The GMAT and GRE are both accepted by many business schools now, but which one you should take is a personal decision that depends on your individual areas of strength and weakness. Though many schools use test scores from either exam – and in some cases allow submission of scores from both exams – sending the test that best showcases your abilities is the best option.
GMAT for Business School
Up until the GRE was revised in 2012, the GMAT was the only test you could submit when seeking admission into an MBA program. Business schools would use your GMAT to see how you directly compare to other applicants. To help you select a school based on your scores, schools would release ranges for the GMAT. After the GRE was revised, the GMAT added the integrated reasoning section, and otherwise sets itself apart with data sufficiency questions and the prohibition of a calculator on the math section. If you are certain that you want to go to business school and not seek another degree, take the GMAT, as doing so lets schools know that you are committed to obtaining your MBA.
GRE for Business School
While in the past, many MBA programs refused to accept GRE scores, that is no longer the case. The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is the general admissions exam for students applying to graduate school. Students who are uncertain about going to business school or graduate school should take the GRE as it has much broader applications. Educational Testing Services (ETS), the company that makes the GRE, wants everyone to know the usefulness of the exam. That is why it puts on its website a listing of the business schools that accept GRE and GMAT scores for admission. When comparing the GMAT and the GRE, keep in mind that the GRE has a second essay, a greater emphasis on vocabulary, no integrated reasoning section, and you can use an on-screen, four-function calculator for the math section. It also includes quantitative comparison questions on the math section, and does not have the data sufficiency question type found on the GMAT.
When considering whether the GRE exam is a good test for your desired business school, of particular note and consideration should be any restrictions the university may have. For example, some business schools will accept the GRE (and sometimes even the LSAT) if you completed that exam more than six months prior to your application; otherwise, they might require the GMAT. It is always a good idea to check with the universities you will apply to when before making any substantive decisions.
If you are looking to get into business school, the good news now is that you have a choice of exams to take. Testmasters has help available. The experts at Testmasters offer courses and individual help for both GRE and GMAT test takers.
