6 Reasons Why You Should Choose GRE Over GMAT

One of the most popular and enduring myths about MBA admissions is that taking the GMAT would automatically help you stand out in competitive applicant pools - and that by extension, the GMAT is preferred to the GRE. Put bluntly, this is not true for all graduate schools, with most being neutral about GMAT vs GRE.

The war between the GMAT and GRE started ever since the GRE expanded into the realm of MBA admissions. A growing number of MBA programs - over 1,200 - now accept both GMAT and GRE scores or either, for business school admissions. However, while the GRE is eligible for admission to other graduate schools, the GMAT has been designed to cater only to MBA applicants.

To me, which might be contrary to popular belief, taking the GMAT does not really feel like putting on a badge. Before you start thinking that I forgot to pay my brain bill, let me tell you why GRE may be a better option than the GMAT.

GRE vs GMAT: A Brief Overview

Before we get into a detailed discussion about why you should choose GRE over GMAT, let us quickly view the differences between both exams:

Reasons Why GRE May Be Better Than GMAT

The GMAT is no longer the only test in the game because admissions trends reveal that business schools are looking for individuals with backgrounds outside of the business field. Comparing GMAT and GRE scores is like comparing Citrus Limetta to Kiwi since the two exams are so dissimilar from one another. Both ETS and GMAC, who administer GRE and GMAT (respectively), offer comparison tools to put student scores into perspective. However, many MBA programmes use the ETS comparison tool as a benchmark. Here is all about why the GRE may be better than GMAT for you:

The Only Admission Test Common for All Graduate Programs Including MBA

The GRE is the only widely-accepted test for your readiness for graduate school and the only exam that can get you into business, law and any other graduate school, opening way more doors for you than the GMAT. Taking the GRE ensures that you end up with a lot more academic options besides just a business degree or an MBA. I have come across a good number of students unsure about which program to take up, who chose to attempt the GMAT and eventually wished to have the flexibility that the GRE naturally offers.

While the GMAT is specifically designed to assess your business school performance, with a GRE score, you can highlight your strengths outside of the common business skill set which may further lead you to a unique academic and career path. Further, the GRE works as an addition to your academic abilities in case your other scores like the GPA are not as good as you might have wanted them to be.

Gives an Edge if You are Struggling With Math

Given that most of my friends are scared of math or quant, I can bet that most of you can also relate. In case you do, you must already be dreading preparing for the math section of the GMAT. Well, unlike the GMAT which often suits those with strong quantitative and analytical skills, the GRE Quantitative Reasoning Section tends to be pretty straightforward and comparatively easy.

GRE focuses more on vocabulary and less on grammar and logical arguments while GMAT stresses grammar and reasoning. One big advantage of taking the GRE is that it does not have Integrated Reasoning which measures how well you assess data and use it to solve difficult problems. This way, you can escape from GMAT 12 questions across question types in the Integrated Reasoning section.

Grad Schools Say They Do Not Prefer One to the Other

Yes, a lot of MBA applicants believe that GMAT is the only path to top B-Schools. But, let me show you otherwise. Here is what leading business schools have to say about their preference between GMAT and GRE. (Quotes mentioned below have been sourced from the official websites of respective universities):

Stanford University says they have no preference between GMAT and GRE exams and the same goes for Harvard Business School (HBS), MIT Sloan, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton), HEC Paris, Chicago Booth, Oxford Said, and NYU Stern to name a few. UCLA (Anderson) says that they accept both tests. If you have not taken either test then we recommend the GRE.

Given that top universities offering MBAs do not have any preference between the two, it is only likely that more business schools are to follow suit.

Moreover, the ETS conversion tool to translate GRE scores into GMAT scores allows universities to compare scores from applicants using the same scale, further leaving no room for them to prefer GMAT to GRE.

Not Every Business Programme Requires the GMAT

Melbourne Business School says, If you are required to undertake a test for entry to the Master of Applied Econometrics, Master of Economics and Master of Commerce (Actuarial Science) then you are required to sit the GRE. For a Master of Finance, you may choose between sitting the GMAT or the GRE.

Programs such as the Master of Marketing, believe it or not, actually favour the GRE over the GMAT. This is because GRE is more qualitative and verbal-based, which makes more sense for students interested in the marketing sector. Not to mention that a quant score, which the GMAT focuses more on, does not measure the creativity of an applicant.

The same goes for those applying for joint degrees such as MBA/MPP and MBA/MPA-ID, which usually require students to take the GRE.

Comparatively Less Test Anxiety

Yes, that is true! Apart from the differences between the GMAT and GRE in terms of content, both have different adaptive testing algorithms. For people like me who like to review all of their answers at the end of a section, GRE serves the best. It allows you to go back to the answered questions, take a look at them and even change the answer, provided you still have time left to complete that section.

On the other hand, the GMAT will not allow you to skip, return to or change your answers as each section is separately timed. Also, research done by ETS further proves that most GRE candidates increased their scores after changing answers.

A Differentiator for an MBA Candidacy

Experts say that the GRE has become more popular as universities see it as a valuable differentiator and strategic decision for MBA candidacy. MBA programs have been open to accepting GRE scores to draw a more diverse set of applicants and bolster positioning for applicants that fall in the non-traditional category of applicants.

Moreover, it creates a more competitive enrollment rate, increases the volume of applications, and encourages more universities to admit students submitting GRE scores for MBA. As per experts, choosing between the GMAT and GRE to study abroad should be based on the following eight considerations:

• Value of a stellar score

• Test focus

• Math skills

• Career goals

• Language skills

• Test anxiety

• Score reporting policies

• Test-prep materials provided by the test-makers

Still having trouble choosing between GRE and GMAT for your graduate studies abroad? Why not check out the following video to apprehend the top six benefits of taking GRE over GMAT?

Which is Easier, GMAT or GRE?

Which test will be simpler for you will be determined by your academic capabilities and testing approach. The quantitative section of the GRE is often simpler than the quantitative section of the GMAT (and you get to use a calculator). The GRE quant section often has more geometry problems, whereas the GMAT section contains more logical reasoning questions.

In contrast, the GRE verbal part has a more challenging vocabulary than the GMAT. Many test takers believe that the GMAT verbal part is somewhat easier.

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But How Do I Really Decide?

Although a majority of business school candidates prefer the GMAT over the GRE, business schools sometimes accept GRE scores as part of their admissions requirements. This means you may take the test that best demonstrates your academic skills. Here are some things to think about as you choose the best selection for you.

Academic Objectives: If you are looking into multiple graduate schools or just want to leave your options open, the GRE is accepted in a larger range of degree programmes. If you are confident about going to business school, taking the GMAT is a good method to show your dedication.

Institution Requirements: Many colleges accept either score, but it is a good idea to double-check admissions standards ahead of time. Speak with an admissions representative to see if they have a preference between the two examinations.

Academic Strengths: If your quantitative skills are stronger than your verbal capabilities, the GMAT may provide a better opportunity to demonstrate such abilities. Consider taking the GRE if you are a skilled writer. The GRE might be more difficult for non-native English speakers due to the terminology used.

Testing Style: The GRE structure lets you hop around and look over your answers if you choose. Some exam takers may feel more confident as a result of this.

Exam Performance: Taking a practice exam for each test is one approach to deciding which one you are most equipped for and ready to take on the challenge. Take them individually in conditions as near to reality as feasible. You will have a better sense of which you prefer after taking and scoring your examinations.

Score Reporting: If you take the GRE more than once, you have the option of sending different results to different institutions. In the case of the GMAT exam, business schools receive all of your GMAT scores. Many programmes just take the highest score into account.

If your university has no preference and you answered yes to most of the questions, you may want to take the GRE.

Have you made up your mind to decide which exam is ideal for you? If not, then call one of our study abroad consultants for help at abroad@collegedekho.com to resolve all your queries from the experts.