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GRE - SPLessons
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GRE vs GMAT

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GRE vs GMAT

shape Introduction

GRE test is primarily required for admission to most graduate schools across the globe and since recently few business schools are accepting the GRE scores as well. GMAT is required for admission to most business schools across the globe. This article compares the differences between GRE and GMAT and thus is primarily about GRE vs GMAT. GRE vs GMAT is a good read for aspirants of graduate and business schools.

shape GRE&GMAT

SPLessons

It’s good to start off with some background and historical developments.
The story dates back to 2006 when GMAT owned by GMAC (Graduate Management Admissions Council) which had partnered with ETS (Educational Testing Service) all the while to manage their tests decided to part ways with ETS and instead made a new contract with ACT-Pearson as reported on The New York Times.
ETS which already conducts the GRE, now started making attempts to capture another big market by convincing business schools about accepting the GRE score on the grounds that they would be able to widen and diversify their applicant pool. In fact the changes that took place in the GRE test format in August 2011 were made to make it more relevant to business schools.
On similar lines, changes in the GMAT in June 2012 brought into the picture a new section, the Integrated Reasoning to make the test more b school friendly. As more and more schools start accepting the GRE score, the competition between the GMAT and the GRE is set to get tougher.
The cost of taking a GRE is $195 whereas that of the GMAT is $250 – a difference of $65 between the two. Both the GMAT and GRE are computer-based test and can be taken throughout the year, however in areas where computer-based testing is not possible, GRE is available as a paper-based test up to thrice a year. Both the GMAT and the GRE scores are valid for five years.
Though there are similarities, there are also differences between the GRE and GMAT syllabus. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that studying for one will prepare you for the other.
Both the GMAT and the GRE have similar sections:
GRE GMAT
Verbal reasoning Verbal reasoning
Quantitative reasoning Quantitative reasoning
----- Integrated Reasoning
Analytical writing sections Analytical writing sections

The Integrated Reasoning section is a new addition in GMAT.
Many find the Quantitative section in the GMAT tougher in comparison to the GRE whereas the Verbal section in the GRE seems to be more challenging in comparison to the GMAT.
GRE GMAT
Test Purpose The test is required for admission to most graduate schools and a growing number of business schools. The test is required for admission to most business schools.
Test Structure ✦ The GRE consists of a 60-minute Analytical Writing section - with two essays at 30 minutes each.
✦ There are two 30-minute Verbal Reasoning sections.
✦ There are two 35-minute Quantitative Reasoning sections.
✦ There's also a 30-35 minute experimental section that can be either math or verbal.		 ✦ The GMAT consists of a 30-minute Analytic section with one essay,
✦ A 30-minute Integrated Reasoning section.
✦ A 75-minute Quantitative section
✦ A 75- minute Verbal section.
Test Format Offered as a computer adaptive by section exam in the United States. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test.
Test Scores Verbal and Quantitative scores from 130 to 170 in 1-point increments. The overall, or composite, GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800 in 10-point increments.
Test Cost $195 $250
Total test Time 3hrs, 30minutes 3 hrs, 10 minutes
Score Validity 5 years 5 years

shape Conclusion

After the above discussion, it can be said that both the test are completely different.

    ✦ If aspirants want to apply for non-management master’s degree, then GRE is the best option for them
    ✦ If aspirants whole sole ambition is to become a management graduate, then they must go for the GMAT.

shape Tips

✦ If aspirants have very strong math skills, but feel that their English skills (particularly vocabulary) are weaker, it is advised to take the GMAT.
✦ If aspirants have very strong English skills (particularly if their vocabulary is stronger than their grammar knowledge), but feel less confident in math, it is advised to take the GRE.
✦ If aspirants verbal and math skills are about equal, it is advised to take the GRE.
✦ If aspirants are applying to a program focusing specifically on their Quantitative or Verbal scores (such as Engineering or English), it is advised to take the GRE.
✦ If English is their second language, it is advised to take the GMAT.

Quote

"Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time."

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