GRE or Gmat? How to decide which test is best for your Masters

Why should you take it?

If you wish to enroll in a business school or management program, the GMAT is the key. On the other hand, an admission to postgraduate or doctoral degree programs in a graduate school requires you to give the GRE.

However, some graduate schools give their prospective students the choice of which test to take while some business schools accept only GMAT scores. To pick a test that best emphasizes your strengths, you should know the key differences between the GRE and GMAT.

What Are the Policies of the Schools/Universities You’re Applying To?

Because the metrics vary considerably, the best way to find out which test is likely to be an advantage is to simply call the admissions office at the schools of your choice. If one or more schools you’re interested in have indicated that they prefer GRE to GMAT scores, that’s a strong reason to take the GRE alone.

How Similar is GRE to GMAT?

Both the examinations check the test-taker’s quantitative reasoning, verbal ability ,and analytical skills. The tests are also both adaptive but in slightly different ways. Generally, the tests are computer-based but paper-based exams are held where the computers are not available at the test centers. Moreover, the scores are valid for not more than 5 years.

Does retaking GRE or GMAT affect admission process?

For most B-schools, there is no negative impact of multiple attempts.With the GRE, you can choose to send any or all your GRE scores to the schoolsyou have applied while for the GMAT, your score report will contain scores from every GMAT you took.

Considerations

• If you have very strong Math skills but feel that your English skills are average, consider taking the GMAT.

• If your verbal and math skills are just about equal, consider taking the GRE.

Here is a split up of what you can expect to see on test day-

Score Scale-

The GRE gives three different scaled scores:

• Quantitative on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments.
• Verbal on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments.
• Analytical Writing on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.

The GMAT provides four separate scores:

• Quantitative Score on 0-60 score scale, in 1-point increments.
• Verbal Score on a 0-60 score scale, in 1-point increments.
• Analytical Writing on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.
• Total Score on a scale of 200 to 800, in 10-point increments.

Ultimately, to succeed at either, you’ll need mastery of essential math and verbal skills. If a school/university gives you the opportunity to choose between the two exams, pick the one you can master more easily. Good Luck!

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