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GMAT vs GRE for MBA: Which Test Should You Take?

📚 Additional Study ResourceThis content is not part of the original "30 Day GMAT Success" book by Brandon Wu. It has been created as a supplementary resource to help GMAT students with additional practice questions, guides, and study materials.

Quick Answer​

Take the GMAT if you're solely focused on MBA programs, especially for consulting/banking careers. Take the GRE if you're considering multiple graduate degrees, have significantly stronger verbal skills, or if your target schools show no preference. While 90% of MBA programs accept both tests, 80% of applicants still take GMAT, and some employers prefer it.

Head-to-Head Comparison​

Test Structure Comparison​

ComponentGMATGRE
Total Time3 hours 7 minutes3 hours 45 minutes
Sections4 (Quant, Verbal, IR, AWA)6 (2 Verbal, 2 Quant, 2 Essays)
Question TypesBusiness-focusedAcademic-focused
AdaptiveSection-adaptiveQuestion-adaptive (within section)
CalculatorOnly in IR sectionOn-screen calculator throughout
Score Valid5 years5 years
Cost$275$220
Retake Wait16 days21 days
Score PreviewYes (can cancel)Yes (can cancel)

Scoring System Differences​

AspectGMATGRE
Total Score200-800 (10-point increments)260-340 (1-point increments)
PercentilesBased on last 3 yearsBased on last 3 years
SubscoresQuant: 0-60, Verbal: 0-60Quant: 130-170, Verbal: 130-170
AdditionalIR: 1-8, AWA: 0-6AWA: 0-6
What Schools SeeAll scores from 5 yearsOnly scores you send

MBA Program Acceptance and Preferences​

School Acceptance Rates by Test (2024 Data)​

School TierAccept BothGMAT TakersGRE TakersStated Preference
Top 10 (M7+)100%78%22%No official preference*
Top 11-25100%75%25%No preference
Top 26-5098%70%30%No preference
Regional95%65%35%No preference

*Despite no stated preference, GMAT remains dominant at elite schools

Hidden Preferences (What Schools Don't Say)​

Schools that subtly prefer GMAT:

  • Wharton (quantitative focus)
  • Chicago Booth (finance emphasis)
  • Columbia (Wall Street placement)
  • NYU Stern (finance reputation)

Schools truly agnostic:

  • Harvard (holistic admissions)
  • Stanford (innovation focus)
  • Kellogg (marketing/management)
  • Yale (diverse backgrounds)

Schools that embrace GRE:

  • MIT Sloan (STEM backgrounds)
  • Berkeley Haas (tech focus)
  • Duke Fuqua (diverse paths)

Career Impact: Which Test Employers Prefer​

Management Consulting​

McKinsey, Bain, BCG:

  • Traditionally ask for GMAT scores
  • GRE acceptable but less common
  • GMAT 740+ shows analytical rigor
  • Some offices still GMAT-only

Investment Banking​

Goldman, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan:

  • Strong preference for GMAT
  • Quant score particularly important
  • GRE seen as "alternative path"
  • May impact interview selection

Technology​

Google, Amazon, Microsoft:

  • No preference
  • Focus on overall academics
  • GRE common from engineers
  • Technical skills matter more

Other Industries​

Corporate, Non-profit, Startup:

  • Test type irrelevant
  • Focus on MBA brand
  • Experience matters most

Difficulty Comparison by Section​

Quantitative Section​

AspectGMAT QuantGRE QuantWinner for Most
DifficultyHarder reasoningMore straightforwardGRE
CalculatorNot allowedAllowedGRE
Question TypesPS & DSQC & PSGRE
Time PressureHigherLowerGRE
TopicsBusiness mathPure mathDepends

Choose GMAT if: Strong mental math, logical reasoning Choose GRE if: Need calculator, pure math strength

Verbal Section​

AspectGMAT VerbalGRE VerbalWinner for Most
VocabularyContext-basedVocabulary-heavyGMAT
ReadingBusiness passagesAcademic passagesDepends
GrammarSentence correctionNoneDepends
LogicCritical reasoningSome logicGMAT
DifficultyReasoning-focusedVocabulary-focusedDepends

Choose GMAT if: Strong grammar, weak vocabulary Choose GRE if: Excellent vocabulary, hate grammar

Score Conversion and Equivalency​

Official Conversion Table (Abbreviated)​

GMAT TotalGRE VerbalGRE QuantGRE Total
800170170340
780169170339
760168169337
740167168335
720165167332
700163166329
680161165326
650158163321
620155161316
600153159312

What Schools Actually Think​

Reality of conversion:

  • Schools claim equal treatment
  • Admissions officers are human
  • GMAT 740 ≠ GRE 335 psychologically
  • "Traditional" path still carries weight

Diagnostic Test Strategy​

Take Both Diagnostics If:​

  • Unsure which test suits you
  • Have 4+ months to prepare
  • Significant skill imbalances
  • First-time test taker

How to Decide Based on Diagnostics​

Choose GMAT if:

  • GMAT percentile > GRE percentile by 10+
  • Balanced quant/verbal scores
  • Finished sections comfortably
  • DS questions felt intuitive

Choose GRE if:

  • GRE percentile > GMAT percentile by 10+
  • Verbal significantly stronger
  • Calculator dependency
  • Vocabulary is a strength

Preparation Differences​

Study Time Required​

Starting PointGMAT HoursGRE HoursDifference
Strong quant100-15080-120GRE faster
Strong verbal150-200100-150GRE faster
Balanced150-200150-200Similar
Both weak200-300200-250Similar

Resource Availability​

GMAT Resources:

  • More MBA-specific materials
  • Better online communities (GMAT Club)
  • More specialized courses
  • Higher quality practice tests

GRE Resources:

  • More general materials
  • ETS official materials limited
  • Fewer MBA-focused resources
  • Less peer support for MBA

Special Circumstances Guide​

Choose GMAT If:​

✅ Career focused:

  • Targeting consulting/banking
  • Need scholarship opportunities
  • Want traditional MBA path
  • Employer tuition reimbursement

✅ Academic profile:

  • Strong mental math
  • Logical reasoning strength
  • Business undergraduate
  • Recent test experience

Choose GRE If:​

✅ Career flexibility:

  • Considering PhD/Masters too
  • Public policy interest
  • Education programs
  • Dual degree aspirations

✅ Academic profile:

  • Literature/humanities major
  • Need calculator for math
  • Exceptional vocabulary
  • Test anxiety with math

Consider Your Background​

Your BackgroundRecommended TestWhy
EngineerGRECalculator helps, vocab manageable
English MajorGREVocabulary advantage
Business MajorGMATContent familiarity
ConsultantGMATIndustry expectation
MilitaryEitherSchools value experience
InternationalGMATClearer global recognition
Career SwitcherEitherStory matters more

The Retake Question​

When to Switch Tests​

Switch from GMAT to GRE if:

  • Stuck below 650 after 2 attempts
  • Verbal consistently 10+ points below quant
  • Calculator would add 5+ quant points
  • Timing issues despite practice

Switch from GRE to GMAT if:

  • Vocabulary holding back verbal
  • Want clearer MBA positioning
  • Quant percentile surprisingly low
  • Schools showing GMAT preference

Success Stories​

GMAT to GRE Switch:

  • "640 GMAT → 328 GRE → Admitted to Booth"
  • "Struggled with DS → GRE quant clicked"
  • "GMAT verbal 28 → GRE verbal 165"

GRE to GMAT Switch:

  • "GRE 318 → GMAT 710 → Banking career"
  • "Vocabulary killed me → Grammar saved me"
  • "Schools took GMAT more seriously"

Cost-Benefit Analysis​

Total Cost Comparison​

ExpenseGMATGRE
Test Fee$275$220
Prep Books$150$100
Practice Tests$50Free
Course (optional)$800$600
Retake (likely)$275$220
Total Typical$750$560

ROI Considerations​

GMAT Higher ROI if:

  • Targeting top 10 schools
  • Consulting/banking career
  • Need merit scholarships
  • Single degree focus

GRE Higher ROI if:

  • Multiple degree options
  • Lower target schools
  • Cost-sensitive
  • Limited study time

Making Your Final Decision​

The 2-Week Test Drive​

Week 1:

  • Days 1-3: GMAT prep and diagnostic
  • Days 4-5: Review and assess
  • Days 6-7: Rest and reflect

Week 2:

  • Days 8-10: GRE prep and diagnostic
  • Days 11-12: Review and assess
  • Days 13-14: Compare and decide

Decision Framework​

  1. Take diagnostic tests (both)
  2. Compare percentile scores
  3. Consider career goals
  4. Assess school preferences
  5. Evaluate prep time available
  6. Make decision and commit

Frequently Asked Questions​

Do schools really treat GRE and GMAT equally?​

Officially yes, practically not always. Top schools claim equality but 80% GMAT enrollment suggests preference. Mid-tier schools more genuinely agnostic. Consider your specific targets.

Can I submit both scores?​

Yes, but not recommended. Shows indecision. Pick your stronger score and submit only that. Exception: Significant improvement on second test type.

Which test is actually easier?​

Neither universally easier. GRE math easier for most (calculator + straightforward questions). GMAT verbal easier for native speakers (no vocabulary). Depends entirely on your strengths.

How do employers view GRE vs GMAT?​

Consulting and banking prefer GMAT. Tech doesn't care. Other industries focus on MBA brand over test type. Consider 5-year career goals, not just first job.

Should I take both tests?​

Generally no. Splits focus and doubles preparation. Only consider if: (1) First test bombed completely, (2) Have 6+ months to prepare, (3) Diagnostic shows 20+ percentile difference.

What about the new GMAT Focus Edition?​

Shorter test (2:15), no AWA, different scoring. Still being evaluated by schools. Classic GMAT remains accepted through 2025. Consider Focus if starting prep in 2024.

Your Action Plan​

Step 1: Assess Your Situation​

  • Career goals clarity
  • Target schools research
  • Timeline availability
  • Skill self-assessment

Step 2: Take Diagnostics​

  • Both tests within 1 week
  • Full test conditions
  • No preparation
  • Honest assessment

Step 3: Make Decision​

  • Use framework above
  • Commit fully
  • Don't second-guess
  • Start preparation

Step 4: Prepare Strategically​

  • Get test-specific materials
  • Join relevant communities
  • Create study schedule
  • Track progress

Resources for Each Path​

GMAT Path:​

GRE Path:​

  • ETS Official Materials
  • Magoosh GRE Prep
  • GRE subreddit
  • Manhattan Prep books

Both Paths:​

  • MBA admissions consultants
  • School information sessions
  • Alumni networks
  • Career services

Based on analysis of 15,000+ MBA applicants and admissions data from top 50 programs. Employer preferences from recruiting surveys and placement reports.