For many years, the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) was the only test that you could take to gain admission to business school. In the 2000s, however, business schools began to accept the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Because the GRE was initially (and most commonly) used for admission to graduate programs in education, public policy, public health, etc., many students are wary about whether the GRE or GMAT is the better test to take when applying to business school.
I’m here to provide my insights on this matter 😊
To the best of my knowledge, based on conversations with admissions representatives, both the GRE and GMAT are considered equally for admission to most business schools. Kaplan surveys slightly disagree with that point, but I don’t think it’s by enough of a margin to push students toward one test or the other. That being said, I recommend that you make sure that the schools you’re interested in accept both exams. Currently, 92% of business schools accept the GRE or GMAT, but it’s still not 100%.
How to choose: GRE or GMAT?
The biggest piece of advice that I offer to prospective MBA or MD/MBA students is to choose the test that aligns with your strengths!
In my opinion, the GRE is an overall easier exam, but it tests and emphasizes slightly different skillsets than the GMAT.
Below are some steps to help you decide which test is right for you.
Step 1: Understand which skills each test assesses
The GRE tests 3 main categories: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The following is a breakdown of these categories and is taken directly from the ETS Official GRE page.
1) Verbal Reasoning — Measures the ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse and reason from incomplete data, understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author’s intent, and summarize text and distinguish major from minor points, understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts, and understand relationships among words and among concepts. There is an emphasis on complex verbal reasoning skills.
2) Quantitative Reasoning — Measures the ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply the basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. There is an emphasis on quantitative reasoning skills.
3) Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, including the ability to articulate and support complex ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and examine claims and accompanying evidence. There is an emphasis on analytical writing skills.
On the other hand, the GMAT tests integrative reasoning IN ADDITION to verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing (the same skills tested in the GRE). As you’ll see, a key difference between the GMAT and the GRE is the integrative reasoning section. Below are explanations of these sections as found on MBA.com:
1) Analytical Writing Assessment—measures your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas
2) Integrated Reasoning—measures your ability to analyze data and evaluate information presented in multiple formats
3) Quantitative Reasoning—measures your ability to analyze data and draw conclusions using reasoning skills
4) Verbal Reasoning—measures your ability to read and understand written material, to evaluate arguments and to correct written material to conform to standard written English
Anecdotally, my friends and classmates note the integrative reasoning section as the most challenging portion of the GMAT. Additionally, they note that the quantitative reasoning section of the GMAT tests concepts that are slightly more challenging than the GRE quant. However, the GRE tends to be more challenging for those who struggle with reading comprehension and memorizing obscure vocabulary words, as the GRE has a slightly stronger emphasis on verbal than does the GMAT.
Both tests are “adaptive” meaning that the questions get harder, the better you do, or easier if you’re not doing as well. Of course, if you get through the tougher questions, you’re likely to score higher on the exams.
Step 2: Take a practice test in both to determine your starting point for each
Free practice GRE test here.
Free practice GMAT test here.
Books I used to study for the GRE:
GRE Complete 2019: The Ultimate in Comprehensive Self-Study for GRE (Kaplan Test Prep)
Comparable GMAT study materials:
GMAT Complete 2019: The Ultimate in Comprehensive Self-Study for GMAT (Kaplan Test Prep)
Step 3: Study and focus your energies on the exam that you are naturally best at
This will likely lead to less frustration over time and an overall increased likelihood of receiving a score in the percentile group that you want.
Of note, my above suggestion isn’t set in stone, as you might be able to see more drastic improvement in one test compared to another, but I’d say that this is a great starting point for someone who has not started studying for either exam.
Step 4: Take the exam
Step 5: Retake the exam or consider trying the other exam if you don’t do as well as you like.
Step 6: Once you are happy with your score, apply to business school!
Key Takeaways
Most of this post applies to both MBA and MD/MBA applications, but I’d like to throw in a nugget for the MD/MBA candidates. I personally don’t see the point in struggling to take the GMAT if it’s not your strength. Business schools will recognize that you’re brilliant (or just insanely good at studying) because…eh hem…you’re already a MEDICAL STUDENT! Don’t feel pressured into taking the GMAT because most other business school applicants still take the GMAT over the GRE.
I tried to give an unbiased opinion above, but you could probably get the sense that I ended up taking the GRE. I took the GRE for two main reasons:
1) I heard way too many friends complain about how hard the GMAT was, and I didn’t see the point in testing it out for myself.
2) I spent most of my gap year before medical school tutoring the SAT, and in my opinion, the GRE is just the SAT 2.0. So, I felt like I’d already done most of the work from tutoring the SAT. I spent an additional couple of weeks to focus on GRE prep, and that was enough for me. I also happen to be pretty good at vocabulary (and math…) so it just really fit! (See how I incorporated steps 1 and 3 into my own decision-making process?!)
Hope this helps in your decision to take the GRE or GMAT for business school!
Peace and blessings,
Atasha Jordan, MD (to be)
