GRE vs. GMAT vs. Other Tests
Students often wonder whether to take the GRE, GMAT, or other standardized tests like the SAT, ACT, or LSAT. Here’s a comparison of key differences to help you decide:
GRE vs. GMAT Comparison
| Feature | GRE (Graduate Record Examination) | GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | For graduate programs (MS, PhD, some MBA programs). | For business schools (MBA programs). |
| Sections | Verbal, Quant, Analytical Writing | Verbal, Quant, Integrated Reasoning, Analytical Writing |
| Scoring | Verbal & Quant: 130–170 (1-point increments) AWA: 0–6 (0.5-point increments) | Verbal & Quant: 200–800 (10-point increments) AWA: 0–6 (0.5-point increments) |
| Quant Focus | More basic math; allows calculator | Advanced math; no calculator |
| Verbal Focus | Vocabulary-heavy (text completion, sentence equivalence) | Grammar and reasoning-based questions |
| Test Format | Section-adaptive | Question-adaptive |
| Test Duration | 1 hour 58 minutes | 3 hours 7 minutes |
| Accepted By | Grad schools, some business schools | Business schools only |
| Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
| Best For | Students applying for various graduate programs | Students targeting top MBA programs |
GRE vs. Other Standardized Tests
| Feature | GRE | SAT | ACT | LSAT | MCAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate school (MS, PhD, MBA) | Undergraduate admissions | Undergraduate admissions | Law school admissions | Medical school admissions |
| Scoring | 260–340 | 400–1600 | 1–36 | 120–180 | 472–528 |
| Sections | Verbal, Quant, AWA | Reading, Writing, Math | English, Math, Reading, Science | Logical Reasoning, Reading, Writing | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology |
| Math Focus | Algebra, Geometry, Data Analysis | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry | No Math | Heavy in Physics & Chemistry |
| Verbal Focus | Reading, Critical Thinking | Reading, Grammar | Reading, Grammar | Logical Reasoning, Arguments | Scientific Reasoning |
| Test Length | 1 hour 58 min | 3 hours | 2 hours 55 min | 3 hours 30 min | 7 hours 30 min |
| Best For | Grad school applicants | High school students | High school students | Law school applicants | Medical school applicants |
Which Test Should You Take?
Choose GRE if you’re applying to MS, PhD, or some MBA programs.
Choose GMAT if your goal is top business schools (MBA programs).
Choose LSAT if you’re pursuing a law degree.
Choose MCAT for medical school admissions.
Choose SAT/ACT for undergraduate admissions.
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