocabulary that’s tested. However, the GMAT quant section is often cited as being more difficult than GRE quant. The GRE requires a written essay, which many feel is a real challenge. The GMAT’s Data Insights section combines math, verbal, and data analysis concepts, making for a challenging activity. The bottom line is this: do a practice test of each exam and choose the one with which you feel most comfortable.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the differences between the two exams – GMAT vs GRE – you should be able to make an informed decision about which one might suit your skills and abilities the best. You can read our posts about the GMAT Quantitative Section and the GRE Quantitative Section to get more in-depth information.
