If you’re planning to apply to business school, you may be wondering whether you should take the GMAT or GRE. Both tests are accepted by many MBA programs, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors to consider when choosing between the GMAT and GRE.
Check School Requirements
The first step in deciding whether to take the GMAT or GRE is to check the admission requirements of the schools to which you plan to apply. Most business schools now accept both tests, but some may have a preference for one over the other. It’s important to know the admission requirements and recommendations of each school to which you are applying.
Consider Your Strengths and Weaknesses
The GMAT and GRE are different tests that assess different skills. The GMAT is designed specifically for business school applicants and tests skills such as analytical writing, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning. The GRE, on the other hand, is a more general test that assesses analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning. It’s important to consider your strengths and weaknesses when choosing between the two tests.
If you’re strong in quantitative reasoning, you may want to consider taking the GMAT, which has a heavier emphasis on math than the GRE. On the other hand, if you’re stronger in verbal reasoning, the GRE may be a better choice. Keep in mind that the GMAT does test grammar and sentence structure, but it’s not as heavy on vocabulary as the GRE.
Test Format and Time
The format and time of each test is another important factor to consider. The GMAT is a computer-adaptive test that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on your performance. The test is broken up into four sections: analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative, and verbal. The test takes about 3.5 hours to complete, including breaks.
The GRE, on the other hand, is also a computer-adaptive test, but is broken up into six sections: analytical writing, two verbal reasoning, two quantitative reasoning, and an experimental section. The test takes about 3.75 hours to complete, including breaks. The extra time on the GRE is due to the additional experimental section, which is not scored but is used to test new questions.
Consider which test format and time you feel most comfortable with. Some students may prefer the shorter duration of the GMAT, while others may appreciate the longer break times on the GRE.
Preparation Materials
Both the GMAT and GRE have a variety of preparation materials available, such as study guides, online courses, and practice tests. However, the preparation materials for the GMAT are generally more specific to business school and may provide more targeted preparation for the exam. The GRE preparation materials, on the other hand, may be more general and geared toward a wider range of graduate school programs.
Consider the availability and quality of preparation materials for each test when making your decision. It’s also important to take into account the cost of the preparation materials and whether you can afford them.
Conclusion:
Choosing between the GMAT and GRE for MBA applications is a personal decision that depends on a variety of factors. It’s important to research the requirements of the schools to which you plan to apply, consider your own strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the format and preparation materials for each test. Ultimately, the goal is to choose the test that will allow you to demonstrate your skills and abilities in the best possible way. Whichever test you choose, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and do your best on test day. Good luck!
