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Many students looking for an edge on their business school applications wonder whether it might be worth it to take both the GRE and GMAT exams. Today, we’re going to explore that question and go through some differences between the exams that can help you decide what course of action is best for you.
Quick Answer
While the question of whether to take both the GRE and GMAT may seem difficult, the reality is simple: most programs give equal weight to either exam. So, you do not need to take both the GRE and GMAT. Nearly all business schools accept either test, so taking 1 is sufficient. Choosing the exam that best matches your strengths and goals is a smarter strategy than splitting your time and money between both.
Keep reading to learn how business schools view GRE vs. GMAT scores, when it might make sense to take both, and how to decide which test is right for you.
Here are the topics we’ll cover:
- Do Business Schools Require Both Tests?
- Why You Shouldn’t Set a Goal of Taking Both Tests
- How to Decide Between the GMAT and the GRE
- Preparing for the GMAT or GRE
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What’s Next?
Do Business Schools Require Both Tests?
Good news: business schools do not require both the GRE and the GMAT. A requisite score on either test will satisfy the admissions requirements of any school. It certainly won’t hurt you to take both, but it also won’t give you any sort of advantage. Thus, the best thing to do is figure out as soon as possible which test is most appropriate for you and stick with that test.
TTP PRO TIP:
Taking both the GRE and the GMAT is neither required nor beneficial.
Why You Shouldn’t Set a Goal of Taking Both Tests
It’s not only unnecessary but counterproductive to start your prep with the goal of taking both the GMAT and GRE. Setting that goal splits your energy and time between 2 tests, and preparing for 1 is daunting enough! While there are definitely many similarities between the 2 tests, the formats are completely different. On top of that, there is enough difference in content to make simultaneous prep extremely stressful.
TTP PRO TIP:
Spending extra time preparing for a different test is unnecessary and counterproductive.
But what if you want to switch from one test to the other? Is making the switch worth it? Let’s discuss.
Switching From the GMAT to the GRE
It is very common for students to start prep for the GMAT and then consider a switch to the GRE. For example, it can be valuable to consider a switch if you’ve been studying the GMAT for several months and haven’t seen any improvement. At that point, you can certainly consider whether you’ll have more success with the GRE.
The good news is that all the base knowledge necessary for the GMAT also applies to the GRE. This is important because many students have the misconception that if they switch, they’ll have to start from scratch. It’s good to know that if you make the switch, there won’t be any sunk costs.
With all of this in mind, how do you decide — either at the start of your prep or in the middle — which test is best for you? Let’s explore.
TTP PRO TIP:
It can be helpful to consider a switch from GMAT to GRE if you’re having limited success, but do not begin your prep with the goal of taking both tests.
How to Decide Between the GMAT and the GRE
There are a few major factors that can help you decide which test is a good fit for you. But before we look at those, let’s answer one of the most common questions among students who are unsure of which test to take.
Is the GRE Easier than the GMAT?
It is not a wise move to consider taking the GRE simply because you’ve heard that it’s “easier” than the GMAT. “Easier” is a subjective term; what is easier for some may not be right for you. If you’ve been prepping for the GMAT for a while, you’ll have grown familiar with it. Thus, switching to the GRE could be a time-waster that does more harm than good.
So, while there are advantages and disadvantages to the GRE, difficulty level shouldn’t be your primary concern.
TTP PRO TIP:
There are advantages and disadvantages to the GRE, but difficulty level shouldn’t be your primary concern.
With that in mind, let’s cover the main advantages and disadvantages of the GRE.
Advantages of the GRE
There are 3 key aspects of the GRE format that many test-takers consider advantages over the GMAT.
Ability to Skip Questions
On the GRE, you can skip questions within a section and return to them later, provided you have time remaining in the section.
Conversely, on the GMAT, you cannot move to the next question without locking in an answer for the current question. You can, however, edit your answers to up to 3 questions per section on the GMAT. But (and here’s a huge caveat), you can only do so after you’ve completed the section. In addition, you don’t get extra time to make changes. So, if you don’t have enough time left to edit answers at the end of a section, or you run out of time before you complete the section, you’re out of luck.
For those struggling with timing, the ability to skip around on the GRE can be a huge advantage. You can strategize regarding the types of questions to tackle first. For example, you can choose to answer the question types that you’re most skilled in first. Or, you can tackle the questions you’re able to answer fastest first. You can also leave behind a question that’s stumping you, knowing that you can return to it later, and focus on questions you can answer in the meantime.
KEY FACT:
Unlike the GMAT, the GRE allows you to skip around within each section.
On-Screen Calculator for All Quant Questions
On the GRE, you have an on-screen calculator at your disposal for all Quantitative questions. The GMAT does not allow this luxury. Rather, the GMAT provides an on-screen calculator for the Data Insights section, but not the Quantitative section. That’s not to say that you should use the calculator as a crutch on either exam! However, for some test-takers, knowing it’s there if they need it takes down their stress levels considerably.
KEY FACT:
Unlike the GMAT, the GRE provides an on-screen calculator for the Quant section.
Fewer Multiple-Choice Questions
There are fewer multiple-choice questions on the GRE than on the GMAT (54 vs. 64). While the 2 tests are roughly the same length, the first 30 minutes of the GRE is devoted to an essay. Thus, you’ll have to spend considerably less time on multiple-choice questions (88 minutes on the GRE vs. 135 minutes on the GMAT).
In addition, the longest duration of a multiple-choice section on the GRE is 26 minutes. In contrast, each multiple-choice section on the GMAT is 45 minutes. Does your energy and focus start to wane during longer sections? The relatively short sections on the GRE can be a huge benefit for you.
You can learn more about the GRE format here and learn more about the GMAT format here.
KEY FACT:
The GRE has fewer multiple-choice questions and shorter sections than the GMAT.
OK, we’ve covered the advantages. Now, let’s discuss a few GRE disadvantages to consider when deciding which test to take.
Disadvantages of the GRE
There are 3 aspects of the GRE that many test-takers consider disadvantages compared with the GMAT.
Vocabulary-Building
While GMAT Reading Comprehension passages may feature some difficult vocabulary, the GMAT does not test vocab knowledge as a rule. The GRE, however, requires that you study vocabulary as a major part of your prep. After all, you’ll be tackling Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions, as well as vocab questions related to Reading Comprehension passages.
If you’re already solid on vocab or retain words easily, GRE vocab study may not be a big deal. But for people who struggle with vocab, the GRE Verbal Reasoning section may present a serious challenge.
KEY FACT:
Vocab study will be a large part of your test prep if you take the GRE instead of the GMAT.
Geometry
The GRE tests geometry extensively, while the GMAT rarely tests geometry, if at all. The geometry tested on the GRE requires extensive memorization and practice that you won’t need for the GMAT. Again, if you’re solid on geometry or find it relatively easy to pick up, this potential downside might not worry you. However, geometry may be one of your weak points. Or, you may already be struggling to find enough time to prep for other types of Quant material. If so, the inclusion of geometry questions would be a huge strike against the GRE.
KEY FACT:
Geometry is a significant part of GRE Quant, but is basically nonexistent in GMAT Quant.
No Break
On the GRE, you must complete the entire 2-hour-plus exam in 1 sitting. Although GRE sections are shorter than GMAT sections, the GMAT allows a 10-minute break after either the first or the second of its 3 sections.
Would you benefit from taking a break to use the restroom, grab a snack, stretch, or walk around a bit? The GMAT could be a better fit for you. However, if the GRE’s duration isn’t a problem for you, the lack of a break is probably a negligible consideration.
KEY FACT:
The GRE does not allow for a break during the test.
Preparing for the GMAT or GRE
Let’s touch on some of the important differences between preparing for the GMAT and preparing for the GRE.
Unique Aspects of GRE Preparation
As we’ve already discussed, the GRE requires lots of memorization for geometry and vocabulary-based questions. So, you may need to study, say, 10 new words a day, review 50–70 words at the end of the first week, and then do a cumulative review each week thereafter. You will also need to strategize as to when to skip over questions and when to tough them out. So, there are some unique timing considerations and techniques for the GRE.
KEY FACT:
The GRE requires extensive memorization of vocabulary and geometry principles.
Unique Aspects of GMAT Preparation
While the GRE requires its own pacing strategies, for the GMAT, you need to be even more careful about timing. Remember, there is no option to skip questions, and you can review questions only if time remains at the end of the section.
Additionally, the GMAT Quantitative section is much more demanding in terms of deeper reasoning and creative thinking than the GRE Quantitative sections. Again, this difference does not make the GRE “easier,” necessarily; it’s just different. But GMAT Quantitative questions do force you to stretch your reasoning skills in ways that don’t come as naturally to some.
KEY FACT:
The GMAT requires you to stretch your reasoning in ways that may feel unnatural.
Tackling Data Insights on the GMAT
The GMAT’s Data Insights section requires speed. You must train yourself to extract patterns and make inferences quickly using various forms of data, both Verbal and Quantitative. For those who work with figures and charts as part of their careers, this isn’t a big ask. Now, GRE Data Interpretation questions also ask you to analyze visual data. However, the questions tend to be much more straightforward than GMAT Data Insights questions.
Also, GMAT Data Sufficiency questions push you to determine quickly when you actually need to apply formulas or calculations and when you can circumvent doing so by thinking much more conceptually or abstractly.
KEY FACT:
GMAT Data Insights requires quick interpretation of various types of data and fast recognition of when to avoid calculations.
Key Takeaways
You do not need to take both the GMAT and the GRE to increase your chances of admissions success. However, it’s wise to consider the substantive differences between the tests, both in terms of the content and the format. Then, determine which test best fits your natural strengths. It’s best to make this assessment at the very beginning of your prep. This way, you’ll avoid wasting time studying for a test that doesn’t suit you well. Finally, if you’re stalling in your progress, comparing the 2 tests can help you decide whether to stay the course or make a switch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do MBA programs prefer the GMAT over the GRE?
This is highly school-dependent, so it’s helpful to check out the admissions websites of your desired schools. However, most schools do not state an explicit preference for the GMAT over the GRE.
Will taking both the GMAT and GRE improve my chances of admission?
No, taking both exams instead of 1 will not give you an advantage.
What if I already have scores for both the GMAT and GRE?
If you have scores for both tests already, you can certainly submit them both. However, you will not gain any advantage.
In fact, if you performed better on 1 of the 2 exams, you should submit only the better score. For more information, check out our article about how to compare GMAT and GRE scores.
Which test is easier, the GMAT or GRE?
“Easier” is in the eye of the beholder. So, subjective difficulty shouldn’t be your primary reason for choosing a test. The GMAT requires deeper and more creative reasoning, but the GRE includes extra topics not on the GMAT (geometry, vocabulary, essay). Thus, which test is “easier” is dependent on your strengths and weaknesses. So, consider which test will be most likely to get you the score you need.
What’s Next?
For more help deciding which test to take, check out this post on the differences between the GMAT and GRE exams.
You also may want to learn about the GRE essay section and check out ETS’s list of possible essay topics.
To get an even better idea of what preparing for each test would be like, sign up for a free trial of Target Test Prep’s GRE self-study course and GMAT self-study course.
