GMAT vs GRE – What’s the Difference?

If you’re applying for a Masters, you may have come across various kinds of graduate entry tests mentioned in the entry requirements. The most common examples of these exams are the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

This blog will give you a quick overview of the main differences between the two tests, along with typical scores and how you can book yourself an exam place.

The GMAT Focus Edition is primarily used in the entry requirements for Masters in Business Administration (MBAs) and Masters in Management (MiM). It’s also more common at business schools in North America, Australia and India than at UK universities.

A standardised test that takes just over two hours to complete, the GMAT Focus Edition is comprised of three sections covering the following aptitudes:

• Integrated reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Data insights

The maximum score you can achieve in the GMAT is 800, but most candidates achieve between 400 and 600. The average GMAT score for the most prestigious business schools is between 712 and 730.

You can check where your nearest GMAT test centre is on the MBA.com website. Many locations are now open, but it’s also possible to take an online version of the GMAT if you aren’t able to physically attend an exam centre. There is a fee of USD $250 to take the GMAT and your score will be valid for five years.

The GRE is another popular entry test for business schools in North America, Australia and India. However, it isn’t just used for Masters in Business and Management programmes, and can be part of the entry requirements for a range of other academic disciplines.

The GRE is also unique in that it can be taken as a GRE General Test, as well as several subject-specific exams that are designed for students who studied a particular discipline at undergraduate-level.

If you choose to take the GRE General Test, you’ll tackle the following sections during a three hour and 45 minute exam:

• Analytical writing
• Verbal reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning

In terms of typical scores, particularly competitive Masters programmes will require GRE scores in the region of 4.0 for analytical writing, 155 for verbal reasoning and 160 for quantitative reasoning.

Subject-specific GRE tests are available in the following areas:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• English Literature
• Maths
• Physics
• Psychology

You can find your nearest GRE test centre on their website. Alternatively, you can take a home-based version of the general test. Fees for the GRE General Test range between USD $205 and $231, with USD $150 for a subject-specific test. Like the GMAT, your GRE score will be valid for five years after taking the test.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this blog was first published on 02/09/20. We've checked and updated it for current readers.

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