Choose the MBA Admissions Exam That’s Right for You
Now that most business schools and MBA programs are accepting the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) as well as the GMAT as part of the application process, the question is: Which test is a better fit for you — the GMAT or GRE?
Breaking Down the GMAT vs GRE
There are several key logistical and philosophical differences between the GMAT and the GRE — including which aspects of quantitative and verbal reasoning they prioritize — and understanding those differences will put you in the best position to make an informed decision as to which exam to take when applying to business school.
This video breaks it down in detail and provides several considerations that you’ve probably never thought but that should factor in to your decision-making process:
Specifically, in this video I cover:
[1:02] The usefulness of the GMAT and GRE in terms of which types of graduate and business school programs they can be used for;
[3:13] The cost of each exam (hint: this shouldn’t be a determining factor in your decision, but you still need to know how much it’s gonna set you back to take either test…)
[3:50] The length of each exam including a discussion of the experimental section you’ll encounter on the GRE;
[4:48] Overview of the core competencies tested on these two standardized tests and a discussion of the topic areas they have in common (you’ll be surprised at how much overlap there actually is!);
[8:22] A closer look at the unique quantitative question types specific to each test — Quantitative Comparisons for the GRE and Data Sufficiency for the GMAT — with an example of each (you want to know what you’re up against, right!?);
[15:07] Breakdown of the key differences on the verbal sections of each test and which strengths/weaknesses are more relevant to the GMAT vs GRE;
[18:25] Three miscellaneous considerations to help you think through the nuances of which test will be a better fit for you!
Take a GMAT and GRE Practice Test
As the great Sun Tzu famously said, “Know thy enemy!” Perhaps it’s not ideal to think of the GMAT or GRE as your enemy, per se, but it’s nevertheless sound advice to peek behind the curtain before diving headlong into preparing for the GMAT or GRE. Specifically, you should consider taking a free practice test of both the GMAT and GRE to see where you currently stand and to get a better idea of which test plays to your strengths and which one you feel more comfortable with. Why not go with the exam you think you have a better chance of scoring well on, after all?
- You can download free GMATPrep software and take a practice test HERE.
- You can download free GRE PowerPrep II software and take a practice test HERE.
Additional full-length GMAT practice tests can be found here and additional full-length GRE practice tests can be found here.
Next Steps to a Higher Score
So there you have it! You now know the core differences between the GMAT and GRE and have a better idea of which one to take. But of course knowing is only half the battle. Now it’s time to buckle down and put in the hours to actually prepare for these tests. To get a leg up on your competition, join the thousands of other students from around the world who have boosted their GMAT and GRE scores with Dominate the GMAT / Dominate the GRE and consider taking one of our comprehensive GMAT prep courses or comprehensive GRE prep courses. I’d be honored to be your coach and look forward to empowering you to dominate your business school applications!