Students need to submit scores of either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as a part of admission requirements for graduate business programs. Let’s try to find out vital facts about these exams, their key differences, answers to related questions like whether colleges prefer the GMAT or GRE, and more.

Key Highlights

• What is the GMAT? 
• What are GMAT requirements?
• GMAT registration 2023
• What is the GRE?
• Converting GRE to GMAT
• GMAT vs GRE: Key differences
• Which should I choose: GMAT or GRE?

Ø  Academic goal

Ø  Math skills

Ø  University requirements

What is the GMAT?

GMAT is a widely-accepted entrance test for getting into business and management programs worldwide, including part-time and full-time MBA and other Master’s programs such as Master of Finance. Over 7,700 programs at 2,400 universities and organisations in 110 countries accept the GMAT score for various management programs.

What are GMAT requirements?

Test applicants seeking admission to a B-school must be 18 years old and should have completed graduation from a recognised university. Test takers below 18 years of age must email the GMAT parental consent form to the respective authorities before the exam.

GMAT registration 2023

GMAT will be available several times in 2023. So, you can visit the official GMAC website and choose the dates that are available and convenient for you. Once you decide on the date, you can open your mba.com account to register for the exam on the same website. After registering, you will be given the option to select your preferred date and time.    

What is the GRE?

The GRE is a standardised test for taking admissions into graduate and business school programs worldwide. You can reappear for the test once every 21 days, a maximum of up to five times in a continuous 12-month rolling period.

Converting GRE to GMAT

Some B-schools have specific GRE score requirements, which must be equivalent to the necessary levels of GMAT scores. Thus, students should convert GRE scores using the GRE to GMAT conversion tool to predict the GMAT.

GMAT vs GRE: Key differences

	GMAT	GRE
Full-form	Graduate Management Admission Test	Graduate Records Examination
Accepted by/for	Business and management programs worldwide	Graduate,  Business programs worldwide.
Test Format	Online Test Center	Test Center Test at a Home
Conducting Body	Graduation Management Admission Council (GMAC)	Educational Testing Service (ETS)
Sections	Analytical Writing Integrated Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning	Analytical Writing Verbal Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning
Length	3 hours 7 minutes	3 hours and 45 minutes
Scoring & Validity	Composite score: 200-800 points The score is valid for 5 years	No composite score Verbal and quantitative reasoning: 130-170 in 1-point increment. Analytical writing: 0-6, in half point increments Score is valid for 5 years
Cost	GMAT registration fee $ 275 (at a test center) $ 300 (online fee)	GRE registration fee India: $ 213

 

Which should I choose: GMAT or GRE?

“Is GMAT better than GRE for MBA” is one question you may have if you want to pursue an MBA program. Earlier MBA aspirants had no choice other than giving a GMAT exam. But, of late, the majority of top-notch universities, such as Stanford and New York University (NYU) are accepting GRE scores. So, if you want to know if Harvard University prefers GRE or GMAT, the answer is it accepts both.

Which exam should I choose is one of the most asked questions by students. However, one is not better than the other. But you can make the right decision by considering the following factors.

• Academic Goal: If you want to take admission into business schools, the GMAT test is the best way to meet your academic goal. On the contrary, the GRE is an ideal choice in case you are applying for multiple degree programs.
• Math Skills: The GMAT exam is ideal for those with strong analytical and quantitative skills, whereas the GRE is suitable for those with strong vocabulary skills.
• University requirements: Many universities accept both GRE and GMAT scores. But it is a wise idea to check university as well as course-specific requirements thoroughly to decide which exam is appropriate to take.

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