GMAT vs. GRE who is going to win, understand it according to beginner insight

 GMAT vs. GRE who is going to win

GRE vs. GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a multiple-choice, computer-based, and computer-adaptive standardized exam that is used to assess a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level academic work. The GMAT is developed and administered by the test maker The Graduate Management Admission Council. 

GMAT 2022 Eligibility Criteria

Age limit: The age limit start with a minimum of 18 to any (GMAC do not clearly mention any upper age limit) 

Educational Qualification: The applicants must be a graduate from any recognized university.

Minimum Marks: There is no minimum mark but the score range starts with a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800. 

Several attempts: The applicants can apply a maximum of 5 times in a year and one time in a month for the GMAT exam. 

GMAT syllabus (2022) 

Mode of Exam	Online (Computer-based )
Duration of Exam	3.30 Hours  ( 2 breaks each of 8-minute)
Paper Language	English
Type of Questions	Multiple Choice
Total Questions	91
Total Marks	800
Sections	No of Questions	Time Allotted	Score vary from ranges
Analytical Writing Assessment	1 topics	30 minutes	0-6 in 0.5-point increments
Integrated Reasoning	12	30 minutes	1-8 in 1-point increments
Quantitative	37	75 minutes	0-60 in 1-point increments
Verbal	41	75 minutes	0-60 in 1-point increments

Key information of GRE  

GRE Full Form	Graduate Record Examination
Official Website	https://www.ets.org/gre
Organizing Body	ETS (Educational Testing Service)
Exam Mode	Computer and Paper – delivered test
Exam Duration	3 Hours 45 minutes
Acceptance Level	Global
Examination Fee	US$ 205-230
Test Centers	1000 Centers in 160 countries around the world
Score Validity	5 Years
Age	No age limit but expected minimum 18 years.
Education	ETS does not mention any specific education but expected to have minimum graduate degree from any recognized university or institutions.
Score range	260 to 340
GRE attempts	Every 21 days for up to five times within a year

Let’s understand it with a logical story: 

I want to do an MBA, therefore need GMAT to crack B-School. There are some reasons that are why we should choose the GMAT. 

First of all, GMAT is weightier than GRE; it will increase not only admission chances but also funding. 

For example, if funding is the main factor to decide university, about 80% of students consider this because they are unable to afford high MBA tuition fees, then GMAT helps me to differentiate from others. Moreover, B-school does not accept GRE, it is for science students.  

Money is the prime indicator, right, then why you give an extra $45, (GMAT exam fees=$250, GRE exam fees=$205), is it wise? Think twice before decide because success in the higher study comes from smart thinking. What is smart thinking?  Say, someone comes from an IT background; want to understand tech product marketing or fintech or management of Tech Company. So, this candidate very strong in quantitative skills but suffers from verbal communication. Should he/she choose GMAT? The answer is yes, now the question is why not GRE? Let’s understand a simple math,

 X + Y=10, here X=GMAT, Y=GRE, 

For maximum X,                                    For maximum Y,          

X=10, Y= 0                                             X=0, Y= 10

10 + 0=10 true statement                        0 + 10= 10 true statement

If the candidate sits for GMAT, it is possible to score maximum because he/she does not suffer for math. On the other hand, if he takes GRE, it is possible to score minimum because of his weak verbal knowledge. In short, GMAT test your deep math skill where GRE focuses on verbal, so before the randomly select a test, ask yourself, what you are going to ask? You are going to ask, am I a math or verbal guy. There is no preference between GRE & GMAT, select which one best fits your skill. It is easier to develop existing skills than zero skills.  

Let, consider a candidate who comes from non-quant background for example medicine, biology, literature, history, business, etc (except accounting, finance & economics) & wants to do an MBA. Should he choose GMAT? Well, there is no direct answer. Why do healthcare employees want to do an MBA? Why does a literature student want to go to b-school? These are some questions that most of the candidates don’t want to consider. As a result, they face difficulty when sat to complete an MBA essay. Even, Admissions Committee (adcom) will reject you if fail to connect your previous background with a post-MBA goal. I have a high CGPA, excellent work history, won many awards & strong recommendations (LOR), so why b-school reject me. This is not arrogant, it is 100% pragmatic thinking but you will get many rejection letters & gradually become demotivate. God is so cruel, why this happens to me; maybe I have done some sinful act that’s why God punished me. These all dramatic scenes happen to you because you don’t know why to want to do an MBA. Let’s do the math:

For medium X,                                    For medium Y,          

X=5, Y= 5                                             X=5, Y= 5

5 + 5=10 true statement                        5 + 5= 10 true statement

The math indicates that he/she will score equally in both tests, so there is no extra benefit whether took GMAT or GRE. But, if the candidate wants a second master's or Ph.D. in the future (outside business subjects), then it is wise to choose GRE because GRE is for everything. Imagine, he/she cleared GMAT then found interest to do Ph.D. in medicine, will GMAT accept here, the answer is no, GMAT only for a business degree. So, logically he/she should choose GRE & this is called smart thinking.   

Say, a marketing applicant wants to go to b-school to be a consultant. Is it clear & logical? The answer is yes, why? His/her career starts with marketing & ends will be a consultant, this is completely business field, do not think about another sector, so hypothetically do not plan for second masters or Ph.D. in outside business subjects So, which test is perfect for him? He/she can choose GMAT or GRE, which one feels comfortable with. Let’s, do the math for marketing candidates:          

For medium X,                                    For medium Y,          

X=5, Y= 5                                             X=5, Y= 5

5 + 5=10 true statement                        5 + 5= 10 true statement

The math suggests that he/she will score equal in both test (i.e. 5), so it is a matter of personal choice & preference.  

Let, analyze another common myth, some folk told you that GMAT is more difficult than GRE. The math section is easy; just memorize some vocabulary about 1000 words, then sit for the exam & score high. This is not true for the verbal section; GRE verbal is so tough to score than GMAT verbal. If you are a non-native applicant & weak in quant, then it will be a nightmare for you. Don’t fall into the trap, you will find a highly mathematical logical sequence in verbal questions. It is more math & logic than English. If you still confused then, compare the test & decide which one matches your existing skill, personality & confidence. Mental confidence is the best weapon to defeat standardized tests.

In summary, ask the following question before choosing GMAT or GRE,

1. Do you weak in verbal? If yes, choose GMAT

2. Do you strong in verbal? If yes, choose GRE

3. Do you medium in math? If yes, choose GRE

4. Do you medium in verbal? If yes, choose GMAT

5. Are you suffering for both (math & English)? If yes, then analyzed both tests & think which one will be easier to develop within a short time. 

6. Are you planning to do MBA after your second master's? Choose GRE if your masters do not fall into the business subjects.

7. Are you a fixed candidate (very specific in goal setting)? Then choose GMAT for b-school.

8. Do you know why GRE math is easier than GMAT? The common answer is, in GRE, you can use an online calculator wherein GMAT not allowed. Therefore, GMAT math is difficult. This is a trap, the truth is, if you completely rely on a calculator, then you never score well in the quant section. The online calculator is a trap for GRE aspirants, be careful about it. Actually, GRE math is slightly easier than GMAT. If you are targeting a perfect score or 165+, then the difficulty level will be very close to GMAT. So, this is the real fact & you have to consider it.

9. Do you know some universities accept GMAT instead of GRE regarding subjective Ph.D. (outside business discipline)? If you know, then you should not much bother on it, choose anyone that you consider the best fit with your existing skill. But again, some universities not every university. So, check your targeted university, and then decide.    

10. The moral of the study is, no test is easy, you have to study deep with consistency if want to score well.  

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