GRE vs GMAT? Which test is Right for you?

GRE and GMAT

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are both standardized tests used for admissions to graduate programs.

The GRE is owned and administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) owns and operates the test GMAT.

Purpose and Focus:

• The GRE is accepted for a wider range of graduate graduate programs, including Master's and Ph.D. programs across various disciplines (e.g., humanities, social sciences, natural sciences). It is generally considered to be more focused on verbal and analytical skills.
• The GMAT is typically used for business school admissions specifically designed for admissions to MBA (Master of Business Administration). It is more focused on quantitative and reasoning skills. 

Structure and Timing

• The computer-based GRE General Test consists total of six sections. Three main sections - Verbal Reasoning (assess reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and vocabulary usage), Quantitative Reasoning (assess basic high school level mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills),and Analytical Writing (consists of two different essays, an "issue task" and an "argument task”)

  The entire testing procedure lasts about 3 hours 45 minutes. One-minute breaks are offered after each section and a 10-minute break after the third section.

   

•  The GMAT exam consists of three sections:  Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights (designed to measure a test taker's ability to evaluate data presented in multiple formats from multiple sources)

  The total testing time is two hours and 15 minutes to answer 64 questions, and test takers have 45 minutes for each section. 

The GRE math section tends to be more straightforward and allows a calculator for all quantitative problems, unlike the GMAT.

Scoring

• GRE Verbal and Quantitative sections are scored on a scale of 130-170 in 1-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments. Examinee can miss one or more questions on a multiple-choice section and still receive a perfect score of 170. Likewise, even if no question is answered correctly, 130 is the lowest possible score.
• The total GMAT score ranges from 205 to 805 and measures performance on all three sections together. Scores are given in increments of 10 (e.g. 545, 555, 565, 575, etc.). Quantitative and Verbal sections are scored on a scale of 0-60 in 1-point increments. The Integrated Reasoning section is scored on a scale of 1-8 in 1-point increments, and the AWA section is scored separately on a scale of 0-6 in half-point increments. 

Score Report Availability:

• You can access your GRE scores online through your ETS (Educational Testing Service) account, where you can view your official scores and send them to institutions electronically. 
• You can access your GMAT scores online through your GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council) account, where you can view your unofficial scores immediately after completing the test. Official score reports are available online within 20 days of your test date.

Retaking the Test:

Scores are valid for five years, during which you can send them to institutions for admissions purposes.

• If you wish to improve your GRE scores or if your scores have expired, you can retake the GRE. There is no limit to how many times you can take the GRE, but you can only take it once every 21 days, up to five times in a continuous rolling 12-month period.
• There is no limit to how many times you can take the GMAT, but you can only take it once every 16 days and no more than five times within any rolling 12-month period.

You also have the option to cancel your GMAT or GRE scores at the test center immediately after completing the test, but this action cannot be undone. Cancelled scores will not be reported to you or any institutions.

Fee structure and Test center

• GRE

  Test Fee is US $ 220 i.e. NPR. 26,550

  Test centers in Nepal
  Universal Language & Computer Institute – Dill bazar Height Marg, Kathmandu 
  Education First – New Plaza Marga, Putalisadak.
  Kathmandu College of Management – Opposite B and B Hospital Gwarko. 
  Fulbright Commission in Nepal (USEF Nepal) – Aakirti Marg, Kathmandu.
  New Ambitions – Gaindakot Municipality Ward 8, Congress Chowk, Nawalpur

•  GMAT

  Test fee is US $250 NRS 30,000 approx.

  Test centers in Nepal
  Kathmandu College of Management (KCM), Gwarko, Kathmandu

Preparation Materials:

Both tests offer official study guides and practice materials, but GMAT preparation often includes specific resources tailored to business school admissions and data-driven decision-making. Obtain official study materials from ETS for GRE and GMAC for GMAT. These include practice tests, sample questions, and study guides. 

GMAT Vs. GRE: Which is Easier?

Both GMAT and GRE follow a different pattern, and it is not easy to categorize one as easy and another as difficult. Moreover, GMAT is considered the best choice for admission to top business schools to study abroad. However, the Quantitative Reasoning section of the GRE is considered a bit easier than GMAT. On the other hand, the Verbal Reasoning section of GMAT is considered easier than GRE.

Both tests are challenging and require dedicated preparation to achieve competitive scores. Your choice should align with your career goals and the specific requirements of the graduate programs you wish to attend. By leveraging local resources and adopting effective study strategies, you can maximize your chances of achieving competitive scores and securing admission to your desired graduate programs.